110614 The Dark Side of South Korean Pop Music

South Korea’s pop industry is big business in Asia. As K-Pop sets its sights on Europe and the US, will this force a change in the way it treats its artists?

Selling singles is no way for a pop star to make money these days. Most artists find that touring and merchandise sales are more lucrative. So when it comes to concerts, size matters.

This is why the biggest date in the Korean pop calendar – the Dream Concert, at which up to 20 bands perform – is held in Seoul’s 66,800-seat World Cup Stadium.

Teenage crushes come here for a once-a-year date in a national love story, where commitment is measured in coloured balloons, and devotion is knowing all the words.

Most of the bands, like Super Junior and Wonder Girls, are household names; highly produced, sugary boy- and girl-bands with slick dance routines and catchy tunes.

But the industry also has a less glamorous side: a history of controversy and legal disputes over the way it treats its young artists, which it is still struggling to shake.

K-Pop is a massive industry: global sales were worth over $30m (£18m) in 2009, and that figure is likely to have doubled last year, according to a government website.

Industry leaders are also ambitious – Korean stars are beating a path to Japan, America and Europe. This month, South Korea’s biggest production company, SM Entertainment, held its first European concert in Paris, part of a year-long world tour.

In April, Korea’s king of pop, Rain, was voted the most influential person of the year by readers of Time magazine. And earlier this year, boy band Big Bang reached the top 10 album chart on US iTunes.

Korea is excited by what this new musical export could do for its image – and its economy.

But some of K-Pop’s biggest success stories were built on the back of so-called slave contracts, which tied its trainee-stars into long exclusive deals, with little control or financial reward. Dong Bang Shin Ki at Japan’s MTV award Dong Bang Shin Ki took their contract fight to court.

Two years ago, one of its most successful groups, Dong Bang Shin Ki, took its management company to court, on the grounds that their 13-year-contract was too long, too restrictive, and gave them almost none of the profits from their success.

The court came down on their side, and the ruling prompted the Fair Trade Commission to issue a “model contract” to try to improve the deal artists got from their management companies.

Industry insiders say the rising success of K-Pop abroad, and experience with foreign music companies, has also helped push for change.

“Until now, there hasn’t been much of a culture of hard negotiation in Asia, especially if you’re new to the industry,” says Sang-hyuk Im, an entertainment lawyer who represents both music companies and artists.

Attitudes are changing, he says, but there are some things that even new contracts and new attitudes cannot fix. South Korean girl band Rainbow rehearse at a studio in Seoul Rainbow’s singers put in the hours

Rainbow is a seven-member girl-band, each singer named after a different colour. If any group could lead to a pot of gold, you would think they would.

But Rainbow – currently in a seven-year contract with their management company, DSP – say that, despite working long hours for almost two years, their parents were “heartbroken” at how little they were getting paid.

A director for DSP says they do share profits with the group, but admits that after the company recoups its costs, there is sometimes little left for the performers.

K-Pop is expensive to produce. The groups are highly manufactured, and can require a team of managers, choreographers and wardrobe assistants, as well as years of singing lessons, dance training, accommodation and living expenses.

The bill can add up to several hundred thousand dollars. Depending on the group, some estimates say it is more like a million.

But music sales in South Korea alone do not recoup that investment. For all their passion, home-grown fans are not paying enough for K-Pop.

The CD industry is stagnant, and digital music sites are seen as vastly underpriced, with some charging just a few cents a song. South Korean girl band 4minute perform a concert in a mall in Manila, in the Philippines Girl band 4minute on tour in the Philippines

Bernie Cho, head of music distribution label DFSB Kollective, says online music sellers have dropped their prices too low in a bid to compete with pirated music sites.

“But how do you slice a fraction of a penny, and give that to the artist? You can’t do it,” he says.

With downward pressure on music prices at home, “many top artists make more money from one week in Japan than they do in one year in Korea”, Mr Cho says.

Company representatives say concerts and advertising bring in far more than music sales. “Overseas markets have been good to us,” says one spokesman. South Korean musicians need to perform on home turf, but “Japan is where all the money is”.

As acts start to make money overseas, he says this “broken business model” – underpricing – is creeping into their activities abroad.

A former policy director at South Korea’s main artists’ union, Moon Jae-gap, believes the industry will go through a major upheaval. “Because at the moment, it’s not sustainable,” he says.

Until that happens, he says, artists will continue to have difficulty making a living.

South Korea’s government is keen to promote its new international identity, one many hope could rival Japan’s cool cultural image.

