Category Archives: Things of Beauty

[TRANS] 130204 JYJ Are Chosen As The Stars People Want To Give Chocolates To On Valentine’s Day In Japan

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[TRANS] 130204 JYJ Are Chosen As The Stars People Want To Give Chocolates To On Valentine’s Day In Japan

‘Ranking princes’ JYJ have been chosen as the artistes Japanese women would most like to give chocolates to on Valentine’s Day.

The Japanese Hallyu site ‘Mpost’ held a survey on the 31st of January labeled ‘Which Hallyu Group would you most like to give Valentine’s Day chocolates to?’ with 1,000 female Hallyu fans between the ages of 10 and 70. Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu’s group JYJ received 71.6% of the votes, topping the ranks with a landslide victory.

In the same survey that enquired about individual artistes, Kim Jaejoong, Kim Junsu and Park Yoochun came in at first to third place, proving just how popular JYJ are in Japan.

JYJ were followed by CODE-V, who made their Japanese debut last year, and TVXQ in second and third place. Others included in the rankings were Super Junior, Cho Shin Sung, and CN Blue.

Regarding the results, Mpost stated, “It was a complete victory for JYJ. It’s amazing to see how popular they are, even without any Japanese activities.”

Source: [enews24]

Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

Momma’s Source: dongbangdata.net

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[TRANS] 130205 Post of JYJ Tweets

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[TRANS] 130205 Post of JYJ Tweets

This post will be updated throughout the day with tweets by JYJ. A time will be added with each tweet as our translators will not always be able to provide instant translations This post includes tweets from 6am KST, February 5th to 5:59am KST, February 6th.

Woohoo~
(Jaejoong, 9:18pm KST) Please anticipate my Thailand concert^^

Excitement 😀 Can’t wait bb!
(Jaejoong, 10:38pm KST) Everyone, do you know MOLDIR?
(Jaejoong, 10:42pm KST) The photo will come! tomorrow…
(Jaejoong, 10:48pm KST) Oh Genius Kim~!

Invite me to a meal~ Please? 🙂
(Jaejoong, 10:57pm KST) I tried.. to make braised seafood for the first time! It’s delicious~! http://pic.twitter.com/7ntjZUV8


(Jaejoong, 11:04pm KST) If there’s a lot of water, they call it soup, and if there isn’t any water, they say it’s braised. It’s become a soup because it boiled down too much

Source: [Jaejoong’s  Twitter]

Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

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[TRANS] 130204 Why Does Max Changmin Say, “I’ve Become Polluted From Appearing On ‘Moonlight Prince’”

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[TRANS] 130204 Why Does Max Changmin Say, “I’ve Become Polluted From Appearing On ‘Moonlight Prince’”

“I need to restrain myself.. but it’s not easy.”

Max Changmin, who has become a hot topic for his witty comments on ‘Moonlight Prince’, confessed that he is currently faced with an interesting dilemma.

While talking about happiness during a recent filming of KBS2′s ‘Moonlight Prince’, Max Changmin, who has put everyone in a stupor with his unexpected comments every episode, said, “I need to restrain myself, but it’s not easy.” This confession comes from his witty remarks during the first and second episode of the variety show.

When asked, ‘Do you think you’ve become polluted?’, Max Changmin replied, “I think I’ve become polluted from appearing on ‘Moonlight Prince’.”

Tak Jae Hoon looked concerned and had everyone laughing when he commented, “How could this have happened to Changmin in just one week?”

Meanwhile, Lee Bo Young, the hero of KBS2′s weekend drama ‘My Daughter Seo Young’, appeared as the guest of the third episode. It will air on the 5th of February at 11:10pm.

Source: [enews24]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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[CUT] JYJ Magazine (The Story of 1000 days) – JYJ Shooting ①

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[CUT] JYJ Magazine (The Story of 1000 days) – JYJ Shooting ①

credit: SuperficialOo2

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[Vid] Winners of the 2012 Allkpop Awards presented by Naver BAND!TVXQ CUT

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[Vid] Winners of the 2012 Allkpop Awards presented by Naver BAND!TVXQ CUT

credit: Isabella Wong

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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[NEWS] Kim Junsu and His Fans’ Donation Work is just as Amazing as Him Becoming the Double Award Winner of the Golden Ticket Awards

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[NEWS] Kim Junsu and His Fans’ Donation Work is just as Amazing as Him Becoming The Double Award Winner of the Golden Ticket Awards

Kim JunSu of JYJ has become a double award winner of the Eighth Golden Ticket Awards. Even though idol singers trying out musicals have become some sort of a trend, Junsu is unique in a sense that no one else has been as active and successful as him. An important fact here is that his receiving two awards is not a mere act of fan service to please his idol fandom.

