Bae Yong Joon 배용준

[Guest frances]

VODs from Yong Joon's AS Promo in Japan from Aug 29 to Sept 4, 2005

Aug 29, 2005 ~ Yong Joon's supposedly "secret" arrival at Narita where he was met by 600+ fans

from ANN News ~

mms://news.cdn.bcast.co.jp/yahoo/news/20050829/ann/20050829-00000028-ann-soci-movie-001-300k-01.wmv

from SBS News ~

mms://newsvod.sbs.co.kr/nw/0121/nw0121c092114.asf

courtesy of tomato99 from Quilt ~

http://www.geocities.jp/tomato99_829/byj20050829.asf

Aug 30 ~ Premiere of AS at Tokyo Intl Forum attended by 5,000+ fans

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~byj/japan/20050831ftv_1.wmv

includes a clip on the hand printing of BYJ, SYJ and Dir HJH ~

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~joonmate/vod/20050913asa.wmv

Aug 31 ~ April Snow Reunion at the Saitama Super Arena attended by 30,000+ fans

from FTV News - YJ greeted the 30,000+ fans in Saitama in Japanese ! ~

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~joonmate/vod/20050901ftv_2.wmv

http://bestfan.netian.com/byj_0831tbs_z^aa.WMV

MBC interview that featured lots of clips from Saitama Super Arena ~

http://byjsmail.netian.com/byj/AprilSnow_b...0050907_mbc.wmv

clips from the TBS TV Special that featured the Saitama Concert ~

http://www.3dkesa.com/loveloveyj/vod/other-joon/10011.wmv

http://www.3dkesa.com/loveloveyj/vod/other-joon/1001.wmv

Sept 1 - AS Press Conference w/ HJH & SYJ

http://www.geocities.jp/tomato99_829/byj0901.asf

mms://wmcontents01.cdn.bcast.co.jp/yahoo/event/april_snow/report_100k.wmv ~ full version of the presscon - about 50 minutes & no english sub

Aug 31-Sept 3 Interviews with various TV stations

Tetsuko's Room at Asahi ~

Clips of his arrival in the studio, meeting w/ Mdme Tetsuko, b-day greeting to YJ

http://home.megapass.net/~shemekhk/byj_0901ann.wmv

Clips from the program featuring YJ's two dogs ~

http://www.geocities.jp/mikann3/2005-09-04-tetsuko.wmv

http://uppp.dip.jp/src/uppp13338.wmv

Clips that showed the making of AS ~

http://uppp.dip.jp/src/uppp13347.wmv

25 min clip of the program ~

http://www22.megaupload.com/files/ae7f6fd8...UKO-NO-HEYA.wmv

Asahi ~

http://www.geocities.jp/insu_as/vod/20050903asa_1.wmv

http://www.geocities.jp/insu_as/vod/20050903asa_2.wmv

TBS ~

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~joonmate/vod/20050903tbs_1.wmv

not sure what media station but this was the interview where YJ was given a camera ! ~

http://www.lanny617.com/aiya/byj_0905super_f__.WMV

Flix ~

mms://wms.g1.bcast.co.jp/yahoo/movies/interview/2005091200100flix_1m.wmv

this is the interview where the female host was obviously mesmerized with YJ !! ~

http://fumi.web.infoseek.co.jp/news/cxmezamasi050915.wmv

from ETN News - clips that showed the various pictorials of YJ in Japan ~

http://etnvod.ietn.co.kr/day/mov/news_plus...313104178_s.wmv

Sept 4 - Yong Joon's departure from Tokyo

FTV -

http://www.geocities.jp/byjmate/vod/20050905ftv_1.wmv

Asahi ~

http://www.geocities.jp/insu_as/vod/20050905asa_1.wmv

http://www.geocities.jp/insu_as/vod/20050905asa_2.wmv

NTV ~

http://www.geocities.jp/insu_as/vod/20050905ntv_2.wmv

this clip also featured his latest Lotte Almond Choco CF ~

http://www.lanny617.com/aiya/byj_0905-f2-5_.wmv

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~joonmate/vod/20050905F2.wmv

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~joonmate/vod/20050905asaichi.wmv

Sept 17 - from NTV - clips of ppl lining up for the 1st day of showing of AS & the display of YJ's hand print ~

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~joonmate/vod/20050919ntv.wmv

[Guest happiebb]

btw, just read your new post in Quilt. First time i read the sharing. I missed reading that one.

liezle

actually, i don't think anyone translated and posted the english version on quilt before....

i only came to know about it recently too...

anyway, here it is...

Something Old... [from Yong Joon's Visit to Japan in 2004.04]

- Talking about Yong Joon's 'Suffering' in Japan...

bb: hey guys, do you remember yong joon's first official visit to Japan last april?

remember how he was sick and was running a fever throughout his trip?

anyway, would like to draw your attention back to the NHK program

where yong joon appeared in an interview before a studio of fans.

you know, the one where there's a live performance of the music from WLS ost,

and i think he was wearing a dark blue suit with striped shirt...?

apparently there're some 'behind-the-scene' stories from that NHK interview....

revealed by fans who were fortunate enough to be part of the studio audience.

i know this is already very old news [one and half years!!]

but i thought it's interesting enough to translate and post it here for all to share.

although when we were watching that, we thought it was quite a good program, ya?

but actually it was just excellently edited, there were not-so-pleasant things

that happened during the recording that were edited out and we weren't able to see those.

anyhow, would like to thank snowkin for sharing this 'inside story'....

***************************************************************

shared by snowkin in chinese / www.loveyongjoon.com 2005.10.08

translated into english: happiebb / www.joonsfamily.com 2005.10.08

snowkin: when yong joon visited japan for the first time last april,

he accepted many interview invitations from various TV stations.

NHK [national TV station, commercial-free] broadcast its first korean drama, winter sonata,

that catapulted yong joon to superstardom in japan.

of course, NHK also enjoyed much financial gains from it.

the japanese know that yong joon's japan itinerary would include a NHK interview program.

so, we saw the 50-minute special segment on yong joon;

we thought the editing was quite good, and we were moved by the program too.

essentially, the program was mostly about winter sonata.

in actual fact, that program took more than two hours to record.

the following was posted on the japanese OB by a fan who attended the studio recording.

*************************************************************

we all felt good and positive when we watched "The Real Bae Yong Joon"

[bb: that's the NHK interview program], but...

yes, no doubt the editing of this 50-minute program was excellent.

but the truth is that the host was persisting asking yong joon about the period

after wrapping up "have we really loved",

that's a rough patch in his career

when he had gone off to the united states to study.

during that time, yong joon's face was drained of all colour

under the persistent questioning.

despite the 'change of face' in yong joon,

the host still went on with that same line of questions.

finally, yong joon asked, "do you know i've made a movie?"

quite possibly much time was already wasted due to the somewhat rude questioning,

and yong joon was possibly thinking, "do you really know much about me?"

what was being broadcast eventually

was actually edited from this part and that part, etc...

the editing, as said before, was really quite well-done.

there was another part...

the host produced a sheet of lines and requested for yong joon to read the lines.

the lines seemed to be from that church scene from winter sonata,

"i've fallen in love with a girl..."

[bb: think it's where minhyung spoke about wanting to be her hands and her legs...]

for a long, long time, yong joon just stared at the lines.

then he said, "i'm now neither jun sahng nor minhyung,

so i can't make myself read these."

when i heard this coming from him then, i cried.

yong joon is still the the very same yong joon i love so much...

it's just so touching.

but the host still went on and asked yong joon to read the lines.

she would not give up. then yong joon started reading,

and what happened in the end was the yong joon started to tear

and could not finish reading the lines.

this segment was cut.

i can't write anymore on this, else NHK will be upset and will complain.

if they really want to make a good "The Real Bae Yong Joon" type of program,

then i hope they will make an effort to learn more about yong joon, to understand him.

If, other than winter sonata, they know nuts about him, then...

in the end, it was yong joon's honest and sincere attitude

that saved the day, that saved NHK and that program.

*************************************************************

snowkin: i've emailed this posting to a few japanese bae-fans,

they all broke down and cried after reading.

we all know that yong joon was not well during that visit,

and in fact, he was on the drip and had injections everyday.

we could see his puffy face even on TV. he would not,

he did not change his schedule

because he had wanted to meet with his japanese family.

[caroline]

Yong Joon is so gorgeous in this rather old vod. Though many of us have seen it before, I would just like to share some of the captures with you...

Thanks to chilligoyo for posting the link .....

http://dong-gam.com/gallery/2th.wmv

[Guest frances]

actually, i don't think anyone translated and posted the english version on quilt before....

i only came to know about it recently too...

anyway, here it is...

Something Old... [from Yong Joon's Visit to Japan in 2004.04]

- Talking about Yong Joon's 'Suffering' in Japan...

thanks a lot bb , first time i've read this article. very interesting to read the side stories of that interview and my respect for Yong Joon went another step higher.

btw bb, do you happen to have the VOD of that interview w/ the orchestra ?? i did not see this VOD and i cant access the one in Quilt thanks !!