The only question is whether the industry ends up more famous for its music, or for its problems.

source: bbc
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Performer and JYJ dancer Telisu talks about the reason her friends think Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” is her theme song and her goal of becoming the first black K-pop star. by Mai Nguyen Date Published: 06/10/2011

Performer and JYJ dancer Telisu talks about the reason her friends think Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” is her theme song and her goal of becoming the first black K-pop star.

by Mai Nguyen

Date Published: 06/10/2011

Telisu

 

Before our interview, I was sitting at Tom n Toms in Koreatown, Los Angeles, staring down at my notes and scribbling down questions, when I felt everybody’s attention directed toward the entrance. I glanced up to see Telisha Shaw walk through the door. She introduced herself to me as Telisu. Despite looking super-star glam and fabulous, she was so friendly and personable that I immediately felt comfortable calling by Telisu, the nickname given to her by her Asian fans that she has happily adopted for her newfound K-pop persona. With a sweet and bubbly personality, she turned our interview into a two-way conversation as we chatted in circles on a number of irrelevant topics.

Aside from dancing alongside top American artists such as Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera, Telisu has been featured in Hollywood films such as Step Up 2 and television series such as Glee. During our interview, she took me by surprise and revealed her plans to debut as a K-pop singer. Later on, at the San Jose stop of the JYJ tour, we even met up again, and when she dropped her debut single “Our Secret” onto YouTube, she just couldn’t stop squealing and checking her Twitter.

Telisu tells Asia Pacific Arts stories about her “sexy (or not-so-sexy) times with JYJ,” why “boom!” is her catch phrase, and how she just couldn’t keep “Our Secret” to herself any longer.

Asia Pacific Arts: How did you begin your career as a backup dancer?

Telisu: I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee and I just came over to LA to audition for an agency. I made it, and then I was sent out for jobs. I have always wanted to dance since I was a kid, so I knew this was what I wanted and just went for it. It’s been a pretty seamless process.

APA: How did you begin working with JYJ?

T: I got a call back in October 2010 from a producer who I’ve worked with before, and he said he was working with this enormous K-pop group. He asked if I had any suggestions for choreographers, and I told him about one of my dear friends, Jeri Slaughter. He got in contact with Jeri and well, long story short, they flew here and interviewed him; later, he got hired and brought me on as one of the dancers. And now here we are. [laughs]

APA: What expectations did you have before working with JYJ?

T: I feel like they have this reputation for having this intense work ethic that you don’t really find in a lot of artists. That definitely was proven right when we went into rehearsals with JYJ. I think a lot of times artists feel that their job stops after the recording process. But, as I’ve come to find out with artists such as JYJ, they understand that the completion of the project includes going to rehearsals and making sure that the music, videos and stage performances are justified. You have to come with 110%, otherwise you’re shortchanging yourself for not letting your project be the best it can be.

I looked them up beforehand so I knew what I was getting into, but what went way beyond my expectations was just how nice and amazing they are as people. I didn’t think we were going to gel so well because of the language barrier, but that didn’t stop us from communicating and starting this amazing little family.

APA: Is that relationship different from other artists you’ve worked with?

T: One of the things about being a dancer is that you get to be in the close circle with the artist, especially because you’re the only one that gets to share the stage with them. The band and backup singers are set way behind them, but you’re really sharing that energy and space with them. It’s like everybody’s childhood dream is coming alive, and it’s so precious to be together with 15-20 people with the same thoughts. So, sharing that ground with people who you’ve struggled day in and day out with, throughout the whole process, forms a special bond, especially when you’re making art with a lot of heart. I’d have to say our energy is definitely playful. [laughs] Since you get to come into their world and meet their family and friends, you grow this friendship where you just want to protect them. They are precious guys, and I see myself being in contact again even after the job stops.

APA: How would you describe their personalities?

T: Hmm… JJ [Jaejoong] is really quiet, but when he hits the stage he’s a completely different person. We always laugh and make fun of him about that. When he comes into rehearsals, he [keeps] to himself in a corner. [laughs] Micky is — I don’t know how to describe him in one word, but he’s definitely good with the girls. He’s not afraid to talk to them. One time, we [the female dancers] lied and told him we were all lesbians. He was taken aback, but he was cool with it: “Oh… cool… they’re lesbians.” [laughs] And Jun [Junsu] is definitely the jokester. He is a super sweet-hearted guy. It’s just so amazing to get to work at such an intimate level with these boys. I just don’t see my life without them anymore.

APA: What was the difference between working on their 2010 showcase versus their 2011 concert? At the 2011 press conference, Jaejoong promised “more sexiness.”

T: He did? [laughs] Oh, that’s ’cause they met all the girls [back up dancers] right before the press conference. I told them, “Wait until you see these girls…” So, they walk in, and their faces were like “Oh yeahhh.” They didn’t say anything, but their eyes lit up, like “This is going to be nice.” [laughs] I think they upped the sexiness because here in the US, it’s part of the artistry. They’re grown men, and I think they are trying to go with what the songs evoke. Like, you wouldn’t do “Mission” choreography for “I Love You.” The choreography represents the lyrics, and I think they’re trying to show a more mature side to them here.