What is interesting about the Golden Ticket Awards is that this award is to celebrate ticket power. It is an award that shows true worthiness of successful musicals in a sense that the awards are given to so-called money-generating musicals. It is interesting to see that Kim Junsu received two awards for the Male Musical Actor and the Concert Musician in very specialized awards as this one.  

JYJ Kim JunSu’s worth that dominates the musical market is simply amazing.

The Golden Ticket Awards is rather interesting because it celebrates the persons with the most ticket power on the stage. [Getting this award] is a great accomplishment because it chooses the persons that are truly vouched for and recognized by producers.

Kim Junsu received the Popularity Award and the Best Male Lead award in 2012’s Korean Musical Awards.  He really is a musical star that possesses both popularity and capabilities. A fandom may be able to work hard so that a musical actor can receive the Popularity Award. However, the Best Male Lead Award cannot be influenced by fans in that fashion. Receiving the Best Male Lead Award means that the actor has truly exhibited excellent talent as a musical actor.

 Interpark, a ticket selling and distribution company, recently announced winners for the Golden Ticket Awards after they processed relevant information such as the number of tickets sold, additional points based on ranking, and on-line polls. Kim JunSu took the first place in both Musical (Male Actor) and Concert.

Kim Junsu who played the lead role of Tod in Musical ‘Elisabeth’ showed strong ticket power through his solo concerts as well as ‘Xia Ballad & Musical Concert’ that was held for 3 days at the end of December. It is only natural that he took two awards in a sense that he boasted unmatched presence in terms of ticket power.  

“Kim JunSu receiving Musical Award in the Golden Ticket Award after he received the Best Male Lead Award [in the Korean Musical Awards] is evidence that he is sincere about musicals as well as possesses high box-office values.”

“It’s surprising that an idol singer took the first place in Musical. Kim JunSu proved that he is much loved by audiences of all ages.”

It was natural that compliments poured in when he received an award for ticket power on top of the Best Male Lead award. There is a saying that goes “grasshoppers only last for a season” [T/N: popularity or something/something’s dominance in one area is fleeting]. There are people who only consider musicals a quick business to generate income. There are idol singers that plunge into musicals using their popularity.     

The Idol singers’ advance into musicals seems to be a win-win business strategy between idols [and the musical industry]. Idols’ appearances in musicals have always been the target of criticisms because idols singers in musicals, rather than securing their place as sincere musical actors, were more about boosting ticket sales [using their popularity]. 

 Unlike idols who considered musicals as dabbling into musicals and leaving their marks in the industry, Kim JunSu secured his place as a true star actor in the musical market. The fact that Kim JunSu proved his value as a true musical star, not just a mean to sell more tickets, confirms once again that he should not be called a mere idol singer. 

 “I really received so much love this past year. I thank my fans that cheered for me every time I stood on the stage.”

“I hope the audience that was with me while I was on the stage felt happy and gained happy memories. I think the best way to repay their love for my performances and music is doing my best and performing well on the stage.” The Eighth Golden Ticket Awards double awards winner Kim JunSu did not forget to thank his fans who always supported him.

Some criticized that it was unfair for people who did musicals their whole lives. Their logic is that it does not make sense that all kinds of awards, almost impossible to receive even after doing musicals the whole life, were given to Kim JunSu who debuted only a couple of years ago.

If [an actor] has no talent and skills and still receives an award, he deserves criticism. The fact that these awards that even musical actors with long careers cannot receive were awarded to Kim JunSu means that he has that much of talent and he does his best.

What is even more interesting and meaningful than Kim JunSu receiving awards is this “donation culture”. His fans are also part of it. By donating all the gifts that poured in from all over the world for his solo concerts and musicals, he showed his quality as a star that act together with his fans.

Rice wreaths that his fans sent Kim JunSu were sent to the underprivileged such as children who cannot afford to bring lunch to school. 2,000 briquettes that 20 families can use for one month were sent to underprivileged senior citizens who live by themselves that use briquettes but cannot afford to buy them. 6,000 egg wreaths were donated to food banks nationwide to relieve malnutrition problems among the underprivileged such as children who live by themselves without parents and senior citizens who live by themselves. 

It is a beautiful thing that a star and fans come together to share what they have with their neighbors in need of help. Kim JunSu who was recognized as a talented musical actor. Kim JunSu who proved his top worth through awards that celebrate ticket power. Kim JunSu is a true star with both talent and skills.

And his fans that makes their star even more special by actively participating in charity work makes everyone around them happy. Kim JunSu and his fans’ charity work feels even more amazing than Kim JunSu becoming a double award winner. And maybe it is because Kim JunSu and his fans seem to have beautiful souls that help the less fortunate neighbors around them. 

