33 posts tagged “fangirlism”

I had a late Christmas celebration with my Arashi family (excluding dear Mrs Ohno who has left for Indonesia) today  at the KTV. And it was basically an Arashi matsuri! SantArashi came to the room and piled on the table tons of un/official photos, keychains, calculators, photobooks, the 5x10 Best clips dvd, My girl singles, newspapers detailing Arashi's claim in the Oricon charts, fanclub letters, fanclub anniversary gift, My girl photobook and many more. XD I think this ktv session was wasted as we spent like 30% of the time squealing over all the Arashi goodness on the table.

I went in late and was told that my friends were in Room 39, all the way at the back. But as I headed for the back, it felt wrong as it seemed to be leading to the storeroom/toilets. At that instant, I heard an Arashi song. Yes?No?. So I turned back and walked towards the source of the song, one of the ktv rooms, and wanted to head right in. But as I reached the door (which was mainly transparent glass), I saw that the people inside weren't them. I hesitated, and then looked around for Room 39, and found them, bringing them them news that the people next door were sing an Arashi song. I wondered if they saw the My girl photobook I was carrying by my side when I walked past their room. XD In between songs, during the brief periods of silence, we opened the door and eavesdropped on what the other room was singing. All Arashi songs!! HAHA it was so fun picking up bits and pieces of the song and guessing its title! So, confirmed! Arashi fans they are. Still in a very high mood, I suggested popping over to say hi. XD But in the end, I didn't want to disturb them and so settled for singing as loud as possible in hopes that they will catch on what we realised. And when I went out to order a drink, I brought the My girl photobook along. XD

Later, as we flipped through the pages, we realised that some songs such as Niji, wasn't listed. So, after a lot of hesitation, I went over to ask. Ok, it really was an excuse to say hi. But I really wanted to sing Niji!! I walked over, looked in, and turned away immediately. Because I saw a mini Sho uchiwa in a clear box file, facing right at the door!!!!!!! HAHA! But with the company of Angel, I knocked onto their door and asked about Niji. In the end, we started to exchange songs. We had managed to find some newer songs eg Ashita no Kioku, and had wrote them down on a piece of paper, which we shared with them. XD And then we exchanged cyber contacts, talked abit about our ichibans, and left. It turned out that they had purposely put Sho's uchiwa at the door. LOL! And they heard us singing Carnival Night Part 2. Gosh!

I had recently experienced some not-so-friendly Arashi fans, the first time in the past 4 years, but today's incident helped me get over the disappointment. Arashi does bring people together. =)

[EDIT] Their account here.

We went to do more sightseeing yesterday, with a new tour guide. She's much better I feel, in terms of smiling, friendliness, English, knowledge of good places to go and initiative. Aniwaes, we went to Lotte World, which I absolutely loved but didn't get to ride anything except for the pharoah 3D virtual show. =( It's a place to go with friends, not family. Not a family who's afraid of the smallest things. Aniwaes, I also saw the hot air balloon ride featured in Creating Destiny. XP I think it's really destiny coz on the previous tour, I walked past this shop in Insadong that was used as Yeo Jun siter's pastry shop in the show.

After Lotte World, we went to this precius stone workshop where gm bought some jewelry. Then it was to 63 Building to view the nightscape!

Pretty ne? Looks like Christmas lightings.

Not when you look properly what it's made of. Or when you're in the middle of it.

We wentto the Wax Museum next!

I'd be happier if it was Yong Ha's role instead of Yon-sama's. I didn't even watch Winter Sonata lah! But, just for fun!

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Today is our last day in Seoul. And being very very afraid of the weather outside My face is starting to peel and turn into a pimples hotspot), we decided to stay indoors and shop at COEX mall. Surprisingly, I bought very little even at Seoul! Just bought two tops and some hair accessories. I tried to speak in Korean, and I think Agnes sunsaengnim would have been proud. We ended the day at the convenience store, and I wanted to buy some drinks. There, I experienced the power of celeb endorsements. I totally have no interest in the drinks offered by the store, and decided to jsut grab some orange juice and random sodas. And then, I saw it. HJL on a bottle! It was a soda, and so I decided to buy it. When the product itself makes little difference, celeb advertising comes to play. Aniwaes, it was a good choice because the soda tasted quite good. Even my non-fangirl gm says so.

