Taeyeon was born in the city of Jeonju, North Jeolla on March 9, 1989. She was trained in singing and dancing. Taeyeon was discovered in the 2004 SM Entertainment’s 8th Annual Best Contest winning Best Singer 1st Place & Grand Award in the contest. In 2004, she was featured in The One’s song “You Bring Me Joy” before debuting as Girls’ Generation leader. She is a 2008 graduate of Jeonju Art High School and was decorated by the Lifetime Achievement Award of the high school.