Kyu Jong Love, Part 2

More interviews, more KJ loving~

"Extraordinary Female Make-Up Photo, Hoping to be Pretty but Simply Transvestite."
lol.  I think you're pretty, KJ!  But I'm glad it was simply androgynous and not all-out cross-dressing with a wig. XD  I'm really proud of KJ for trying something never done before, even knowing it would attract negative responses.
I like how he explained his concept: white to cover other colors of himself and only show this new side; and feminine to signify a resemblence to the ex-girlfriend who has "become a part of" the man and his longing for her.  So it really does fit into his song.  How creative, artistic, and deep. <3
Also, it's so KJ of him to sympathize with women and their efforts to be pretty while doing this. ^_^

"Decided to retire when people made me feel too burdened."
Aww, poor sensitive, sweet KJ!  But I'm so glad he decided to keep going!  "The heart that got hurt by people can only be healed through people."  Thank goodness for his family, friends, members (especially YS), and fans' support which gave him strength.
He is definitely suitable as a singer.  He has a sweet voice, an ability to make you feel the sentiments in the song, and of course the handsome look and dancing ability.  And he's improved a lot for this solo, in singing and stage presence.  (Must be his Goong musical experience. ^^)
"Yesterday" is really similar to KJ: doesn't stand out at first, but the more you hear, the more you love. <3

"Afraid to make mistakes."
Wow, everything Kyu Jong says is gold! XD  He has such a pure heart and thoughtful mind.
I wonder what "temptations" KJ is talking about. ^^;  But I love that he wants to get married to avoid temptation and also give his parents grandchildren before they're too old.  Even something so personal as marital bliss, KJ still thinks of others' happiness.
And again, he always views his solo as a representative of SS501 more than his own success.

Also, first solo stage!  Fantastic!  Almost perfect vocals, flawlessly smooth dancing (sexy suspenders dance!), and what charisma!  I want to call him Kya~Jong now. XD

I Love Kyu Jong

Thanks to Ode for translating (and Liezle for sharing) this interview with Kyu Jong.

Seriously, KJ is the sweetest guy I've ever known (of).  He's just so humble, kind-hearted, warm, sensible, thoughtful, eloquent, and absolutely sincere. ♥  Whether he's giddy as a school girl or as deep as a philosopher, I love reading KJ's messages/interviews the most.  He always knows exactly what to say to ease fans' doubts, remind us why we love SS501 (he is its Core, after all), and make us feel warm and fuzzy. ^___^

I love how, even when he's doing solo, he still views his role as SS501's Center first and only strives to make the group name and fans proud, rather than look for personal glory.  And I love how he said that their solo experience would make each of them stronger so that when they return as a group they would be equal and better than ever, and that he dreams about a time when they will sing a bit of their own solo songs while standing on the same stage.  That is exactly how I feel!

KJ once again reaffirmed SS501's eventual comeback and their close bonds that need no explanation or proof. He is truly our Eternal Center. ♥

Fun Weekend

Personal journal entry. Skippable. ^^

Kim Kyu Jong 1st solo!

Kyu Jong released his Turn Me On mini album and "Yesterday" MV!!

1. No More Yes - Ooh, cool and catchy! It's good enough that it would've made a solid title track for another idol group (like UKISS for example). It just has that characteristic kpop hook.  But I'm glad KJ went with something different.

2. Yesterday - Not the usual kpop, refreshing, but still melodic and catchy.  The first time I heard it, I wasn't sure, but it was already stuck in my head, and the more I listen to it, the more I like it.  Somehow, the tune reminds me of a modernized trot song.  ;P  I love when music producers mix classical and pop sounds.  KJ's voice is still gentle as always, but he definitely sounds fuller and shows more range than before.  I also like his whispered parts with the violin, even though the strings part is driving me crazy because it sounds so familiar but I can't figure out why! XD

3. My Love - Although not my usual style, I can't help but like this song, too (like with YS's "Out the Club").  Very funky.  Makes me feel like dancing.  Woot~ RapSaeng!  (I thought he started with "Why yes!", but then I realized he was saying "Y.S.!" lol)  It's so cool how KJ and YS rap in each other's songs. ^^