Credit: Dshower (http://dshower.tistory.com/m/1989)
Translated by Xiahpress.com
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Re-up by iXiahCassie

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[News] 130129 Kim Jaejoong: “Why I Chose Rock For My First Solo Album? Because I Like It!”

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[News] 130129 Kim Jaejoong: “Why I Chose Rock For My First Solo Album? Because I like it!”

JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong is a positive person. Instead of being afraid of changes and failures, he’s filled with excitement for new challenges. His smile didn’t fade throughout the interview.

At a cafe located in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, he appeared with a ‘Hello’, bowing and greeting me. About the release of his first solo album, he said, 

“I feel so good because this is my first solo album. As it’s my new attempt, I hope that people will listen to it with a tender mind.”

Kim Jaejoong chose Rock for his first solo debut. The reason is simple. Rock music is what he always likes and is happy to sing.

“I chose it just because I like rock. Maybe I came to like it because I was so happy singing rock when I was little. ‘I’m a rocker to the bone’, I didn’t make the album with that mind. However, I never thought that I’d receive songs from great seniors and work with them. I really feel honored.”

“I didn’t attempt a transformation to fit the existing rock to my style. Instead, I tried to digest authentic rock as the way it is. I think it was time for me to learn how to express emotions and vocalization when singing rock.”

In order to make his first solo album that contains rock genre which he had been pursuing, Kim Jaejoong worked on the album in collaboration with Kim Bada, Sinawi’s vocal.

Kim Jaejoong’s choice was excellent. Husky yet gentle vocals of Kim Jaejoong in harmony with an intense rock sound in One Kiss made the song top real-time charts of Bugs, Cyworld Music shortly after released. Not only that, it also swept #1 in iTunes music charts of 9 countries such as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc., showing off the power of ‘Rocker’ Kim Jaejoong.

“It was really hard to record ‘One Kiss’. It’s way different from usual singing methods. Especially the treble, I had to learn the vocalization on stage. I felt like I was learning deugeum (T/N: vocal techniques in Pansori, a genre of Korean traditional music. Deugeum literally means “to acquire the vocal sound”, and refers to the intensive training that singers have to go through to attain the perfect stage of the superior, advanced quality of vocalization techniques) Haha. It was like I came back to my rookie times.”

“He (Kim Bada) respects me and thoroughly taught me about rock music. I think he tried to find a more suitable way to express rock for me. It’s not that rock music colors me but rock music and I become one. He taught me that feeling.”

In the meantime, Kim Jaejoong has participated in JYJ’s albums and Kim Junsu’s album as lyricist and composer. He wrote lyrics for this whole album ‘I’, which has proven once again his competence as a singer-songwriter.

Toward the praise of the reporters that ‘the lyrics are really good’ Kim Jaejoong burst into a hearty laughter. “I also think that I did write well indeed. I usually write lyrics very fast. I would take long to imagine and write but if I just barely write down, I can finish it real soon. I usually trace back in memory to write lyrics. In case of drama OST or such, because there is defined writing material or synopsis, I finish the lyrics more quickly.”

Rather than care about the ranking of the album, Kim Jaejoong is more curious about the reaction and evaluation relating to his album. “If I go to the fansites, I often read the post where they write about my music. The most memorable was a post from an Indie band active in Hongdae, saying ‘We hope that more singers would attempt rock music’. When a pop singer sings rock, I think rather than being hostile, they hope that rock music will be popularized through more attempts.”

Kim Jaejoong’s first solo album. At first glance, it might be viewed as another challenge to test his competence. However, if you look more deeply into Kim Jaejoong, you can easily surmise that ‘I’ is an album of the fans, by the fans and for the fans.

“I think, in the meantime, because I was focusing on drama and movie, they couldn’t hear my music. Although there are people who like JYJ, there are also people who like the vocals of each member. The biggest reason of releasing this album was that I didn’t want to let those people wait longer.”

“I don’t have exact plans yet but if I have a chance, I also want to greet overseas fans. There is not many songs in the album but I want to meet the fans and let them hear my songs directly.”

 

Source: Nate
Translated by: Hannah @ PrinceJJ

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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[News] US Hit Producer: Kim Junsu Reminds Me of Michael Jackson

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[News] US Hit Producer: Kim Junsu Reminds Me of Michael Jackson

As K-pop continues to stretch ever forward into the world’s music market, the genre has been blessed with contributions from major movers and shakers from the US market on numerous occasions. From JYJ‘s early collaboration with Kanye West  and the Wonder Girls release of Like Money featuring Akon, to the anticipated collaborations between PSY and Scooter Braun and 2NE1‘s work with will.I.AM, more and more international music producers and artists are getting bit by the K-pop bug.