The purchase I was most happy with was the YB Novel part 2 and the Comic part 2. They were both released 18th Dec, just a day ago! Lucky me!! If they had released it tomorrow, I wouldn't have been able to get it at such a cheap price. I haven't really read them (no time) but I browsed through it and realised that the Comic comprises 3 parts, and the third book will be out in Jan. T.T Below are some photos I took of the BTS pictures attached at the back of the Novel part 2.

Please credit karened.vox.com if reposted!

I guess I'm one of the minority who loved his hairstyle at the start of the drama.

It's the YB International Fan Project Message Book JGS is holding yo!

This was after the first forced kiss scene ne?

JGS at top, Park Shin Hye bottom.

Hong Gi top, Yong Hwa bottom.

I'm so gonna scan the chibi images into HQ and print them out!

Another thing...I was rewatching YB when I realised this tidbit about the star talk scene. Read the following dialogue:

고미남: 그 별은 아주 많은 사람이 좋아해주는 별입니다. 그 많은 사람 중에 저도 끼어서 그 별을 좋아해도 죄가 되지 않겠죠?
Go Mi Nam: That star is a star that many people likes. It won't be a transgression even if I join those people in liking the star, right? 
황태경: 넌 그런 것도 허락 받고 좋아하냐? 별한테 물어봐. 넌 지금 보일 거 아니야.
Hwang Tae Kyung: You want to get consent even for such a thing? Ask the star. Aren't you looking at it now?

Doesn't this echo the later episode where Tae Kyung said he consents to Mi Nam liking him?

황태경:고미남, 앞으로 네가 날 좋아하는 걸 허락해준다.
Hwang Tae Kyung: Go Mi Nam, in the future, to your liking me, I give my consent. 

I know how that scene of him giving consent, by itself, is a classic scene. Maybe it's just me, but seems like there weren't much discussion of the link between the above two scenes. It's like TK remembered their time together and gave MN the answer she needed.

Also, this link made the part where MN thanked TK for accepting her as a fan more logical. Actually I had a bit of an issue as to why MN thought that TK was giving her consent to become his fan. How could anyone be so dumb with regards to a confession? But with this link, I could see why. MN had heard TK's words as an answer to her previous question at her father's hometown. And when she asked that question, she had framed it as her joining TK's fans in liking him, as a fan.

In celebration of Ohno's *ahem*th birthday, let's do a test!!!

Diagnostic criteria for 312.31 Pathological Gambling 

A. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 

(1) is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble) 
(2) needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement 
(3) has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling 
(4) is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling 
(5) gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression) 
(6) after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses) 
(7) lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling 
(8) has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling 
(9) has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling 
(10) relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling 

B. The gambling behavior is not better accounted for by a Manic Episode.

- As taken from my "Are You OK? Mental Health In Singapore" elective lecture notes on the topic "Addictions".

Let's do change some words to suit our purpose better:
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Note that the creator of these guidelines is herself a fangirl who views writing as an acceptable form of schizophrenia.

Diagnostic criteria for A.RA.SHI Pathological Fangirling 

A. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive fangirling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 

(1) is preoccupied with fangirling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past fangirling experiences, planning the next merchandise/official release purchase, or thinking of ways to get money with which to fund fangirling activities) 
(2) needs to fangirl with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve the desired excitement 
(3) has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop fangirling 
(4) is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop fangirling 
(5) fangirls as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression) 
(6) after spending all pocket money/pay on fangirling, often borrow from tomorrow to get continue ("chasing" idols) 
(7) lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with fangirling 
(8) has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance fangirling 
(9) has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of fangirling
(10) relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by fangirling 

B. The fangirling behavior is not better accounted for by a Manic Episode.

SO, ARE YOU DIAGNOSED WITH PATHOLOGICAL FANGIRLING?

