Meaning Behind Former Popular Girl Group Member’s Nickname Triggers Massive Reactions

On November 20, former Wonder Girls member Sunmi appeared on a series and revealed a story she had been secretly struggling with.

In the video, she opens up about the hardships she faced during her time as a member of Wonder Girls.

When I was in Wonder Girls, I had the nickname of ‘Delivery Sunmi’. In some ways, I was relatively unpopular compared to the other members. I wasn’t particularly a good singer, dancer, pretty, or fit, so I was always perceived as the least present.

— Sunmi

She then explained the meaning of her nickname.

The other members had many fans, like Sohee and Sunye. But it was different for each song. During ‘So Hot’, Yubin was really popular. Fans would also come to the agency, and if a fan of another member said, ‘Sunmi, sorry, but could you give this to a certain member?’ I would deliver it for them.

— Sunmi

Sunmi, who was 16 at the time, confessed, “When it comes to performances, university events, and festivals, I can’t help but notice when the group greeting and individual greetings are made. The level of screams was different for each member. I could say it was normal, but I was 16 at the time, so it really hurt.”

She also confessed that she started to get twisted in middle school.

I started to get twisted in middle school. I didn’t show it, but at times I thought to myself, ‘Even if I greet people, I don’t have any presence. What’s the point of being bright?’ I felt intimidated. It’s hard to accept when you’re promoting as a group, but there are moments you have to take. There were situations like that.

— Sunmi

In terms of her success as a solo artist, she stated, “I feel liberated, but if I were to go back to that situation, I think I would still be hurt.”

She also expressed her gratitude towards the members.

The most important thing in group activities is compromise. Even though we were in situations where we could have been very greedy, we compromised and understood each other a lot.

— Sunmi

Netizens couldn’t imagine how much she had to endure at such a young age.

• “She was my favorite in Wonder Girls…”
• “I wasn’t a Wonder Girls fan, but Sunmi stood out to me the most. But it’s a bit much having her deliver presents to the other members…”
• “It must have been hard for her at such a young age to stay balanced with her environment changing so quickly based on popularity.”
• “It would hurt not to receive any screams even if you aren’t young.”
• “This isn’t a career to get into at a young age…I can’t fathom how much it would hurt at that age…it hurts for me even as an adult.”