EXO; Awards

My tears literally flowed like crazy while watching this.

At the sight of EXO-M crying when they received their very first award in China, the homeland of four of the boys.
This wasn't any ordinary tears of joy. The award wasn't just a commendation for them as rookies, but to them, it is an affirmation from the people.
EXO-M didn't start out that easy.

They had a rough start.

On the day of their debut in an important China award presentation show, they got criticised right in their faces with really satirisitc comments. Right in front of them, by senior Chinese artistes. These were their sunbaes, the people they grew up listening to, watching on TV. These were the idols of the four Chinese members. To be put down by your idols in front of an audience is such a disappointing, and sad moment.
And this tough beginning made their first award even more meaningful to watch.

Seeing these guys who often take their effort to make us laugh, to make their fans happy, these charismatic guys who are so perfect on stage, cry, is so heartbreaking.

The next scene included was the one of Lay falling flat on the floor while performing (in SMTOWN SG sadly:(  ) and he had to limp out of the stage halfway through the song because he really couldn't continue anymore. Furthermore we know that he has been suffering from an old waist injury that comes on and off. He was even seen assisted by two SM workers while walking out of the airport. (He denied the offer to sit on the wheelchair as he did not want the fans to worry.)

Lay, this guy...
He loves the stage. He loves performing, too much.
That he is making us cry as we are touched by his passion for music and dance.
We all know he already started out as a child star in his hometown.
When in Korea, he did not feel tired at all during trainee period, because he was doing what he love. It wasn't considered a chore.

So when it the camera panned to Lay's face while he was receiving the award. He gave a slight nod. My heart really ached.
It was like, loving music so much that he worked really really hard for it, despite the injuries and all..

No matter who my bias is, Lay will forever have a special place in my heart.

Our boys are great.
They did us proud.

--------------
update: As you have would have known, I'm a Sone and Exotic.
And coincidentally, both groups (Girls' Generation and EXO) had a rough beginning.
Maybe one of the reasons that I'm attracted to them is their hardworking, modest, never-give-up attitude.
Looking at the other groups which went through difficult times like Super Junior and DBSK, we know that this is no longer coincidence. EXO is destined to succeed. And will do even better.

EXO ah, HWAITING.
사랑합니다

Political commentator Bill O’Reilly insults Psy’s “Gangnam Style”; Haters

The flaws in his arguments are just too many and obvious to point out.
I also understand that yeah, this is afterall, FOX News, not something for me to be angry about.
But what made me upset is the reminder of such people in the world.
People who hold the same opinions and thinking as him.
I have witnessed enough, and far too many, local media including, spouting the same logic, just under different disguises.

These sort of reports and comments have certain traits. The "I am the only superior race kind while others are uncivilised, still living in poor conditions, and if they are famous something is wrong", "English is the only language in the world, songs in other languages are meaningless", "Nope, I don't follow the crowd, because I'm so high up and mighty" etc.

First two ones are kinda similar, as it has got to do with the preexisting western mindset. While I make this statement, I need to say that I KNOW this is a stereotype, but it is a stereotype that is true to a certain extent. I know there are also really open-minded people in the west, embracing foreign culture, and this, a lot of countries have to learn from them. But there is just a significant large group of people who still can't accept others who are not their kind. This explains the different treatments Asians get when travelling to western countries. (I'm tired of explaining so if you still disagree and think that ALL westerners are not narrowminded, just go search the tweets. #lilyswagb is one.)

Yet, the second stand is held by some Asians as well. Which led me to the conclusion that, this is a common excuse that haters from ALL around the world use. Because it is just so convenient. It is so convenient to close your eyes and simply say, "Yeah, I don't know what they are singing, so it must be meaningless." Sometimes I really wonder what's in the minds of such people when they say this, because the FALLACY in that statement is just so STRIKING.

Really disturbing that there exist educated people who are still shamelessly making such baseless and senseless claims. HEOL

ANW, here are some comments made by Bill O'Reilly. Ready?

“without intelligible words” and “has no real meaning”

Just for those who STILL don't know, and are too lazy to do a 5second google search,
"Gangnam Style and its music video is a jab at the high-class materialism in Korea and that the song is actually made up of intelligent words – just not in English."

This is a little fat guy from Pyongyang or someplace

Oh wow. Pyongyang, is the capital of NORTH Korea for goodness sake and North and South Koreas have a HUGE difference. And this guy was what? Some political commentator. Oh well, we know whether or not to trust his words and credibility next time. Oh, those who said that he knew it actually and it was just a form of exclamation? I'm sorry then, that he made a totally senseless comment.


Ending the discussion on this issue, it brings me on to another topic of haters.
If I were to describe them, I would say that they are a bunch of self-righteous people who love putting down others to make themselves feel better. Somehow they think that it makes them seem so tasteful and classier.

A recent blog post by Xiaxue makes a lot of sense.

Haters don't hate YOU per se.
They are not jealous, as claimed by so many people. Maybe some, but most aren't. Jealous means they wish they were you,

No, what haters feel about you is a strong dislike for your SUCCESS. 

They don't understand, in my case, how someone like me, so mediocre, so stupid, so untalented, can become a top blogger.
Thus, they find that it is their life's goal to make sure everyone sees the "truth" about you and stop contributing to your success.

True. And true for the case for KPOP and now today, PSY. Do they want to be PSY? With that face and figure.... Erm, no offence but no. But they dislike the attention that he is getting now. How could someone get so famous overnight? Breaking youtube records in 4 months? He is not even as good looking as the previous record holder Justin Bieber?
And so, you see haters going on to every MVs, criticising and trolling, because they want to make a mark.

This is something I experience often.
When I head on to SNSD's MVs, there will be like 1 hate comment in every 15 comments. And their objective? Not to annoy us fans. But inside their hearts, they were hoping that by doing so they (SNSD) will get less popular. Which is something so childish.

I was actually a bit apprehensive about posting this post. Really.
Will I sound too judgemental?
Afterall, I AM talking about a huge group of people and there are a bit sensitive topics aforementioned in this post.
But then again, I have nothing to fear because all I want to do today is to say,
"Leave us alone" and stop making racist, and claims that are factually incorrect already.
I know clearly that people are entitled to their own opinions, i know.
And I accept that.
But not when you are making obviously flawed comments that are detrimental to the reputation of anything I love.
That is when I will step in.

Ending off with Ryan Higa's quote from In the Backseat.

"I would say, I feel bad for you. If you have that much negativity in your life to leave that kind of comments to any one, then, you're prolly going through a hard time. So good luck."

Experts project SM Entertainment will post $40.3 million USD in revenue for Q4 2012; SM New Groups

So I woke up to a surprise this morning.
As part of my daily routine, I wake up to check Twitter, especially Allkpop tweets, to update myself on what is happening. This is quite necessary considering how fast the pace for KPOP is right now.
The title appeared to be a typical post of SM's revenue but I was wrong.

One statement, just one short, simple statement out of the whole chunk of information on SM's future plans, caught my eye.

1-2 new groups will also debut next year,

And as expected, the comments section was all about this statement that came, out of the blue.

I'm sure we weren't expecting this. About SM debuting a new group next year, as it would be much wiser (but then who am I again to say this. SM knows better.) or rather, safer, to stabilise and focus on its existing groups first. Especially the maknae group EXO which only debuted this year.

EXO, SM's latest group

Many agreed that 2010 and 2011 were good years for SM, as they did not debut any formal groups and chose to promote their current, existing groups. Even Girls' Generation managed to have 3 hits in 2010 (Oh!, Run Devil Run and Hoot).

Girls' Generation's Oh!, released 2010

With new groups coming in, not just one but maybe two, it really sounds like too much things to handle. And SMTOWN concert will be seriously overcrowded.

But another point of view would be that now that the "second" generation of SJ, SNSD, SHINee, would all be in their 20s next year, and with the many SJ members going into army, SM sort of gained more time in their hands. Some also say that they need to debut new groups earlier for them to grow and gain enough status, when the time comes for SNSD to step down as "The Nation's Girl Group". They'd probably think that they need "new blood" in their company's lineup I guess.

Regarding the possibility of such debuts, it is useful to look at the roster of SM.
2000- BoA
2003- DBSK
2005- SUPER JUNIOR
2007- GIRLS' GENERATION
2008- SHINee
2009- f(x)
2012- EXO

For the years '07-09, they debuted a group each year. So it is not impossible that they decided to debut another one next year after EXO's debut. But the 2 year gap between f(x) and EXO's debuts isn't something to be overlooked, too.

And the momentum. From '05-12, the pattern has always been boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girl-boy. And GG is said to be the counterpart of SJ (they even considered using the name Super Girls), f(x) was explicitly stated to be the male counterpart of SHINee, with even a list of who was supposed to be who. So it is not a surprise if the upcoming group is gonna be a female version of EXO, with 10+ members and perhaps, even the K and M concept.

Meanwhile, who knows they are considering debuting solos? It's been long, so there is still a chance there.

Lastly, looking at how they have been actively promoting SM Auditions recently in these 2 years, especially this year, it is worthy to take note as well. If they have already debuted 12 boys this year, and maybe the lineup for the new girl group is somewhat settled, they need more trainees.

Overall, I trust SM's judgement. They are afterall, the biggest and most successful entertainment agency in Korea, with really established groups. Not to mention that they've given many top notch universities lectures on marketing, and their branded culture technology. So they have a lot of experience and any decision is probably well thought of.

I like how SM has good foresight. This was part of their secret formula to success. Furthermore, they started KPOP Wave and groomed first-generation legends like H.O.T and Shinhwa.

H.O.T and the white ocean

I like their statement of focusing on Asia instead of the West.
Many groups are focusing on invading the West, with so many articles speculating if KPOP is gonna breakthrough the Western market, including Wonder Girls (JYP) and 2NE1 (YG).

