Jo Hyun Jae

2010.06.19      The VISION appears

Jo Hyun-Jae was supposed to come out of the camp at 9 a.m., but he did not appear until 9:15 a.m.  Perhaps he had a lot of goodbyes to say.  He would surely have to bid a fond farewell to his army dog Briro — his constant companion for the last 22 months.  I still remember that video of “The Korean Soldier” which shows an army dog soldier crying his eyes out when he had to leave his dog on his discharge.  Several soldiers inside the gate were standing there: They were probably JHJ’s fellow soldiers waiting to say goodbye, but I had the impression they were JHJ fans too and were there for a last chance to gape at the star close-up.

Suddenly the press corps who were positioned right in front of the gate sprang into action.  Many of them were standing on low ladders and tools, so they were obstructing our view.  I peered between the cracks and saw the left side of the gate open to let a lone figure out — tall and lean in military fatigues and cap.

And then all hell broke loose!  Before I had a chance to react, there was a mad rush!  JHJ was “whisked” past us — he was surrounded by several men (bodyguards?) and chased by the reporters and fans.  I could not get a decent shot at all (except one.)  JHJ was supposed to walk down the road to the farthest fans and walk back to the gate to be interviewed by the press.  We were told we would have the chance to see him up close and personal, so no need to press and squeeze.  Well, I was pressed and squeezed, and I barely caught an unobstructed glimpse of him, while trying to take photos that came out with no JHJ but lots of hands and heads and sky (because jolted mercilessly.)

I was so frustrated, even more so when I looked at the camp gate and saw Marise standing there — still holding our bouquet!!!!!  What happened?  The arrangement was for her (and 5 others) to present the bouquet to JHJ as soon as he walked out of the camp.  I caught glimpses of the others delivering the flowers, so I took for granted Marise followed suit, even though she was last.  I went up to her and asked: “Why do you still have the flowers?”  She said she had no chance to give it to JHJ before he was mobbed.  I told her to do it when he walked back — “Last chance!”  (Please see separate post in a day or two about the bouquet.)  I stood across the road from Marise so I could take a photo when she was presenting the bouquet.

I was looking down the road to see when JHJ would be walking back when I was rudely shoved to one side.  (Actually I was already standing on the side, not obstructing the reporters at all.)  I turned my head to see who got physical with me and was surprised to see a female photographer (not bigger than me), holding a BIG camera with a lens protruding at least a foot!  Must have weighed over 20 pounds — no wonder she had such strength!  One look at my idiot-proof camera and she must know I was not a professional.  But hey! lady!  I have readers too, and I need to take pictures for our blog!  But one look at the scowl on her (probably not-much-worked-on) face and I decided it’s best not to mess with her.

JHJ appeared from down the road and recent history repeated itself.  Mad rush!  Mad scramble!  Flailing arms and legs! (may or may not be attached to torso!)  Crazy people!  Deranged behaviour!  This time I decided to save my own skin and jumped to one side.  Did I manage to take the photo of Marise presenting the bouquet to JHJ?  Of course not!  But Marise did accomplish her mission — good for her!

JHJ was escorted to the area behind the wall of photographers and reporters — to be interviewed.  I didn’t even bother to try to break through the ranks: I knew I didn’t stand a chance.  I waited till some of the reporters left before I could find a crevice in the sea of humanity.  I burrowed and burrowed (like a beaver) till I reached the second row from the front.  Then I just held up my camera and snapped away like crazy, except my camera was really taking its time between shots.  Guess I needed to upgrade my camera again (for the next occasion.)

JHJ was standing between two young ladies — the one on his right was holding the mics and the one on his left was speaking.  I don’t know whether she was the one conducting the interview, but she seemed to think she was the star.  She was preening before the cameras, throwing her hair back, fidgeting with her curls, running her fingers across her face, and, worst of all, touching JHJ’s face too!

JHJ was still speaking when all of a sudden I found myself among total strangers.  I looked back and saw most of the fans were gone, including our group!  OMG!  Did I miss the bus?  I was quite frantic, but I soon saw a familiar face and she pointed me in the direction of our bus (but all the buses looked alike and it took me 5 tries before I boarded the right one.)  Saved!  I didn’t want to be stranded in Pocheon, especially since now JHJ would no longer be there.

I was safely on the bus before I realized I’d forgotten to release the yellow balloon (which I was supposed to let go when JHJ walked past me.)  But he didn’t walk past; he “floated” past me!  My left hand was still holding the yellow balloon and the purple heart-shaped balloon on a stick.  And that “towel” of the JOFC around my neck (which felt like a cashmere scarf) was completely soaked!  All this time I was snapping pictures single-handed with my right hand!  Even I marvelled at my own ability and agility!

We were bussed to the handshaking event at Uijeongbu Hall.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

(Credit: Names on first 4 photos – Thanks!  Others are our own – teamwork!)