Two papers down, two more to go. For tonight, I will indulge in my final ・°°・(>_<)・°°・。 ウエーン episode of You're Beautiful. Episode 15, was....not as exciting as I hoped. Maybe the one week in between had washed away whatever sadness I felt during the last scene of episode 14. Instead of feeling sad for MN and TK when the scene continued in episode 15, I didn't feel much until SW came into the picture. He was standing behind MN, who was crouched on the floor crying. And he was just there watching her, like he was struggling between going to comfort her and staying hidden since he had got to more excuse to protect her, with her rejection in episode 15. It's like, she's just in front of him, but she's so far away.

I don't get the Japan shooting, really. They just needed to go overseas so that the real MN can be swopped with the fake one. I felt that that was the whole purpose of the trip. They could have made better use of it though... What I did enjoy about episode 15:

• Shinwoo FINALLY told Mi Nyu (to avoid confusion later) that he knew about her true identity right on the first night at the rooftop. Like, finally! I'm glad he finally let it out for a true closure to his feelings. There's no more what-ifs, because now she knew everything, and yet still rejected him.
• Someone saved the day by being upright and morally correct! Our poor leads got to know that the song was written for Mi Nyu's mother, not Tae Kyung's mother. YES!
• When Tae Kyung got to know that, he went into the recording studio and did what Tae Kyung would do! Force his mother to face the truth and drive some sense into her.
• Mi Nam at the airport, where Reporter Kim pulled off his coat to reveal that he is actually a....MALE! Haha! The Mi Nam back looked really nice. =P But I was quite disappointed with the glimpse of Mi Nam we saw. From Manager Ma's descriptions of him and that short scene in episode 14, plus the one at the airport of him sleeping on the airport seats, I had expected a really cool Mi Nam. How cool? Cool enough for me to go kyaaaa over although I know he is actually Park Shin Hye disguised. But what I saw was actually more kiddish and... reminded me of Mi Nyu in the episode with the supermart scenes, where Tae Kyung was imagining her saying the line that got cut off.
• The scene of Mi Nyu and Tae Kyung in Japan where she left him. Tae Kyung grabbed her hand, as all Korean leads do. But Tae Kyung, as we've established ages ago, is a twist to the typical Korean lead. So, I had expected him to grab her a second time when she let go of his hand... But he didn't. Still, I like that scene because JGS did such a good job at holding back his tears, it was heart-wrenching to watch. I think this is better than the scene where he cried after being told by his mother how much she lost because she gave birth to him.

I'm gonna get withdrawal syndromes after tonight. =(

Oh, yes, Happy birthday riida! You old man!

I recently (ok a few wks ago) participated in a YB Project, and the results of that project is out here!

Basically, in response to JGS's msg on SBS's msg board (he reflected if it was because he didn't do a good job that the ratings weren't high, because he felt the rest of the cast was superb), international fans of YB got together and compiled messages to send to the YB team. What started out as a simple email idea somehow got included into a visit by Korean DC Gallery members to the set. In that blog are an account of the visit, photos of the cast with the project and much others. Go have a look!!

It's really, worldwide. Like I haven't been surprised by Arashi enough...but this is just a drama. It's not a band or grou or anything. Yet, the following is..amazing.

Once again, the power of the Internet. ORZ. I fall at your feet.

Here are the videos containing those messages.

And this is JGS acknowledging the project.

I've participated in numerous such events, to arashi, SS501, Raymond...but this is the first time I actually feel that "I was part of something that made a difference!" 장근석, 100야! Fan-service.

Oh and I it's funny how JGS actually wrote in DC Gallery some spoilers for upcoming episodes, but because he had no proof (eg a photo of himself), no one believed what he said and even told him to go play elsewhere. LOL..I've seen plenty of such messages around, and usually don't bother to click, because they're either crap or if real, things I don't want to get spoilt about.

[edit] More videos of the visit on DC (This is mainly on JGS, for the rest, click the links below the video).

 

Lol..was just surfing around to look for shops that sell uchiwa materials, and I found this shop called Tokyu Hands Goods. Checking out the access map, I caught sight of "Ohno Building" and "Ninomiya Building". On closer inspection, I found the rest too!! Arashi related buildings! haha random.

 

Alright now I just need to recall where in the world I saw the uchiwa backing in Singapore!

