Finally, a video of the Japan fan meetings - report on ETN’s “Entertainment News”. 

At last here is visual corroboration of what we’ve been writing about.  The fan meeting filmed is Osaka on August 21, but the Jo Hyun-Jae in a white T-shirt at the beginning and end is in Tokyo, as you can tell by the hairstyle.  The venue (seats) is also Tokyo’s Bunkyo Civic Hall.

What JHJ says:

Opening – “Hello, everybody!  Very happy to see you all on [name of TV programme].  This is JHJ at Japan fan meeting interview.”

On stage – “I’ve so wanted to see you all during these two years.  I’m very grateful to you for coming to this fan meeting.”

Folding clothes – “Soldiers’ underwear are folded so small and rolled up so that in case of emergency they can be put into our knapsacks in readiness for any outdoor activities.  This has become so much a habit that even now when I am home, my closet is all very neat and tidy.”  [Whew! Have you ever heard JHJ speak at such length before?] 

“ I’m now just an ordinary civilian” — this on account on his problem with folding his military uniform.  He means he’s out of practice and has lost the touch, and he laughs deprecatingly at himself.

Closing – “So many fans came to the fan meetings which ended successfully.  I will appear before you in a good work as soon as possible.  Hope you will continue to support me.  Thank you very much!   Please take care, everyone!”

JHJ demonstrates how to fold clothes – the Korean military way

EVER has painstakingly copied the process here – the military way of folding clothes:

Wanna try it next time you go on a trip?  You may not need your suitcase, just a backpack.

(Credit: 착한향기 on http://johyunjae.com; EVERjohyunjae.co.kr; www.johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

Many thanks, everybody, for your good wishes!  I’ve been ill for the last few days, but I was also registering a silent protest!  But nothing can keep me away from JHJ for long!

Don’t know how or when or where ojik manages to take this photo, but I take my hat off to her.  Hairstyle would say Tokyo fan meeting.

The fish bone is still stuck in my throat, and I can’t get it out.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just treat the following as the ravings of a delusional mind.

This is a watered-down version (4th version) of something I started to write on August 27, the day I was returning home after a non-event.  I was checking in at the airline counter when my cell phone rang – it was an URGENT request to delete certain posts on this blog.  I was shocked!  I never buckle under pressure.  But the request came from someone I respect, and the rationale given was some people might use this to harm JHJ.  What could I do except rush to find the nearest computer (in the lounge) which someone was using (away at men’s room.)  I pleaded with his friend sitting at the next station: “Please, I have to use the computer for two minutes — it’s a matter of life and death!”  I deleted the posts, but a part of me died there and then.  I didn’t even realize I had tears in my eyes (tears of disappointment? sadness? frustration? exasperation? exhaustion?……)

There are certain principles that I hold very dear, among which are FREEDOM OF SPEECH and FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.  People who live in democratic countries will understand this.  When something happens, and you’re not allowed to report it, or even give your take on the matter, it strikes me as wrong.

Being western-educated, I am used to tackling things head-on.  When something goes wrong, you deal with it.  Taking evasive action or pretending it never happened does not solve the problem.  You can induce collective amnesia in people under your control, but if others really want to find out, they will.  Something once out in the open cannot be put under wraps again, especially in this internet age.

I remember a game I used to play with my son when he was small — “Close your eyes”.  When he encounters anything scary, I tell him to close his eyes.  He can’t see the monster (or whatever) anymore, so he thinks it’s no longer there.  But we are long past the age of being children.

I feel we are being told to close our eyes, or rather we’re blindfolded, so we can’t see.  Does that mean then it never happened?  Isn’t this like an ostrich burying its head in the sand?  You can’t see your enemies, so you think they are no longer there.  But they can see you!

This incident makes me realize the vast cultural differences between the Koreans and us.  Even though I have watched so many Korean dramas and movies and been to Korea so many times, I do not understand them at all in this respect.

Of course I have to respect their way of handling things.  After all, they know best how to go about it, and they have their artist’s best interests at heart.  But they need a few basic lessons in Crisis Management.  And to censor overseas fan sites smacks of totalitarianism.  Do they have any respect for us at all?