[Guest happiebb]

thanks a lot bb , first time i've read this article. very interesting to read the side stories of that interview and my respect for Yong Joon went another step higher.

btw bb, do you happen to have the VOD of that interview w/ the orchestra ?? i did not see this VOD and i cant access the one in Quilt thanks !!

hey frances ,

i've checked the vod link on the quilt, it's working,

you just have to be patient, it'll take a while to open up,

coz it's a rather big file, i think...

mms://61.100.12.37/baeyongjoon/vod/interview/2004/84.wmv

or if you really are having trouble opening that one,

download from here...

http://s18.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3DP5O02...TX1PLCWY7WSHFNM

[caroline]

liezle

actually, i don't think anyone translated and posted the english version on quilt before....

i only came to know about it recently too...

anyway, here it is...

Something Old... [from Yong Joon's Visit to Japan in 2004.04]

- Talking about Yong Joon's 'Suffering' in Japan...

Thanks for the article happiebb . This is my first time reading this article too. It is interesting to read what happened behind the scenes and I felt kinda sad that he had to go through all that 'suffering'.... :mellow:

[Guest happiebb]

Thanks for the article happiebb . This is my first time reading this article too. It is interesting to read what happened behind the scenes and I felt kinda sad that he had to go through all that 'suffering'....

yea, very sad...

but he's proven once again not only is he a professional, he's also the perfect gentleman...

love him all the more

btw, caroline, love all your screencaps!

[Guest s3rene]

Does he have a gf yet?

[Guest frances]

good morning

hello sweetmemories , as far as we know, Yong Joon is very much single and is still on the look out for his special someone....

bb thanks for the link, i'm downloading it now !!

and i got this photo from Yahoo Singapore re the Charity Premiere of AS last 05 Oct ~~~

tada....the beautiful ladies of Joonsfamily !!!!!!

[sosushi2]

Shhhhhhhhhhhh..................

another artwork on Winter Sonata~

What an adorable picture with the snowpeople. Thanks for sharing.

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #1

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

Cheers!!!!

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #2

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #3

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

Below scences we never see before!

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #4

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

Smiling In-soo!

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #5

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

Our photographer BYJ!

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #6

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

He is not shouting at anybody, he is just singing!

[Guest liezle]

Captures from April Snow -- Another Story DVD (Part I) #7

posted by juli in BYJ's Quilt

[Guest frances]

~~ reposting another beautiful article from a Chinese fan translated by bb

[Trans] Bae Yong Joon, 2004

bb: came across a wonderful piece of writing by bairimengzhu a few days ago,

she's a chinese fan who has penned quite a few beautiful essays about yong joon.

in this piece, she reviews the year 2004.

she's so convincing in her writing that i just have to agree with her on every point.

this is a meaningful piece coz she brings us the experience of 2004,

and through this, we re-live the year, a very exciting year for yong joon,

and also a very exciting year for a lot of us.

I know this is a long piece, but believe me this is worth reading.

Enjoy.... and thank you, bairimengzhu for bringing us this...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Original in Chinese: bairimengzhu / www.loveyongjoon.com 14/02/2005

Translated into English: happiebb 17/02/2005

Bae Yong Joon, 2004

In late March 2004, BYJ finally stepped out of Korea

and strolled his way towards the Asian stage.

No one could have predicted the impact that this Korean star

who has acted in only one movie could stir,

no one could have foreseen how he could have created

such long-lasting effects on the entertainment industry.

He went on to become the most talked about and most reported star

in the whole of Asia in the year of 2004.

Compared to the other Korean stars who have long planned their foray into overseas markets

and who have been making promotional tours everywhere,

BYJ’s entry into the Asian market was indeed a tad slow.

Or we can even say he'd never really made any real move to penetrate the overseas markets.

But… quiet and low-key as he was, he managed to sweep the entire Asia off its feet. Maybe, just maybe… Some people are destined to conquer the world;

some people are destined to be stars adored by the world over.

Yes, he had never really done anything purposeful to conquer any markets.

But… Hotelier conquered Taiwan and Winter Sonata created such frenzy in Japan.

From then on, the name BYJ and his smile were no longer reserved for Seoul or Busan.

From the night markets in Taipei to Central in Hong Kong;

from the hot sunny island of Singapore to snow-covered Sapporo,

in any part of Asia at all, you will be able to find BYJ fans.

To promote his maiden movie, BYJ’s promotional tour kicked off from Taiwan

and eventually led him to Japan.

From Taipei, Hong Kong and then Singapore, his fans’ passion further fuelled the heat of spring.

In throes they appeared at airports and at wherever he was holding meet-the-fans sessions;

wherever BYJ might possibly appear, fans would be there.

His arrival in each place subsequently made headlines of the local papers.

And during that time, Japan was still immune to the power of BYJ,

there was dead calm in Japan.

