Hwang Jung Eum recently shared memories of her early days in the industry, including her encounter with Park Soo Jin and her time in the girl group Sugar.
On the March 11 broadcast of SBS Plus and E Channel’s 'Solo', Hwang Jung Eum invited former Sugar members Ayumi and Yuk Hye Seung to her home.
During their conversation, Hwang Jung Eum recalled, "I was the center. I was pretty. But Ayumi was pushed aside because she was so popular." In response, Ayumi added, "Jung Eum and Soo Jin, they were the prettiest. Hye Seung was the rapper."
When Ayumi remarked, "Soo Jin looks the same now," Hwang Jung Eum responded, "She looks really young." She then shared, "I met Park Soo Jin in Hawaii. She looks very young as if she is a high school student. I was surprised."
Hwang Jung Eum candidly shared her thoughts on debuting with Sugar, admitting, "I thought we would become the next Fin.K.L. That was my dream. But reality was different from what I had imagined as a celebrity. It was shocking, disappointing, and I wasn’t happy."
She and Yuk Hye Seung recalled how they would cheer exclusively for Ayumi during performances, highlighting the imbalance in popularity among the members.
Ayumi reflected on the experience, saying, "I didn’t think much of it at the time. If I were in their shoes, I probably would have felt bad, but I wasn’t the type to express those feelings openly."
Hwang Jung Eum then expressed her gratitude, sharing, "I was grateful," and added, "If it weren’t for you (Ayumi), no one would have known us."
Discussing her contract, Hwang Jung Eum revealed, "I was only signed for three years. When my contract ended, I decided not to renew. I felt like Ayumi had carried Sugar on her own. I was grateful, but at the same time, frustrated. It was the first time in my life I had ever felt that way, and I was so upset that I chose to leave."
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