Is this the way to handle an international incident?  Do they realize Mr. Jo is not just a Korean actor but an international star?  that he has fans not just in Korea and Japan but all over the world?  that we have waited for him as long as the Koreans and Japanese?  that we are as loyal and devoted at the Koreans and Japanese?  

Do they know they risk alienating fans?  Or don’t foreign fans (apart from the Japanese) count in their book?  Do they even realize how popular JHJ is in Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, even Australia, Canada, U.S.A., England, Portugal, not to mention the Greater China area?  Do they care at all?

This incident has made me realize how different cultures could react so differently to the same situation.  Perhaps it’s the difference between western and oriental education, or the status of women in our respective societies, or simply different perspectives, different philosophies of life.

Whatever, I find it disheartening that our reaction to the same incident should be such a continental divide, given the common denominator of our love for JHJ.  

Why is the world of JHJ so full of complications, mediocrity, and intrigue when JHJ himself is so pure, serene, innocent, simple, true of heart?  

Whatever happens, we still love and support JHJ who is above the fray.  We will always be here for him.  Fighting! 

P.S.  The other day my investment advisor called and recommended a bond which paid pretty good interest.  I was interested but as soon as I heard the issuer PCCW, I said: “NO! Don’t buy it!”  She said: “But this is a good investment – your money in the bank is hardly paying any interest.”  I said: “I don’t care!  I’m not investing in PCCW or any of its subsidiaries!”  And I’m going to change my cell phone carrier from PCCW to its competitor.  If I have a subscription to NOW TV, I’d cancel that too!

(Credit: photo from ojik of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!)

Thanks to param and ahiru, we can hear JHJ rehearsing for fan meeting in Osaka on Aug.21

And this is an MV of JHJ set to the Korean version of “Close your eyes” by Jung Jae-Wook.

(Credit: 1st video by hyunjaelove.jp; 2nd by kk of johyunjae.hk.  Thanks!)

ANNOUNCEMENT

There will be no posts in the next few days because I’m sick, and heartsick.

More or less like the last one since both reporters attended the same press conference before the Tokyo fan meeting on August 22.

2010.08.23

Q. Do you feel any changes in you before enlistment and after discharge?

A. After my discharge, I feel a total change of mood.  In the army I had time to re-evaluate myself, so I now think more positively, and I have also become more patient.  The military is a place that can nurture patience.

Q. We heard you will be singing at the fan meeting.  Have you prepared well?

A. There’s no singing in the army, so……(meaning not well prepared?)

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. In the two months since my discharge, I’ve been taking care of personal business. There are no concrete plans yet, but I think you’ll probably see me in a good drama at the end of the year.

Q. How did you spend the two months after your discharge?

A. I gained some weight in the army, so I started to work out two months before my discharge.  Then I felt I ought to lose some more weight, so I exercised a lot and at night I practised singing…..and my hobby is hiking, so I spent my time sculpting my body.

Q. What have you learnt in the army that you are most proud of?

A. In the army we lead a frugal life of moderation – everybody is like that.  I’d say I learnt to think straight.  I felt deeply what it meant to persevere under difficult conditions.  In the army I was a dog soldier and my job was to train dogs.  I’m confident that even though I am discharged, I can still train all kinds of dogs.

Q. What would you like to do now?

A. First, I want to work.  Also I haven’t had many chances to travel, so I’d like a change of pace in the summer.  And I haven’t had the opportunity to love, so I’d like to try that too. 

(Credit: www.koari.net; ahiru of CarpeDiemJAPAN.  Thanks!  English translation by wulijohyunjae.)

2010.08.23 

(Please see our August 22 post “JHJ’s favourite midnight pastime” under category: JHJ magazine, JHJ video.)

Here is a longer video of JHJ talking about how he likes to pass a fall night – listening to music.  He’s in bed – with his music albums.  Gives you wild thoughts!

Videos are identical – 1st is YOUTUBE, 2nd is PHOTOBUCKET.  Enjoy!

What JHJ says in the video:

1. What is today’s concept?  It is music for lovers.

2. How do I feel about a photo shoot after such a long time?
    I feel very well, but a little not at ease.

(Credit: http://cafe.daum/net/hyunjaelove http://www.instylekorea.com http://www.johyunjae.hk; mandalaywith.  Thanks!)

