팬[Fan] : A person who has a fervent passion for something or someone
Have you ever been madly passionate about something? Or really madly liking someone?
This is what a fan is. It can only happen to people who have lots of passion in their hearts. 31-year-old office employee Miss Kim Mi Yeon who hails from Seosan in Chungnam is hooked on singer Shin Hyesung.
Any Korean pop music lover would have heard a Shin Hyesung song at least once, that’s the type of singer Shin Hyesung is. Before listening to her story, let’s understand a little about her star, Shin Hyesung.
Shin Hyesung, Who He Is
His name is Shin Hyesung, and his real name is Jung Pil Gyo. Born on 27th November 1979, now 31 years old, young Shin Hyesung took part in an audition with a friend while studying in the US, and subsequently joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. After a long period of training in Korea, he made his debut as the main vocalist of 6-member dance group Shinhwa, which has since become the longest-running group in Korea.
While active in Shinhwa’s group activities, on 6th May 2005 he released his first solo album, featuring his own unique characteristics, and began another career as a soloist. Featuring all ballads, this album was different from the trademark powerful and masculine dance music that Shinhwa presented in their spectacular performances. As an idol who had the absolute support from fans, ballads were what he liked best and what he was most confident in, and being a popular genre of music, this album earned him the love of the general public who weren’t fans. With this level of support and his own outstanding vocal abilities, he put in the greatest effort and emotions into every song, and he subsequently released his 2nd album and his two-part 3rd album, developing into a respectable vocalist.
In the process of Shin Hyesung the singer evolving from an idol into a musician, there have been many people who have stayed by his side to protect and support him. Let us now hear the story of one such person, Miss Kim Mi Yeon.
The Beginning, New Days
Her journey together with Shin Hyesung began by chance.
“During Shinhwa’s 2nd album activities, I was watching my favourite music program when I saw Shinhwa singing live, and in those days performance took precedence over singing live, so I watched their performance, thinking to myself, ‘Idols can sing live too? How well can they do?’ For some reason, they did really well. Of course, they were nervous and they made mistakes because they weren’t accustomed to live performances, but the performance looked really great, because I saw a performance where they did their best until the end. After that I developed an interest in him, and I looked for their songs and bought their albums. That’s how I started my life as a fan ^^ I still watch that video occasionally, and every viewing gives me a different feeling ^^”
Shinhwa’s 2nd album. Shinhwa’s 2nd album is especially meaningful. As they were SM Entertainment’s newcomers who were making their debut after the wildly popular Sechs Kies and SM Entertainment’s own H.O.T, there was a large-scale publicity campaign They had undergone a difficult preparation period, and had dreams of becoming the legend of the music world, shouting the slogan of “혜성처럼 전진하는 신화입니다” (Hyesung cheorom, Junjin haneun, Shinhwa imnida / Moving forward like a comet, we are Shinhwa). However, what lay ahead of them was the IMF crisis.
In the midst of the confused state of the society, their debut song ‘Haegulsa’ failed to make an impact and they quickly moved on to the follow-up track ‘Eusha Eusha’, based on the concept of taking the train to the beach. They sang and danced on stage, but unfortunately a flood took place that summer. As a result their 1st album failed, and their album was suffering losses. The management company released their 2nd album in the hopes of making up for the losses, and the Shinhwa members put in their best efforts into the promotional activities, thinking that they would give up if they couldn’t succeed this time. In the end, the title track ‘T.O.P’ which sampled Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’ was a big hit, and earned them their first Number One, as well as many fans.
At that time, they performed hard on stage, thinking that it could be their last performance as singers, and this was what moved Miss Kim Mi Yeon. In 1999, they were 21 years old, she was also 21 years old. And the journey together began from here.
Have you ever been madly passionate about something? Or really madly liking someone?
This is what a fan is. It can only happen to people who have lots of passion in their hearts. 31-year-old office employee Miss Kim Mi Yeon who hails from Seosan in Chungnam is hooked on singer Shin Hyesung.
Any Korean pop music lover would have heard a Shin Hyesung song at least once, that’s the type of singer Shin Hyesung is. Before listening to her story, let’s understand a little about her star, Shin Hyesung.
Shin Hyesung, Who He Is
His name is Shin Hyesung, and his real name is Jung Pil Gyo. Born on 27th November 1979, now 31 years old, young Shin Hyesung took part in an audition with a friend while studying in the US, and subsequently joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. After a long period of training in Korea, he made his debut as the main vocalist of 6-member dance group Shinhwa, which has since become the longest-running group in Korea.
While active in Shinhwa’s group activities, on 6th May 2005 he released his first solo album, featuring his own unique characteristics, and began another career as a soloist. Featuring all ballads, this album was different from the trademark powerful and masculine dance music that Shinhwa presented in their spectacular performances. As an idol who had the absolute support from fans, ballads were what he liked best and what he was most confident in, and being a popular genre of music, this album earned him the love of the general public who weren’t fans. With this level of support and his own outstanding vocal abilities, he put in the greatest effort and emotions into every song, and he subsequently released his 2nd album and his two-part 3rd album, developing into a respectable vocalist.