The same question was in everyone’s head…

Japan - a land where no Korean star had ever conquered – the last stop of BYJ’s Asian tour…

Would BYJ be able to make history in this virgin land for Korean stars?

* 4th April 2004 – a date that was destined to be unforgettable for the staff at Haneda Airport.

Yes, Japan, this so-called the world’s largest entertainment market after the United States…

This has always been the land that every international star will grace

and compete for a share of the pie in their pursuit to conquer the East.

Everyday, every hour, entertainers big-time and otherwise would grace the country.

Stars come; stars go all the time, continuously.

The staff at Haneda Airport thought they had seen it all

and they were so used to having fans clamouring for a piece of their idols at the airport.

But this time… the arrival of BYJ was far more than what they could have imagined.

It far exceeded whatever they had experienced or could even conjure.

That was the most ferocious of star-chasing they had ever witnessed

since Haneda Airport opened for business some twenty over years ago.

[*bb: Incidentally, BYJ is known as Yon-sama in Japan,

and the word “Yon” means “four” in Japanese…]

No one knew what went through BYJ’s head as his plane circled above Haneda Airport that day.

No one knew what was on BYJ’s mind as he watched the crowd gathered below to receive him.

All we knew was that he could see the countless fans from high above,

the fans who had spilled from the arrival halls to outside of the airport.

There was hardly any room left.

How many fans were at the Haneda Airport that day?

Some media said 3,000, some said 5,000, and there were those who said 7,000.

Regardless of whose estimate was the closest,

the record had already gone down in history

as the most people of Japanese fans who had gathered there.

Japan was quiet no more.

BYJ, with his smile and his glasses, landed in Japan,

and easily nudged open the door that was so tightly shut.

It seemed so easy, so effortless.

And right after him, the Korean Wave took over Japan.

The fans’ session in Shibuya could only accommodate 2,000 people,

but as many as 80,000 fans participated in the draw to attend the event.

The coldness of the wet spring did not dampen the passion of the fans.

The Japanese fans opened arms and their hearts to BYJ,

with utmost welcome and without any reservation.

However, his stay was short, so short that it left the people wanting more.

By the time the media had awakened to the charm of BYJ and started to pursue him with vigour,

BYJ had left Japan, taking away with him his trademark smile.

And that marked the end of this perfect yet wanting Asian tour.

And after that?

For as long as seven months, he quietly disappeared from the sight of his fans and the media.

Only the commercials that came one after another in Japan

served to remind the people of the glorious record at Haneda Airport last April.

Come late November, he finally appeared before the public once again,

at the Green Dragon Hand-printing ceremony.

Although there were three other heavyweight stars present as well,

all of the cheers and applause from the overseas fans,

all of the media camera and spotlight were reserved for this movie star called Bae Yong Joon,

this movie star who had only starred in a single movie production.

In that moment, all the other stars faded into the background.

He, and only he, was shining brightly and smiling brightly.

Can’t really blame the veteran actor Choi Min-Sik for being flabbergasted

by such a sight at the event, and can’t really fault him for saying some rash things.

Really… At that time, how may Koreans really comprehend

what the name Bae Yong Joon means in Asia?

Since the mid 1990s, the Korean Wave started in the Chinese-speaking communities

and subsequently swept through the entire Asian region.

But media reports could not be further from the truth.

Since then, various Korean stars have been making their way to the media,

staking their claim of popularity in the various newspapers and magazines…

I feel as though they’re like the generals and lords of yesteryears,

plonking their flags into the earth of each land they visited.

Maybe, during that period of time,

only BOF who was stranded with the unenviable task of having to handle

the tonnes of presents and gifts pouring in from all over the world

could fully understand what sort of unusual and exceptional popularity BYJ was enjoying.

Still November.

BYJ flew to Japan once again for his photo exhibition.

Once bitten, twice shy…

Haneda Airport was wise enough not to repeat the same mistake.

They very solemnly asked that BYJ use the Narita Airport instead –

an airport that is much larger in scale than Haneda Airport.

And even Narita Airport was immensely worried about the crowd

that could possibly flood the airport upon his arrival.

The Japanese police are known for being cautious and meticulous.

They too were concerned about the possibility of mayhem and possible danger to the public.

They advised (or should I say warn?) him not to reveal his flight details

and they also advised fans not to turn up at the airport;

they even went so far as to prevent him from holding any big-scale fans’ meeting.

He dutifully obliged.

But still all these did not stop the media or the fans from watching his every move closely.

Right from the very moment he started off from Incheon Airport,

fans were already crowding at the arrival hall at the airport.

Although the fans were behaving in an orderly manner,

Narita Airport was still cautious and engaged the assistance of special task force

to ensure the safety of fans as well as travellers.

