[09.11.23] Dongwan’s JP blog: 2009

Can anyone help traslate this post, please -_-

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Wrote the lyrics!

Credits: Dongwan’s Japanese blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.23] Dongwan’s memolog: How to realize your dreams.

There are rules to prayers.
You must firmly believe that your dream will come true.
And believe that this is the power of God.
Prayers with a lack of faith will not be realized.
This is what many religious followers commonly say.

In your efforts to realize your dreams, you must have faith as a solid support.
And to me, that faith is always the time when God is with me.

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.22] Andy: Our dream is to have a Shinhwa talkshow

Andy, famous for his heart dance, is back as the charismatic single man. Currently promoting his 2nd album ‘Single Man’, Andy has captured the hearts of his female fans with his new ’sophisticated guy’ image. ‘Single Man’ is an electronica dance track, featuring Jumper rapper Park Dong Min and newcomer actor Seo Min Woo.

Dressed smartly in a suit, Andy fully exudes the air of a charming single man in this interview.

Getting Away From The ‘Maknae’ Image

Andy has always given people the impression of being Shinhwa’s maknae, but he hopes that with this album he will finally be able to take on a more masculine image.

“I was thinking that I wanted to show various aspects, and my image now is just one part of it. When I was working on ‘Single Man’, I really wanted to show off a range of genres and concepts.”

Without realizing it he has already reached 30, the age he has once looked forward to, and it feels like he has already transcended life in the entertainment industry.

“Looking at the reports regarding Jang Dong Gun’s relationship I was thinking that I wanted to let it all out and have a big blow-up once, but will I have that kind of effect? In the past the reporters would be stalking me but these days I can’t even find them if I wanted to. (laughs)”

Having popularized the heart dance from ‘Love Song’ before, Andy said that making this album has been very tiring. Not only did he have to film for the SBS daily drama ‘Two Wives’, he also had to balance his music activities with the drama, and he became so busy that he had no time left at all.

“The album was planned for a summer release, but it had to be delayed due to the drama. Originally the songs were recorded with the intention of being released in the summer, so with the delay recording had to be redone.”

A Shinhwa Talkshow

“The idol singers these days are really so much younger than me, and they remind me of the time when I just debuted. Having to manage a busy schedule and always being on the move to the next venue… Back then even when I met seniors I could only manage to say hello and then leave quickly because there was no time.”

Growing together with the music industry as a pioneer idol, they still enjoy the same things as before.

“We still want to regroup when all of us are done with our military service. There are people who say that we’re old, but it’s still possible if we’re in our early 30s. Hahaha.”

Shinhwa is very precious to Andy. He believes that he is what he is because of Shinhwa, and he makes frequent mention of meeting up with Eric and Kim Dongwan whenever he’s free.

“There’s a dream of ours that we’ve always been talking about, which is to have a talkshow hosted by the 6 of us. We’ve been talking about this from a long time ago, and we’re still talking about it now.”

Personality Changes With Solo Activities

After his debut, Andy has always maintained a gentle and pure image. “Although I tend to be the less talkative type, but that has changed with my solo activities.”

“When I think quietly, people would start worrying about me and ask ‘why are you in a daze’, or ‘is there something wrong’. I’m just always trying to be funny.”

He enjoys indulging a mix of insults and what is commonly known as ‘ahjumma conversation’ with Eric. Eric hyung particularly likes getting insulted. What we say to each other can be really quite a spectacle.”

Although Andy seems like he’s the frivolous sort, but it feels like he’s a very thoughtful person. “I often upload selca pictures and send my regards, for the benefit of the fans, and slowly it became a natural thing to do.”

As a singer, actor or musical actor, each of these possesses a different appeal, and that’s why he says he cannot give up any one of these, and promises to be even more active in each field.

“Due to military service, I have to maximize the remaining time as much as I can, and I’ll work hard to take on more challenges.”

Credits: IS Plus + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.22] Dongwan’s memolog: 31st birthday.

I’m really thankful for the many things I can do, and want to do at 31.
Everything~ It’s thanks to you. ^_^

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.22] Dongwan’s blog: 2009 (main page updated)

The season for (snow)boarding is coming!


Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

Birthday Greeting to Dongwan-oppa

thanks to Saraee for the birthday greetings

[09.11.20] Fanpics: Junjin leaving Nonsan Military Training Center on 19th Nov

click picture to see more pictures of Junjin ^^


quick note from Su-mi:

Jin’s done with his 4-week training course and according to a 7th Nov article on dongA.com, he’ll be deployed to the Mapo District Office as a public service officer after his application to be posted to the Seoul Central District Court was unsuccessful. There has been no updates since then, so I’m not sure if the arrangement still stands. In any case, good to see him back healthy and all…. ^_^

See logo on pics for credits
Source: Su-mi@absolutshinhwa

[09.11.19] Info: The Melody of Snow – Hyesung’s Sapporo/Hokkaido Photo Essay Book

Preorder now available at DVDHeaven and Yesasia
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PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Shin Hyesung ‘First Photo Essay Book’ – The Melody of Snow!!
[Photo Essay Book (170p) + 1DVD + poster]

Set against the backdrop of Sapporo’s white snowscape, Shin Hyesung’s Hokkaido travel photo essay is revealed!
Shin Hyesung’s first photo essay book takes place in the city of white snow!

Gentle guy, Shin Hyesung.
A laidback and romantic travel journal…
With 100 photos capturing gentle and sweet Shin Hyesung and an all-natural Shin Hyesung during his travels!

*Plus! DVD!
The story behind the making of the photo essay, all contained in the ‘Making Story’!
Never-seen-before NG scenes from the photo essay and the filming of ‘Why Did You Call…’ M/V
All featured in the ‘Making Of M/V Story’!!

CONTENTS
Disc 1 – Shin Hye Sung Sapporo Story
1. Making Of ‘The Sapporo Story’
2. Making Of M/V “Why Did You Call…”
3. Photo Slide Show
4. M/V “Why Did You Call…”

SPECIFICATIONS
Region: All
Running time: 40 minutes
Subtitles: Korean, English, Japanese
Aspect: 16:9 anamorphic widescreen. 4:3 fullscreen, NTSC
Audio: Dolby 2.0 Stereo

Credits: yes24 + Absolut Shinhwa

Seng-eel Chooka Hamneeda - Kim Dongwan-shi

There will be a lot of messages coming you way as your Special Day nears.

I dont know what more to wish for you, I know somehow you have them all.

Here is just a simple wish for you coming from someone who wishes the very best in everything to come your way:

Hope you have a very Special Day, celebrating them with your special friends and Family.

BE HAPPY ALWAYS AND I PRAY THAT SOMEDAY YOU HAVE A FAMILY OF YOUR OWN.

[09.11.18] Dongwan’s photolog: Sending the autumn leaves at Naejangsan…

Dongwan's photos are picture perfect .....
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Naejangsan is the place where you get to see the last of the autumn leaves.
So..
I went to take a look! ^____^/


The two trees at the entrance to Naejangsan.


I had breakfast, went around town and saw a record shop..
Since it’s been a while so I just looked around with nothing in mind, and there was us~ㅋ


Even the name sounds affectionate – Ant Music Company!


Today’s destination, an old-fashioned cinema!
Look at the tickets…. Woohoo!


But unlike what I expected there was nothing that caught my eye. So I just watched the movie and left..-_-;


Even if you went and returned on the same day it’s still great because you get to enjoy some tranquility like this.


Father and daughter……
Perhaps they are.. Erm…-0-;


Talking on the phone at Naejangsan…


The beautiful schoolchildren protecting themselves from influenza…!
Why does the child in the middle seem to be in distress…!


Going over Maple Hill and on the way home.

Wa~ A really huge, and quiet lake caught my eye~


Just in time as the sun was disappearing..

Having taken great photos at an unexpected place.
The 1-night trip on a cloudy day was really enjoyable~ㅎㅎㅎ
Due to the fog I didn’t get to take a single picture at the initial location..

Anyhow!
Book the train ticket in advance and try going once~
Because there is a KTX station in Jeongeup!

p.s. There is a dumpling shop near the terminal, never ever eat the udon.
Thought the dumplings are tasty, I nearly threw up when I ate the udon…ㅜㅜ
The soup stock was made out of mackerel…-_-;

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.18] Dongwan’s blog: 2009 (main page updated)

Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes.
I’m really grateful for the letters and presents that I’ve received.
To repay all of you for your constant support in 1 year’s time
I’ll let you see me at my best!
I ought to… I’d better…..ㅜㅜ
Hahaha~
I’ll be turning 32 next year..
In 1999 when I did the interview with Pastel (magazine)
I said that I’d be living in the suburbs together with my pretty wife and my two kids…
This… What the heck.