4. Get Ya Love - Ah, I love when KJ does smooth, sexy R&B. I think he does that best. "I wanna get ya love~" *melt*  This and "Yesterday" are my favorites.  KJ could have just as well used this as a title track.  I hope he performs this, too. :)

5. Get Ya Love (Acoustic version) - It sounds great like this, too!  Very warm and sweet. *sigh*  Like SS501's acoustic version of "Let Me Be the One". ♥

It's official; I instantly love all the songs on this mini album.  That almost never happens (even with my biases)!  Gotta give credit to B2M because I immediately liked all the songs in both YS and KJ's mini albums, while it took me a few listens to like JM's "Go Go", HJB's "oH! aH!", and well, some KHJ songs I still don't like. ^^;

Great job, Kyu Jong and Taewan and Sangwon and B2M! "Turn Me On" is a really enoyable, well-made album. I love all the songs, and again, that's saying something.



The MV is very nice!  So suave~.  KJ looks really, really handsome!

The story is simpler than what I had dreamed up, but it is a breakup happening behind-the-scenes of KJ's filming, so that's cool.  And whatever the plot lacks, KJ's acting more than makes up for it.  His reactions, his gestures, and especially his eyes were so expressive and nuanced.  Seriously, he's turned into the best actor in SS501.  I'm so proud, and I can't wait to see him in a drama!

And the Suspenders Dance!  :D  Creative, sexy, and kinda cute at the same time, classic KJ.  It's like the next generation of the "UR Man" jacket dance.  I was like :O when he took off his jacket, and then he started doing those smooth moves with the suspenders.. :Q  Love it.

SS501 mansae! Kim Kyu Jong fighting! "Turn Me On"! daebak!

Jung Min in Malaysia

JM performed at the Korean Music Wave concert in M'sia.  He performed "Not Alone" (man, how I've missed his stage!), "Do You Know" (strong enough, but just a bit out-of-tune in some parts =/), "Every Day Is Christmas" (kya~ cute butt dance!), "Missing You" (omg, 1st time singing the Princess' Man OST! perfect pitch and emotion. beautiful!), and "Go Go" (again, love the sexy tango choreography and dramatic staging).



Here's photos and fancams.  JM always looks good in all black, but I'm loving his new tanned look, especially with his sweat glistening on his neck and collar bone. *_*  It's so cute how he spoke in Mandarin, looked for his note, found the wrong one, got flustered, and had to resort back to Korean. XD  But then he found the right paper and spoke a whole paragraph in Malay for the audience. ("Hello.  How are you, everybody?  We will do our best here in M'sia to give you the best show.")  King of Fanservice! ♥

The only bad thing is this article: Malaysia feels the Hallyu Wave, thanks to SS501's Park Jung Min.  Lots of people are commenting that JM's reception was not the biggest at the concert, especially compared to GD&TOP. Honestly, I believe them.  -_-;  Even I was surprised that he was singled out from all the acts.  But even if he wasn't the most popular, I think he showed the most warmth and was an excellent representative of the Korean Wave to M'sia, and that's why he was chosen, so I'm very proud.  And although I knew there'd be a backlash reaction from other artists' fans, I wish they would respect JM, just as I respect that their idols are more popular.  After all, SS501 had been at the front of the Kpop wave and always leaving a good image since 2009.

Edit to add: Full performance fancam by SGTS! :D

Belle's PJM MY KMW 2011 Concert from blancbelle on Vimeo.

Jung Min's "Your Color" MV!!

OMG.  How did I not know about this until now?!  I've been looking for a clear full audio of this song, and by serendipity I found the actual MV! :D  Ahh I love this song.  It perfectly showcases Jung Min's rich, strong, versatile, and expressive voice.  *melts* ♥

Doesn't this song just sound Japanese? XD  I don't remember where I read it, but I think JM said he wrote the lyrics (in Jap.). ^^ Also, JM looks so good in Love Song in August.  When he corners her, lies with her, sings to her, and kisses her..! *swoon*

My reaction to fans' reactions to other fans' reactions to Kyu Jong's concept photos...XD

I'm glad I didn't look at Liezle's blog post about Kyu Jong's 1st concept photos (and its 120 comments) until now.  o_0  The post itself is fine, and most of the comments were good, but there were a few that got my blood boiling.

Like the idiots who said they hated the concept and therefore wouldn't buy KJ's album.  Seriously, WTF?  You decide not to pay any attention to someone's music because of three preview photos?  *shakes fist of righteous indignation*  Also, I got annoyed with KHJ-bias fans who got worked up over someone just mentioning and benignly comparing KJ and KHJ. So we're not even allowed to point out that sometimes they look alike?  It's a crime?  Or an insult?  Which in itself is an insult to KJ because they're saying KHJ is so much better than KJ.  Some even said "KHJ wouldn't have to resort to this stunt like KJ because he's popular enough." RAGE.

But thankfully, the negative comments made up only about 10%.  80% were like "Hm, questionable concept, but I support KJ fully no matter what!"  :D  And the last 10% were wonderful responses to the bad comments, calmly explaining the difference between bashing and constructive criticism, kindly asking people to be rational and polite, and reminding that we're all TripleS and should support all SS501 members.  This was my favorite fan comment, possibly ever:

Hi girls, please remember that we are all TripleS, alright?

Please take note of what we've been writing (: Some of the comments aren't very kind! Although they haven't done activities together in a while, don't forget their expectations for us! SS501 want their green peas to be polite and peace-loving, and that's how we've been for the past couple of years, so don't leave hateful comments, okay? (:

We've come so far together as TripleS now, let's not spoil our good reputation ^^

Be rational, calm and mature.

P.s I love the pictures, and I love Kyu as well. I will support him no matter what, just as how I will support the other members.

Thank you, Anonymous @ 8:23 PM.  This is exactly the reason why I love Triple S as much as I love SS501.  ^_____^

The Controversy of Pearls

I admit, the pearls were shocking.  But I'm glad to see that the majority of people supports Kyu Jong no matter what.  And surprisingly, some are even starting to like the pearls (the more I look at it, the more okay it seems).

But geez, I didn't think the pearls would bother this many people this much. -_-;

Okay, I get it, some styles just don't work (ex. SuJu's horrendous "Mr. Simple" wardrobe). It's not my cup of tea either. But when people drag in sexual orientation into it, it's not just unfashionable to them, it's uncomfortable, wrong. Pearls are too associated with women and it looks too close to cross-dressing (in a serious way; if it was comedic, they'd be fine with it).

I hate when people leave "gay much?" and other stupid comments.  Really?  Right, so... Guyliner, eyeshadow, makeup, earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, hairdye, bright cutesy clothes, or skirts on guys is okay, but pearls are too much. >_< They don't make him gay; they make him bold and original. And he makes them sexy.

Male idols wear just as much makeup and jewelry accessories as female idols nowadays. Does it really make that much difference if it's a pearl necklace, not a metal or plastic one?

One fan said soon pearls will be the newest "in" thing because of KJ.  I hope so.  Just like when people were freaking out about SS501's REBIRTH concept photos and their heavy smoky makeup, and now almost every male idol wears it.  Or what about when Hyung Jun (and Big Bang) wore the man-skirts?  And once upon a time when it used to be weird for guys to wear earrings. (Look, KJ's wearing three in the teaser!)

Bottom line: I don't love the pearls, but I love the concept.  The pearls aren't the point.  The concept is white and black, pure and dark, female and male beauty.  Kind of Yin-and-Yang.  I think it's interesting and beautiful.  And I'm actually very proud of Kyu Jong for trying something so daring--and being confident and man enough to make it work. ;)

Kyu Jong's "TURN ME ON" teaser!

Kyaaaaa~ LOVE IT.

Love KJ's soft, sensual voice. His great, intense acting. His sophisticated, sexy look. The orchestral melody (but looks like there'll also be a dance beat?). The flashy but classy set with the emotional story aspect.

I am officially teased, and I can't wait for the full MV and mini album!!

Edit to add:

Hmm, I wonder if the pretty instrumental in the teaser is actually part of "Yesterday".  Because Young Saeng's teaser had the "Let It Go" part over different music (a song used only in the teaser).  I hope KJ's title track is similar in feeling to the teaser (like YS's was), if not the same song.  I'd like him to do something more soulful than another dance track like "Wussup".

Also, I'm hoping the storyline isn't just a regular painful breakup one.  It looks like KJ is brooding around a filming stage and getting upset in a dressing room, so it'd be cool if it was a celeb love story happening behind-the-scenes of KJ's MV shoot (kinda breaking-the-fourth-wall fiction).