APA: I heard there was quite some talk about the crotch grab move from the first two stops of the tour. Will more of the choreography be edited in the Asian legs?

T: Yeah, that didn’t happen in LA. It was edited out because I don’t think it was met with the reception that was initially expected. [laughs] But in terms of the choreography, if it calls for it, it’ll happen. Jeri Slaughter is really good at showing that through his choreography. Just because of the difference in culture, I think it’ll be edited down some more.

APA: Do you have any favorite choreography?

T: I like doing the sexy choreography. Don’t get me wrong, but I just love mashing it out with the boys. I love choreography like “Be the One” and “Mission“  ‘cause you get to hit it hard. I love “Ayy Girl” ‘cause it’s smooth and suave. But, I do love performing “Pierrot” with all the girls too. In “Get Out,” I get to dance with all three of them, so that’s fun. Underneath the stage, JJ and I have to be in a full embrace before the lift goes up, and before we always go: “Fighting!” Then, he rubs my face, and he even pulled my hair once when I walked away. I didn’t even notice until I saw a fancam. “Look at that, JJ quiet and sexy type.” [laughs] And Mick — the facials I get from Mick. He just has this face he does when you’re dancing with him or he’s dancing with the other girls… I’m just like “Don’t laugh!” You know he’s into it, but you just want to crack up. Then, you get to Jun and you’re like “Awww, Jun.” He was on his knees, and I had no idea how I was supposed to work with that or how I should dance with him. I was like “Oh my god, your parents are in the audience. Umm… never mind I’m just going to leave now.” [laughs]

APA: Any funny incidents on the U.S. tour that made it memorable?

T: When we were rehearsing for “Get Out,” our lift broke. So, Micky’s lift goes up first and then ours [her and JJ's lift], but only our heads were sticking out. I was like “Oh my god, I’m not going to make my mark. I’m supposed to get to Micky.” The lift goes up a little more to our waists and I just had to climb my way out. By the time I got to Micky, he was trying to be funny like:”You are so late. Don’t even worry about it. I’m over it.” I was like, “No fair! I tried to get over to you!” He turned away and was like, “No, just go. You go dance on over to Junsu now.” Then, we just cracked up laughing.

APA: It seems as though your interest in the Korean culture has grown. Has JYJ played a role in influencing that change?

T: For sure. Before I went to Seoul, I was always drawn to Korean culture. It didn’t click for me until I was super geeked to get on the plane. I was like “Boom! I’m going to my beauty motherland!” Everybody who knows me knows that I always go to the Korean spas and am obsessed with the beauty supplies. Even before I moved here [Koreatown], I was always over here. When I got off the plane in Seoul, it was like love at first sight. But when I had to leave, I was so upset. I took this photo before I got on the plane and saw just how miserable I looked. [laughs]

I told my parents, “I’m moving over here [to Korea]” and they said, “Have you lost your mind?” I was like “I think so. I am just completely into it.” So, that started the process of me learning the language. I got into K-dramas, and it blew up. I got into K-dramas because of Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and I was working with Micky at the time, so I was like “I gotta check it out.” Then, I got hooked, seriously hooked. Like, I can’t tell you when was the last time I watched an American show besides reality TV. [laughs]

Truthfully, I didn’t know much about K-pop, aside from the few friends that worked with some artists, but yes, working with JYJ has sparked this complete deeper affection I have for Korean culture. And yes, it has influenced me to move there, and [now] living there part time and in LA. And this may sound silly, but I love penmanship. I always write in all uppercase or lowercase just ‘cause I like symmetry. Hangul characters are a blessing to me. “Oh my god, they’ve got squares and circles and lines, whoa!” [laughs] I just love it. I started taking classes at KCC, I’m trying to learn the language through that route, and I watch K-dramas to reinforce learning the language. It’s one of those things you have to do every day. If you don’t use it, you lose it. I asked my teacher, “How am I going to learn this language better?” and she was like “You need a Korean boyfriend.” I was like “Okay, I’ll look into that. “

By the way, you know that song “Black and Yellow?” My friends say it’s my theme song  ‘cause I’m just so in love with the Korean culture, fashion, music, dramas, everything! When I’m online, I know which sites to go to if I want to watch things or go shopping. So, the song “Black and Yellow” comes out and they’re like this is totally you. [laughs]

APA: Have JYJ helped you out with your Korean?

T: Yeah, during rehearsals, we practice and they correct me. There are certain words I try to say, and they tell me what’s right, but mostly they just end up laughing at me and think I’m crazy. [laughs] During the time we were apart, we used to go back and forth on Twitter, and when JJ and Jun wrote to me in English for the first time, I was so happy! We really try to help each other out. [laughs]

APA: What sparked your music career?