In the process of Shin Hyesung the singer evolving from an idol into a musician, there have been many people who have stayed by his side to protect and support him. Let us now hear the story of one such person, Miss Kim Mi Yeon.
The Beginning, New Days
Her journey together with Shin Hyesung began by chance.
“During Shinhwa’s 2nd album activities, I was watching my favourite music program when I saw Shinhwa singing live, and in those days performance took precedence over singing live, so I watched their performance, thinking to myself, ‘Idols can sing live too? How well can they do?’ For some reason, they did really well. Of course, they were nervous and they made mistakes because they weren’t accustomed to live performances, but the performance looked really great, because I saw a performance where they did their best until the end. After that I developed an interest in him, and I looked for their songs and bought their albums. That’s how I started my life as a fan ^^ I still watch that video occasionally, and every viewing gives me a different feeling ^^”
Shinhwa’s 2nd album. Shinhwa’s 2nd album is especially meaningful. As they were SM Entertainment’s newcomers who were making their debut after the wildly popular Sechs Kies and SM Entertainment’s own H.O.T, there was a large-scale publicity campaign They had undergone a difficult preparation period, and had dreams of becoming the legend of the music world, shouting the slogan of “혜성처럼 전진하는 신화입니다” (Hyesung cheorom, Junjin haneun, Shinhwa imnida / Moving forward like a comet, we are Shinhwa). However, what lay ahead of them was the IMF crisis.
In the midst of the confused state of the society, their debut song ‘Haegulsa’ failed to make an impact and they quickly moved on to the follow-up track ‘Eusha Eusha’, based on the concept of taking the train to the beach. They sang and danced on stage, but unfortunately a flood took place that summer. As a result their 1st album failed, and their album was suffering losses. The management company released their 2nd album in the hopes of making up for the losses, and the Shinhwa members put in their best efforts into the promotional activities, thinking that they would give up if they couldn’t succeed this time. In the end, the title track ‘T.O.P’ which sampled Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’ was a big hit, and earned them their first Number One, as well as many fans.
At that time, they performed hard on stage, thinking that it could be their last performance as singers, and this was what moved Miss Kim Mi Yeon. In 1999, they were 21 years old, she was also 21 years old. And the journey together began from here.
At this moment, in the future and foreverTo everyone who has been standing in the same place with me
And looking at the same things
I’m presenting my second gift to you.
The beginning… new days..
- Vol.2: Thanks to
Fascination = Something Special
Liking something or someone for a long period of time isn’t an easy thing. This kind of passion can result in one getting sick of it very quickly, and the appearance of new interests can make one lose interest and forget about what she has previously liked. But for the past 10 years she has been looking at the same place. 10 years is a long period of time, enough for mountains to move and rivers to dry, but at the same time it’s a short time compared to the days ahead. During this time, what is the charm of Shin Hyesung that has kept her eyes only on him?
“Needless to say, his greatest charm is his voice and his expression of his songs. His ability to fit his voice to any kind of songs, his ability to use his body to convey the emotions and the stories of the songs really moves people’s hearts, he’s so good at it that no one else can compare. That kind of expression… it’s the best. He has what is truly a heavenly voice, which anyone would agree.”
We often hear sad ballads that sing of love and separation. But the lyrics of his songs are especially heartfelt. He throws in his mind, body and soul to express such sad songs. Thus when we hear his songs the feelings that the songs convey aren’t all that there is to it. Why is it so sad.. How come it hurts so badly.. You can’t help but feel a tug at your heartstrings. On the other hand, when he sings love songs, he conveys the feelings of excitement and happiness very well, and warms people’s hearts like how the sun in springtime would. His singing ability isn’t the kind that gives people goosebumps, and there are many singers who sing better than him, but one can say that his expression of songs is the best.
There was a review on a certain music-related site that said of vocalist Shin Hyesung, he’s the singer with the broadest spectrum in the country. When he sings a particular genre of songs, he quickly grasps the core concept of the genre and expresses it in his own style. That article also gave a re-interpretation of his “heavenly voice”, which is a description that has been following him. His voice isn’t clear like you would imagine of mountain springs, but it’s clear like the vast sky in a dazzling shade of blue. How could anyone feel sick of his voice that’s maybe even like the flow of air that fills the atmosphere? Has anyone gotten sick of seeing the sky when looking out of the window?
“Moreover, I like the way he’s always serious and sensible no matter what he’s doing. There are many entertainers who look at the people around them and predict their results even before they start, and even taking pride in it. Perhaps it’s over-packaging or in plain terms, playing the media? Even so, I can’t find any instances of Hyesung-sshi being like that. The way he only comes public only when he has achieved results to a certain extent, it can be considered as a form of trust? Based on his words matching his actions, I’m going to give him a high score.