4 Cool Finds

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK KITTEN.

Taken from this NPR news article on HIV research.  Amazing, adorable, and advancing life-saving science! :D

JEDI KITTENS (Strike Back):

lol I love this.  I thought Part 1 was great, but this is pretty awesome CGI and cute. XD

The Lonely Island w/ Michael Bolton

I heard about the Lonely Island medley on the Emmys last night and looked it up.  Been listening and laughing to this ever since.  Classic!

Edit to Add:  "Online Gamers Crack AIDS Enzyme Puzzle".  Very cool.



Keane

I love Keane's first album Hopes and Fears.  "Somewhere Only We Know" is one of my favorite songs ever.

It's just too bad that only the UK edition included the last song "On A Day Like Today", which is really beautiful and would've been perfect on the album.  Lately I keep playing it on repeat.

Apology Not Accepted

After music producer Ryan S. Jhun's Twitter tantrum and tirade, in which he blamed KARA's successful comeback for UKISS not winning awards, insulted Kara and damaged UKiss' image, and incited a fanwar, the "Neverland" composer posted an official apology.

Well, I say "too little, too late, jackass."  I can believe he regrets his behavior (since he's now hated and probably jobless), but I don't think he's sorry. >< He can't say he will "support Kara and UKiss" after insulting both groups and their fandoms. Did he even take back what he said about Kara being just dancers who can't even sing? Maybe if he'd said that both Kara and UKiss are idol groups that sing and dance, and that he was wrong to put down one to promote the other, then his letter might seem more sincere. But it sounds like he's not sorry for the insults, just for tweeting about them. That's not the same! It definitely won't go away. Fans, and the industry, which will want to avoid controversy and the fans' wrath, won't let him put it behind him.  And he deserves it. /rant

RAWR.

Random Fandom Update

Kara's live streaming events are really fun and full of juicy content.  (Still worth the wait, but since they share the video later, I might not stay up just to catch it live. ^^;)  I love watching the behind-the-scenes of their comeback preparation and even their special showcase.  Looking forward to more.

There was even an article about Kara's MV on Ryan Seacrest's blog!  Random, but really great for them!  *proud Kamilia*  And YAY, Kara's "Step" is winning #1s on their comeback week! Congrats!  :D

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I saw a couple of clips from the Japanese remake of You're Beautiful.  It feels weird to watch, kinda like a play with Jap. actors trying to recreate the role.  I guess that's how all remakes are, but it didn't feel so awkward when I watched the Korean Boys Over Flowers and the Taiwanese BOF (Meteor Garden).  Maybe because I love YB sooo much.  (Or, superficially, the Jap. actors just aren't as good-looking as the originals. ^^;;)  But I like the lead actress (I watched her recording-and-crying scene, and it was good), and Jang Geun Suk's cameo. XD

Speaking of Jap. dramas about girls pretending to be guys, I just found out there's a live-action Jap. drama version of Ouran High School Host Club. @_@  This is even weirder, seeing Jap. actors play some of my favorite anime characters.  The script is followed pretty closely, and they even use special effects for the silly not-realistic-only-in-anime moments.  But after the initial shock and a couple of episodes later, it's actually pretty cute.  I'll keep watching if I can find the subs.

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Totally random fandom LOL:  Scientists have discovered a real-life "Tatooine", a planet that revolves around two suns.  "Binary Sunset" for realz! XDDD

"Not Alone" featured in Animax CF!

The instrumental version of Jung Min's "Not Alone" is used in a TV spot for Animax, the largest anime network!  It could be seen all over Asia and even parts of Europe and the rest of the world!  The song is so exciting, emotional, and epic, really fits the tag line: "Some stories need to be told: in Anime style!"  Congrats, JM! ^_^

Old Fandoms Renewed

Lately, I've been on a fandom flashback kick.

