Click on the image to be linked to the new blogsite. ♥

WordPress has become a little boring so I decided to move to Blogspot. You will be linked to the new address if you click on the image above. You will be encountering an ad page by adf.ly and that’s normal with my new settings so don’t panic. ^o^ All you have to do is wait until the 5-second countdown finishes and click on SKIP AD at the upper right corner of your screen.

As of the moment, I’m moving the almost 700 entries to the new site one by one. So if you’ll go there, all you’ll see are the entries from 2009 – 2010. It’s kinda difficult to move, but it’s definitely worth it. :) Like how I experienced, it might be fun for you to go down the memory lane and reminisce the memories of the past years that we’re together, with Super Junior. ♥

I’ll be continuing to write random posts and senseless entries to everyone who appreciate my writings. I know that my blogging has gone so boring already and that I have lost much of my credibility on my immature post on Tumblr. But I would like to thank those who found inspiration and understanding on my writings about the best Korean group in the world. ♥

I’ll no longer post anything here. All new entries will be posted in the new site so please do click on the image and let’s continue spreading and explaining our love for Super Junior. :)

Thank you!!! ♥

xoxo,

cheonsa23

Yesterday, it was the launch of PULP’s special edition for Super Junior and 2ne1. XCrew performed but to my frustration and depression, I wasn’t able to watch them perform full. I almost tripped while running to Gateway, I was palpitating, I was sweating and my leg felt like it wouldn’t move anymore… only to arrive at the venue when it’s the bridge part of Mr. Simple already. T_T

 So to somehow ease my frustration, I chilled with Jethro, Julia and Lui. ♥ and my paloys. ♥

Thanks for lending me your cam, Lui!!!

(more pics under the cut)

Until now, I can still remember the goosebumps I had when I first saw all entries. Everything was candidly written, everything was exactly the way Sungmin would have wanted it to be, everything was privately public. One thing I will never forget about that day (and I’m not exaggerating things here!) is that in that blog, I feel so close to the real Lee Sungmin, not the Super Junior Sungmin.

Among the members of Super Junior, I have always believed that it is Sungmin who is the most private. I couldn’t cite incidents to prove it but looking at his eyes, I know that there are so many things that he has been trying to hide from us. In spite of being an idol, I knew he wanted a private space wherein he could be himself; a private space where his popularity will not intervene the kind of life that he wanted to live.

But obviously, we blocked that ideology.

Of course, it could be an excuse that they didn’t know that it was supposed to be private, but even common sense would tell that privacy is the main objective why you couldn’t just save the pictures by right-clicking or you cannot just highlight the words and copy it. That is why, it got me terribly disappointed to see all contents of those blog being published on social networking sites, particularly on Tumblr.

We tried hard to stop the distribution of Ming’s blog’s contents. But to no avail. Eventually, Shindong linked it to his Naver blog, and he posted the link on his me2day account. I personally believe that that move wasn’t because he wanted to open up to the public. I believe that he did that because he had no other choice. No matter how we look at it, there is no longer even the tiniest bit of privacy in there.

Once again, I’m not coming clean. Of course, I’m guilty. But as much as I do not want to sound so ridiculous and immature, I just want to say that at least, we clung onto what Sungmin really wanted. Though the translations are rampant and the notes of each picture on Tumblr are shooting up high, we could say that we never contributed to the spreading of those materials. We read, we enjoy, but we kept it on us alone.

OKAY. My point here is that in one way or another, we all infiltrated Sungmin’s privacy. But at least, some people admitted that they did wrong and tried to correct the mistake as guilt overwhelms them for taking away what Sungmin really wanted.

What is KPOP?

KPOP, or Korean Pop, is a genre of music in South Korea. With the term POP, it is a type of music that is lively and danceable. Sometimes, ballad is classified into it, and that’s totally acceptable because it’s a general term.

At the moment, KPOP is the ace of Korean tourism. Many are dreaming of going to South Korea just to lay eyes on the KPOP idols.