I'm planning to make one or two....but before I start, I need some help on these:

1. What's the limit on size? I remember reading that the max size is the official jumbo uchiwa size ne.
2. What's the limit on materials? Are there any? Like no sequins, lite sticks, 3-D items yada yada yada...
3. Anything else to note?

Arigatou in advance!

After much deliberation, I made the decision on Wed night. To go.

Had actually wanted to go with the two people who helped me get my tix (YES, THANKS A BUNCH!!!!!) but timing didn't match so I'm going alone. =/ Fangirling alone is.....the excitement halved deshou? So, anyone who will be going for 29th's, pm me ne! Onegai!

I'm so glad I decided to go, although this 3 days will cost me all the salary I earned during my internship. Because I heard the 5x10 preview on YT. The lyrics are so touching, as expected! I love these parts most (LOL after typing them out it seems like I liked most lines!) (Oh, they may be wrong ne):

でもあなたがいてくれたから
その笑顔温かかったから
(But you were there for me, the smile was warm)

この過ごした時間さえってなんかね
今はまだただ照れるね
(Even the times that had passed, somehow they still feel awkward)

体中にかけを集めた僕ら支え
切れない悲しみもあなたがいたから笑顔にできた
(You supported us. Even with sorrows that can't be washed away, we could smile because you were there)

いろんな世界を見てきたんだ
気がつけばいつの間にか
それが僕らになってた
(We've seen different faces of the world and before we knew it, they became us)

本気で泣いて
本気で笑って
本気で悩んで
本気で生きて
(Crying seriously, laughing seriously, worrying seriously, living seriously)

一人ぼっちで覗いた空をあなたも見ているのかな
ただ歌う夜空に向かってそう力の限り
(Are you also looking at the sky we peeked at when we were alone?) 

笑顔が咲いてますように
ずっとずっと心にあるんだ
だからこそ伝えてみたいんだ
ありがとう
これからも
ありがとう
(You're always, always in our hearts. So we want to tell you 'thank you'. For the future, too, 'thank you'.)

ここに立ってる僕たちが
今輝けるのは
君がいるから
(That we can stand here today and shine, it's because you are here)

I can't wait for the full song!

Hai, sou desu! As the title says, today is fangirling day! Neighbours please don't repost the pictures in this post ne!

For a certain friend who reads this blog, please don't read any further so as to preserve the little sanity I have in your eyes. LOL You know who you are!

So, let's continue!! First, let m share a picture!

This is what I see from my hotel room window!! I got quite excited, for my Kenichi-kun, but I didn't know what's coming

You'll get what I mean later... XP Aniwaes, I woke up really today, despite having slept at past midnight and having travelled a lot the previous day, at 7.15am. Why so? Because today I had a lot of places to go to!! My plan was:
9-12 Jshop @ Harajuku
12-1 HMV @ Shibuya to get some cds for my friend
1-1:30 Travel to Shin-Yokohama
1:30-3 Buy con goods (lol I had no experience so erm, better go early, in case of the Arashi con goods situation)
3 Meet Yamaki-san + Okaasan!

Demo, I reach Harajuku at 9:30...I was really shocked to see the queue there because it was a weekday! I mean, do people take leave to go there? There were loads of young people, not just obaasans! Lucky for me, I got the 10am ticket so it was pretty ok. =) But still, I spent like 2 hours in the shop getting pictures for me and my friends as omiyage. This time round, I had like 5 pieces of paper - NEWS, Countdown, Arashi, Hey!Say!Jump, Kanjani 8. Supposedly for friends but the more I see the more I want to keep thm for myself lol...nah, shall make them Christmas presents ne!  bought a TOKIO and an Arashi photo album too. Had wanted to get two Arashi ones but I thought it'd be silly to get two of the same kind. But oh well, I am silly. And so I left a 12:15 with 230 photos and 2 photo albums. No pictures because I don't want my family to see them =P

Shibuya was next ne. Throughout my train ride, from Roppongi to Ebisu to Shibuya, I was greeted with tons of pictures of Kenichi. So, there were many photo-taking moments but for me, I did most of them at night where there was less people who would stare at me with strange looks. So, here you go, the tens of faces of Kenichi all around the train lines!

Lol...I took this while walking out of the subway station.......and my attention was only on him such that I didn't see the guy just diagonally above him. So embarrassing!!!!! You'll see why one picture later..........

I managed to capture this picture just before rushing into the train bound for Shin-Yokohama. There were a lot of Arashi pictures around but it was hard to take photos without being too obvious so I skipped them.

And so, do you get what I meant just now?

Shibuya at 10pm

A closer look at Jun!
I remember someone in my neighbourhood asked about Sho at Shibuya,
but I didn't see him (his poster) anywhere so I guess Jun's replaced his?

And so, I mustered up my courage to take these pictures while going up the stairs! Nino and Ohno's (didn't spot Aiba's, somehow) were by the escalator so I didn't get to take pictures of them.

And lastly, the Sho New Year Card set!
I've spotted them right in the morning and made a mental note to take pictures when I return.
The last picture was really funny.
I was trying hard not to be too obvious because the posters overlooked the escalators where many people were riding on. So basically, I aimed aimlessly at the posters, hoping to get a good shot. I wanted to take a close up of that last poster but couldn't get a good shot. Then, Sho's CM came on the screen just below the poster and I tried to take pictures of that. But,somehow I managed to take pictures of the poster instead. =.=

Last!

And now, more about the concert. I'm really deadbeat from standing and walking and rushing today...but I'll just type this out before I forget everything.

As mentioned before, a really nice lady offered me one ticket because her friend couldn't make it. So it was me, her and her mother. I reached the Shin-Yokohama Price hotel at a few minutes past 3 and found them in the hotel lobby! Her mother was a really nice lady and was introducing me to her friends, who were equally friendly. I was expressing that my Japanese is really poor but they kept going "daijyoubu" and when I showed signs of not understanding what they meant, they would rephrase their sentences to simpler ones. Really cute!

But what came next was really.......SUGOI.

Yamaki-san's mother ("Y-mom") asked if I bought his latest album LOVE and I said that I did, just today (yes I bought so many of his albums and had to force myself to put the singles back onto the shelves). It turned out that she had bought me a copy!! But since I had one, I didn't take the one she bought. And then, she took out 4 discs and gave them to me. Two of them contained this 'program' called YONGHA's Diary, which is exclusive or sth...almost every single episode is inside. The other two discs contained his concert(s?). Y-mom said that she hopes I'll like them since I'm a new fan and haven't seen Yongha in the past. The discs were from her and her friends. My gosh, how nice can someone get?!! I mean, I've never even met her before!!! I was choooooh touched at that moment!

And then after a while, I went to the Arena with Yamaki-san. She sold me the tix for 3,000 yen. We had settled on 3,000 ~5,000 yen in the email and so I gave her 5,000 yen but se said 3,000 yen was alright. The original price was 10,000 yen. @.@ And so we went in. It was C-block, but Row 6 so it wasn't too far. =) Later, she left for the toilet and to find her mom. I went to the toilet and to walk around. And I foundddddddddd the official goods stand, by chance! Because most people were inside the hall already, there wasn't any queue and I was able to make my purchase rather quickly. I bought the penlight, the pamphlet and a calendar! =) The poster was beautiful but there's no way I can bring it back to Singapore.

The concert hall's about the same size, or maybe just a bit smaller than the Singapore Indoor Stadium. But the feeling inside was completely different. The moment the lights dim...everything becomes wow-ing.

The moment the lights went off, the penlights came on. Blue. A sea of blue. And as the music starts, everyone started to wave in the same direction unamimously. It's amazing and really makes you feel like everyone's in it together. Almost everyone (except those on the third level Stand seats) had at least one penlight (many had two or three). Back in Singapore, you barely see that much penlights. It was really kira-kira beautiful.

Yongha's concert is nothing like Arashi's concerts. It really concert instead of a show. Singing is the main component with some elements of dancing here and there. There was only one or two changes of costumes. At one point Yongha played the guitar. Oh, he threw his sunglasses and his towel into the crowd XP. It was quite funny because right before he threw his towel, he made a final wipe against his forehead. LOL Purposely deshou.

There were short periods of MC here and there and I'm glad for them. He's not really very good in Japanese so most of what he said were in simpler phrases which I would understand. There was once where he wanted to say "Okakesamada" and he ended up saying "Okokusamada". But he quickly corrected himself the second later. XP It was really cute and everyone started laughing. Well, he surprised me with a really cute side mixed with some degree of lameness.