Recently we sat down with producer and songwriter Bruce “Automatic” Vanderveer who made his K-pop debut with his collaboration with JYJ’s soulful vocalist Kim Junsu on the English single Uncommitted that was released in August 2012.  We set out to not only get to know Mr. Vanderveer better, but grab some insights on how his collaboration with Junsu came to be – what was is like meeting and working with him, and how the fan’s reaction to the collaboration has changed his view on not only K-pop and its scores of fans but also the limitless talent and global potential of JYJ and its members.

Automatic, as he is called by his friends and family, was born in Brooklyn, New York and currently works as producer and song writer for Sony Music. He has worked with great artists like Pink, The Pussy Cat Dolls, and Snoop Dog along with iconic artists like Cher, James Brown and Michael Jackson over his twenty year career. Although well known in the music scene in the states, little is known about him globally. As we sat down with him, we started off with getting a little back story on how he originally got into the business and he regaled us with the story of how he got his nickname.

How did you get the nickname “Automatic”?

Automatic (laughing) : ”I can start out by telling you my story about playing guitar. I beat up a kid in Brooklyn, NY because he didn’t want to let me play his guitar. So, I kicked his (butt) very quickly and then grabbed the guitar and tried to play it as fast as I could because I knew his parents were going to come out and get me arrested or something. But, I quickly wrote a song in fifteen minutes and my mom came out and instead of her, you know trippin’ because I beat the kid up, she was just like “How did you do that so quickly?”. She’s the one who gave me the nickname “Automatic”. She was like “You automatically played that.” So she got on the phone and started telling her friends “My son automatically played the guitar.” “Little Automatic” and I [began] to use that as a dancing name.

Could you tell us a little about how you got into the music business?

Automatic: “I started a band in New York and we played everywhere, the Cat Club, and the Palladium, and we had an incredible following. I auditioned for a lot of record companies and finally Morgan Creek Polygram Records signed me. That’s how I got into the industry.”

After Mr. Vanderveer gave us a glimpse into his history in the music business, we turned to the subject of his collaboration with Kim Junsu and discussed how the collaboration came to be, the story behind the track itself, his first impressions of Junsu, and what it was like working in the studio with him.

While you have been in the music business for quite some time, your notoriety in the K-pop world didn’t make its debut till the release of “Uncommitted”. Could you tell a little about how that collaboration came to be? Who contacted you initially?

Automatic: “The craziest thing about this whole thing was that I didn’t even know who Junsu or JYJ was. I didn’t know what Kpop was until August. My daughter would constantly tell me about groups that she listened to from Korea and Japan (for the last couple of years). She would say “Daddy I just heard this great Korean group.” It was wild.”

Automatic: “The executive from CJeS, Niddy (Tyrone “Niddy” Buckner), called me and he asked me if I was “Automatic” from Sony Music, because I had a hit record a few years ago with Bettina Bush from American Idol. He said “I’m working for a group called JYJ. Do you have any songs to submit?”  I was like “What kind of music do they do?” and he said “Oh, well they are from Korea but they do Pop and R&B. So, if you have any male oriented songs, we’re really interested in what you have.” So I submitted some stuff. Uncommitted was a song I wrote four years ago, so I wasn’t even going to submit that song, but at the last minute I just threw it in there anyway.”

Automatic: “I got a phone call a couple weeks later from Niddy saying that CJeS loved the song and that Junsu wanted to do it.  At that point my daughter freaked out and said “Junsu! Junsu! Daddy do you know who that is?” I was just like “No” and she ran me through all of his stuff. She sat me down and gave me a JYJ and Junsu lesson. I was just blown away because these guys were not only awesome but they work so hard to perfect their craft. It was something you didn’t see that much anymore in America.”

Is there any story behind “Uncommitted”? Is it based on an event in your life?

Automatic: “It wasn’t from my life, but, a friend’s. He was a serious player. I would always tell him he needed to stop that lifestyle because everyone knew he had this reputation. It was going to be hard when he got serious. But he kept saying “I’m never going to get serious.” until he literally found a woman that was just perfect. She was just awesome. He said “This is the woman I want to settle down with.” And I was so happy for him. So he told her how he felt and she stopped him mid sentence. She said “I know you’re not going to ask me to go steady or get married.” He was stunned as she told him “You’re good for these kinds of dates but I know all about your reputation. I know who you are. I’m not going to be bringing you home to meet my parents. He was so brokenhearted.”

What was your initial impression when you met Kim Junsu for the very first time?

Automatic: “I was expecting him to be a lot more reserved but the greatest thing was that when we met it was instantly like were two old friends. He cracked a joke and then I cracked a joke. It was like we (already) knew each other. It was just not what I thought it was going to be like. I thought he was going to be reserved, quiet, and shy, and he was not at all. Junsu was hilarious, funny, vibrant, and just ready to work. We had a ball. We were laughing together like two old fools. It was crazy.”