‘Idols’ is the term used to refer to KPOP artists. In a culturally-strict country as South Korea, these idols tend to serve as role models among Korean youth. That’s why they have to look perfect; and the more perfect they are, the more they inspire Korean fans. Companies invest large sums of money to come up with the best people for the best groups. Even though it requires plastic surgery, excessive dieting and endless workouts and dance/vocal/acting trainings, artists would bear all those just to be noticed. That’s culture for Korea; business for companies; dream for artists; and entertainment and inspiration for fans – including international ones, US.

The Flaws of KPOP

But of course, KPOP can’t be fully perfect. It has flaws, which we – ourselves – see. We are not in-denial about the imperfections of our fandom. We criticize our idols, and others’ idols. Hating and bashing applies among us; that’s the reason why there are so-called fanwars. Of course, that is not encouraged; but it’s happening – WITHIN THE WORLD WE’RE IN.

Also, KPOP is mostly in Korean; and since not all of us are capable of understanding it, we depend on translators.  From the songs, to blog entries, to tweets, to videos and other stuffs, we depend on people who know Korean well. And just the same, some Korean songs have wrong English on it. So we’re fair.

In KPOP, it is also a common knowledge that we literally empty our wallets and bank accounts to show support. We work double and earn double to financially sustain our fandom. We shed out money for albums, merchandises, concert tickets (and plane fares). We even finance support and charity projects for our idols. It is difficult, of course, considering the kind of set-up our economy is at now. But we continue, out of sheer dedication and – according to many, – craziness.

Another thing about KPOP is that it puts its fans into an emotional rollercoaster ride all the time. We are happy over good things and we’re sad about the bad ones. Disbandment, army, and relationships are like our constant worries. Indeed, KPOP somehow makes people appear selfish and idealistic, and it somehow sends us away from reality. This is a common problem we, ourselves, are trying to handle.

Why We Love KPOP

But amidst the many errors KPOP has, we stick to it; because despite its imperfections, we find greater reasons to keep on believing on its magic.

One great thing about KPOP is that the idols and fans exert effort to communicate. As said, we have translators. But directly, many fans learn Korean. In return, idols learn English. It’s that simple.

Another thing: despite the fanwars I was talking about, the KPOP fandom allows us to meet spectacular people. I personally met real friends on Twitter because of Super Junior. We started as virtual friends, then we met, and then we became close, and then we became friends. That’s one truth that happens.

KPOP teaches the value of thriftiness, as well. I don’t know if this applies to others but to me and some friends who do not depend on parents for fandom finances, we learn how to work and budget our money just to be able to provide for our families and sustain our fandom needs, at the same time.

And since we learned how to budget, it allows us to pursue our dreams. My ultimate ambition is to go to South Korea. Way before I knew of Super Junior, I’ve had that dream already; and KPOP has actually given me more motivation to push through with it. You see, KPOP serves as a stimulus for you to chase your dream. It never fails.

Lastly, KPOP makes us a better person. Our idols inspire us a lot because more than the looks and talent, many KPOP artists have hearts of gold. No, it’s not because I think so high of them. I actually couldn’t find a way to prove it literally, but I think anyone who do not believe should just have to indulge themselves in KPOP and understand it for themselves.

KPOP: A Separate World

KPOP is another world, for us. This is one thing which non-fans fail to notice. We live in a dimension wherein only we and our idols exist. That’s a common nature of KPOP, and that’s a distinguishing factor that sets it apart from anything else.

But being inside its realm does not mean we are restricted from going out. KPOP, no matter how addictive, can still be suppressed. And even if there are some people who are blatant about campaigning that loving KPOP is loving KPOP alone, I assure you that the people who believe otherwise is still much bigger in number.

It does not follow that just because KPOP fans love KPOP means they no longer have the capability to like others. And I think the issue of  liking your own music more is immature, because it’s just a matter of interest. For example, KPOP cannot be compared to OPM, and OPM cannot be compared to KPOP. It’s just two different things which can co-exist, regardless of which comes first. For KPOP fans, KPOP will naturally comes first; and OPM loyalists cannot argue that that’s turning back against the local music scene. Because that’s not necessarily how it is. KPOP fans remain to appreciate good music. And we have our own preferences when it comes to music other than KPOP, of course. So let’s not dwell on the issue of ethnocentricity because as how Sir Chito put it, it’s just like food – you don’t force yourself to eat it if you don’t like it, and you don’t force others to eat it when you didn’t.