Jo Hyun-Jae returned home to Seoul last night (August 25.)  His itinerary was kept secret but you can’t keep JHJ fans away.  They managed to catch a glimpse of him at Narita (Tokyo) and Gimpo (Seoul).

So JHJ stayed on in Tokyo after his fan meeting on August 22.  What was he doing there?  Magazine interviews? Photo shoots? CD?  DVD? Photo album?  Whatever, we are eagerly waiting!  Maybe doing a little shopping and sampling Japanese food (which he loves)?  We hope he gets to have some fun after all the hard work.  He deserves a pat on the back and some well-earned rest.

(Credit: sasumi of http://club.brokore.com/sodonyo; akko-san of http://cafe.daum.net/hyunjaelove.  Thanks!)

First and foremost, I must say that none of the Japan fan meeting photos (taken by professionals) does Jo Hyun-Jae justice at all!  I am sure all fans who attended the fan meetings will agree with me.  Everybody marvelled how JHJ could still look so young, so fresh, and, of course, so achingly handsome!  Even a staff member of the Japan Official Fan Club (that I know) expressed the same sentiment (and she’s not exactly a fan.)

I have always maintained that JHJ is not really photogenic — he looks much better in person than in pictures.  He’s not the flamboyant type, so don’t expect any antics or dramatics.  But there’s a quiet elegance about him, a purity, a serenity, a certain unspeakable quality that makes you admire him from a distance.  Maybe other fans want to rush up and hug him, but I’d never dare for the life of me! 

Before he entered the army, sometimes you could detect a little diffidence, uncertainty, reservation, maybe even lack of confidence about JHJ.   He never speaks much and sometimes even in interviews he just gives monosyllabic answers.  That’s why editors and reporters both love and dread having him.  It is so difficult to secure an interview with the famously (almost) reclusive JHJ that it is a scoop to actually get him.  But that’s when the ordeal starts — JHJ takes so long to warm up and is so guarded in his answers that often the interview falls flat.  Still, the photos are always gorgeous, and they alone can sell magazines.

JHJ spent the last two years as an ordinary soldier in the Korean army, during which time there has hardly been any news/photos of him.  What is he like now?  How has life in the army changed him?  Everybody is dying to know.  And the answers are revealed in JHJ’s first official activity after his discharge — the Japan fan meetings in Osaka and Tokyo.

My first glimpse of JHJ as he comes on the stage in Osaka takes my breath away.  Now I saw him just the day before at Kansai International Airport.  But he somehow looks different on stage.  Is it the hairstyle?  Never seen him wearing this hairstyle before — a little permed in the front and gelled up.  Is it the stylish outfit, especially the 7/8 length tight trousers?  Or is it something internal, something exuding from him, something that proclaims: THIS IS THE NEW ME!

He’s obviously a little nervous with the first song and seems relieved when he manages to pull off a perfect rendition.  He looks pleased with himself, and it is so amusing to see him like that.  He looks like a kid who has just answered correctly a difficult question in class and is waiting for the teacher’s praise — in the form of our thunderous applause — which makes him look a little surprised, a little confused, very moved, very delighted.

Next thing in his conversation with the MC (even though I don’t understand either Korean or Japanese) I could tell from the audience’s constant laughter that JHJ has become more humourous, more cheerful, more entertaining.  He can come up with his answers faster; he talks at greater length; and he even knows how to answer a question with a question.  He also smiles more, and he looks absolutely gorgeous when he smiles!  It lights up his face; his eyes flash; his expression speaks volumes.

I am very glad to report that when JHJ says in his message that he will appear at his best before us, he actually means it.  The JHJ who stands before us in Osaka  and Tokyo is a new JHJ — more matured, more relaxed, more confident, more self-assured, more in command of himself, more humourous, more cheerful, more open, more approachable, more expressive, more spontaneous, more proactive, more carefree, more outgoing,  paradoxically more manly and more boyish at the same time (if you know what I mean), and very important, more FUN; less shy, less constrained, less repressed, less uptight, less guarded, less moody, less pensive, less introspective; fewer mannerisms, more gestures; but still pure of heart and dedicated to his art.

