Note: This is a must read article for those who want to know more about Jang Keun Suk. The person who write this article is not an eel (a Jang Keun Suk’s fan) and he is a male, his view is pretty objectively from a outsider to see Jang Keun Suk. Thanks to Wendy Yeo translated this good article for us.
The Jang Keun Suk in my eyes
- written after Cri Show 2012.8.11 in Shanghai
8th November 2011. 7.30pm. Jang Keun Suk Cri Show II at Mercedes-Benz Arena. Thankfully for Tong Yi Orange Juice Enterprise, which has the exclusive privilege of sponsoring for the Cri Show II, I have a chance to be able to attend the concert as one of the staff. It was very honorable to be able to experience Jang Keun Suk’s amazing charm.
Prior to endorsing Tong Yi Orange Juice, I have no knowledge of Jang Keun Suk’s news. Eventually, I came to understand his sincerity, cuteness, frankness, outgoing and confidence personality. Today in the concert, I see a Jang Keun Suk who is positive, hardworking, full of characters and fought his way up, step by step, ambitiously.
1. Knowing Jang Keun Suk
1. Advertisement shoots – He is a cheeky boy.
Although I am not so lucky to be able to work with Jang Keun Suk and Park Min Young for the advertisement shoots, many other staff involved shared their experiences. Let me summarise as such:
He is a very amiable artist who does not have the usual “artist’s airs”. During the shooting, he was very professional. He did not get into a fit even if it required him to work overtime till late night due to unforeseen circumstances. In fact, he insisted in completing the shots to perfection. His cheekiness and frankness filled the air and everyone around him felt comfortable and happy. He is such a big boy. From the photographs taken, he was rich in his expressions. In fact, I had overheard the manager “sighed” while he was selecting the photographs for the event. Jang Keun Suk was too expressive. He did not know exactly which one to choose as all of them were filled with his rich expression. On the contrary, Park Min Young’s demureness might seem to be a little reserved (Well, she did many cute shots too!). And because of these differences, Jang Keun Suk’s expression seems “exaggerated”, especially placing him beside Park Min Young. Thank goodness for the quantity of photographs taken, there were enough prints to be used.
2. Tong Yi Press Conference – His powerful hugs
Jang Keun Suk and Park Min Young were present at the press conference in Beijing for their endorsement of the product as well as the official listing. We arranged and organised some fans who were able to interact with the two artistes on stage.
Two very lucky fans were selected by Jang Keun Suk and Park Min Young respectively. In this segment, they were invited to the stage to be with their idols in close proximity. The two fans shed tears of excitement when this unexpected lady luck befell upon them.
In the next segment, there were two very special fans – a 53 years old Aunty and a 12 years old, youngest fan (This 12 years old fans burned midnight oil to write a very long, touching letter expressing her love for Park Min Young. She begged us not to disqualify her eligibility to join in the contest because of her age. The letter touched us tremendously and she participated the event with a guardian). The presence of the two fans showed the level of popularity of Jang Keun Suk and Park Min Young.
“您好”! (Hi!) Jang Keun Suk greeted the two fans in his newly acquired Mandarin and he gave them a tight hug. You can tell his sincerity and passion as he hugged them with strength. Throughout the interactions, the two artistes were humble. The audiences who went to the event were immersed in the constant laughter and sincere greetings of the two artistes. Comparing the two, Park Min Young appeared to be more reserved. She was relatively more polite in giving the hugs to the fans comparing to Jang Keun Suk’s warm hugs. At the end of the event, they took photographs together and our prince was very cooperative too.
3. Happy Camp’s Jang Keun Suk – Honest and popular Prince
Jang Keun Suk presented the playful side of him at Happy Camp. The deepest impression I had was Jang Keun Suk fell to his feet and sat under the table when he “created” the huge foam. I really could not help but say that our Mr Handsome was really too cute O∩_∩)O! Not forgetting his signature dance moves – right hand on the floor, legs wide open and he moved up and down with his buttock. Everyone could not help but laugh at his cheekiness. Likewise, he was laughing at his own cheekiness and playfulness even though he had done that for many times. You will definitely be drawn to him due to his cheerfulness. Also, when Ho Ling took out a bottle of Tong Yi orange juice (without the label), Handsome Jang pointed to the bottle and said immediately, in all innocence, “Tong Yi Orange juice, more c more beauty!” Everyone was shocked that he could recognize the drink with label! He is so straightforward – Noticed the drink and shouted out his lines. It was just so simple for him.
According to the reports on 16th June, Happy Camp – Jang Keun Suk Special came in first, surpassing the ratings for the inaugural Shanghai International Film Festival which had 400 over international artistes. With an audience rating of 2.54% and television viewing rate of 6.49% (CSN Chinese media search official statistics), Happy Camp with Jang Keun Suk became the winner! On 10th August 2012, Jang Keun Suk was a guest in Weibo to do an exclusive interview with his fans pertaining to his 2012 Cri Show II in Shanghai which would be on 11th August. Once again, Jang Keun Suk beat the records. A mere one hour of brief interview, there were 42 000 questions asked. Jang Keun Suk’s popularity is evident.
4. Being womanly
I know people around me and many others commented that he is very womanly, or to be very curt, could not tell if he is a man or woman from prints. I want to give my two cents:
1. Deep in JKS, he is definitely not womanly. He has the innocence of a child.
2. JKS’ look is not womanly. In fact, he is handsome to the point of being beautiful.
During the discussion via Weibo on 10th August, someone mentioned of his unfulfilled wish. He replied cheekily, “Ladies Bath”. Another netizen asked him where he would go to if he was given a chance to teleport. Jang Keun Suk immediately replied, “Back to the time when I was 4 years old then into the Ladies Bath! Ha Ha!” At this juncture, some netizens suggested to Jang Keun Suk to impersonate as a lady to go into the ladies’ bath since he looks beautiful. Jang Keun Suk rebuked, “There’s something you people don’t seem to get it right. I’m straight! A MAN!” We could tell how cheeky his reply was and at the same time, humoured his eels. (Credits to http://www.sina.com.cn)
2. Cri Shows Live
1. Communication: Do not take photographs. Look into my eyes.
Regarding to the issues of photography in his Cri Show by many of his fans, Jang Keun Suk communicated with sincere which was really touching. He told them if they really had to take pictures of him, he would not stop them. However, he hoped to look into their eyes to communicate with them. He mentioned that he likes the feeling of looking into each other’s eyes. He would like his fans to use their eyes to watch, ears to listen, heart to feel and not just busy with the pictures. Thus, neglecting they are physically with the real Jang Keun Suk. That would kill the happy atmosphere and reduce the joy of realism.
Jang Keun Suk’s way of communicating with everybody at the concert deeply touched me. I can sense he was really sincere. Hopefully one day, his Mandarin would be fluent enough to do away with translators and communicate directly with his fans. By then, the eels are in luck! This day will come and it is worthwhile to wait for it! On that note, many artistes also requested their fans against photography in the concerts. For example, Soda Green and Wallace Chung.
2. Communication: Safety comes first. Do not follow the car. Let’s promise
Regarding the trend of many fans renting cars to chase after theirs, Jang Keun Suk also tried to communicate to everyone in his Cri Show. He pleaded everyone not to follow his car closely as it was very dangerous. He tried to educate and told the eels to be rational. He warned against the eels’ actions for their so-called crazy love and, thus, losing the sense of rationality, ignoring their own safety, others’ feeling and causing inconvenience to others. He made a pact with his fans during the Cri show. He tried to analyse the situation in another perspective. He told them if they continued to behave in that manner, he might not be able to go China anymore. He asked them if they would wish for that to happen.
Nevertheless, many still tailgated his car, according to Jang Keun Suk’s weibo and the feedbacks of many fans. Just last night, those sasaengs followed closely behind his. Not only that, they went to where Jang Keun Suk and his crew had their meals. Due to safety reasons, they were almost asked to leave without even having a chance to get a proper meal. Jang Keun Suk posted a photograph whereby the headlights of the car shone directly into his and that affected their driving. Eventually, Jang Keun Suk deleted almost ten of his Weibo posts. The situation did not end in a happy mode. So now, I would like to take this opportunity to advice all fans. Pursuing an idol must be rational. For a star like Jang Keun Suk, born in the year 1987, who has been so hardworking, shower him with love by being more rational. Absorb all the good points from him, grow with him. Now that is the biggest support you can give him. Oh come to think of it, during the Cri Show, he used Mandarin and said, “No piracy!” Ha ha, he was too cute. This is also a way to support him!
3. 20th Anniversary. In search of the forgotten self.
The whole concert was based on the theme of circus in three different settings. I could not remember the exact details of the concert. In short, it is to present the nostalgic memories of his childhood. Looking back, animation was used to present the forest, the particular tree, that butterfly, those stars like that of a beautiful childhood. 20 years flew past, a little regret on his part that time flies so quickly. It probably depicts the agony he is facing as an artiste for all these years being in the industry. However, he was still so sincere. He participated in the planning and execution of the concert to show his sincerity. In view of the language barrier, there was translation on stage to help him in communicating with his fans. The whole design of the concert was also thought of by him. In my opinion, he is, among all the artistes, someone very precious. His smiles are still filled with innocence!
4. Most important motto in life is to conquer own self.
I think that this concert is the most holistically planned programme. The dark, evil and desires of human beings were signified through the dance, animations, music and the use of black and white images reflects the direct contrast of the kind side of human beings. The black and white Jang Keun Suk is to present the two sides of him. From the VCR, we could see the white angelic Jang Keun Suk walking towards a magic mirror. Inside, he was in black reflecting his dark side. His expression was unpredictable – at times sullen, at times evil. In the middle of the stage there was a very sophisticated sunglasses. In it, there were many different changing colours, wavy lines and the struggles to represent the struggles for desire in human nature. The most exciting part was when Jang Keun Suk wore a black outfit and was hung high in the air by force. Struggling in the air, he stopped in front of a red huge spider web. Before this, from the VCR, we saw a scene where Jang Keun Suk in white falling onto a huge spider web.
In my opinion, there are two interpretations. The web symbolises the desires. The space of desires is filled with desires, human justice and evil, beauty side of kindness and dark side of evilness. To symbolise that, it consists of an angel and a devil. The angel and the net which symbolises desires repelled. Vice versa, the dark angel is attracted to the net. Ultimately, the combination of two in the three-dimensional space of the human body depends on the struggle between the two. If the white angel wins, then it will move further away from the web. The dark angel finds it difficult to move closer to the net because of the retaliation by the angel. We did not just see the struggles between the two. The angel represents positive energy and the negative energy of the devil will cancel each other out. Independently, the energy will be multiplied.
Another explanation can be that the web symbolises ambitions. The body wants to get close to it but angel and devil are in human body. This represents the ideal and realistic aspects. The success of such ideal proximity depends on the results of the struggle. Whichever the explanation will be, we must conquer ourselves. We are our own master!
As an idol for the young generation, Jang Keun Suk’s messages to his fans in his Cri Show were always about hard work and improvements. Allow me to share something worrying. The artistic aspects showed certain images which were scary and gloomy. I guess that was the need of the performance. I believe the ability of his fans to be able to differentiate between positive and negative energy.
He mentioned that this Shanghai Cri Show was planned by him. I goggled and saw the awards won by him. The latest, June 2012, he received a special award at a Japanese short film festival. Jang Geun Suk worked on the script, directed, edited, and starred in the short film. The truth can tell that he works hard based on his talent. I believe this is just the iceberg. He will have more outstanding performances and works dedicated to all in the future. This also gives us the reason to look forward the breakthrough of 1 000 000, 2 000 000 fans and his next self-directed concerts; also the status of being a world prince!
5. If there’s a breakthrough of 2 000 000 followers, I will buy a house in China!
In August 2012, Jang Keun Suk’s Weibo broke the record of 500 000 followers. A record only set by him as an international artiste in China. Jang Keun Suk said, “If the number of followers exceed 1 000 000, I will shuffle at the Great Wall of China. If it exceeds 2 000 000, I will buy a house in China. That way, I can stay longer in China!” His statement excites his fans tremendously. Jang Keun Suk started in 2001. Using what he loves to say, he has been in the industry for 20 years. And he is still improving, still hardworking. We have a reason to believe that he will be rewarded for his effort.
6. Working hard to be a World Prince. So what if it’s not possible?
Now he is the Asia Prince. Then, a World Prince. So what if it’s not possible? This is Jang Keun Suk. “So what if it’s not possible?” this is a way of life perspective. Work towards a target and fought hard. If he puts in effort and he is unable to achieve it, so what? This leads me to think of an old saying – Dreams without mockery is not worthy to be fulfilled. Maybe many people think that Jang Keun Suk is a joke who wants to be a World Prince. So what?
7. The last of the last
If I did not remember wrongly, Jang Keun Suk’s term of “last song” ended up with 4. The very last song he danced with everybody and the atmosphere was super high. This kind of atmosphere is different from us standing at the corner shouting and screaming to liven up the atmosphere. His action showed how he was immersed in the happy atmosphere and thus liven the whole place. You would be drawn into his arena of happiness subconsciously too! He is such an artiste. Soaking himself in the high atmosphere on stage – spraying water to everybody, occasionally threw a towel with his perspirations to his eels, walking to every single part of the T stage, very naturally knelt on the floor to thank everyone, sitting on the elevator, zero proximity with his audiences, the switch between the crazy and soft sides of him, the whole plot with a storyline, occasionally uses different languages to communication with everybody and with the encouragement from the screaming of the fans, he came out on stage and performed once again. I do not know if all these are deliberately arranged or impromptu. In any case, he has presented very perfectly.
And this is Jang Keun Suk Cri Show II. I am very lucky to be able to immerse in all these unforgettable experiences, penning my thoughts to share with all eels.
3. Suggestions to Jang Keun Suk
1. Learn Mandarin by hard. Sing Chinese songs.
Strictly speaking, I’m not an eel. It was because of my work I came to contact with Jang Keun Suk. Many songs in the concerts I do not understand. However, I appreciate those songs through the melody. I feel that the songs for the concert are not very suitable to boost the excitement. Most of the songs are from dramas. I did some random interviews and it seems like most people know the songs he sang. From what I have gathered, 27th April 2011, Jang Keun Suk released his first album in Japan and on the very same day, it reached the top of the Oricon Chart, breaking Asia records. I do wish to see more original works and songs which can be sung as a classic like I believe.
2. Practice his dance steps. Dance better in future.
As I can see from the live concert, Jang Keun Suk’s dance steps were more casual and simple. Hereby I would like to suggest to him to learn from some dance instructors to practice the dance steps which are more suitable for him. This would add more excitement to the eels, in a way, a reward to his eels so as to pursue his dreams in the music industry.
3. Train hard for more muscles. Too skinny now.
From what we observe, his legs are super, super skinny. The skinniness does not match his height. From Baidu’s personal particular details, he is 180cm tall and weighs 63kg. Obviously he is too skinny. However, close up observation does not seem like he is 180cm tall.
4. Continue to be true to himself
Without this fact I would not be writing so much about him. To be frank, there is a lot of his works I have not seen. I have watched “You are beautiful” and “Baby and I” but this does not hinder me from supporting him. He is born in the year 1987. Han Han is from the year 1982, Liu Xiang is from year 1983. These same age people achieved success in their own field. I applaud for them at the same time, absorbing their positive energy for myself, a step to success. Come to think of it, the people I like seem to have a common trait!
5. Continue to move forward.
Don’t let your talent in directing to be let down the drain. Fighting! There will be more room for improvement. Take your time. The road ahead will be tough so continue to work hard!
4. Advertisements
1. I love Jang Keun Suk, I love Tong Yi Orange Juice!
2. Tong Yi Orange Juice, More C More Beauty!
3. Every time I drink Tong Yi Orange Juice, I will think of Jang Keun Suk!
4. Every time I think of Jang Keun Suk, I will drink Tong Yi Orange Juice!
5. Tong Yi’s Weibo site
http://e.weibo.com/tongyixianchengduo?type=0
Dear eels, time for exams! O(∩_∩)O Ha Ha~
Credit: Jang Keun Suk Forever
Original aritcle:
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4c8e53d301011wiz.html
English Translation: Wendy Yeo in ECI