“And, I like how he encourages others first instead of putting himself in front, that’s a side of him that’s worth respecting. He has a nickname ‘Manner Jung’, because he doesn’t ignore basic decency and manners no matter what he does. When I see him like this, I can say to my heart’s content… I really know how to look at people ^^”
Although to her the singer Shin Hyesung has many charms, but even as a person, he comes across to her as someone with many great points. After all, fans don’t know him personally, and what they know about him is only through TV, radio, concerts and other mediums. How much do they really know him as a person, one can ask. That’s true, of course. But purely based on the relationship of entertainer and fan, more than 10 years exist between them and that can’t be ignored. In such a long time, fans have grown together, and have stayed faithful together. That’s from an emotional point of view.His ambitious and carefully thought out plans for his career; his concern and consideration towards others; his cautious Type A personality; little habits that even he isn’t aware of; things he likes and dislikes; his irrepressible playfulness; his competitive nature that’s opposite of his pretty appearance; and his humility despite his strong pride. These are all things about him that fans would know after spending such a long time with him. Right now they are very familiar with each other, the kind of relationship where they would know what isn’t being said. This is their level of relationship.
Because Of You, The Fans Always Have The Same Thought, Forever Their First Person
To the fans, his music is the most precious gift. Fans in return support him with passion. Although they all say they support him, but everyone’s way of showing support differs. How does Miss Kim Mi Yeon show her support then?
“When he releases a new album, I’ll listen to the songs over the radio and give the albums as gifts to people around me to help promote his songs, and I am always active on Hyesung-sshi’s fansites. And I’ll try my best to make it to any public performances such as concerts.”
The conventional understanding to fan activities include buying albums, watching concerts, turning up for scheduled events, watching programmes featuring their idols, and fans getting together and interacting with each other. But on top of this, there is a bigger variety of fan activities than commonly thought of. When albums are released, fans set up Shin Hyesung promotional support groups, giving gifts of albums and snacks to different programs, enclosed with little notes with pleas to support the album. When he has radio or television recordings, they would prepare and send out food and snacks to tens of crew members. Though these gifts are meant as goodwill to the production crews, it also includes the fans’ concern that he isn’t having regular meals with his irregular schedules. In addition, fansites also canvass for funds to buy gifts, or donate the money to charities in his name. This level of ‘fan support’ is beyond imagination.
She is also actively involved as a fansite administrator. But owing to her work and where she stays, there are many limitations to her activities and she does feel some regrets about that.
“Since I don’t live in Seoul, other than at concerts, I don’t get many opportunities to see Hyesung-sshi, that leaves me with the biggest regrets. I also want to go to the recordings of the music programs to support him, and meet the other fans, but the travelling doesn’t allow me to do that.”
Even if it’s just a little more, she keeps on wanting to cheer him on, and even if it’s one more thing, she keeps on wanting to do it again. That’s what all the fans, including her, feel. But sometimes doing so doesn’t always receive understanding from others. They say, that person doesn’t know you and you’re not getting anything in return so why are you doing this? But she says as fans, they get back many things in return.
“Listening to Hyesung-sshi’s songs, going to his concerts, these can relieve the stress from everyday life. And because of Hyesung-sshi I often get to meet other people, and I’ve become more cheerful. In the past I only met people whom I needed to meet, but now doing things like going to concerts, I get to meet others from the fansite, chat with them and laugh happily. This has changed me, and I’m very happy.”
Happy. Because I’m happy. There isn’t a better reason, is there? Everyone wants to be happy, but having to struggle to be happy isn’t true happiness. It isn’t difficult to live happily. She said she’s happy even when she thinks of him. Giving someone happiness, is there any gift greater than this? No matter who the other party is, when even thoughts make you happy, that’s a fortune. For the fans, he’s forever the “First Person”, “Because Of You” they are able to always have the “Same Thought”.
The people who always give me happiness…Forever.. Looking at the same place… Please walk together with me..
Just like always..
- Vol.3 Side2: Thanks to
The Journey Together
After the 31st May Busan concertm she’s now waiting for his special album scheduled for release in June. After that, she will still continue to support him in all his activities. Lastly, let’s hear what she has to say to Shin Hyesung.
“I hope you will always remain this way as the singer Shin Hyesung. Of course it’s just not singing. No matter what it is, I hope to see Hyesung-sshi doing everything that you want to do. Also, because I often go to concerts, I hope you can have more concerts, and take part in more programs for the sake of fans like me who live outside Seoul. Although it’s something you always hear but I still want to say it, thank you for singing, and now that the Busan concert is over you’ll be starting on your Asia tour. Please stay healthy and don’t get hurt, I’ll pray for you to end your tour successfully. Just like how you said to walk on together, I’ll continue supporting you, so I hope you’ll get to do everything you want to do without feeling burdened. Forever fighting~!!!”
The endless journey of singer Shin Hyesung together with his fans. I too, will be a fellow traveller, watching them.
Credits: Sunshine News + Absolut Shinhwa
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