All the love letters and gifts from fans during those two years must have made him realize how important fans are.  He has always cared about his fans, but now he is not afraid to show it.  He actually puts his arm around the fan’s shoulder when they are taking a photo – in a very natural, gentlemanly way.  This is in addition to his usual polite bowing and nodding.  And he even throws in a few jokes from time to time which highlights his wry sense of humour.  My deepest impression is JHJ is now more comfortable under his own skin.

Those two years in the army have really done him good.  As the only son in the family, with a father who is bedridden, JHJ lacks male company.  To be in the company of men from all walks of life and different social strata 24/7 must have taken some adjusting.  But JHJ’s military experience has obviously stood him in good stead.  From the fact that his army mates all came out to see him off on June 19, we can be sure he is a valued and popular member of his unit.  He must have learnt how to get on with people — of different ages, from different ranks and different backgrounds.  The soldier JHJ will bring new meaning to the actor JHJ.

As I sat there watching this new JHJ, my heart was very full.  I was so happy, so proud, so moved!  To see the fans reacting so positively (even hysterically) to his comeback must have given JHJ added confidence.  The second show in Tokyo was even more wildly successful than the first in Osaka.  For one thing, there were more people.  For another, somehow Tokyo had many more young girls, very trendy, very pretty.  I watched them queue up to shake JHJ’s hands and I could see they were there on their own, not to keep their mothers company.  That JHJ now attracts young fans is good for his image.  It means something in him connects with the after-80, after-90 generation (those born after 1980, 1990.)  It is not enough to keep the old fans; it is imperative that he should cultivate new fans.

JHJ has this ability to inspire loyalty and dedication in his fans.  I saw so many fans from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, China that I first met in 2008.  They were all there, and some brought along their friends.  Anyone who has seen JHJ will fall under his spell.  There is something so compellingly honest and genuine about him that you can’t help but love and want to help him.  Why else am I writing this so late at night when I have a sore throat and my joints are aching and I’ve been sleep-deprived for the last week?  Because he’s worth it!

prissymom, this one’s for you!

(Credit: 1st photo designed by Laura of wulijohyunjae – no, that’s not a real giant billboard; 2nd photo from www.koari.net.  Thanks!)

The first song that Jo Hyun-Jae sang at the Japan fan meetings is by the Japanese R & B and pop singer Ken Hirai.  His soulful voice and unconventional looks (Caucasian) won him many fans following his debut in 1992.  He has sold more than 14 million copies of his albums and singles.

The song is “Hitomi wo tojiti” (meaning “Close your eyes”) from the album “Sentimental Lovers.”  I wonder how JHJ chose the fan meeting songs.  The first time I heard this one in Osaka, I didn’t particularly feel its charm.  But the second time I heard it in Tokyo, it started to grow on me.  Now that I have done my research, I have heard quite a lot of Ken Hirai.  I can say JHJ has made a wonderful choice.

The translated lyrics follows the video of the song.  Videos are identical – 1: YOUTUBE, 2: PHOTOBUCKET.  Enjoy!

Ken Hirai’s “Hitomi wo tojiti” (Close your eyes) 

Close your eyes, I wonder if my feelings
are being conveyed by my touch?
We become one in this moment eternally Ah…
(I wanna give U my love)

Tell me boy since when did I begin
to think of you this way?
So much that I could cry
I won’t show anyone else my soul
Why were you able to melt me so easily?

The miracle I found by taking the long way so many times
is an almost painful happiness

Close your eyes, I wonder if my feelings
are being conveyed by my touch?
My closed heart is thawing
If you are there, then I have nothing to fear
We become one in this moment eternally Ah…
(I wanna give U my love)

Let me know Though I know the answer
I sometimes become uncertain and need to make sure of our relationship
Will you tell me more often that your feelings haven’t changed even now? Baby

I’m in love with you 24/7
Until I sleep I can no longer see
anything but you

*Close your eyes, I wonder if I can dream
the same dream today as well by your side?
Destiny now connects heart to heart
If you embrace me with overflowing emotion
and softly whisper ‘I love you…’ Ah…
(I wanna give U my love)*