Like this part where he asked the audience if anyone's birthday was today. Like so many people went "hai!" and he was like "majide???" Because his next song was Happy Birthday. And he wanted to dedicate the song to those celebrating their birthday today. But well,......The interaction between him and the fans was amazing, for me.

There were points where he forgot his lyrics lol...Once, he was singing the song to the kdrama All In, and he forgot his lyrics, which the fans caught and so he went "gomen ne" halfway the song LOL. And there was this segment where he made us all do a dance for the song. He asked if we could help him out with it but then dismissed us saying we might not be able to do it. When we said that we wanted to do it, he started teaching us...but halfway he himself forgot the moves!!! dot dot dot. Demo after a few rounds of practices, we got it and then, the real thing came up!!! "Kimi ga saikou". That made the song really fun and memorable. EVERYONE was doing it, with their penlights in their hands...

There was only one encore. And FINALLY I get to see a real encore. In every Singapore concert I went to, the encore wasn't exactly an encore. I believe an encore is when the concert is supposed to end, but the audience demands for more, making the artiste go onstage again deshou. But most of the concerts I've been to have pre-arranged encores that take place regardless of the audience's response. So, we don't really see/hear people shouting for more or at least do something of that sort. Today, many people were clapping, shouting and wanting more. Finally, after almost 5 minutes, Yongha came back up and sang one of my favourite songs "Say Goodbye". Choooh happy!

I'd recorded the concert audio using the voice record I bought for my lectures lol. The recording's pretty good (proof that the money was well-spent) and I've been listening to it since I reached home. Such fond memories of today!

Oh, I was chatting (or rather, just nodding an saying "hai") with Y-mom before the concert and she was explaining to me why there were so many middle-age fans. She said that many of them became his fans back when Winter Sonata aired in Japan. There were two groups of fans back then, the Bae Yong Joon and the Park Yong Ha fans, but the former led, of course. So these mddle-aged fans, many housewives, had the time and spare cash to fangirl a bit. XP It's quite true because half of the people I see there were at least 35, I believe. In fact, the lady in front of me was one, I think 40 ++?, and she surprised me by standing almost every minute of the concert. Her legs are strong!! Sugoi! She even brought an uchiwa yo! And then for the younger fans, usually they became fans because of his songs. Demo because DBSK's becoming so popular in Japan, some Yongha fans switched over and the Yongha fanbase shrunk a bit. She attributed it to the fact that DBSK was good in Japanese and so their MCs in cons were really engaging as compared to Yongha's. I didn't know that! I had always thought that only one or two DBSK member knew Japanese. Oh well, I like some DBSK songs too but yappari Yongha's songs, their medody, their lyrics, suit my taste better. And his voice is really good, as proven by his live concert. I'm going to listen to his cds when I get back to Singapore! YAY! I'm really happy that I managed to get his cds at hmv because I can't get any in Singapore! The only other option would be to buy online. =/

Aniwaes, I bought some unofficial goods too and when I reached home, I checked and was suprised to find a Hyun Bin board in my bag. =.= Nope it wasn't a mistake on the storeowner's side. It was my mistake. I had mistaken that guy on the board (Hyun Bin) for Yongha!!!!!!! I've already noticed their resemblance since I took notice of Yongha, that he and Hyun Bin really look alike. But I can't believe that I had actually mistaken one for another. Maybe it was because I was in a rush to make the purchase and leave...but anyways, have a look and tell me if they resemble each other!

I'm not really botheed by this mistake since I like Hyun Bin too...hmm maybe I have a fetish for this kind of face/hair!!!