Though there has been somesort of promotion in US for Girls' Generation in 2011 (funny how it's all the girl groups trying), SM has never seen that as a long-term solution. It is just a form of brand building for them.
Their focus is in Asia.

SMTOWN concert in Bangkok, Thailand in late 2012.

They've said it officially. They see the rich rising in Asia and that limelight will be in the East for this decade. Or even century. Hence you see their groups releasing Japanese albums after albums for the world's second biggest music market. And also the debut of EXO-M, for the biggest population in the world.

Teasers for EXO worked too, when others were critical of them releasing 20+ teasers for the debut of EXO. But it has garnered the new boy group a strong fanbase, with already UK fans stalking them around when they went for a music show in UK just weeks after their debut.

So, I have faith in SM's plans, whatever it may be. (Though my heart screams for them to focus on my SNSD AND EXO FIRST.)
And whatever groups that come up next by SM, I would most probably like them, since history has proven that I'm a SM stan. (Even first generation idols, I'm in for H.O.T :D)


Read the article here: http://www.allkpop.com/2012/11/experts-project-sm-entertainment-will-post-40-3-million-usd-in-revenue-for-q4-2012#comment-722068149

SM music; virtual nation.

The VCR that I've been talking about has been uploaded!!

"Long time ago, in the middle of the vast universe, there lived only men in the Mars. And in the beautiful planet Venus, only the women lived. With such a long distance between them, they thought and spoke differently. They look at each other through the telescope and they became attracted to each other. And fell in love.
This magical story came to reality to worldwide SMTOWN family.
Countries and ethnicities all over the world, people who communicate in different languages.
Even if we cannot see each other at close distance, through the beautiful language called SM music, we fall in love with each other, be fluttered and happy,
This fairytale has become a reality.
How wonderful and amazing, how fascinating and pleasing.
Even though the music is just played for 3-4 minutes, we dance and feel pleasure through the magical  songs.
And there, we have a virtual world called SMTOWN.
And everyone in love with SM music is invited as a citizen of SMTOWN.

We are one nation living together within SMTOWN."

Fan account of SMTOWN SG 231112

I am typing this as soon as I reached home and got everything wet aired.

Let’s start from the beginning.

The merchandise queue is said to start at 10am. So being lazy, I only left house at 835am. Reached the place at 920am and from Twitter, I’ve heard that the queue was already formed and it was insanely long. When I arrived, the place was really crowded and messy. But many did not know where to go for merchandise. I met my friend who reached about 40min earlier. And thanks to her, I got one step closer to being a fangirl.

BANNERS.

 

I’ve always seen overseas fans holding up small sized hand held banners in TV programmes. And this time, I got hold of them.

 About 93% of the banner distributors were for EXO, and only the rest were for SJ,  SNSD, SHINee, etc. Mainly, the banner distributors for EXO were from China fanclubs, and by this I mean real big, existing fanclubs like XingPark etc, names that you will see on the list of birthday present gifters, planners, fanmeet photos etc. They actually came down to Singapore to distribute those colourful banners.

Of course, me being an exotic, was freaking happy and excited and I went around collecting them. I was happy that the maknae group of SM who just debuted this year managed to get so much support, and was thankful for those Chinese fanclubs to be so so dedicated.

After getting the banners we went to ask the security guard where to go for merchandise and were pointed to a place. People started assembling at that area, and we realized that they have allowed in the first batch who came in before 8. After 15 min, the gates were opened and everyone really pushed their way in. Another thing that made me felt like a crazy fangirl.

The queue went on for 3hours (for me) as we were quite in front for the second batch. But, when the second batch went in, the sale of merch had not started yet. I have to say that the organizers were reallllllly not well-organised. They took about another 20 min to start taking in orders. Even when the sale started, the people collecting merch for the buyers were slow at picking up items.

The sun was freaking hot, even for a Singaporean.

But just when everyone was sian, music blasted from The Float which was next to us, about 150m away, separated by the waters. The second batch of SM artistes who arrived were doing their rehearsals. SHINee, SJ then DONGBANG. Holy, the crowd was hyped up and excited. Everyone was screaming, doing fanchants, in midst of the tiring standing, stinging heat and seemingly never-ending queue. We were energized, by their presence, by their music. The 3h didn’t seemed long at all.

After buying my merch, we rushed over to the bridge to catch TVXQ’s rehearsal. Then, it was the collab stages rehearsals. Then BoA, then KANGTA. 

We left but soon later when I was checking Twitter, FREAKING SM OFFICIAL TWITTER JUST TWEETED A PIC SHOWING YURI STANDING WITH THE FANS, DISGUISED AND NO ONE NOTICED. HOLY CRAPPPPPPPPP WE HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE YURI!!!

So at around 3. WATER DROPLETS FELL FROM NOWHERE. IT STARTED RAINING. But I was somewhat relieved that it rained then, as it would probably stop later in time for the concert, and we would enjoy a nice weather.

But 4plus, when we went to check again, it was lightning, thunder all over. Tweets at that time were extremely worried. Everyone prayed hard.