Are there any interesting stories that you would care to share about your experiences while working with Kim Junsu in the studio?

Automatic: “We hit it off so well. When Ebony Cunningham (the VP of InRage Entertainment and my fiance) was vocally guiding Junsu on the second verse and the bridge sections of the song, he got it really well. He went into the booth and every time he did it so beautifully that I got excited and said to him “Man you sound black. You’re just a brother.” to which he replied “I’m not black, I’m yellow.” and it was hilarious. Everybody in the studio started cracking up. He was so funny. This was one of the best sessions I ever had.”

After experiencing Kim Junsu’s vocals in person, what did you think?

Automatic: “My daughter had already ran me through JYJ’s repertoire. I just didn’t know that he was so soulful. One of the things I realized is that with a lot of his songs, he records really well but you still have not heard the best of Junsu yet. That boy can blow. Every time I sang a note he would sing that note and out-sing it. He would sing it better. He’s got so much soul. I don’t know where it comes from but I’m just blown away by it. He has talents and the gifts that people haven’t even heard yet. He has got the skills and I want to capture that onto records, on tracks. He reminds me of Michael Jackson. He’s the Michael Jackson of Asia to me.”

We then started to discuss a key point that InRage Entertainment and Automatic are great proponents of when it comes to the music industry – artist freedom. While it’s highly accepted by JYJ fans worldwide that their entertainment company CJeS has been very adamant about allowing JYJ all the artist freedom they desire, Automatic gave us an even deeper glimpse into the truth behind that understanding.

Automatic: “They have artist freedom and that’s what I love about CJeS. They are giving them the chance to explore other genres and languages. CJeS is just great for supporting JYJ artistically. When we were in the studio the CEO of CJeS was there. He was there for the entire session. How many CEO are there for their artists like that? You don’t see CEO’s and Presidents do that. It’s a rare thing. To see the CEO actually there making sure that Junsu had everything he needed, making sure that he was comfortable. It was amazing.”

After the entire experience, how did you feel about the time spend working with him? Did you know that the song was going to be a hit or were you a little apprehensive?

Automatic: “The greatest part about the whole session was that it was so fast. Junsu was dope. We did it quickly. We even took a break. He free style, we played guitar, he sang, and I played some other songs. Then he went back in and polished off the rest of the song. We did it in a couple of hours and usually my sessions last a day or two. Junsu is awesome – a complete professional.

I knew it was going to be a hit. I knew it when we were in the studio and he was singing the song. We were so excited, jumping for joy and clapping. We just knew it.”

We concluded our interview with a discussion on how the whole experience has not only affected his outlook on K-pop and JYJ but also how the treatment h’es received from the groups fans has affected him personally. It was quite heartwarming to hear an artist from the US, not normally associated with the K-pop industry, talk so appreciatively and respectfully about how passionate and loving Kpop
fans truly are.

As most people are well aware, K-pop fans are one of the most passionate group of fans in the world. When the news was released that you collaborated on this track, the eyes of the fan base was quickly fixed on you. How does it feel to be receiving so much fan love?

Automatic: “It’s the greatest reward, really. The fans are so loving and caring. Fans hit me up and ask me things like “Are you eating?”, “How are you doing?”, and “How’s your daughter.” That’s so bizarre to me. Fans in America don’t have that kind of appreciation.They are so caring that I’m hoping that we in America can learn a lot from how these fans treat the people they respect. The fan love is incredible. They are so dedicated to making sure that JYJ progresses and their YouTube views are up. It’s such a caring movement. I love it.

I’m so glad that I got a chance to do this, and witness the kind of love that they show. I’m so happy, and so appreciative, of all the fans that I get to talk to. I enjoy talking to the fans. They (JYJ) have the greatest fans in the world. JYJ are so lucky to have fans like that. I wish a lot of artist in America had that kind of fandom. I’m hoping we can learn from these fan groups and eventually adopt some of that love and respect. It’s so rare and it’s beautiful. “

Do you have anything you would like to say to our readers before we let you go?

Automatic: “I want to thank the fans from all around the world and let them know that their love has empowered me to be a better producer and writer. I believe that we are not only fans but friends. I call a lot of my friends “InRagers” because we stand for music equality; we stand for racial equality, and artistic freedom. These are all the things that JYJ has had to overcome. All these boundaries that have been put in their way, they have overcome them. That is what my company is all about. So,all the fans out there are InRagers to me. “

Mr. Vanderveer is currently working on numerous projects in and out of the Kpop world. His band, Asphalt Messiah, recently released a new track called Lets Get Dirty 2Nite which is currently available on ITUNES and Amazon. The rock anthem melds heavy guitar and driving beat with lyrics that incorporate web terminology to get your heart racing and your feet moving. While Mr. Vanderveer was unable to give us any specifics on his upcoming projects from the K-pop side of his endeavors he made it quite clear to fully expect some amazing things in that area, real soon.