Reality in the Eyes of a KPOP Fan

KPOP is no longer about just music and trend. It has become a lifestyle, an inspiration, a motivation; and to some, a dream. KPOP is much, much better than the stereotypical impression non-fans put on it. It, in any way, is still music; because it does what music does – UNITING PEOPLE.

It’s just sad that we, as fans, couldn’t prove it immediately; because KPOP is understood only when you’re in it. Thus, only those who would give it a chance to be understood can discover the reality of my statements above.

So let the hating come to a halt. Let music – whether KPOP or whatever – be free from stereotyping and wrong impressions, because whatever we do, it will always be part of music. And please, the words ‘opinion’ and ‘freedom of expression’ have long gone been overrated. Enough of it, already. :)

–

This is KPOP in the view of an ordinary fan who enjoys it, and enjoys OPM too. It doesn’t really speak in behalf of the majority; but I hope that this somehow clears that KPOP, whatever it is, should be appreciated – because people put effort to come up with it.

This really doesn’t matter, but this is an opinion I wish to express:

Music is still about music. It’s just one’s perception that makes it no longer what it should be. KPOP is music. So as rock. Kanya-kanyang trip. OPM lives on while KPOP exists. I wonder why yung ibang mga OPM artists pa mismo ang pumapatay non. KPOP isn’t a threat to local music, unless one thinks so. And coming from a KPOP fan who loves OPM rock, KPOP isn’t just about handsome and sexy singers/dancers. It’s much, much more than that. And I know that OPM isn’t just about noise, as how others think it is. It is much, much more than that.

Loving KPOP does not mean turning back against OPM. And sorry for this, sir, but just because some of them don’t listen to your songs means they don’t support their own na. It’s a matter of interest. Pero sa mga katulad kong fan niyo din, nakakadisappoint na na-generalize kami. Of course, you wouldn’t admit that you did generalize. But if you put yourself in the shoes of a KPOP fan, you will notice the heavy sarcasm your words have.

Yeah, sarcasm. It’s the sarcasm of your tweets which angered many. We respect your opinions, why not. Many might just be acting violently, but most still respect your opinions. How many times have you been like this towards KPOP na ba, diba? But only this one that you managed to make everyone erupt. And you ask why your opinions are always thought to be disrespectful?

Sir, it’s a matter of interest. If we like KPOP, so be it. In the first place, OPM will still be our resting place. And also sir, mind you… Just because they’re speaking in Korean means we can’t understand them. What you will never know about KPOP is that the artists and the fans – even though they do not fully understand each other at once – exert effort to communicate. Basic proof? We try hard to learn Korean (and that’s why we have translators.) and in return, they learn English. In some cases, they even tried learning Tagalog. Please, don’t try to question our intelligence.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganyan kalaki ang galit mo sa KPOP. But I believe you’re not the only one. Many ‘rakistas’ (wherein majority are actually posers!) have the same opinion. I hope you pay attention to what Sir Chito had said…

And once again sir, wag niyo naman ikumpara ang buong KPOP sa POGI-ROCK. Nakakahiya din po kasi parang kinumpara niyo ang KPOP sa sarili niyo. :(  (Of course, you wouldn’t admit that you were once a part of it. You were once on mainstream, sir. I hope you would look back at it.) 

Music is made to bridge the gaps among people. And music makers have no right – in any way – to use it (or their status as music makers) to generate hate.

What does this mean?

HISTORY.

I can’t help but be so proud that Super Junior has created history. I’ve been a fan of KPOP for so long, but this is the first time that I heard of a group winning 6 times in a row for a single song. Maybe, my knowledge is limited. But if ever my suspicion is not true, I would still be proud because for a single to stay on the top for 5 straight weeks is already something.