T: Through me dancing with JYJ, this whole new amazing dream came about, and I get to explore my music career! While I was on tour, I got an e-mail via my manager here in LA from a production company in Tokyo that wanted me to come and perform my music. I just felt unprepared, and I didn’t want to go into it blindly, so I turned it down. But, I told myself that was the last time that’ll ever happen to me. I told JYJ’s managers about it and they were being so amazing, trying to help me get this off the ground. I was blessed enough to record with the producers of “Ayy Girl.” Actually, when I met the producers, I had no idea they worked with JYJ. So when we both found out we had been working with them, they were like “We worked with them, so we have to work with you.” It was like fate!

I was really excited about how this is all coming together. Hence, the name change on Twitter. So when it first started, I was basically getting these tweets about people calling me Telisu, and it just caught on and turned into this whole thing. It was given to me by the Asian culture like a nickname, and I think it’s me. I just love it. Originally, it did come from the shipping of Jun[su] and I, but the name flowed and popped, and it was from my Korean loves! It’s my homage to the fans. To me, it’s a sign of being embraced by the Asian culture, because the Asian market is sparking this music career for me. Jun calls me Telisu too, and so does the rest of the JYJ family. If your family calls you Telisu, that’s what you are. [laughs]

I’m so excited for everybody to hear the music I’ve been working on [squeals] I am grinning from ear to ear! My cheeks hurt! [laughs]

APA: What type of music are you working on?

T: I’d definitely say my music to going to be more K-pop. There’s going to be English and Hangul on all of my singles. I’m like tearing up. I am so appreciative of this. I started recording with Interscope artist, FreeSol, and they produced a couple of singles for me. When C-Jes heard about it, when they came back to LA, that sparked everything else. Basically, they’re helping me get started here in the U.S., but mostly I want to be an artist in Asia and Europe.

APA: As a non-Korean, how do you feel about making your debut there? How are you preparing for it?

T: I’ve been studying the language and going to Korea in my free time. I’m really trying to soak in the culture in any way I can, through music, dramas, everything. We know that a lot of things that don’t happen or go well because of fear. I always felt embraced whether in LA or Seoul. They are happy that you even want to know about their culture, so they want to share it with you. I definitely think there’s room in the market for other races. When you go to Seoul, they play everybody else over there, so why couldn’t a non-Asian break into the Korean market? I’m going to be the first black K-pop artist. [laughs] I’m going to make it happen. I would encourage anyone not to let anything like race or ethnicity stop you from doing what you love. That should not be the reason why you let all your hard work, prayers and dream fall to fear. That’s a great road to regret.

APA: Can you tell me more about your debut single, “Our Secret?”

T: I’d say it’s very Janet Jackson and T-Boz from TLC inspired. It’s an upbeat song that’s kind of like a love letter about taboo love. Can you, regardless of race and where someone comes from, love somebody and not be judged? If you’re seen as somebody who isn’t on the same level as [a boy], could you still like him and have it be okay? Liking somebody is already hard enough, but then having to worry about these obstacles on top of it — the song is about a taboo relationship and how it would be amazing for it to be accepted. And you’re both afraid of what it’ll do to the purity, that amazing little energy that you guys have with each other.

For the lyrics, I tried to put myself in that situation and figure out how I would feel and what I would do if it was me. There were a couple of times I got comments on Twitter saying, “You’re just a dancer.” Yes, that’s a part of me, but they were implying that I wasn’t good enough or I’m undeserving. I thought, “Well, what if he saw me as somebody amazing and great? Just as how everybody else finds something to love in him, what if he found something like that in me?” This song is really a layered cake. [laughs]

APA: I know there has been a strong reaction to your song as JYJ fans seem to be concerned about what your lyrics may imply. How do you feel in regards to that?

T: Before the release, I let a few people hear it and I’ve gotten a good reaction! I was fearful about how it was going to come across, because I definitely don’t want to come off like I’m disrespecting anybody, look unappreciative or look like I’m unfocused on my job with JYJ as a dancer. I’ve shown it to all the boys and C-Jes, and they were pleasantly surprised by my music. Sometimes you need that reassurance to know that you’re going down the right path. With the Twitter name change and my new blonde hair, this is going to be me from now on! My fans have been completely amazing, and I’m just so blessed they’re in my life. Even when I doubt or question myself, they always reassure me saying, “You’re doing it. Please do it!” So, full speed ahead! That’s why I try to have a personal relationship with my fans on Twitter, because I want them to know they are a part of this and I’m appreciative that they are a part of my life. They helped influence my dream and me taking this to another level.

