Jessica, a former member of Girls’ Generation, is beginning a new chapter of her singing career — in China.

Earlier this week, Jessica won second place on the Chinese television competition show “Sisters Who Make Waves” (2020-). To celebrate, the singer posted numerous pictures of herself appearing on the show, including a few in which she is wearing pink from head to toe while holding up a trophy.

“Unforgettable, precious moments were made this summer,” she wrote in the caption. “Will cherish them forever. This one’s for you my [Golden stars] [the name of Jessica’s fans].”

“Sisters Who Make Waves,” which airs through Chinese media company Mango TV, features 30 female celebrities who are over 30 years old that compete against each other to debut in a new girl group.

Jessica appeared in the third season, which took place from May 20 to Aug. 5, and is the only Korean celebrity to have ever appeared on the show. The series received attention as Fei and Jia, former Chinese members of the disbanded K-pop girl group Miss A, previously competed on the show.

On the first episode of season three of “Sisters Who Make Waves,” Jessica performed Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” (2017). While the judges appeared impressed by her voice, they asked her why she didn't prepare a song that included choreography to which Jessica replied, "I arrived here only a month ago and didn't have time to prepare."

When asked why she thinks she was cast for the show, Jessica confidently replied, "I have a unique voice and I can dance pretty well."

In later episodes, Jessica made sure to show off her dance moves in cover performances such as of Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” (2016), which was met with applause and support from fans all over the world.

On the last episode, it was announced that Jessica would debut in a five-member Chinese girl group, as she finished in second place. Taiwanese singer Cyndi Wang finished first.

Even before the first episode, the news of Jessica’s appearance on the show was enough to garner attention from the media, as she has had a very iconic career ever since debuting as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007.

As one of nine members, Jessica was especially popular among fans with the nickname “Ice Princess,” due to her seemingly cold and chic attitude. The group made headlines with songs like “Kissing You” (2008), “Gee” (2009), “Oh!” (2010), “The Boys” (2011) and “I Got a Boy” (2013).

However, in 2014, Jessica and SM Entertainment announced that she was no longer a member of the group due to scheduling conflicts. She embarked on solo endeavors soon after, such as her own fashion brand Blanc & Eclare and debut novel “Shine” (2020).

She made her solo debut as a singer after signing with current agency Coridel Entertainment, with EP “With Love, J” (2016) and lead track “Fly.” She has released two more EPs: “Wonderland” (2016) and “My Decade” (2017).

Jessica is also the older sister of Krystal, a member of girl group f(x). The two sisters had their own reality show “Jessica & Krystal” (2014) that aired on cable channel OnStyle.

Jessica (Jung Jessica)


Date of birth: April 18, 1989
Zodiac sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Debut: August 2007 as a member of Girls’ Generation
Agency: Coridel Entertainment

Jessica debuted as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007 with the single “Into the New World.” The girl group established a reputation as Korea’s most prominent K-pop act with songs like “Kissing You” (2008), “Gee” (2009), “Oh!” (2010), “The Boys” (2011) and “I Got a Boy” (2013). Jessica departed from Girls’ Generation in 2014 and launched a solo career as a singer, entrepreneur and author. Her solo songs include “Fly” (2016), “Wonderland” (2016) and “Call Me Before You Sleep” (2019), featuring rapper Giriboy. Jessica has her own fashion brand Blanc & Eclare and has written a novel called “Shine” (2020).

This information was confirmed by Coridel Entertainment on Aug. 9, 2022.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]