These are the official goods I bought, and the ticket. Oh, the penlight in the middle's not official. Yamaki and her mom bought them for me!!!!!! It was simple and disposable but very bright. Oh, Yamaki-san's was reusable and had Yongha's name engraved in the glass part XP...Y-mom was like "Oh dear, actually we brought it for you" when I returned to the seat with my penlight in hand. I was really touched by their friendly gestures. They had wanted to give it to someone who doesn't have a penlight, but couldn't find someone to give it to so I took it in the end. =) It has sentimental meaings! First of all, it symbolises the kindness extended by Yamaki-san and her mom. Second, it marks my route to independence! I mean, I had to contact people to find tickets, find my way to the venue, talk to strangers (which I am very afraid to. I prefer being a hermit). Third, it is from the very first and perhaps very last concert I attended in Japan! Fourth, I missed Arashi @ FNS for this concert =(

Look at the penlight. It has those words engraved in it...and since it's blue, I can use it for Leehom's concert next time! The pamphlet has really beautiful pictures too and is not as thick as Arashi's. No interview/words, just pictures. =) Ah~~~ I want to go to an Arashi concert next. NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!! 10th anniversary deshou ne! I'll pray hard!

I've got loads of pictures from other places too, but I'm too tired and so I guess those can wait till next time? Ja ne minna!

Ok, I promise this will be the last spam post I'll be posting. This time, it's about a guy called

パク・ヨンハ    박용하    Park Yong Ha

Borned August 12 1977, he was known for his role as Bae Yong Joon's love rival, Kim Sang Hyuk, in Winter Sonata. Well, I've never watched it before so I didn't know. But apparently, based on one interview by him, he had visited Japan to promote the drama there and during one of the events, he sang My Memory from the drama's OST and was later invited to release a cd in Japan. Hence, he debuted as a singer in Japan in 2004. Since then, he has had a rather successful music career in Japan, selling many cds which ranked high on the Oricon charts and held numerous concert tours.

As a singer, he had won numerous awards at Japan's Golden Disc Award 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 .

2005 : New Artist Of The Year (International)
2006 : Song Of The Year (International) // Japan-Korea Friendship Year Special Award  
2007 : Single Of The Year (International) // Best Asian Artist (along with F4 and Shinhwa)
2008 : Single Of The Year (International) // Best Asian Artist (sole recipient)

Him at the award ceremony below:

Since debuting as a singer, he has not acted in a drama series (as a full lead/supporting lead) and his appearance in the drama On Air was his first drama in 5 years. Because of this, he went to his ex-classmate who was holding drama classes for children, and practised in front of her so that he will not get too stressed or shy to act in front of the camera when filming starts. Although he had not been doing much acting, he was still good in the drama ne!! Sugoi! He will be appearing in a kmovie early next year and has just decided to participate in this kdrama as the lead actor. This drama is more vengeful and it is said that we'll get to see a very different Yongha in there.

Here are some pictures of my favourite pairing in the show. When I watched it for the first time, I watched every single part, but when I rewatched it, I was only watching scenes with either YE or KM or the both of them together. heheh.

If you look carefully at the third picture, you can see that Yongha has changed his hairstyle! Looks weird at first but well, it gets better. And I so like his geek glasses in the fourth picture! I'm really considerig contact lenses man... Lastly, I just want to say that Song Yoon A is really gorgeous. Not that young but still very pretty!! I like her! She said that she took up the role because it will help her to break the stereotyped image built up from her previous roles.

Ok, the next part of this post are some songs from him which I highly recommend. His voice is soothing and the melody of these songs are very beautiful! (If the videos don't appear, check back later - if you are interested. I think something went wrong so I've gotta go fix it, but not now. My eyes are dying from staring at the comp for too long!)

Fanvid with memorable moments of Yongha from Winter Sonata.
The song is Yongha's cover of the original My Memory.

A fanvid of Yongha.
The song is titled Signal.

A fanvid of Yongha with beautiful pictures and bg song.

"ずっと君と僕と、青い空と"
Very beautiful song with beautiful lyrics

Don't Give It Up!

외사랑, an OST of On Air.

The MV for Yongha's song Behind Love~片思い, the Japanese version of 외사랑

The MV for Yongha's latest single Say GoodBye. It achieved pretty good results on the Oricon charts!

A live performance of his song I Love You So Much. I believe that live is (usually) the best way to judge one's vocals.

Another live performance, at his summer con 2006. For You.

What can be better than to have your favourite song covered by your favourite singer?
Yongha sings La La La Love Song live!! Yes, the theme of Long Vacation!!

