Tiffany Young has done everything in K-pop. Building a musical from scratch still scares her

Tiffany Young, the iconic singer and former member of Girls' Generation, is currently starring in the original musical "Yumi's Cells," a project that marks yet another bold step in her multifaceted career. The production, based on a popular webtoon and television series, premiered recently and continues to run through August 23. Young, known for her versatility as both a pop star and stage performer, admitted during an interview that taking on an original production filled her with nerves. Despite having built a reputation as a skilled vocalist and dancer, the challenge of creating a fully realized theatrical experience from the ground up proved daunting. Young’s journey in the entertainment industry began with Girls' Generation, where she rose to fame as part of the group’s dynamic lineup. Over the years, she expanded her repertoire by performing with the group’s sub-unit TaeTiSeo and later launched a successful solo career. Her transition into musical theater began in 2011 with the musical "Fame," followed by a two-season stint in "Chicago" in 2021 and 2024. These experiences honed her craft, but the opportunity to originate a lead role in an entirely new production remained a hurdle. "Yumi's Cells" presents a unique challenge for Young, as the role of Yumi is continuously evolving throughout rehearsals. The creative team worked tirelessly to refine the emotional depth of the character, resulting in multiple iterations of the script. Young described the process as overwhelming, noting how many versions of the role lingered in her mind and files. "Dozens of versions are still in my head and in my files," she shared. "I'd ask, 'Should I pull up the May 11 version? Should I give you the June 28 one for these few bars?'" Despite the uncertainty, Young found strength in the confidence of her collaborators. They reassured her that she could handle the demands of the role, which helped ease some of her anxiety. "They told me, 'We brought in a veteran; Tiffany can pull this off,'" she recalled. This encouragement allowed her to embrace the fluidity required of the performance. In preparation for the role, Young adopted a more subdued approach during rehearsals. Known for her assertiveness in other contexts, she chose to remain quiet, allowing the director and fellow cast members to shape Yumi’s personality. "I just wanted to be an instrument," she explained. Director Yang Jeong-woong noted that Young’s silence initially concerned him, urging her to share her thoughts if necessary. However, Young felt that Yumi was already a complete character, and her own opinions were unnecessary. To better understand Yumi, Young immersed herself in the source material, including the webtoon, related merchandise, and even old reader comments. While she is deeply invested in the narrative, she has chosen not to engage with audience reviews during the run. Unlike her experience as a pop performer, where immediate feedback is crucial, Young sees her role in the musical as delivering a consistent and faithful portrayal of the story each night. As the musical unfolds, Young balances her commitments with a demanding schedule that includes touring and preparing new music. Rather than viewing this as a burden, she considers it a familiar rhythm, shaped by her time with Girls' Generation and supported by her husband, Byun Yo-han. Their partnership provides stability, enabling her to maintain focus and continue pushing forward. Throughout her career, Young has been driven by a passion for storytelling. From Girls' Generation’s debut album to the success of "Twinkle," she has consistently sought narratives that resonate. This pursuit led her to "Yumi's Cells," where she hopes to offer audiences a sense of comfort and connection. "The reason I stand on stage is to give someone comfort," she said. "I hope people walk away feeling recognized."