6. Just half an hour before the stipulated starting time. All was clear. We headed out happily, with fans streaming in from all over the various nearby malls and MRT stations.

But then, rain was no longer a problem. RITS was. The show was delayed largely due to the late entrance of the fans mainly in the vip/premier queue, where I was at. Again, I need to stress that the organizers were, ironically, not organized at all.

For one, we couldn’t even hear their instructions. Even the Samsung promotions were louder. So this caused confusion over what was happening. (And I still don’t know what happened). Many fans were displeased. After a while, they started saying, vips and premiers please come to this side, this side is for vips premiers only. EVERYONE WAS LIKE, obviously we know, WE ALL ARE VIPS AND PREMIERS JUST LET US IN DO YOU THINK WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO READ ZOMG. And then, ignoring the fact that we were gonna be delayed, they did something ridiculous again, asking us to separate vip and premiers. HOLY. WE KNOW HOW TO SEPARATE JUST LET IN ONE BY ONE THIS IS FASTER THAN WHATEVER HOLD BACKS YOU ARE DOING NOW.

When we were all seated. Lights darkened. Everyone prepared their lightsticks and held their breaths.

F(x) started the show. But within the first song, Luna slipped and fell due to the heavy rain earlier on. She stood up quickly nonetheless and continued performing. For the rest of the show, we had quite a number of artistes slipping. And most fell real hard. But they stood up immediately and continued dancing. I was really worried. This is bad. I THOUGHT THEY WOULD AT LEAST MOP THE STAGE. Again, failure on the organizers part. During their introduction, Amber mentioned Luna’s fall and asked the audience to cheer for her.

The rest of the show was amazing, details on the specific items are already shared on various fansites, fandom twitter and fb acc so I will not elaborate on everything here.

So, the next thing to talk about would be the translator. I know she is nervous. But, as a professional translator, she is not doing a good job. Honestly. Making a lot of mistakes, etc. For example, SHINee mentioned that their upcoming SWCII will be held in Dec, but she said Nov. And SHINee had to correct her, on their own in English with no difficulty. Professionalism erhmm translator..

Anyway, I was sitting in LB which is the second row of the premier track seats. Track seats get to see the idols up close when they are travelling in the carts and buggy. SO, the first artiste I saw. I remembered clearly. It was Victoria and she was freaking pretty. After that, SNSD and fx for quite a few times cuz they kept travelling around as well. :) AND HOLY FREAK I SAW KRIS. AND HOLY KEY WAS BADASS. THEY WERE ALL PERFECT. EXACTLY HOW YOU SEE THEM IN THE SCREENS, PRETTY AND HANDSOME. BUT TO SEE THEM IN REAL LIFE MAKES YOU WOW and wonder how does such perfection exist. (NO PS BULLSHIT JOKES HERE THANKS)

For that, I was happy and satisfied. Because I get to see my soshi babys. Right up close. I ditched my seat and went up front when they came. DROPDEAD CLOSE AND THEY WERE DROPDEAD GORGEOUS.

So that was one happy part of the concert, getting a good seat and getting to SEE THEM 2M AWAY.

But, there was another highlight.

As f(x) was preparing for their performance of Electric Shock at the substage (open air, unsheltered stage), IT STARTED DRIZZLING. When it was their turn, it got a little bit heavier. When they left and BoA performed the next song, everyone was wearing their ponchos already. AND FOR ME, I WAS STUPID AND DIDN’T MANAGED TO GET A PONCHO. The rain got heavier, and heavier. And I was drenched wet. I didn’t care. Neither do the fans.

We instead, cheered louder than before, and waved our lightsticks harder than ever.

At that moment, I thought to myself. This rain, is meaningful.

I was kind of glad that it came.

It showed our unity. And that was what the VCRs /concert fillers were talking about.
I really liked their concert filler, and I cried both times. It spoke messages of miracles being made possible through music. (please do check youtube for fancams) And a story, of boys and girls, only being able to see each other through telescope, and then fell in love. Just like us. Though we spoke different language, we were able to connect, through music.

The countries and ethnicities all over the world, people speaking different languages. Not being able to see each other face to face. Fell in love through this beautiful language called SM Music. A virtual nation built by people who enjoy dancing and sharing the joy of music.
We are one nation, living together in SMTOWN.

A/N: Not the full quote just some parts that I managed to remember. so please do check youtube for fancams!!

So back in the rain, even though it got heavy, fans didn’t leave the concert and stayed on. This to others, may be a moodspoiler, but to us, it is a demonstration of our passion, our love, our dedication. As a group of family. As a SM Nation.

The rain made this concert a more dramatic one, a more memorable one, and certainly made it better. Because of this unique experience that both the idols and the fans shared. In the rain.

When I noticed that my stuff were getting wet and my clothes were completely drenched, I was afraid that I would be scolded by my parents (lol but true) and took out my umbrella. (Finally) But as I was in the second row, (premier seats has four rows), I am worried that I might block the view of other people.

So I went to the back and swopped place with a guy who had his poncho on, explaining my reasons.
And I noticed a fellow fan who also did not have a poncho, and she didn’t have an umbrella, and so we shared the umbrella together.

