Jo Hyun Jae

2010.06.19     Prologue

5 a.m.  Morning call.  Looked out the hotel window — raining!   Before I left for Seoul, I checked the weather everyday.  Forecast — scattered showers everyday!  But so far everyday has been fine, except today of all days!

6:30 a.m.  Gathered in hotel lobby for bus trip to Pocheon.  Halfway we had a toilet stop, and it was pouring!  There is a Chinese saying: “When a person of high rank goes out, he brings out the wind and rain.” meaning: he’s a mover and shaker, even the heavens become agitated.  Well, that’s our JHJ — I can only rationalize like that.

8:00 a.m.  Arrived at Pocheon.  Rain stopped (miraculously!)  We were the first bus (of the Japanese Official Fan Club [JOFC]) to arrive, so we got the best standing positions — right next to the camp gate.  We were told not to move from our positions, so we stood our ground.

EVER has helped overseas fan clubs/websites to hang up the banners — all very eye-catching.  I immediately spotted ours (there were 2 of each) which really stood out (in my biased eyes!  Ha!Ha!)  See for yourself.

We stood there gazing at the barracks gate in anticipation.  JHJ was scheduled to come out at 9 a.m.  Before that, however, I counted about a dozen soldiers emerging from that gate.  I don’t know whether they’re also being discharged or just out on leave.  But we applauded them all.  Some were very shy and hid their faces.  It was so funny!

After the rain stopped, it became hotter and hotter, and I started to sweat.  Unlike August 5, 2008, this time I was well equipped — I had a small towel and a cap.  But I still only had two hands — my left hand was holding a yellow balloon and a purple heart-shaped balloon on a stick, and my right hand was clutching my camera.

Words on yellow balloon say (in Korean) : “Fly higher”

We’re to release the balloon when JHJ walks by us.

A “third” hand was supposed to hold a “towel” (that’s what the JOFC calls it) which we’re to wave.  It’s actually a mini-banner which I had to put around my neck, like a scarf (very hot!) because I just couldn’t grow another hand.

By 8:30 a.m. the 500 or so fans were all lined up on both sides of the road — from the JOFC, EVER, CAFE , and assorted fan clubs.  The Japanese (over 200) were in the majority, even outnumbering the Koreans.  (I was told the Korean ajuma fans who are mothers have to stay home because it is exam time.)  There were quite a few foreign fans (many more than in August 2008) from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and (wulijohyunjae’s members) from Canada and the Philippines. 

The media were there in force — again more than in August 2008.  We saw SBS, KBS, MBC, YTNStar, and several cameras without logos.  They were very busy filming the fans, especially those holding banners.  Good thing I was standing on the side that did not have to hold the JOFC banner, otherwise I’d need a 4th hand!   The reporters took a lot of photos and interviewed several ajuma fans who were giggling like little girls, holding up JHJ fans and placards.  I felt very safe blended in with the Japanese.

I saw a few cars going into the gate, and then at 8:45 a.m. a black Land Rover with tinted windows appeared.  I immediately knew it must be JHJ’s management company’s.  Then a little later, a late model Mercedes Benz S550 drove past us.  I peered into the passenger side window and saw Mr. K (JHJ’s boss) driving.

Cars are parked inside compound.

Mr. K was there to see JHJ off to join the army in 2008, and now he’s here to welcome him out.  I remember CarpeDiemJAPAN’s Param telling us at the Japan Fan Meeting in Tokyo in 2008 that Mr. K was like a father to JHJ.  I hope with all his connections in the entertainment world that he has landed a good role for JHJ.  Mr. K walked the length of the 100+m. fans-lined road and back, scrutinizing the fans on both sides.  I could see the look of satisfaction on his face, even a smile.  He must have felt his investment has paid off!

Jae Hee (who appeared in “3 Dads/1 Mom” with JHJ) was discharged the day before, and, according to news reports, there were only 60-70 fans there to greet him.   JHJ fans steadfastly stood by him during this time, and we’re right here waiting!

(TO BE CONTINUED)