This time around, the Japanese media that had been biding their time

went all out to pursue him. The media even used helicopters

and there were live telecasts of his arrival.

Even the world’s top media companies, such as BBC of the United Kingdom

and Reuters of France, reported on this Korean star who was so sensational.

During that time, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and French media

also carried stories complete with pictures of him and the stories

spoke of the effect BYJ and the Korean Wave he had thus created.

They ran stories about this man changed ties between Korea and Japan,

and examined the effects he had on the historical, cultural and economic aspects

on these two countries.

The effects he had brought forth were more far-reaching than anyone had thought.

With the VODs and the who’s who of the publishing industry reporting heatedly,

the Korean media and public finally woke up overnight…

They finally understood that “BYJ is enjoying immense popularity overseas” was real,

and not something made up by the entertainment company.

It was also not something the star had made up or was boasting about.

It was real. BYJ is big.

There were really a large fan base supporting him,

and evidence aplenty to prove his popularity.

But accompanying this realization were not approval and compliments,

instead, doubts and speculation abound.

Some people said BYJ is just some poor chap who has struck the lottery, it was pure luck.

Some people said Winter Sonata was the first Korean drama NHK aired

and BYJ was just lucky to have a headstart.

They said that when other better Korean dramas,

when other better actors landed on the land of the rising sun,

BYJ would have to make way for these supposedly bigger, better stars.

They started to spread that BYJ was very close to being washed ashore

by these stronger Korean waves after him.

So… almost every Korean star who ventured outside of his homeland

would be touted to be “bigger than BYJ in Korea”,

and Japan became the battlefield where the most intense wars were and would be fought.

In Japan, any polls of whatever kind or nature would be widely reported

so long as some Korean star was ahead of BYJ.

So today it’s Tom, tomorrow it’s richard simmons and the day after, it’s Harry’s turn to take the throne…

The entertainment scene is very heated up as each take their turns onstage.

I heard that on the first day that BYJ’s photo exhibition opened in Tokyo,

another star was having some online promotional activity in the very same building.

Reporters had predicted that on that day,

fans from both sides would be engaged in intense rivalry.

And what happened in the end? Well, it was 5,000 fans against 300 fans.

I was left wondering if the people who were gearing up for an exciting showdown

were disappointed at the anti-climatic outcome.

In truth, this unusual BYJ phenomenon, this unique popularity…

the Koreans are not the only ones who are curious…

The Chinese, Japanese, even the Americans and the British were involved;

all wanted to decode the secret to this extreme popularity.

Related articles and analyses started to show up.

But each of these merely scratched the surface,

none really has been able to get to the crux of the issue

and explain the why and the how.

Even BYJ fans themselves would find wanting when they’re made to express

why they are besotted with him, why they are drawn only to him.

In fact, as we looked back upon the year 2004 and reviewed what BYJ had done,

we probably could decipher the secret and explain things a little.

In this year, I would suppose his actions and performance

could conclusively be described as:

Having wisdom –

Clarity of thought guided him through the confusion and explosive popularity

Having courage –

He was fearless when it came to things he believed in

Having humanity and grace –

These elements equipped him to face anything and everything

BYJ may not be the street-smart type nor the exam-smart sort.

That’s why he didn’t make it for the entrance examination for tertiary studies,

that’s why he can only handle one drama per year.

Although he has put in effort, he still has not fully mastered English and Japanese.

But surely, undoubtedly, he is someone with wisdom.

In the year 2004, each and every decision he made;

each and every choice he took were ample proof of his wisdom.

When he left his previous agency, he chose to join Hanshin.

But not long after inking the contract, he discovered that Hanshin’s incompetence.

So he decisively rescinded the contract despite suffering financial losses for doing so.

But the developments after he formed his own management company BOF

proved that he was right, proved that his decision was a sound one.

As for his entry and development in the Japanese market,

he could jolly well have chosen to work with the best and the biggest agency,

but he chose to work with the small setup, IMX.

In many people’s eyes, and by many people’s standards,

this was perhaps a foolish move.

But based on BYJ’s principle-based working style and his dogged attitude,

it would not have been a win-win situation had he chosen to work with a big corporation.

In fact, the resultant outcome would probably be that both parties would not gain

and would probably end up parting ways in less than desirable manner,

had he worked with a big organization.

But IMX is different.

As BYJ’s office in Japan, they will only do as per BYJ’s style and instructions.

The path ahead can only be smooth and steady when there are no internal conflicts or in-fighting.

He used his busy schedule as an excuse not to meet Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi.

But yet he could make time to fly to the States to attend the wedding of a BOF staff.

In life, there are more people who are more than willing to do everything

to please the important people,

and so few people would brush off such opportunities to rub shoulders

with the high and mighty people.

Faced with such an opportunity, he chose not to have anything to do with politics.

Most would be overwhelmed and jump at the chance,

but he possesses a rare quality of being able to remain calm,

detached and clear-headed, so he said no.

BYJ’s courage has always been something that I admire and respect.

And in the year of 2004, he once again proved that he’s worthy of the word 勇

[Yong = it means being brave and courageous] in his name.

He was brave in challenging himself, in trying out something different for himself.

He decided to produce a photo album that was different from the rest.

In today’s pop world, producing photo albums is commonplace,

so there’s nothing unusual about him wanting to come up with one.

What’s surprising was the making of this album.

In all honesty, with his huge popularity,

all he needed to do was to carry on with his usual style.

Just pick a few picturesque spots, hire a couple of renowned photographers,

take maybe ten days or two weeks to take some pictures…

This would have safely secured him much revenue easily.

And everyone would be happy.

But no, he would not cut any corners,

he would not take shortcuts.

He refused to treat his promise to give his fans a special gift lightly;

he had promised them a special gift to commemorate his 10th anniversary

in the entertainment industry.

He spent some six to seven months’ time to re-create his physique.

He bore the pain and hardship and pushed his own limits.

He totally disregarded his usual genteel, clean and elegant gentleman image

and risked everything, really risked everything.

He wanted a keepsake that was totally, completely and absolutely him,

and not of any character or role he played.

Fans are notoriously fickle-minded.

Until the sales numbers came in, no one really knew the outcome.

No one could really predict with any certainty whether his effort would bear fruit.

No one knew if that project would make it,

and whether he would suffer huge financial loss,

and whether he would lose all his fame and popularity.

But the courageous man persevered.

Despite how many fans expressed their inability to understand why he was doing so,

he did not look back and pressed on with his decision

and continued to give more of himself.

Fortunately, there were still many, many fans who understood him

and why he did the things he did, and they accepted his every decision unconditionally.

In just a few short weeks, his photo exhibition in Tokyo achieved a record of 60,000 visitors.

The first print run of 100,000 copies of his photo album were sold out

exactly 21 days after its first release. This was almost a miraculous record.

He stuck to his principles and turned down NHK’s invitation

for him to appear in the annual Red-White program.

Every year come 31st December, the Red-White event is a Japanese tradition,

and it boasts of the highest viewership rating in Japan.

So many artistes crack their heads just to wrangle an invitation to appear on the program.

Faced with NHK’s repeated invitation,

faced with pressure from fans and media alike, he did not succumb.

He who had never appeared in any variety shows in Korea

since he entered the industry did not give up his principles.

To be able to stand tall and stand firm when faced with such pressure and temptation…

Such courage is truly admirable.

His courage was also evident in how he admitted to mistakes

and how he assumed responsibility.

He’s no saint and he too errs.

But he absolutely has enough courage in him to face consequences.

When he visited Tokyo last November,

there were about 1,000 fans who waited overnight at the hotel he stayed in.

The following morning, when he was about to set off

to attend the opening ceremony of his photo exhibition,

he decided to go against the police’s instructions,

to go against what was agreed with the hotel, he had to see his fans.

Due to miscommunication between the hotel and IMX,

his sudden appearance resulted in ten fans suffering minor injuries in the scuffle.

Subsequently, he cancelled all promotional activities related to the opening of the exhibition.

The press conference became a platform for him to apologize publicly.

Before the very eyes of the media, he took the blame squarely upon his shoulders

and he bore all responsibility for the mishap.

Reporters are known to be difficult to please.

Had he displayed any sign of cowardice or had he shirked responsibility,

his popularity in Japan would surely plummet all the way, to the lowest of low valleys.

Fortunately he did not.

And fortunately both media and fans did not fault him at all.

Maybe it was how he showed genuine affection and how sincere

he was in wanting to meet with his fans.

At that point when the IMX President tried to stop him,

he said, “If I don’t meet my fans, for what do I come to Japan?”

In the year of 2004, BYJ was indeed red hot in Asia.

But he was not the one making loud noises,

nor was he the one who was creating the commotion.

Regardless of the gossip and rumours, no matter the money-making opportunities,

irrespective of his ever-increasing fame,

the man standing right in the middle of the huge wave was

and is still the very same one.

In the eye of the storm, this man remains as he is,

cool and collected as before,

brave and courageous as before,

principled and disciplined as before,

silent and reticent as before.

He displayed all the worthy qualities of a true gentleman in every sense of the word,

in the way he valued money, in the way he earned money,

in the way he spent money and others.

2004 was a year that BYJ carried out a fair number of commercial activities within Japan.

Other than commercials, what was perhaps most important

was the series of activities that related to the launch of his photo album.

For instance, the photo exhibition, the posters, postcards, etc.

With regard to these, some people had negative comments

and said that the merchandise were over-priced.

But the truth is this: he had a choice,

he could have chosen to go more high-end and exclusive

and thereby producing products of higher quality;

or he could have chosen to go for the mass market with lower price

and of course lower quality as well.

It is hard to say which would yield more commercial and financial benefits.

But I personally feel that the former strategy would be more befitting

of his regale and princely image.

And… by no means is he doing any hard selling,

so no one is forced to sell anything or buy anything.

What wrong did he do?

What was more important was how he used his money.

Spanning across the Asian entertainment scene,

BYJ only truly came up on top in the year 2004.

Before that, for the longest time, there’re countless public figures

who are more famous than him, and far richer than him.

Yet people who truly forked out substantial amounts for charity

are far and in between.

In contrast, BYJ’s agency has yet to establish and make a name for itself,

this relative newcomer who is just starting to carve a career in the pan-Asian market

kept donating money… money that had just reached his pockets.

Was it because he was unusually rich? Obviously not.

Was it because he hungered for the fame that would follow his generosity?

The year 2004 belonged to him, need he have resorted to this for more fame and glory?

I can only say BYJ’s smile is not the only thing that is warm about him,

and his aristocratic image is not the only element that is noble about him.

He is as beautiful inside as he is on the outside.

Or maybe it is because he is such a beautiful being inside

that he looks so perfect on the outside?

Regardless, here is a man who is so generous, gentle and genuine,

a very fine specimen of a human being.

Only the truly good man will prevail and succeed in life.

Only the truly good ones can make it all the way to the top.

And once there, right at the summit, he does not hanker for the material things in life,

he does not betray his own values for financial rewards,

and to be able to constantly have a gracious heart and a generous soul…

Doesn’t a person like that deserve all the love in the world?

Doesn’t a person like that deserve to be well-loved by the world over?

Looking at the BYJ of 2004, there are people who asked,

“For how long will BYJ shine in this fickle world of ours?”

Yes, no one can remain at the top forever and ever.

In the entertainment industry where the new replaces the old so quickly

and in a world where everyone is so hurried and scurried…

the BYJ phenomenon that we had witnessed in 2004 was miracle enough.

Yes, flowers they bloom and flowers they do wilt.

But… when the flowers finally fade away, what remains is a field of lush green.

The lush green will stay silently for a long, long time to come,

together with the trees and together with the mountains.

These are elements in life that will be here to stay.

- By bairimengzhu

- Written in 2005, Lunar New Year

[Guest frances]

translated & posted by Joanne in Quilt

BYJ is in US

Gaulyeoja posted a post-script of PIFF.

In it, she mentioned that BYJ is in US for shooting a CF.

That part is translated ~~

"Mr. Yang we met....

after finishing the conversation with audience (with director Hur Jinho of 'Oe Chool(April Snow)')..

He gave us BYJ's news ~

He told us that BYJ is now in US..

According to what we heard after that, BYJ went to US on 7..

They say he went to US to shoot a CF...."

[Guest frances]

~~ finally !!! Korean Media is being reminded of its responsibility for objective and fair reporting !!!!

From My Daily home

translated & posted by Joanne in BYJ's Quilt Freeboard

'A letter for Korean media’ by BYJ’s Chinese fans [MD Reporters’ Seat]

[My Daily] 10/9/05 09:55:31]

There is increasing expectation of film ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’(Directed by Hur Jinho, Produced by Blue Storm), featuring BYJ & SYJ, which will be made public in 100 theaters in 20 cities in China including Beijing and Shanghai from coming November 5.

For BYJ, never having once made an official visit to China until now, and also related works have never been formally screened, the situation is that the film ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ is going to be his first debut work in China, and a ‘letter for Korean media from BYJ’s Chinese family’ , that expresses worries about domestic media’s reports on the film ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ before advancing to huge Chinese market, is becoming a topic of talks.

BYJ’s Chinese fans have already sent in the past July a placard along with personal autographs of 10,000 fans, wishing BYJ’s visit to China and release of the film ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ in China, under the title of '無限支待 唯有勇俊'(Forever Waiting for Only BYJ)’ to BYJ’s agency, BOF, and HwahaCompany in China, a film importer-distributor.

The ‘letter for Korean media from BYJ’s Chinese family’ begins, “……(omit) No matter how much negative writings, if they are opinions that do not incline toward prejudice, we gladly welcome them. We are not fanatic fans who cannot unconditionally accept any critical opinions……(omit in the middle)…….We have been waiting for the experts to shed light on BYJ’s faults. By doing that, BYJ, with his faults in his mind, can devote bigger efforts in next work in order to improve them. We, BYJ’s family’ would never assume that all media and critics have to give favorable opinions on film ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ and his acting”.

However, expressing “serious worries about recent articles by Korean media”, it showed sense of apprehension that the speculative reports which are not based on the objective facts or distorted reports based on the preconceived ideas of the authors would lead grave influence in countries with the opening (of the film) ahead of them sooner or later. It added that countless Chinese web sites actually translate and post those news articles, and it is a big problem because even the Chinese media also transfer them as they are.

And, evaluating that “as messengers of Korean culture, the Korean dramas and BYJ has been promoting cultural communication in Asia, especially in East Asia”, it appealed that “they could not understand why Korean media are trying to make this flow to wither to death so frantically like that” as they think that the good opportunity like now would be difficult to come again.

This lengthy piece of writing, the ‘letter for Korean media from BYJ’s Chinese family’ also became known in Japan so that it created big sympathy among fans, and ultimately the situation reached that Mr. Sohn Ilhyeong, the president of BYJ’s Japanese agency, IMX, declared his opinion under the title of ‘Regarding recent reports’ at around 9 PM on 7.

”Although there are many reports on critical evaluation on the film, and BYJ’s future plans, as we have been doing all the while and also in the future, if there needs any confirmation if it is true or not, we will inform you, family, on public notice. Please remember before the ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ was crank in. There were many speculative reports such as articles on shooting schedule or opposite actress, etc. Of course, besides them, similar newspaper articles were repeated in numerous times. Although I am tremendously sorry about reports or slanders which are not based on fact, they could not shake up trust between Mr. BYJ and his family, and it is only tiring to laugh and cry one by one of articles in newspapers & magazines of TV reports. The reports by mass media could be references…, Of course there are many good news, I think that the evaluation on works and actors has to be entrusted to your own sensibility all the way.”

Amidst the expanding of the ‘Korean Current hot wind’ to entire Asian region, the eyes of Asian press toward Korean Current stars are not necessarily only warm. It is the proof that it is getting attention to the extent it is the object of guarding, and the reality is that distorted information and counter-information are spreading in the internet era when all things rise as the objects of interest, apart from the fact if the information is correct of not, and are introduced and circulated as they are without any filtration.

In addition, the movements by ‘Anti-Korean Current’, which are spreading recently like ‘Hate-Korean Current’ in Japan and ‘Resist-Korean Current’ in China, are not the trivial matters. There is big worry that if we leave them alone any longer, not only the Korean Current itself would be threatened, but even the national image would be also distorted and in the end it would bring an enormous loss to the national interest.

For the present Korean media, this is the time when the sense of duty to make objective reports based upon facts & to bring the truth to light, and composure of offering opportunity for readers to judge , is necessary. .We have to manage the ‘community where we all live together’ with more criticism with love, not education for readers, and not the unconditional criticism or praises.

It is because that is the way of exploring ‘Asian Current’ through ‘Asiatic solidarity’ jumping over the limits of ‘Korean Current’ and obstacles of ‘Anti-Korean Current’ and the advanced blue print of the ‘Korean Current’ which is directly connected to national interest.

BYJ told on an interview with My Daily on the past 6 that “While I have been doing works, in certain moment, I feel not only the part of acting but also still another social responsibility and sense of weight including cultural communication as a Korea Current star,”, and while saying especially, “Although cultures of Hong Kong and Japan entered in Korea in the past, there was part that they were made into the flow of the cultural community,” and emphasized that “As the current, we ourselves are making, would become a common sentiment which can be shared in Asia so that ( I hope) it would accomplish qualitative growth of the Asian culture..”

The ‘Korean Current’ which the world are paying attention now, in the middle of the popularity drive of the ‘Korean Current’ blowing in Asia where it settles as a social phenomenon not as a simple boom, and as a part of life, all the information wired out of Korea are circulation with ‘Korean Current’ culture without time difference and going beyond national boundaries. I get to mull over the mission and power of press once again in the era when the information is also a cultural power and national power.

[A placard containing messages of 10,000 members of BYJ’s Chinese fan club wishing BYJ’s visit to China and the release of the ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ in China(Top, Photo source=BOF), the poster of film ‘Oe Chool(April Snow)’ which is setting new box-office record of Korean films in various Asian countries(Middle, Photo source=Blue Storm), BYJ getting attention from the press in various Asian countries as a star representing Korean Current(Bottom, Photo source=My Daily Photo DB]

Reported from Tokyo, Lee Taemoon,gounworld@mydaily.co.kr, www.mydaily.co.kr

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