APA: Do you plan on collaborating with JYJ?

T: Oh, wow! I have never thought of that. That would be the icing on the cake, the cherry on top. [laughs] I would love to do that, especially to pay homage to where this all started. If it weren’t for them, this would not have happened for me. I would love to do that to show my appreciation and gratefulness to them. Oh god, just thinking about it gives me chills. Who would turn even turn that down? [laughs]

APA: How has your career progressed so far?

T: Well, I just had a fanmeet, and I was so worried nobody would come! It was great to see some of my fans, and I incorporated them into my EPK. I’ll be dropping teasers by the time I come back from the JYJ Asian leg. I’m super excited! It feels like the earth just keeps giving.

APA: What concept or theme are you aiming to express through your debut release?

T: I guess you could say it’s based off of me being Telisu and the different facets of my personality. There’s a very bubbly side of me that’s completely my personality, and there’s the mix of my fashion sense. When I tell people I do the K-pop look, they say, “Really? You look like you’re in a rock band.” [laughs] I think it’s the mixture of the two worlds. I’m always like that. There’s something always off about it that I like, so I can play on any part of my character or personality that I want. A little rock chic with a little sprinkle of posh. Definitely nothing that is too bourgeois that it’s stuffy. Definitely playful for sure. I love fashion, and I love the idea that I don’t have to look like a certain person the entire time.

APA: Are there any current artists in the Korean music industry that are influencing the music you want to make?

T: Top three besides JYJ – I mean how many times could I mention how amazing they are? — I love Wonder Girls, 2NE1 and Big Bang. Out of my musical influences, those would definitely be the top three. As far as showmanship, style, they’re gorgeous! [laughs] I’ve been looking into them and researching them and paying close attention to what they do, their management, just everything.

APA: As a dancer, are you planning to choreograph your own work to your songs?

T: Oh, if only! I don’t think I’d be able to handle doing that, along with making and singing my songs. [laughs] I want to focus on developing myself as a singer, and I love that I can bring in other people with their talent and expertise and showcase that in my work. Jeri Slaughter is on my artistic directing team, and I like it when choreographers let me be a girl but also let me dance. Sometimes you only get to do one or the other, and I love the fact that his style lets you do both. Girly and hood, you’ll get it all from him — which is why I’m starting my career off with him at the helm of my choreography. I’m open to other ones too though. I’m sure there are plenty others that I don’t know yet.

Oh my god, I also love Rino Nakasone. When she did the “Keep Your Head Down” choreography, I just lost it. I was like “How are these two boys going to mash out this choreography? How is this going to work?” But when she put one in the front mashing out and the other like his shadow, I was amazed. I just freaked out. She is so sick. I’d love to work with Peanut and Gil Duldalao too. If I could have a choreographing team, they would be it.

APA: So it seems like “boom” is your catch phrase. What does it mean?

T: Boom, it’s just how I feel inside! I put it out there, and I get energy back. It’s my pop at the end of the sentence. It’s contagious ‘cause people are hitting me back now with a boom! And I just love it. You’ve got to enunciate and elongate the o-s. It means: “That makes so much sense.” Confirmation or agreement. It means, “Let’s go! Let’s get it started!” I guess it means a lot of things, but it definitely represents me. [laughs]

For more information, check out Telisu’s Twitter and YouTube page.

Check out Asia Pacific Arts‘ review of the San Jose concert of the JYJ 2011 North American Tour.

credit: asiapacificarts
shared by: sharingyoochun.net

No More Restriction, JYJ from TVXQ is Racing to be Multi-Entertainers

Despite current legal issue with their former agency SM Entertainment, JYJ finally saw green light in their entertainment activities. Yet eventhough now the restriction of them to appear in TV broadcast has gone, it still needs much time for the group to prepare for their TV performance debut. However the thirst of fans to see their idols is pretty much cured since all three members have been active in their acting career.

Last year Park Yoochun was involved in drama ‘SungKyunKwan Scandal’, and thanks to the successful of the drama among various ages of audiences, he began to receive a lot of drama casts offers. Park Yoochun is currently under final review to be the lead actor of MBC new drama ‘Good Bye Miss Ripley (Good Bye Miss Lovely)’ which is in the middle of preparation and is going to air sometime in June. After finishing coordination of the shooting schedule, the drama filming is scheduled to start in April or May.

Meanwhile Kim Jaejoong is able to be seen through a home theater this year. He will act in an epic drama scheduled to broadcast in second half of the year, entitled ‘Han Ban Do’. He’s mentioned as potential cast candidate and if it’s indeed confirmed, he’s expected to act along actor Jang Dong Gun and actress Ha Ji Won.