I’m all smiles while writing. Suddenly, all the stress given by work during this whole day were eased away. It was the greatest reliever. Because knowing that we got the 11th win, I can say that we have a big chance in fulfilling Hyukjae’s dream of having 15 wins for Mr. Simple.

This is probably annoying already for non-fans. But this is something which proves that despite the constant criticisms and assumptions that SJ is no longer doing well because of members leaving, they are still one of the greatest stars in South Korea – and obviously – in the whole world.

Jungsu must have been possessed by some magical spirit when he told Donghae before that time will come that whatever they do will be a part of history. Because now, they’re living in this predicted reality.

Congratulations, boys! ♥ Much love~!!!!

But there is one thing which will keep all things alive even after years – the memories that serve as proofs that once in our lifetime, we walked paths together with 15 great individuals.

That is why we have to focus on the present. I am telling this myself continuously – because I always tend to be the first one to see beyond today. It’s quite difficult, but with a little practice and effort, we will all be able to handle it well.

What could happen is scary. I, personally, cannot picture myself living a life without these boys. I’ve gotten so used to smiling for/with/because of them for the past 4 years of my life. But as I’ve said, there are memories to rely on.

So what do we do? I suggest that we all unite. Enough of the sarcasm against everyone. Together, let’s start making memories in the best way possible. Let’s meet halfway. Let the newbies learn from the seniors. Let the seniors guide the newbies. Forget competition. Forget wars.

We should all accept that whether we like it or not, Super Junior will disband. So please, let us just come together and cherish what we have left. Appreciate the boys more, and appreciate each other.

So that when the time comes that we take separate ways, we could still find reasons to re-unite and stand proud as the people who created the Sapphire Blue World much more magical and perfect than it is. Then that way, we could face the boys with so much pride and joy that we managed to hold on through the memories they have left us with.

I know I’ll see you all again with the group.

I know that I just have to wait and soon, Jungsu’s dream to perform with all of you on stage will come true.

Nothing’s impossible if we all believe.

Though it will take so much time; Though it will require so much faith.

I will keep hanging on.

Because whatever happens, you are all parts of the world we are in.

And nothing – not even a contract, the army, or acting – can topple that truth.

빨리 돌아와요~

photo credit: Zhao Yuxing | edit by: cheonsa23

Few more months. More hard work. I’ll be able to set foot on you.

Wait for me. ♥

God knows how hard it was trying to console myself with the fact that Heenim’s gonna be gone for only a month because I didn’t know that army pictures will surface. But no complains here. I am exceptionally grateful to the photographer for still making us see our Cinderella while he’s away to fulfill his duties as a Korean man.

And among the pictures which came out, it is this one which truly stroke the emotional string in me.

The first thing I noticed was his hand. The fingernails are no longer long and for the first time, I got convinced that his hands are of a man. It is still beautiful but now it appears more manly. And that’s when I realized that indeed, this is no longer the artist Kim Heechul that I’m seeing. This is now the real Kim Heechul in the picture – the Korean man serving his country.

Then I saw the pen. News stated that Heenim, barely a week after he enlisted, was appointed as a leader of his platoon. Just like Kangin, he easily stood out. He even got first place on a training involving firearms. This is an expected one.. because we all know how Heenim is when it comes to doing his thing. If he wants it done, he makes sure that it’s done in the best way possible.

And then I saw the eyes and if my dad wasn’t sitting next to me when I first saw this, I could have cried right away. His eyes said it all. I know I’m not a photo expert to say this but his eyes reflect joy. Looking at how he looks afar, it makes me feel better because through his look, I got assured that he is doing well inside the training camp.

I have seen enough grumpy-looking Heechul pictures to know that he’s almost smiling in this one. And you know what, that added to the joy. I want to believe that he’s happy and he’s contented with what he has become during his first week in the army. I want to believe that he’ll be like this until the two-year wait is completed.

Now, I’m starting to look at these army things in a completely different light. Thanks to Kangin and Heechul, I managed to understand how a waiting fan should feel. And now that Jungsoo had announced his enlistment next year, I think I’ll get by once it’s his time to enter.

:)