First time I felt
Last time that this would be my last love
I always want to see only you

Close your eyes, I wonder if my feelings
are being conveyed by my touch?
My closed heart is thawing
If you are there, then I have nothing to fear
We become one in this moment eternally Ah…
(I wanna give U my love)

*repeat

We have included here the Korean version of the song sung by Jung Jae-Wook.  Those of you who have followed JHJ’s career from the beginning will be interested to know that the actor in the MV is JHJ’s fellow Guardian Kim Kang-Woo!  Only the two of them survived the breakup of the boy band; the other two have disappeared from the Korean entertainment scene.  The MV of the song is actually just 5:39 minutes.  We have for you here the long version at 8:57 minutes to give you an idea of what Kim looks like now and what he is up to. 

(Credit: English lyrics from carlenneslivejournal.com.  Thanks!)

Below are extracts of what Jo Hyun-Jae said at the Japan Fan Meetings in Osaka and Tokyo.

Opening greeting (in Japanese)

“Hello, everybody!  I am Jo Hyun-Jae.  Thank you all for supporting and waiting for me all this time.  It’s been two years since our last meeting, and I feel very nervous.” 

Dogs

He says he had his first dog when he was five and has always loved dogs.  The secret to training the army dogs is lots of love and interaction.  So he was very happy in his two years as an army dog soldier.  He is confident he can raise and train any kind of dogs.  When pressed by MC, he says he is also confident he can raise his children well.

Life in the army

Favourite activity of the day in his life as a soldier — sleep (only 4 – 4 1/2 hours a day.)  Most unbearable part — very little meat in diet, only the occasional pork slices.

How life in the army has changed him

Very disciplined life in the army, so has become healthier.  Also more active and positive.

What he does in his free time

Work out in army gym — to relax and recharge.

Folding clothes

“Even after discharge, I still fold my own clothes and make my own bed.  It’s like a compulsion.  It’s a little strange even to myself, but I’m used to it.”  When praised by MC for his efficiency in folding the T-shirt (26 seconds), he says: “It’s nothing. Every soldier in the ROK can do it.”  [Editor: JHJ's signature humility and honesty!]

Happiest time in army

“Sometimes fans sent me food, lots of food, so I could share with everybody.  Also sometimes I could make phone calls, and when I managed to get a vacation pass.”

How he spent the time between discharge and fan meetings

“I’ve gained some weight after discharge, so I worked out a lot to keep fit.  I also practised very hard at singing to prepare for the fan meetings.”

His figure

MC praises his figure and asks if he is very pleased with himself.  JHJ says not really, he can be more perfect.  At the start of his career, he had no confidence, felt he was no good in acting, had no ability — he’s come a long and hard way.

Fans‘ love letters

Most mention his eyes – pure eyes – that made them fall in love with him.  JHJ: “I was only 24 when I made ‘Love Letter’ – my eyes then were purer than now.”  (Laughter from fans) 

Two shows (Tokyo FM)

“What to do?  Most of you have seen the show in Osaka yesterday.  Today is more or less a repeat.  Do you find it boring?  Really no problem?” [in Japanese]   [Editor: Boring?  We love every minute!  We want more!]

What she said to him (Tokyo FM)

Remember that Japanese lady we mentioned in our post on Tokyo fan meeting, the one who grilled JHJ during question time?  One source says she’s 72.  We can’t verify this, but she certainly doesn’t look it.  She has a booming voice and a formidable presence.  She started by singing a Japanese song “Welcome back”, and then she did an impromptu 5-minute-plus stand-up comedy. 

She made 3 demands on JHJ:

1. Two years ago fan meeting was held in the summer.  This year it is also held in the summer.  Please let us see you in winter — come to Japan at Christmas or New Year.

2. You sing very well.  Why don’t you hold a concert in Japan, even if it is just mini-live?

3. Hurry up and find a girlfriend!  Love again and again!

Amidst roars of laughter from fans, JHJ’s response: “Thank you for saying all these things to me.  I will keep them in my heart.”  He also reveals he used to be passive in love.  He hopes to be more proactive now.

(Credit: Name on photo.  Thanks!)