Even so, right now I
Still want to be a cool Uncle Dongwan!
Shinhwa mansae~!

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.18] Live Works notice: Updates on Hyesung

Hi everyone, this is Live Works Company..
For the fans who have always been showering Hyesung with your support and care, here are some updates on Hyesung, who is truly grateful to every fan.

1. About the Japanese album
Originally planned for release in October this year, the 1st Japanese album will now be released at the end of February next year.
Once the exact date and details of the album have been decided, as well as the promotional events and activities, we’ll update everyone via notices on the official website.

2. About the release of new Hyesung contents
Hyesung’s week-long trip to beautiful snowy Hokkaido early this year have been documented in a photo essay/1DVD, which will be released in Korea in November.
We will update everyone of more details about Hyesung’s Hokkaido travel photo essay via the official website.

3. About the [2009 "KEEP LEAVES" TOUR IN SEOUL] LIVE DVD
The ‘Keep Leaves’ Tour Live Concert which started in May in Seoul this year and went on to Taiwan, China and Japan, is scheduled for release in Korea and Japan in March 2010.
More specific details of the release date and contents when confirmed will be released through the official website.

4. About the revamp of Hyesung’s official Korean and Japanese websites
Hyesung’s official Korean and Japanese websites is expected to undergo a restructure.
In order for us to provide everyone with news and updates of Hyesung – who will be officially starting his activities in Japan early next year – in a faster and more efficient manner, we have decided to reorganize the sites. We seek your support and hope you will look forward to the new sites.

Hyesung is currently in Japan, preparing for his first Japanese album to be released next year.

To keep his promise to the fans and everyone’s faith in him, Hyesung is putting in his best efforts at every moment and working steadily in his preparations.

In the coming future, Hyesung will show his sincerity by making good music and letting you see the best of him.

Thank you everyone for always loving and cheering Hyesung on.

Credits: Live Works + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.16] Andy: It’s satisfying to see idols having more freedom these days (3/3)

Now back with his 2nd album, singer Andy no longer feels strange about being called a ’solo singer’ instead of a ‘Shinhwa member’. Being part of the first-generation idols, I ask him what he thinks about his juniors.

Though he’s been in the industry for 11 years as part of the most long-lived idol group Shinhwa, Andy is still a little shy as he sends his message to the juniors. “I’m proud of them. Of course it’s really tough in the beginning. If the top asks you to do something, you’ll have to do it even when you don’t understand why. No matter what it seems that you’ll have to do a lot of activities as well.”

“But these days the newcomers seem to have more freedom than we did before. It’s satisfying to see this. Though it took us a long time, but no matter what for them the time is cut short by showing off their other skills through the various channels available these days. It’ll be good as along as they can stay the way they are as boy groups now and not split up.”

Will Andy comment about the controversial remark incident, the plagiarism incident, the drinking incident and other controversies that plagued the idol groups in September? Andy calmly expresses, “Although as a senior I want to console them and it’s heartbreaking to see them being so miserable, I also hope that they will not forget the lessons learned, continue to work hard and not do anything that will upset the fans again.”

He is unexpectedly positive about the breakup of the original idol groups such as H.O.T and Sechskies. “Though everyone says ‘H.O.T and Sechskies were really great’, but the way we see it, though the groups have disbanded the members have all individually maintained their own appeal and continue to stay active in the industry. That’s a form of motivation for us too. It’s looking really good. It’ll be great if they carry on without losing track of that.”

“Although there should always be laughter, there are sad moments too. It’ll be great if everyone can maintain a positive outlook and carry on. Of course this is also a big assignment for me, but it’s something I must tell the juniors too. I hope they can remember it, even if bad things happen, you mustn’t forget to smile, and you must carry on. Isn’t this the kind of artist who lives on the love of the fans?

Credits: Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.16] Andy to DBSK: After leaving the management company, the 2nd ‘debut’ may be even harder

IT WILL BE AS DIFFICULT AS MAKING A DEBUT AGAIN

As a member of the longest-running idol group Shinhwa, singer Andy has expressed his ‘personal opinion’ regarding the DBSK controversy.

