Monday, January 12, 2009

[09.01.10][News] How male stars in the army keep fans update

As everyone knows, entertainers who are serving their military service usually spend the two years being cut off from their fans. However recently, many male celebrities who are serving their military service have found different ways of keeping their fans updated about their lives.

Having enlisted for duty in Jan 2008, actor Chun Jung Myung - who volunteered to join the recruit training department of the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division - is a prime example of this new trend. Currently serving out his duty with a great attitude, he has been involved in the publicity of various army policies. In an interview with a Korean army policy newsletter on 1 Jan, he talked about his interest in shooting practice and his progress with his English lessons.

Fan cafes are also important sources of updates for stars in the army. Chun Jung Myung left a message on his fan cafe page on 3rd Jan, “I’ve finally got promoted to Corporal. It’s been 1 year since I enlisted. It feels surreal to receive an extra badge.”

On 28th Dec last year, singers Psy, Sung Shi Kyung, Kim Jae Duk, who are all serving their duty now, met their fans in a concert for the open broadcast of the army radio station’s New Year special.

Updating the fans via minihompy pages and blogs is also a good idea. Shinhwa members Eric and Kim Dongwan are now serving as public service officers, and though they have their personal time when they are off duty, they still have to be careful as their words and actions are scrutinized due to their celebrity status.

Recently, Kim Dongwan posted a picture of the 6 members gathering on Christmas Eve on his blog, much to the delight of fans who haven’t see the 6 members together in a long time.

Completing projects prior to enlistment also helps to fill the void, as shown by the examples of singers Sung Shi Kyung and Lee Jung. Sung Shi Kyung had featured in the OST for the KBS drama The World They Live In prior to his enlistment, while Lee Jung’s album will also be released soon.

Source: osen
Chi trans: 悟空空@love-ric
Eng trans: midnightgirl13@absolutshinhwa.wordpress.com

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