Meanwhile Kim Junsu is established himself as a new star in musical stage. He’s been showing an enormous ticket power both in his last year’s musical ‘Mozart!’ and current ‘Tears of Heaven’. No surprise, drama production company has been eye-ing on him ever since. Although rumor of him to get drama cast has been spilled, it seems Kim Junsu will still focus on musical activities for sometime.

Source: Sharing Yoochun

JYJ Staff Member's Blog Post Part 3

Eldest son Jaejoong… Middle son Yoochun… Youngest child Junsu…

When I met Junsu, he was a bit different from the image I had had. On the previous day I had seen such an amazing performance so I thought he would be hard to get close to and cheeky too because of his inherent talent but then…he was super honeset and pure, like a cute little brother (sorry, don’t get angry lol)
You just can’t hate him.

Jaejoong was right in front of me and Yoochun was sitting to the left of him. It felt like Yoochun was the staff officer for leader Jaejoong? (It doesn’t necessarily match the image. This was my first impression) Junsu was sitting by himself on a sofa on the left, he had his legs up on the sofa and was very relaxed. 

Then since the theme for this time is Tokyo, we started discussing where they wanted to go, who they wanted to meet, what kind of memories would be there… etc etc and the our conversation continued to get heated.

Glancing at the left I see Junsu sulking, “I’m all alone…” Jaejoong and Yoochun are going to Japan together but due to Junsu’s schedule he will go alone. 

“I want to go hot springs! I want to go to the haunted house in Fuji Q Highlands! And Okinawa! And Egypt! Don’t leave me all alone…” Junsu sulked. At that Jaejoong got up, walked over to Junsu, and gave him a hug.

How gentle of Jaejoong….even by acting like a spoiled child just a little, Junsu trusts Jaejoong with his all. As this was going on, Yoochun sat smiling watching over. 

It was this moment when I felt like they were innocent cute puppies playing around. Jaejoong, who amuses himself by teasing around with Junsu, is something he probably does as an older brother. This was when I felt a brotherly love. Thinking about it now, Yoochun is very much like the middle child, Junsu being the youngest.

In other words, a strong solidarity…the three are linked by a strong bond of trust…this relationship is unbreakable…They each have different characters but when you put them together they are JYJ. They definitely show a tremendous power. 

This is why I wanted to join the 3 of them yesterday…the aura emanating from them was amazing.

Source: Fashion Follows Yoochun

JYJ Thanked Fans for the Fan-Run Internet Broadcast Station

Towards the fans who set up an internet broadcasting station dedicated to them, male group JYJ expressed their gratitude.

Yesterday on March 3rd at 20:00 JYJ’s Korean fans launched their internet broadcasting station for the first time. The website got such hot reaction as so many fans connected at the same time thus put the server paralyzed.

This JYJ internet station that is created by fans as expected is not an official website. However JYJ official revealed that JYJ members indeed notice about this project through a phone call with Star News on Tuesday afternoon, he said, “We fully notice that fans made their own capital investments (to build the station). In fact, JYJ members are also aware of this matter, they’re really grateful for the love of all fans,”

Furthermore, “However if we recognize this internet broadcasting station dedicated to JYJ, ‘iloveJYJ’ as an official station, it will lose its genuineness. We want to preserve this fansite as a website that is created by fans due to their pure love.”

Source: Fashion Follows Yoochun

JYJ Staff Member's Blog Post Part 2

Off to Seoul to meet the three of them

Working on a project that was previously based in Korea, I am also involved in it so I went to Korea the other day and met with them.

As I wasn’t involved in this project previously, I decided to participate with the name “Hayato”. This project is being made by the three of them, and it is being made jut for the fans. So it is being produced with this honest and pure hearted kindess. In other words, this project does not involve people who have used the three of them previously as business tools or as objects to eat off from. 

Moving on to their proposal:
To let the worried fans have a peace of mind. In order to do that, stop dwelling on the past and look towards the future; show an optimistic side of JYJ. And then, take the fans along with us on this journey. This was the idea. Therefore, there are no scenarios or scripts….we will simply tell the truth.

Jaejoong then asked me, “Are we not allowed to speak Korean?”

“Fans from many different countries will watch this so we will be including subtitles, therefore the language you choose to speak in is not important. What I want you to keep important are your feelings,” I answered. “When you want to tell them something in Japanese, speak in Japanese. When you want to talk in Korean, talk in Korean…and then show the fans how much you’ve sweat with all your work,” I said. “Also, show the fans the JYJ that completely matured and deliver to them how you’ve worked hard so they can feel a peace of mind…. Give them hope.”

Following, is the state they were in when I went to visit them.

After having a tough work trip in Jakarta for 10 days and without a time to rest I went to Seoul on Saturday (February 19th) in order to meet Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu. In Jakarta I had to create 2 TVC products so I had to endure lack of sleep. Then on top of that in order to catch my early flight from Haneda I had to sleep for an hour at the airport.