How was it? Were you won over by his voice? Or by his looks LOL? Boyish/man looks. Or by his hardwork? I am. I've always liked people who worked hard. Arash is one fine example. Yongha is another. I read an interview on him and that interview really showed how hard it was for him to debut in Japan. Obviously, the biggest problem is the language differences. When he first debuted in Japan, he knew no Japanese and had to take language classes. He was only accompanied by a translator. And he commented that what he disliked most back then was having to attend Japanese variety shows. Because he didn't really understand Japanese and it was hard to have someone translate every single word during the show, he sometimes end up giving weird answers when questions were posed. Then the host, together with other artistes or the audience, would laugh. Although he didn't know why they were laughing, he had to laugh along as well. It is really scary. I cannot imagine myself going to a foreign land all by myself and then having to interact with the people there. But yet he took the leap and challenged himself. I admire him for that. Now that his singer career in Japan has achieved some results, he is making a return to acting. His first drama made waves and now he is moving on to greater things. Amazing!

最近、「オンエアー」というドラマを見て、パク・ヨンハくんが好きになった。
この前に、彼の存在を知っていますが、気になりませんでした。韓国のスターがあまり好きではありませんから。
なのに、オンエアー見てから、どんどん好きになりました！

それから、ソングもたくさん聞いて、びっくりしました。
ヨンハさくんの歌声を初めて聴いた時、「これだ～」って。(ノ∀`)
「私が好きな声だ」と心から感じ、それからはヨンハくんの歌を聴いている時が私の癒しの時間となりました。
強い声で感動的で、いい歌を歌ってくれた。
その強さの中に優しいヨンハくんがいる。♪(゜◇゜人゜◇゜)

「ずっと君と僕と」や、「片思い」や、韓国バージョンの「외사랑」や、「say goodbye」が大好きです。
ヨンハくんの声がすごいです！
そして、踏まれても踏まれても起き上がれる力強さがあります。
心が優しい上に顔もカッコイイ。(*^m^*)
とにかく歌声、笑顔、人柄が好きなんです。

ヨンハさんは言葉の壁を越して、日本で一生懸命した。
言葉も文化もちがうし、だれも知らない・・・時々寂しくて、疲れるはずだろう。
そんな刻苦勉励を見て、ヨンハが好きになった。
今年数年ぶりに俳優復帰したのはすごく嬉しかった。
楽しみなぁぁぁ・・・（｀・ω・´）ゞ

Arashi in Shanghai!

Jun, my dear,
Arashi-tachi,

Why can't you guys let me study for my exams in peace?

How can I concentrate when you (all) look so fabulous?

SUITS! I love guys in suits. Especially guys called Arashi.

My dear Jun, even if a thousand persons comment that you:

1. have bad skin
2. look stiff
3. sing poorly
4. look gay,

I will say:

1. I agree
   but I'd rather see bad skin than layers of power
2. I agree
   but that's only when you're thinking hard & focusing on how to make things better
3. I agree
   but like what Nino says, your main profession is being an idol, not a singer/actor
4. I agree
   and you're the only 'gay-ish' guy I've ever liked. I threw Kame away and took you in (wait, did I even take Kame in in the first place?)

Bottomline:

I get hyped up when Jun looks so darn hot or kawaii or kakkoii
but it's not just his exterior that attracts me.
I like him this much because of who he is,
as Matsumoto Jun
and as MatsuJun of Arashi.
Even if he's not perfect in every way,
he is perfect as one member of Arashi,
just as every other member is!

Like a jigsaw, every piece has cave-ins and -outs,
but put them all together, and they'll fit perfectly
to form the most beautiful picture.

ARASHI, GO BLOW THE SHANGHAI PRESS AWAY WITH YOUR CONCERT!!!!

This is really a bad time...for Arsahi to come on cover for soooo many magazines. Why not next month?? I'll be in Japan then. =( I saw the sneak preview of Cut over at Fybabe's. It has been such a long time since I liked a photoshoot this much. I like the hair, the lighting, the shirt. It's not like that anan photoshoot, which I didn't quite like. I hope the rest of the photoshoot will be similar to the sneak pic - leaves space for imagination and not the in-your-face type. I want that mag!!! Hopefully it'll still be on sale when I reach Japan next month!