I was shivering because of my wet shirt and the cold wind. But I continued screaming with my light sticks. I smiled. Because I felt it. I felt the love. Amongst us fans, and with the idols.

Then, Hope started playing. Just when we were worried that the rain might prevent us from enjoying the BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF A SMTOWN CONCERT, the finale/ending song, THE RAIN MIRACULOUSLY STOPPED.

This is no joke.

It stopped JUST IN TIME once, before the start of the concert when everyone was worried that it might get cancelled. And it stopped another time, when the finale started. For us fans, it's really good news. Because Hope is when they start to interact together as a whole smtown and you get to see all the fun moments. The rain stopped. It stopped.

So from the whole event, I saw many people who were holding lightsticks of different colours unite. They suppported each and every group, even if it might not be their favourite group. But they did it because that group is the sunbae/or hoobae of their fav. group. This is love. Love with no conditions. Selfless.

This is the charm of SMtown. People of different fandoms, and allow me to shamelessly say, the best fandoms, in kpop to unite. Sones, Cassiopeias, Elfs, and also Shawols, Aff(x)tions, even Jumping Boas etc, and the newest addition to the family, Exotics.

One thing to note is when SJ performed, the sea of audience was immediately dominated by blue light sticks. About 80percent was blue.

And for the Taemin and Jonghyun stage, Taemin seemed a bit unwilling and kept pulling away. :P

For the past two days, I’ve did things that I think made me a certified fangirl. I’ve experienced “stalking”/not really its just waiting REALLY,  watching them rehearse, queued early for merchandise in the morning, got the banners, saw them real close, watching the concert in the rain and staying on.

I also shared this with my friend this morning that, in this kpop fandom, things really don’t come by luck, but by the amount of efforts put in. From seeing the idols, to getting good tickets to buying merchandise. It is the spirit of never giving up, and this is only possible because of love.

We stayed on with ther merchandise queue happy and contented because they were doing their rehearsals and we were doing the fanchants together.
We stayed on when it rained before the concert and prayed for the rain to stop, no matter where we were, Raffles City, City link mall, esplanade etc.

We stayed on when it rained halfway through the concert.

I think I have finished typing whatever I could remember, and will remember, things that I found meaningful and have noticed and learned through this smtown in sg.

Shall shower and go to sleep and post tmr. Good night. 148am.

To others, smtown may seem like a normal concert, but trust me, its more than that. It is the essence of kpop, and its fandom.

Fanacc by zachela.
--------------------------

As I'm posting this on blogger today, it is already 1150 am. I woke up. 

Everything felt so surreal it is as if my memory of smtown has been encapsulated inside a box. Sometimes I wonder if I really went.

Suffering from withdrawal symptoms. The feeling is heavy.

Shall return to my daily routine of watching runningman then.

oh and i need to start doing schoolwork. holidays are ending.
--
and smtown heads off to bangkok for their next show..
virtual nation continues.. <3 br="br">

Fanacc 221112 SMTOWN SG

It was all worth it.

Now that I am sitting in front of my com, back home, typing this... Everything feels so surreal. I actually saw them. The people whom I've only managed to see through the screen of my laptop. I saw them, in my country. 

So, here’s my account of today, 221112.

I started out early with my friend at Ritz Carlton but their security was really tight we could only wait outside at the main entrance. At around 1plus, about 10 fans were there. I assume majority of the fans were at Changi, or queuing at the Bay already. As it nears 2pm, 70? Then to about 100 I think. Everyone was busy checking Twitter for the updates.

News of SNSD departing from Changi was spread and everyone waited. Anxiously. To see their idols. But as the clock ticked, it was already 325pm. Things are starting to seem weird.

Why aren’t they appearing?

By now, at least two taxis have passed by us, with the drivers signaling us to the back of the hotel. Everyone was confused. What did he mean? Then the third vehicle came. This time, the driver rolled down his window and said, “They are at the lobby already!!!” 

Everyone was flustered. Was this a scheme to move us away? We ran nonetheless. And soon the lobby front was filled with fans. The security team kept chasing us away. 

 And so it appeared that they haven’t arrived. 

That, was unfortunately, wrong. Tweets from fans who chased them via vans said SMTOWN ARTISTES have ALREADY CHECKED IN.

Some didn’t know and continued to wait at the entrance. While me and my friend, luckily with her junior’s friend’s guidance, went to the back and indeed saw numerous vans, already parked outside the hotel. 

We were late. And we knew it. 

From the mouths of the fans who already have been waiting at the back, we found out that they are coming out again, later (god knows how long later), for their rehearsal. Duhdum. Another information that was different from what we got earlier. So we waited. Again.

I stayed on. About 70 fans were there? And many tourists walked pass and were curious as well. When it felt that they were never gonna come out, at around 6, body guards came out. 

It was the cue. We knew it.

We were instructed to stand on the pavement and move towards a particular spot. I was luckily, in the first row. We waited. Again. 10 mins passed. Van uncles started driving the vans around. (They were smoking and I didn’t quite like that fact.) 15min later. SCREAMS.