Slept a little on the plane and then after reaching the hotel I slept for about an hour too. Then my first destination was to go to the theater and watch Junsu’s performance in Tears of Heaven musical. 

Naturally there were a lot of people gathered here. I’m pretty sure there were Japanese people too but it was hard to distinguish from the crowd.

It would be good if I didn’t fall asleep….but I was worried that I would.

But then from the moment the curtains were raised there was not a single moment I fell asleep. Actually I think the right think to say would be that I was crying the whole time. 

Joon (did I spell it right?) and Lin is a tragic love story but even in the scenes where they were happy would not make the tears stop.

Since I’m a guy I can’t even use a handkerchief (useless vanity) so I didn’t wipe the tears but I never thought that it would continue until the end…

Junsu’s singing power was perfect!!! Perfect acting!!! The supporting actors that strengthen the performance were also amazing!!! The story was great and the set was great too. And more than anything else, his heartbreaking voice was the best. 

It has been gaining a lot of great admiration from Korea, and it seems that America has taken notice too.
There’s a difference between being popular and standing on stage and being on stage in a different country.
They were THE professionals!!!!

When it finished, of course there was a standing ovation…Without thinking I had also gotten up and applauded as hard as I could…I wanted to honestly express my admiration.

During curtain call, Junsu gave a special greeting to someone sitting in the front seat. I’m quite sure Yoochun’s mother came to watch too. Maybe it was for her?

 

The next Sunday

The second purpose: I went to their office to meet the three of them.

As I passed by the lobby area, there was a large picture of the three of them on the wall. Jaejoong came and greeted me. He was a bit surprised by the sudden Japanese greeting but he welcomed me. Truly such a beautiful face. 

After that came Junsu. First we shook hands. “I saw your performance yesterday,” I said.

“Eh! You came to see it?!”

“I couldn’t stop crying. It was very beautiful.” As I said that, he said happily like a child, “The story was good right? But did you understand?”

“I understood the story somewhat from the English subtitles.” 

And then Yoochun who arrived a bit late. He was even more handsome than I imagined. I also got the impression that he was intelligent too. I was fascinated beyond words. 

The three of them listened to what I had to say, nodding along. And it seemed I had received their excitement because they started to express their own thoughts and ideas as if the floodgates had been raised.

I think this time I achieved almost 100% of the role I was there for, for the three of them.

There is only one thing I can say about this here: soon a great message will be delivered to the fans by these three who are now scattered all over the country.

This is the true honest figures of the three.

I told them, “I want to tell the truth to the fans without any lies. Let’s let them know that the three of you are looking towards a future. And let’s take the fans with us.”

As I said this their eyes were shining. For now I will leave it at that. We decided to take a picture so I stood on their left. But then Junsu then casually let me stand between him and Jaejoong. 

As I looked at the three of them, they looked like cute innocent puppies playing around. I thought.

Jaejoong and Yoochun were coming to Japan on the 23rd so I waited for them at the hotel. They arrived late so we were able to meet again after about two and a half hours. Due to fog the plane had been delayed, and there had been some other trouble so the first day did not go as planned but it seemed that the fans were very happy for their visit which I was pleased about. Anyway, the Japanese fans have really good manner so that made me proud. 

This is a message to all the fans so if it made you happy, I’m happy too!!

In my opinion, I think this is a happiness that cannot be bought with money.

Hayato

Source: Fashion Follows Yoochun

Staff Member's Blog Post

 3HREE VOICE Staff Blog Theme: Why am I here?!?

This time, the plan is to withdraw their characters from the specific areas in Tokyo that they are assigned. It seems that the three of them have separate characters, but when they are together their bond is very strong. This unit we are talking about is JYJ! These three are currently trying to climb onto a higher stage. Therefore with their completed characters they are working hard to, once again, appear in front of their fans. Here I will show some of these hard working attitudes.

These three members are looking forwards into the future. They are no longer thinking about the past. Let us go there along with the fans! Sort of like a message to the fans.

I met with the three of them on the 20th of February, and they were discussing the plan of this project. It made me believe that this was what they really wanted to be doing at the moment.
Jaejoong was concerned about Junsu who was having conflicts with his schedule, he asked, “The three of us can’t go to Tokyo together so what are we going to ?” He was concerned about the scenes that involved all three of them.
 

The staff replied, “It can’t be helped so we’ll just take the scenes separately.”
 

To this Jaejoong said, “There is no point then, if it’s not all three of us together!!” 

I was touched by his true concern. He was earnest. Wanted to create something perfect. He wanted to show them without any lies, true and raw. He was very much a leader, pulling everyone together. Yoochun and Junsu also trust him completely, and because of this I can feel that they leave things up to him. And then it occurred to me that for these three, a lie is the most abominable thing. 

So then the three of them shot their scenes together in a studio that was available in Seoul. I just received a emotional phone call from a staff member: 

During their rehearsal Junsu was concentrating very hard…the three of them were sweating a lot, dancing and singing.

And then Yoochun cried out:

“I WANT TO PERFORM ON STAGE!!!!”

I think this is the bitter cry that the three of them have. After hearing this story I couldn’t stop my tears.
Even now as I write this, I can’t stop the tears.

Why am I here!!! Why aren’t I in Seoul!!! Even after resigning from the company, I was still supposed to be able to stand on stage and meet fans!!! I want to see them fast!!!

The staff was telling me, they were incredibly cool and that the three of them had a very good friendship. When Junsu starts humming, Jaejoong and Yoochun would walk over and start singing to match with Junsu. To be able to experience such precious moments made a chill run down my spine. I want this to be delivered to the fans quickly!!!

Source: JYJ (Junsu Jaejung Yuchun) Facebook Page

JYJ's Fanmade Internet Broadcasting Station to Launch on March 3rd

 

The fanmade internet broadcasting station for JYJ will finally launch on March 3rd.

Preparations for the project first began on January through an internet fancafe.

Support was provided through various donations, and recruitment notices were posted for web designers, DJs, and writers to help get the project up and running. 

The official homepage was completed two months later, and it was announced that the program would hold its first broadcast at 8:00 PM KST with a two-hour long session to kick off its opening.

The first day of broadcast is expected to include comments and videos congratulating the station opening from gagmen, actors, broadcast stars, singers, and musical actors. It’ll also include a ‘top 20′ ranking, as well as fan-made JYJ-related poetry, pictures and music videos.

For the first week, each day will consist of mini specials on each of the three members. After the opening, standard broadcasts will run for an hour per session.

Source: Allkpop

JYJ's Seoul Concert's Enormous Economic Ripple Effect

 Attracted over 3000 fans from Japan, China etc... Creates added value of tens of billions of Won

 ▲Over 3000 foreigners from all over the world, such as Japan, China and the US, came to Korea to attend JYJ's concert that was held in Jamshil's Olympic Stadium

JYJ (Jaejoong-Yoochun-Junsu) showed off their strong ticket power amongst international fans and proved once more that they are the core of the Hallyu Wave.

JYJ, who released their global album 'The Beginning', held their large-scale concert 'JYJ Worldwide concert in Seoul' on the 27th and 28th at the Jamshil Olympic Stadium.

Over 3000 foreigners visited Korea from the Americas, Europe and Asia, from countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan and Malaysia, to attend the concert. Thanks to this, the domestic travel industry was set alight though November is usually considered off-season.

Before the JYJ concert happened, a technical journal in the field stated, "20,143 Japanese tourists are planning to visit Korea, the most in November, and JYJ's Korean concert, which is to be held on the 27th and 28th, greatly influenced these statistics." A representative of the tourism industry proved the group's popularity once more by stating, "Of the 4,113 tourists our company manages who are coming to Korea this month, 2500 of them are Hallyu tourists coming to attend the JYJ concert."

During the concert period, the surroundings of Jamshil Olympic Stadium were filled with fans from all over the world five hours before the concert began. It quickly turned into a global festival as fans who had flown in from countries such as Japan, China, Thailand, Philippines, USA, UK, and Germany were spotted. It was like watching an international festival as all announcements were done in Korean, Chinese and Japanese.

A tourist agency representative on location explained that, "The number of tourists visiting Korea has risen dramatically as people are flooding in to see this concert," and "JYJ proved their power as Hallyu stars and their worth as 'dutiful sons' to their nation."

He also added, "The influx of tourists is so big that it's hard to make reservations at hotels in Seoul right now," and "This concert will cause an economic ripple effect and create an added value of billions, possibly tens of billions, of Won."

JYJ's immense success has put the Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry (KFPCAI) in an embarrassing situation as just over a month ago, it called for broadcasting and cable companies to refrain from allowing JYJ to appear on their shows as "JYJ's activities will have a negative impact on the Hallyu Wave".

In the official document sent on October 11th to various broadcasting companies, the KFPCAI stated, "Allowing JYJ to appear on shows will be pouring cold water onto Korea's pop culture industry and the nation's image that has been built up by the Hallyu Wave," and "JYJ will lead pop culture and the Hallyu Wave to a road of regression."

However, JYJ was able to attract tens of thousands of international fans to their showcases that were held in three US cities and six Asian cities (in Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China) and promptly proved that the KFPCAI's argument was weak with their amazing ticket power.

Source: Tohosomnia

Image Credits: Tohosomnia