*this is an article from a Chinese mag called FANS, i think it's probably written by a very devoted fan and it's a really moving tribute to eric... very very well-written... *sniff* this is exactly why i love eric THIS much...
no matter what anyone says, he has got to be THE BEST leader out there...ERIC FIGHTING!*
From a street dance champion in the US to the leader of a Korean idol group, from a singer to an actor, from a Korean celebrity to a Hallyu star, every single transformation of Eric is simply amazing.
No Turning Back at 19 Years Old
From being selected by Lee Soo Man in March 1997 to his debut on 24 March 1998, Eric put in one full year of effort for his debut performance on KMTV's Show Music Tank. But Shinhwa's first album wasn't a success. Eric took on the responsbility of being the leader and big brother, and consoled the other members, "Let's put in our best efforts for the 2nd album, we will continue if we succeed and if we don't, we'll disband." He felt that he had to be strong, forgetting that he too was only 19 years old that year.
Fortunately, their efforts paid off, and they finally had a fanclub of their own - Shinhwa Changjo - and their very first award - the 1998 Mnet Award for Best Male Newcomer. Their 2nd album had succeeded.
Growing Pains
Shinhwa's success extended to their 3rd album. However, Andy returned to the US before the release of the 4th album, and with one person less, the company wanted to disband Shinhwa. The sudden change left Eric feeling lost for a moment. He thought if they made a great job of the 4th album, the company might be willing to give in to them.
But even their passion and results didn't make the company change its mind. Finally, that led to the unforgettable guerilla concert. Then, Eric finally caved in and knelt on the ground. Having bet everything he had on it, he lost the strength to stand. That was the first and last time that we've seen such a helpless Eric.
Leading The Escape
In 2003, Shinhwa refused to extend the contract with SM, which was undoubtedly a shock in the industry. So far no artiste had ever dared to offend the big boss of the Korean entertainment industry, and they were the first.
After the guerilla concert, Eric had his own plans, and Shinhwa left SM among much controversy. Eric was the one who negotiated with the management, and forking out his own funds to buy Shinhwa out. No one will ever know how much hardship he had to endure during the negotiations.
But there was still more trouble to deal with. On 20th September 2004, a reporter openly asked at Shinhwa's 7th album showcase, "What does Shinhwa have to offer to be able to release their 7th album?" and proceeded to slam Shinhwa with ruthless criticism, leading to a big media frenzy. It was then that Eric stepped up once again as the leader to speak out, and he published his rebuttal on the Internet, with the now-famous quote, "It's not so easy to see Shinhwa. If there's anything, you can look for me."
On 9 January 2006, there was a video of Eric and two other members mimicking the intellectually-challenged posted online with the header "Eric's a goner this time". Eric dealt firmly with the media's relentless questioning. In an apology letter which he published online he apologised for the thoughtless behaviour that he and his two younger brothers displayed in the video. What could have been a huge PR crisis for them, Eric resolved it with his firm and sincere actions. The helpless Eric of yesterday who knelt on the ground covering his face was gone - there's now only the Eric who says with conviction "We will put in our best efforts".
The Peculiar Fourth Dimension
He'd catch a mosquito and asked why it was so ugly; he ran away to Jejudo alone because he couldn't come to terms with his sudden popularity; he got lost on the way to Dongwan's birthday party; he'd confide in a dead ant; he spoke of making a pot of Hye-Wan soup....this is the fourth dimension of a man who's cool, calm and confident. To many, he is the leader of Shinhwa, gentlemanly, attractive, usually quiet, and sometimes shy.
To Shinhwa, there is only one Eric.
Source: FANS"超级粉丝" Issue 24
Credits: 默默1983@情投e赫 (love-ric.com)
Eng trans: midnightgirl13@shinhwabiz
2 comments:
Thanks for the translation of this article... Eric earned more respect and love from me after reading this article. I didn't realized he had went through so much. He deserved to be where he is at. He portraits what a leader should be. This proves he to be even a more handsome, intelligent and talented man we all come to love.
i never knew of this story... thank you very much for posting and translating it. but i always believe that ERIC is really a good leader... the fact speak for itself... SHINHWA will be celebrating their 10th year together as a group. as the older brother... even if fame came to him earlier than the rest... he still remains the big brother that they have. he sets a good example for his kid brothers... no matter what happens... we'll be together forever. my hats off to you...ERIC!!!
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