We at hellokpop would like to thank Bruce “Automatic” Vanderveer for spending time with us and allowing us to give our readers a deeper look into Kim Junsu’s personality and his work ethic along with sharing with us humorous stories about his experiences working with him. We are looking forward to everything he has in store for the all the K-pop fans and wish him all the best in his endeavors.

Sources: Video: CJESJYJ
Photos: (Main) JYJ Official, Bruce Vanderveer
Credit: hellokpop

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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[Info] JYJ Throughout the Year: A 2012 Recap

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[Info] JYJ Throughout the Year: A 2012 Recap

JYJ, comprised of members Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu, began 2012 by continuing to take the necessary steps to reach their growing international fan base.

Since 2010, with the release of their 1st worldwide album, The Beginning, JYJ have progressively advanced towards the international stage. In January 2012, fans all over the world excitedly anticipated the additional concerts in Chile and Peru that would conclude JYJ’s 2011-2012 World Tour. The concerts were met with a hot response in South America, with 6,000 fans meeting JYJ in a sold out show in Peru and close to 5,000 fans flocking to see the group in Chile. JYJ’s World Tour gathered more than 200,000 fans worldwide.

With JYJ being the first Korean artist to hold a concert in South America, the ground-breaking concerts gave a clear signal that JYJ would continue to take their music internationally, meeting their fans under the uniting force of music, “a language,” JYJ emphasized, “without borders.”

Also in early January, JYJ broadened the channels of communication with their fans worldwide through the opening of their official JYJ Facebook and YouTube pages. Regular updates about each member’s activities as well as behind-the-scenes photos and news about JYJ through Facebook and YouTube have increased the group’s accessibility to fans, both domestic and international, that are unable to see JYJ through the regular promotional channels in South Korea.

In February, despite film distributor CGV’s one-sided decision to cancel the screening of JYJ’s daily documentary “The Day”, Lotte Cinema picked up the movie and agreed to screen it. Although it eventually was only released in 19 theaters, “The Day” dominated the box office the first weekend of its release, drawing 24,000 fans in just 4 days.

JYJ further proved their popularity on the international stage by performing for the First Ladies of the World at the Blue House in March. First Ladies from Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa, Malaysia, Vietnam, Switzerland, Singapore, Italy, India, Indonesia, China, Chile, The Philippines, countries in the United Nations, the European Union and more enjoyed JYJ’s exclusive performance of “Be My Girl” and “In Heaven” for them. A few First Ladies especially waited until the end of the event in order to take a photo with JYJ.

JYJ’s role as cultural ambassadors continued in 2012 when they were chosen as the Goodwill Ambassadors for KBEE 2012 (Korea Brand and Entertainment Expo) in Osaka. JYJ once again proved their overseas popularity when more than 20,000 applications were received from the Japanese fans to be invited to the opening ceremony when only 500 were accepted.

One of the major events of 2012 that held special meaning for JYJ and their fans was the 2012 JYJ Membership Week. The event, held from June 28 to July 1, included fan meetings, exhibitions displaying JYJ’s previous works and costumes, movie theater screening of “The Day”, trick-art, and other entertainment. The event gathered around 15,000 Korean fans and 7,000 Japanese fans.

JYJ fans that attended the event were touched that it was run without any expectation of profit, despite JYJ and C-JeS Entertainment’s investment of KRW 3.7 billion into the festivities. Everything in the venue and all of the activities were provided free of charge. An official from the airport said that it “drew the largest number of foreigners to the country for just one event.”

JYJ spent the most of 2012, aside from preparing for future group activities, pursuing solo projects.

KIM JAEJOONG

Kim Jaejoong started off the year with fanmeeting event in Turkey. He also attended a state dinner with the president of Korea and Turkey as a delegate after recieving an invitation to hold the fanmeeting and be a guest at the banquet in Turkey’s Presidential Palace.

Kim Jaejoong’s visit to Turkey further demonstrated his international popularity and effectiveness as cultural ambassador when a spokesperson for Turkey’s Korean Cultural Center said, “There is a greater symbolic meaning to [the invitation] since Kim Jaejoong is a Hallyu Star representative who is popular among young Turks.”

Kim Jaejoong held a fan meeting in Taiwan in March, following the immense popularity of his first Korean drama, “Protect the Boss”, when it aired in Taiwan. He displayed his immense popularity in Taiwan when 2500 tickets were sold out within minutes, causing the servers to crash. During the fanmeeting there was no need for an interpretor as fans, having taken an interest in the Korean language due to Kim Jaejoong, often understood and reacted to his words immediately without translation.