And ‘cause everything was so sudden, I only caught a few of them. F(x). Sulli was walking in a cute, strange way. Probably fanservice? 

(Note: The vans were parked in such a way that we fans could only see through  1.5-2metres gap.  So everything was fast. )

And not long later, screams again. EXO. HOLY EXO.. I caught Baekhyun because of his obvious blue beanie. And Chanyeol. Who was really kind and paused and mini-waved to us. Kris was obvious too, because he’s blonde.. 

About 5-10min later, SNSD came. They went into their van as a group so we can’t catch all of them clearly..

And the vans depart. 

Because Ritz was extremely near to the platform, we just followed their vans and kept waving, and then ran towards the area near the Platform, near the Helix bridge (I think that’s what its called?)

And WOAH. About 150-200 people were there already. All spread out from the bridge, to the area, to the stairs. FULL OF PEOPLE.

The stage was lit up.

While waiting, we could really tell that the skyline was awesomely beautiful. A perfect backdrop for the big day tomorrow.

And after 30min, we hear familiar voices talking with their microphones. 

(Note: The Float is open air and the speakers are really loud, you can see and hear whats going on without any difficulty even if you are not in the concert venue. So you can pretty much book a hotel room and grab a pair of binoculars. Haha)

It was SOSHI. They were so dorky and made cheeky noises. Everyone screamed. First song they rehearsed was Run Devil Run. Then Twinkle. Then Gee. Then Kissing You. (I hope I didn’t get the sequence wrong.)

And they kept waving to our side. :D

There were many pauses that lasted for an average of 5-10min.  And at this point of time, another side of the open space, came screams again. It was the side overseeing the carpark. Soshi was done with their rehearsals and were entering their vans. 

This time we could see them, much clearer. But TTS didn’t board yet.

So we waved, and then went back to see the rehearsal. It was TTS and EXO.  SCREAMS. When they ended DJ got us falling in love, they (EXO AND TTS) said Kamsahamnida together. :D

Many tourists were curious and popped by.

But what was amazing is that, I saw fans from France, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong etc. The French fans were even singing the full song in Korean. I was touched. 

Then, f(x) performed about 4-5 songs.

After that, HISTORY STARTED PLAYING AND I WITNESSED THE LOUDEST SCREAMS/CHEERS OF THE NIGHT.

So I concluded that there are a lot of Exotics in Singapore, and it was great to know that we have so many SMTOWNers supporting the new group and showing them encouragement. People sang along as well.
At that time I wondered, since SNSD is back in the hotel, did they watch from their hotel rooms the ongoing rehearsal? *curious*

As usual, after they finished rehearsing their songs, it was the cue for us to chiong over to the carpark side. And as expected, after 10min, they were out. 

This time, I remembered Kris the most as he nodded to acknowledge us, and waved. (And he was blonde:D)

So after that, I went home.

This was the first time I “stalked” idols. And though I stood for 6h plus and waited for more than half of the time. It was worth it.

An amazing point to note is that, IT DIDN’T RAIN AT ALL TODAY. FROM HOTEL TO REHEARSAL.

So hopefully it will be the same tomorrow, so that all of us, idols and fans can have a good night together. 

OH FYI HYOYEON WAS SPOTTED IN THE 7-11 ZOMG MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE STAYED LONGER. 

As I sat in front of my TV while eating my dinner, I wondered, if the SMTOWN artistes are doing the same, too? (Eh but our TV programmes not say very nice eh)

fanacc by zachela
-----------------------


update!: i forgot to add this, i saw smtown pink bus (service number 13) when i went home after leaving the mrt station after stalking. like finally i got to spot the bus!! this is really FATE!

Running Man~

[Find Youngsaeng mission]

jaesuk>daesung>top>hyunjoong>youngsaeng
gary>manager>ss501manager>youngsaeng
KWANGSOO>FANCAFE?

----------------
I like this mission cuz it shows the connection of idols.
How they know each other, etc.

GOTTA LOVE LEEKWANGSOO!

SMTOWN SG UPDATES.

1. 220 bodyguards.
2. 240 cans of Red Bull
3. 143 rooms in Ritz Carlton Hotel
4. 1776 bottles of mineral water
5. 760 hangers, 38hanging racks

6. 21 portable aircons
7. 1616 cans of juice, soft drinks, isotonic drinks [artistes]
8. 1160 bottles of mineral water,soft drinks [staff]
9. 500 towels
10. 192 cup noodles
11. 41 mirrors

22NOV- Departs from Seoul 9AM. Arrival in SG 245PM.
24NOV- Departs from SG 1PM.
40+ Idols, 20+ managers, 60+ stylists/dancers, 70+ backstage crew

D-3. SMTOWN LIVE IN SINGAPORE.

 

 

cr: Singapore Chinese Newspapers

runningman

nothing much.

lee kwangsoo and his amazing camouflage.

just something i did quite a while back and thought it is funny. so here it is!

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


still watching runningman now.
it is the only thing i can spend my holiday on (who knows what will happen to me if i finish watching).
got a study date tomorrow.
i feel so fail. i need to work hard but i'm not.

anyway, EXCITED FOR THIS THURS AND FRI!

A-JAX- 2MYX; Girls' Generation- Run Devil Run

A-JAX - 2MYX MV

When it was said that this song is a reply to Run Devil Run, I wasn't really interested.
But while watching the MV (eng subbed), I found myself laughing (in a good way) whenever I managed to spot references made to Run Devil Run.
A good response video, providing both sides of the "story".

I used to see RDR as a cool song, but now hey, it does sounds like an overpossessive girlfriend, too, right?

So here it is. The links.

RDR: When I'm gone, you become a super playboy. Hold up your head, answer me.

2MYX: My playboy image is something you gave me

RDR: You're boring, you have no manners. You're a devil, devil you are.

2MYX: I'm no fun? And I have no manners?

2MYX: I'm devil, I'm devil, you better let me go. I'm gonna run away.
 

RDR: The guy contacts in your cellphone are all girls with one letter changed.

2MYX: All the girls in my phone, are all girls you made happen
 

RDR: Half of this world consists of men, it doesn't make a difference if you're gone.

2MYX: In this big world, half consist of girls, don't you dare think about coming back to me.
 

RDR: No matter how much you run, you're still in my hands.

2MYX: Check again and see who's in whose hands?

 

SMTOWN SG updates

Flight details. 
SMTOWN flight to Singapore.

Departure: 22 Nov 2012, ICN. 9AM.
Arrival: 22 Nov 2012, SIN. 2.45PM.
Flight No: SQ607. 

cr: via: EXOfanclub_SG/planet_exo

To ALL SMTOWNers,
Those who are going to the airport, please, please remember not to push,
not to take flash cameras and shove them into the idols' faces,
not to throw presents at them.
This is for leaving a good impression of Singaporean fans, of yourselves, and for the idols to have a pleasant stay.
Those who are going to stalk, PLEASE, respect their privacy.
I mean, if you really have to, at least be extremely careful when on the road.
This is for the safety of YOURSELVES, and our idols.

This is a big event. Media will be covering it.
Let the rest of Singapore and the world know that we are a group of well-mannered fans.
We have to leave a good name for SGfans right?
--
To all fellow attendees of the concert,
ENJOY!
Let the whole island be filled with our love and positive energy!

Here's an initiative.
Go memorise the lyrics of Hope, and we will sing it together!
Or at the very least, put your arms around the person next to you.
SMTOWN is a family.
------------
Details for the SMTOWN merch are out!
Please check Running Into the Sun's Facebook.
--
Goose they are freaking ex! :(

Ah Boys to Men

Finished watching the movie.

Entertainment, 4.5/5. Story line wise, 2.5/5.
But overall, I'll give the show a 3.9/5..?

This is mainly due to the messages that I felt that the movie has quite successfully conveyed to the audience, as expected from a Jack Neo film.
It has managed to show the different perspectives held by Singaporeans on the hot topic of National Service, in a humorous manner.
I find this a smart way. Laughters generated in the theatre is a reflection of social views towards the issue.

[Mild Spoiler]
At the beginning, I was really... disturbed? Or worried.
It dawned to me that a surprise attack on Singapore would have been an unexpected one. And Singaporeans are not trained on what exactly to do if things like that happen one day.
And with that, it showed how important NS is. Which is also the main crux of the movie. Without the training, how can you protect our country?
And to all audience, both males and females, it is also to show how big their responsibility is, as NS men.
Something personal, that part actually managed to make me feel a bit emotionally agitated. I was feeling really angry at our enemy, whoever it was.

On the whole, the moral of the story is not to treat NS like a joke, and not chow geng.

Character Analysis
Sergeants and corporals- Though characters that many dislike, I admire them and whatever they say.
Take a good look at Singapore, what you are supposed to protect. The prosperity that we enjoy now is not to be taken for granted as they do not come from nothing. It is from what you are wearing.

Moms- No matter how unreasonable they seemed to be, they have their own reasons.

--------------------
And to ALL MEN,
Really don't geng, be proud of that two years.
Also something frequently mentioned throughout the movie was how much NS has changed over the years. And so we should feel lucky and not ask for more.

Overall, this movie managed to provide diferent takeaways to different people. Ex-recruits, memories; and preparation for the new ones. And the females, to support and understand.

Updates

121114

Krystal, Jessica, Yoona, Taeyeon, Baekhyun, Luhan, Chanyeol, Donghae visited Leeteuk at headquarters!

cr: SNSD1Heart

[OP-ramble] New groups...

I remember posting about this
but I'm just gonna talk about this again.

Right now, as everyone would have known,
there is a saturation of new groups debuting.
Boy and girl groups alike.

EXID

Not that I mind, but looking at their MVs,
I have to say that, they ARE talented, and I can tell that they have put in the effort to be synchronized in their dancing.
Really on par with the big groups today.

