Sunmi stays in her dressing room so juniors can relax

Sunmi's unique philosophy of seniority: "So juniors won't feel uncomfortable"

Singer Sunmi, now in her 19th year since debut, revealed the sense of responsibility she feels as a veteran.

Appearing as a special MC on KBS 2TV's 'Boss in the Mirror' aired on the 19th, Sunmi shared her personal way of using waiting rooms and her professional attitude to be considerate of junior entertainers. Having built a career of nearly 20 years as a former member of Wonder Girls, Sunmi was asked by Kim Sook during the broadcast, "Aren't you at the 'teacher' level now?"

Sunmi replied, "That's true. That's why I go into the waiting room and don't come out. I'm afraid the juniors might feel uncomfortable." It was a confession that she recognizes her presence as a senior could be a burden to juniors and is putting that awareness into practice.

Lee Kyung-kyu's blunt reminiscence of the past

In response to Sunmi's remark, variety show legend Lee Kyung-kyu responded with a joke. Lee Kyung-kyu, now in his 45th year since debut, recalled the past environment, saying, "Haven't there become more waiting rooms now? In the past, all performers used one waiting room. Including staff, 30 people were in one space."

He then caused a wave of laughter on set by adding, "Back then, I just said, 'Everyone, get out.'"

When Kim Sook and Jun Hyun-moo asked back, "Then where do the juniors go?", Lee Kyung-kyu quipped with his signature wit, "That's none of my business."

Designer Koh Tae-yong's perfectionist summer lookbook shoot

The broadcast also covered the preparation process for fashion designer Koh Tae-yong's summer lookbook shoot. Sunmi mentioned her connection with Koh Tae-yong, having met him at a fashion show in 2014. At the time, Sunmi even imitated his appearance, describing him as having "a vibe dominated by pride" and "a sense of sensitivity."

Ahead of the summer lookbook shoot, Koh Tae-yong held a lookbook review, emphasizing the principle that the designer's draft must match the final result. When one sample came out in a different color than instructed, a staff member reported that they would proceed with re-dyeing. Koh Tae-yong focused on quality, personally conducting fittings and immediately checking the stitching of shirt samples.

Furthermore, Koh Tae-yong emphasized that seniors must teach the juniors well, stating, "If the youngest member doesn't know something on set, the entire brand image collapses." Sunmi remarked, "Does the boss even give out quizzes? You seem like such a great boss."

Sunmi is currently promoting with her new song 'Forever July'. During the broadcast, she taught her signature hip performance to Jun Hyun-moo and Jeon Ho-young, completing a challenge.