Kim Jaejoong challenged himself in the hot summer months of 2012 by simultaneously filming his first historical drama, “Time Slip Dr. Jin”, and his first movie, “Jackal is Coming” also known as “Code Name: Jackal”. Although faced with a grueling filming schedule between the two projects, Kim Jaejoong impressed the actors and crew on both sets with his consistent professionalism and contribution to the amicable atmosphere at the filming site.

“Time Slip Dr. Jin” began airing in May with Kim Jaejoong’s character, Kim Kyung Tak, immediately earning the pity of the viewers through his unrequited love of Hong Young Rae, played by Park Min Young, and his star-crossed friendship with Yong Rae’s brother, Young Hwi, played by Jin Yi Han.

he time, fellow actor Lee Bum Soo remarked, “He sincerely wants to express the scenes that he is given. To concentrate on reaching his goal, he watches the actor’s acting and reacts to it. I think this is how actors learn from each other. I want to give Kim Jaejoong a high score in acting.” Jaejoong’s hard work was acknowledged at the end of year at the 2012 MBC Drama Awards, where he received the Best New Male Actor through his role as Kim Kyung Tak in “Time Slip Dr. Jin”.

In October, Jaejoong walked on red carpet as a movie actor for the first time while promoting “Jackal is Coming” also known as “Code Name: Jackal” with his co-star, Song Ji Hyo, at the Busan International Film Festival.

After filming ended for “Time Slip Dr. Jin” and “Jackal is Coming” also known as “Code Name: Jackal”, Kim Jaejoong embarked on his first Asia Fan Meeting Tour, greeting a total of 17,500 fans in China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. He shared stories about his experiences during filming, played games, shook hands, took group photos, and even personally prepared food for his fans, making new memories and strengthening his bond with his fans across Asia.

Near the end of December, C-JeS announced Kim Jaejoong would release his first solo mini album the following month. The news made JYJ fans even more eager to start 2013 with new music and more activities from Kim Jaejoong. Titled “I” the mini-album has since swept the Hanteo Charts and the MV to his title track “Mine” has exceeded 1.3 million views on YouTube.

XIA JUNSU
Kim Junsu pursued his passion for music through his participation in “Elizabeth” the musical, the release of his first solo album, Tarantallegra, and headlining his first world tour as a solo artist.

Kim Junsu started his solo activities in February by starring in his third musical, “Elizabeth”, until taking his final bow as Death on May 2. The role of Death, a transcendent character that falls in love with Queen Elizabeth, led Kim Junsu to his first Best Actor award at the 18th Annual Korean Musical Awards.

Kim Junsu’s performance gained praises from the director of the musical, Kim Moon Jung and the composer, Sylvester Levay. Director Kim praised him as a genius who knew how to interact with the audience and actors so that he could deliver a great

performance. In addition, Mr. Levay praised Junsu’s performance as “perfect and satisfying.” Further displaying his “ticket power” in the musical industry, tickets for all 32 plays were sold out in just ten minutes after the sales began.

Kim Junsu cast his spell on the world with his 1st solo album titled Tarantallegra in May, releasing his jaw-dropping music video, and following that with news that he would embark on his first Asia Tour. Kim Junsu is well known for his vocal abilities and he continued to garner interest in his album when it was revealed that he self-composed most of the songs on the tracklist. When pre-orders for the album began on Synnara, the largest online music market site in Korea, the servers crashed immediately due to the overwhelming response and interest for Tarantallegra.

The “Tarantallegra” music video was centered around the concept of “Unequalled” and Kim Junsu made sure not to disappoint his fans. He released a powerful MV that refused to conform to the mainstream K-Pop aesthetic and formula. The dance was specially choreographed by Jeri Slaughter who also previously worked with JYJ for their World Tour. Fellow member, Kim Jaejoong also contributed to the album’s production as it became known that “No Gain” was written and composed by him.

The Asia Tour concluded at the end of August after his shows in Seoul,

Bangkok, Jakarta, Taipei, Shanghai, and Hong Kong before officially kicking off his world tour in New York City. From New York he moved on to L.A., Mexico, Brazil, and Chile, before finally concluding his tour with a final stop in Germany, having drawn 53,800 fans in total across four continents in 12 cities.

Before beginning his world tour in New York City the singer released “Uncommitted” along with an MV to accompany the single. Working with Sony Producer Bruce “Automatic” Vanderveer and a prominent music video director in the U.S., Marc Klasfeld, Kim Junsu continued to prove his status as a world star with the release of “Uncommitted”.

But Kim Junsu didn’t stop there. Later in the year he sang “Love is Like A Snowflake” for the OST of popular drama “Nice Guy” and gave a Christmas gift to his fans by releasing “Thank U For” on Christmas Eve. Junsu spent the end of the year doing what he does best: performing live. World star Kim Junsu welcomed 2013 with three sold-out Ballad and Musical Concerts, gathering a total of 21,000 fans in Seoul from Dec 29-31.

PARK YOOCHUN

Park Yoochun greeted television audiences in 2013 through lead roles in two dramas, delighting viewers with his comedic acting in “Rooftop Prince” and pulling at their heartstrings in the melodrama “I Miss You”.

After concluding JYJ’s World Tour in South America, Park Yoochun appeared in SBS’s “Rooftop Prince” from March to May. In June, “Rooftop Prince” made headlines for having over 77 million views and more than 110,000 comments left by fans of the drama on Youku, the largest video-sharing site in China. The drama received much love from both domestic and international drama fans alike, cementing Park Yoochun’s international popularity as an actor.

In August, Park Yoochun won the Outstanding Korean Actor and the People’s Choice Award (Korea) in 2012 Seoul International Drama Awards, dedicating the awards to his late father who unfortunately passed in March of that year.

espite his busy schedule, Park Yoochun, made time to personally interact with his fans across asia through his 1st Asia Fan Meeting Tour. Meeting his fans in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Taiwan, and finishing his tour in Thailand. Tickets to each event were sold out from the beginning to the end of his tour, which drew a total of 17,000 fans across Asia.

Park Yoochun’s 2nd drama project in 2012, “I Miss You”, begain airing in November it soon drew tears from TV viewers through its heartbreaking storyline and exceptional cast. Acting as Han Jungwoo, a detective who could not forget his first love after 14 years, Park Yoochun stole audience’s hearts for the second time in 2012.

At the year-end drama awards Park Yoochun was recognized for his hard work and undeniable talent. He took home 4 awards from the 2012 SBS Drama Awards including Excellence Actor Award (Drama Sepcial), Netizen Popularity Award, Top 10 Stars, and Best Couple (with “Rooftop Prince” co-star Han Ji Min). The Excellence Actor Award (mini series) at the MBC Drama Awards also went to Park Yoochun for his role in “I Miss You”.

Aside from his fan meeting tour and drama projects, Park Yoochun made time to support charitable causes. A series of video tutorials with Park Yoochun demonstrating how to knit hats for Save the Children’s Newborn Hat Knitting Campaign motivated the public to share their warmth with others during the coldest months of the year.

In the last days of 2012, Standard Chartered Bank officially announced their appointment of Park Yoochun as the advertising model and honorary ambassador of their Good Library Project. The project asks for people to lend their voices in reading books and movies that will be recorded for blind people. It will continue into the spring of 2013 when a lucky applicant will get a chance to record a film commentary and audio book with him.

Richard Hill, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank said, “We chose Park Yoochun because his soft voice and smile went well with the project.” Park Yoochun’s kind and gentle image is suited to many different projects and his fans anticipate more charitable endorsements in the future.

On November 28, 2012 the legal battle between SM Entertainment and JYJ that began in 2009 ended in 3 mutual agreement. After years and 4 months, the two parties agreed to withdraw all lawsuits against each other and agreed to not interfere in any of each other’s activities in the future. It is a fact that JYJ’s broadcast restrictions for the last 3 years have been due to their ongoing legal dispute with SM. The major broadcast stations have used the dispute to justify not allowing JYJ to appear on music and variety shows.

In the past, SM has been accused and found guilty of interfering with JYJ’s Korean activities by acting in collusion with third parties such as the Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry (KFPCAI). SM has long been suspected of applying “back-door pressure” on the broadcasting companies to restrict JYJ’s broadcast activities, a suspicion that has only grown as fans have yet to see JYJ appear on any music or variety shows following the end of the legal proceedings.

Nevertheless, the end to the long legal battle with SM was a positive step for JYJ and the more recent news concerning JYJ winning their legal cases against former Japanese management company, AVEX, made fans hopeful that JYJ would be able to resume activities in Japan. AVEX was ordered by Tokyo District Court on January 18, 2013 to pay 6.6 billion Yen (approx. 7.8 billion Won) to C-JeS Entertainment as compensation for damages as well as 1 million Yen (1.1 million Won) for defaming C-JeS’s CEO.

2012 was a year where the individual talents of JYJ shined the brightest. Now, fans of JYJ all over the world are eagerly awaiting for JYJ’s group activities in 2013, as the members have mentioned preparing for a new JYJ album and looking forward to standing on stage together again.

Writers: Mahanani Asandi, Yanie (JYJ Indonesia), JYJ3
Photo Credits: C-JeS Entertainment, KpopStarz

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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