Andy made his debut with Shinhwa in 1998 under SM Entertainment, also DBSK’s management company, and has attained much popularity since then. However at the end of their contract period, the members transferred to another agency and have all remained active up until now.

In a recent interview with Sports Donga, Andy cautiously commented, “As a fan of DBSK even before they made their debut, I sincerely hope they can work together as a group again. If they can find another solution, they must understand that they have to start all over from scratch.”

Referring to the time when Shinhwa left SM, Andy emphasized, “It was very difficult. They have to understand that when idol groups leave the agency they made their debut with, they have to work even harder than when they made their debut.”

With several of his fellow members currently serving their military service, Shinhwa’s group activities have temporarily been put on hold and Andy has since then been active in his own solo projects, including grooming and producing for newcomers. He has recently held a national casting event to discover new talent.

Thus, from the perspective of a producer, with regards to the current state of the music industry, Andy expressed, “It’s dangerous for idol singers who achieve great popularity within a short period of time to only place importance on their own efforts. They have to recognize the abilities and capabilities of the company that has discovered and groomed them.”

Credits: Sports Donga + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.16] Dongwan’s blog: 2009 (main page updated)

Jeongeup is a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, located on the western side of the Noryeong Mountains. The city limits include Naejang-san National Park, a popular destination particularly in autumn due to its foliage.
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Galjae Village on the other side of Jeongeup’s Maple Leaf Hill.
The sun is hiding behind my back…

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.15] Uljjang* stars still look good with weird expressions

*uljjang (or ulzzang) 얼짱: Korean slang that literally means ‘best face’, a term used to describe someone who has a very attractive face

Dongwan's Photo Essay

Stars who appear on the television or movie screen are always seeking perfection, since it’s their job to let the audience see them looking as gorgeous as they have imagined. But these stars, in real life, don’t differ from the public. They have funny photos of themselves, as well as photos of themselves and their friends with bizarre expressions.

Let’s take a look at these pictures.

◆ Chiselled Hunks: “Funny faces, but we’re still handsome”

The representative goodlookers have not hesitated in releasing their funny photos. They even make use of various props and make-up, presenting a look totally opposite of their handsome selves in dramas.

Since a long time ago, Eric and his fellow Shinhwa members have enjoyed taking photos of their weird expressions. In the picture, his eye-catching Young-gu (an old-school Korean comedy character) makeover with his realistic expression perfectly hides his handsome looks.

(irrelevant info omitted)

Credits: Sportsseoul + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.15] ‘Single Man’ of 8 years Andy: OK to a celeb girlfriend (2/3)

Back after 1 year and 10 months with his 2nd solo album is singer Andy. Who made his debut with 6-member group Shinhwa in 1998 and has spent 12 years in showbiz without realizing it. But it’s only after I meet him in person that I realize that he is still shy in front of the camera despite being in showbiz for so long, but he is still a fine young man of Korea who is clear about his goals and steadily moving towards them.

He does have his sore spots too. Having been single for the past 8 years, he has indirectly expressed his current situation with his new album ‘Single Man’. “Though everyone finds it unbelievable but it’s true that I haven’t had a girlfriend for the past 8 years. I’m not proud about it, it’s just that I’ve been so caught up in my work that I haven’t been able to date. Don’t they always say ‘it will come someday’, really… You can laugh but just wait and see, it can happen any moment.”

Though others continue to date even though they’re busy, Andy doesn’t have much time left after he spends most of it on work, and he’s used to it. “I’ve done a lot these 2 years. I’ve been busy with the musicals, the album, the drama and then the new album. This album comes 1 year and 10 months since the first one, and in between many things have taken place. Time really flies.”

It seems like it wouldn’t be right if I don’t try to arrange (?) something. So I ask him, what type of girls does he like? Andy candidly admits that he is OK with dating a celebrity.

“Having someone who’s in the same line, I may be able to get a lot of encouragement. If it isn’t someone from the entertainment industry, it may get a little tough. Working days aren’t fixed, time is tight and schedules are erratic, and it’s not something that someone with a 9-to-5 job can easily understand.”

Not just about love, but Andy also has his own views about marriage. “Early on in the relationship she may say she understands, but most likely she won’t be able to keep thinking that way eventually. Of course everyone knows that to maintain a relationship, we need to work hard at communication, but anyway. When my elder sister got married I wanted to quickly get married because of my parents too.”