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I have the urge to re-watch the Star Wars movies (even the prequels *gasp*).  Must be because of the new BluRay editions coming out, with even more changes to the original films.  *obligatory eyeroll*  I mean, I'm not a SW purist or anything; I grew up watching the 1998 Special Editions on VHS, and I appreciate the improved special effects; but a lot of the changes unnecessarily or even negatively alter the story-telling.  This is, like, the 3rd revision?  George Lucas, please stop tinkering already. XD;

Sadly, I don't think there'll ever be the "perfect version" for me, since I like some changes and dislike others from all the editions.  But I never get tired of this classic scene:

Ah, "Binary Sunset", that theme always makes me emotional.  It just overflows with wonder and destiny on the horizon. *o*

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Next is Teen Titans!  Being a big DC fan, this is one of my favorite cartoon series.  I love the anime-inspired style and humor, and I love all the characters.  ;D  Some of the silly filler episodes are skipable, but the major story arcs that span each season are really well done, the writing exciting, suspensful, emotional, and satisfying, especially for a "kid's show".

I watched the first 10 episodes of Young Justice recently, and it's pretty good so far.  It's literally like a younger version of Justice League. It's not as wacky fun as Teen Titans, and some of the "teenisms" are cheesy, but at least it's not over-stylized and annoying like The Batman.  (Surprisingly, I still love Robin, even if he's suddenly the youngest member, not the leader, has a quirky fascination with humorous grammar, and is played by, of all people, Jesse McCartney. lol)

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Lastly, Avatar: The Last Airbender.  Again, this is one of my favorite animated series.  Unique concept and world, beautiful art and music, fantastic writing and acting, both fun and epic.  Sometimes I still feel the need to buy it. XD

Feeling nostalgic, I randomly looked it up and was ecstatic to find out that there'll be a second Airbender series coming next year!  :D  It's called The Legend of Korra, and it's about the next Avatar after Aang, about 70 years after the first series.  It's supposed to be more mature but still keep its action, humor, and romance.  I can't wait!  The trailer looks awesome!

KARA - STEP MV

Yay!  The song is great, and the MV is fun! :D  The more I listen, the more I like it.



After the 2nd Teaser, I was expecting something more bubbly, but it turned out to be more powerful.  It's still a good, fun pop song, just with a stronger feel.  The lyrics, too, are bright but not shallow, a song of encouragement to "step it up", more than cheerful, almost empowering.  Like SS501, I think Kara's music is becoming more sophisticated, with more layers and variation, but with the same fun, charming heart. ^^

The MV itself is nothing special, and actually, the outfits (with the exception of the dresses) are pretty tacky.  XD;  But the song, the energetic club atmosphere, the girls' prettiness, and the dance make it good.  The choreography is interesting, some parts are a bit more complicated (both upper and lower body) than their previous routines, while others have the simple, notable moves they're known for, so it's both fresh and familiar.  I can't wait to see their live comeback stages!

And I'm also looking forward to the Live Kara Show on YT this Wed. Especially after Sun. and the Great International Kamilia Online Convention aka The Day Kamilias Around the World Trolled Themselves.  LOL

You've Fallen For Me (aka Heartstrings)

Quite an enjoyable drama!  At first I only watched it casually, mostly for Park Shin Hye.  It had a decent start (the musical aspect piqued my interest), although a bit disjointed, setting up all the little storylines/relationships.  But around the middle, the focus returned to the main plot/couple, and the show progressed really well, with nice, light drama and romance.  The end had a typical last-minute obstacle and rushed happy ending, but well executed.

That pretty much describes Heartstrings: simple but well done.  The writing (plot and script) wasn't anything spectacular, but the show did a good job with what it had and was elevated by the combination of the cast chemistry (Jung Yonghwa improved a lot since You're Beautiful and turned out to be very charming in this role), the breezy directorial style (which looked amazing compared to Playful Kiss), and the great OST (loved the Western/Traditional fusion, sweet love songs, and musical numbers).

I usually wish that shows I like had more episodes, but I think it's actually good that Heartstrings didn't get an extension and was, in fact, shortened to 15 instead of 16 (due to PSH getting into a car accident halfway through).  Another episode isn't needed; the plot is already fleshed out and satisfactorily resolved, and much screen time was given to musical performances, rather than story, anyway.  Any more, and the show would've been too slow or contrived, so it ends just right.

I didn't expect to like this drama this much, but it's really made me love PSH even more, fall for Yonghwa just a bit, and listen to the OST constantly since it ended.  I give it a B+. ^_^

Now if only PSH and Jang Geun Suk would re-unite for a drama! ;D