So what is making them not as popular?

I am not a professional. This is just my point of view.
One thing that struck me was that they are all wearing thick makeup (for girls).
They look so perfect and pretty already.
I've mentioned on my twitter that

With all these new groups debutting, I'm already used to seeing good-looking boys and girls.

Now, being pretty is no longer the point. 

Plus, given the current circumstances, whereby there are so many groups coming out, the audience do not have the time to research up on each of the members.
Meaning you need to give me something else to make me remember you.
SKARF (not being biased here) is a good example. At least we know them as the group with Singaporeans.
B.A.P with their punkish, manly songs.
Other groups have their big-name companies and established seniors to promote them.

For all the other newbies from small companies,
I suggest, (okay, not responsible for any consequences),
tone down on the makeup (not that thick), costumes (not that f(x)-ey or SHINee-ey),
music, not that poppish. Or at least not the regular pop.

Especially on the makeup part.
Here, I have a casestudy/referencemodel/substantiation etc.
GIRLS' GENERATION.

Girls' Generation Into the New World

They started off with pretty much a makeup-less face.
This gives us the ability to recognise and remember each of the members.

I find this an important step. We want the audience to not just remember YOUR GROUP, but also each individual members.
This helps to gain both popularity and fame, as more people are able to identify and be attached to the group.

D-UNIT

Looking at all these rookie groups with members having full makeup face, not only will the audience be confused with the other groups, they can't even choose a bias within the group itself 'cuz everyone looks pretty much the same. (Not much on the plasticsurgery joke haters like to use, but because I think that people with thick makeup can't look that different.)

SHE'Z

GLAM

Just my 20cents worth. Kay considering the length, maybe 50cents. (NOT FUNNy.)

(OMG maybe I should have renamed this post as "Secret to Success" ahaha)

A/N: Sorry, can't talk much about boy groups... Not very familiar with boy groups (I just got into EXO this year so...) But if I have to say something based off my EXO's experience, and from what I've seen in the rookie groups trend for boy groups,
don't group people with the same... feel/look.
Though EXO has twelve members, each of them have their own look. This makes it easier for fans to identify them.
This is what most (I think, or at least SM does) companies do. While forming a group, they have to find people with distinct characters, they mustn't clash (thus some really good trainees didn't managed to get into groups sometimes 'cuz their styles clash), YET they must be able to complement each other and look like they are in a group.
This is a skill, too.

Reply 1997 (pre)

Haven't been posting for quite a while-- was busy watching REPLY1997.
It is like the best drama I've watched in my life, and this is not an exaggeration at all.

There is a whole list of dramas that I found really nice.
But this was the first one which got me reflecting real hard, with tons of scenes that I could relate to, as a kpop fan, and as a child who had undergone the late 90s and early 2000.

(If you know me personally, I'm the impatient kind. I would skip music tracks after listening to max1:30min, fastfoward the boring parts of a show, BUT I can confidently state that there was NOT a single moment I wanted to fastforward in the drama REPLY1997, or ANSWERME1997)

There were so many quotes I have copied down,
and so many scenes I would like to keep, because they are so well thought of, so beautiful.
Whoever did the script and directed the drama did a good job, they managed to link everything up together,
details that seemed small at first glance, but would have you rewinding in the end because you would then  found out the significance of that scene.

REALLY, a good drama.

That aside, I really enjoyed the Busan accent, it's cute.
And I support Junhee and Yunjae couple!

Back to watching.
Will post entries on each episode in detail next time.

THE START!

YAY! OP is finally over!
Didn't really do that well but AT LEAST IT'S OVER!
NO MORE PW FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!

Happy at the thought that I will be able to plan my holidays soon (Well actually I can do it now but I want to watch my shows first so...)
This is the beginning of hols!
Must treasure this short temporary period of bliss...
 -----

Random observation I've found in Girls' Generation.
Tall members are mainly the dancers, youngest..
Shorter members are mainly the vocals, oldest..

In order of age
Taeyeon Jessica Sunny Tiffany
Hyoyeon Yuri Sooyoung Yoona Seohyun

12345 shorter members 6789 taller
1234 main vocals 5678 main dancers (seohyun maknae is neutral)

Interesting pattern, huh? :D
Another additional information would be that the six members who participated in Running Man woke up in the sequence of youngest to oldest too!

Changed my blogskin

TADA!
Haven't changed my blogskin in a while.
The previous one was 2 or 3 years old I think. NAISE?
Muahhahas.
It's quite strenuous so it is not entirely completed yet,
 will leave it till next time.
 ---

It is sort of the start of the end of year holidays already.
My PW OP is up this coming Monday, which is tomorrow.
And I'm not fully prepared.
Shall start later.
HWAITING!

This year has passed quite quickly.
Can't wait to draft my holiday plans.
Gonna play, shop, eat, exercise, mug like siao!

I really need to catch up.
Me passing and not needing to go for remediation is just my luck.

So, jiayous kay, khoon? :)
See you in a while!
Hopefully I will have good news for OP tmr.