Men around 30 all seem to wish to get married. If that’s the case, does ‘Single Man’ Andy identify with the lyrics of his title track?

“Honestly, not really. Haha. But I don’t want to think like the typical single. For example, if I go on a blind date, rather than to prepare to meet ‘the one’, maybe I should think of getting to know the other person better instead? On some levels the lives of singles are about the same.”

At this point I’m getting curious about Andy’s daily life. Having worked so long in the entertainment industry he has many celeb friends, but when he has time he still makes an effort to meet his non-showbiz friends. “I often meet up with them to do regular things. We go to the roadside stalls at Hongdae too. Usually we like to look for places with good food, and if we meet at somebody’s home we’d prepare a nice meal, play games like voice impersonation and share interesting stories.”

“Being a entertainer is just a job. On stage, we’re set up to look good, outside of this when I’m with my friends I just want to live like a regular person. Although I’ve been to many expensive places, but compared to that, having a beer at a convenience store, that’s a really great way to live.” It’s easy to see why fans say that he makes people feel comfortable.

Amidst the ordinary, he has led an extraordinary 10 years and has reached the age of 30. At this age where it’s time to decide his future path, though unlike others Andy doesn’t need to worry about results or finding work, just like always he is dashing towards his goals. “I don’t think I’m that different when I look at my friends. It seems that the most important thing is the goal. To persevere and work towards a new goal that I set for myself or to stay put, I’ll choose to work towards my goal.”

During an interview 10 years ago when he was younger, he was asked about how he would be 10 years later. “The members would all be married and have a kid or two, and we’d still be releasing albums.”

10 years on, the same question is being asked again. “10 years from now? Ei, I should be married by then.” (laughs)

Credits: Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa

Fanpics: Andy in Taiwan (13/11 Press Conference)

Credits: Andy Namu

Source: Su-mi@absolutshinhwa

[09.11.14] Dongwan’s blog: 2009 (main page updated)

Where~am I?

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[09.11.14] Not ‘An-sobang’ but ‘Single Man’ – Andy’s transformation (1/3)

‘An-sobang’ Andy has declared that he is now a ‘Single Man’. Making a 180-degree turn from his ’sweet guy’ image, though in some ways he may seem like a ‘bad guy’, he is still very attractive.

Forget for a moment about the Andy who captured the ladies’ hearts with his adorable smile and rhythm in ‘Love Song’ and ‘Propose’. Dressed smartly in a sharp suit, shades and a hat, and performing suavely on stage such that it’s not easy to trace any bits of his old image, that’s what we call a transformation.

Andy introduces the concept of his album. “I want to do away with the cuteness of the first album and use the 2nd album to transform my image into a more masculine one. Personally there isn’t any preference, every performance for every album is fun and great.”

Single Andy is not by himself for the performance of ‘Single Man’, Jumper rapper Park Dong Min and newcomer actor Seo Min Woo also provide a solid back up.

About concerns of “What about Shinhwa if there’s this 3-member group?’, Andy explains, ” Everyone has misunderstood this, I haven’t formed a 3-member group. Think of it as the concept of ‘featuring’. The significance behind this is to allow the two of them to accumulate more experience.”

1 year and 10 months ago, Andy’s ‘An-sobang’ image on MBC’s ‘We Got Married’ was already a change for the Andy of Shinhwa. Though ‘Single Man’ also shows off the charisma he has as a Shinhwa member, there is still an obvious difference between Shinhwa’s Andy and the solo Andy.

“Shinhwa’s performance and my solo performance are different. In the 6-member Shinhwa, I can’t show my individual self completely. Here it’s a performance with only Andy. This time round, it’s of course my own performance rather than my image in Shinhwa. You can see and feel a distinct difference from the first album. While not intense, I’ll still be working on a public image that isn’t too casual either.”

Rather than to go for a revolutionary change, Andy dreams of changing bit by bit in a larger context. He confidently says, “You will see an Andy who’s different from what he has been all this while.” In the late autumn of 2009 where the floodgates of male solo singers have opened, this is the reason why you should pay attention to Andy.

Andy will kick off his Asia concert tour with a concert in Taiwan on 14th November, subsequently moving on to Japan on 24 December and China on 26 December.

Credits: Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa