Felicia Wee, a staff member of Jang Keun Suk’s Fan Club here in Korea.com was able to have a close encounter with Jang Keun Suk in Malaysia, Last June 4, 2011! Here is her detailed fan account as she goes on here way meeting his one and only Prince!
At about 12.30pm, my parents dropped my sister and I at Pavilion, although the registration for media for the press conference supposed to have started at 2pm. Walked around in Pavilion for about half an hour and headed to JW Marriott for the press conference. When I got there, I was surprised to see so many people at the lobby until they were spilling out the front entrance. As I was walking through the crowd, I was thinking, “Why were there so many people here? It’s not like he would be down now since he had to attend a press conference at 3pm”. Headed to the fourth floor to confirm that I was at the right place and if could, wanted to register early, but it seems that Rhythm Land was just setting up so I headed down again. Instead of walking around, I decided to hang around in the lobby, hoping to see him too although part of me was thinking there is no way he would be here. At about 1.30pm, he came down and the crowd went berserk including me and flashes went off everywhere and fans following him out the front door as he was on his way to the hall for rehearsal. After he left the hotel, the fans who were VVIP and VIP ticket holder headed up to the fourth floor to register. It was then that I was told that today is only the fanmeet and not the press conference. The press conference was only to be held the next day at 3pm. I was shocked as the invitation from Rhythm Land said it was on Saturday, June 4. I was a bit peeved because I was there early for the press conference and they gave me the wrong information. Thus, my sister and I went to Starbucks to kill time.
At about 2.30 headed back to the hotel. Saw many eels there lining up to buy merchandise for him. Inside the room prepared for the eels, the banner of Keun Suk, Gunsama, Eunsuk , Heung Ro and BB Kurt done by Jang Keun Suk FC Malaysia (JKSFCM) was hung for all to take picture with, but that was not all that they did. They had a certificate of signatures by all the VVIP and VIP ticket holders to sign as well as 6 pewter glasses by Royal Selangor and a bottle of wine to be given to him and heart shape balloons for the fans to show him their love. At about 3.30, the doors was open and all the VVIP and VIP fans went in. The VVIPs were to the left of the room, media in the centre and VIPs were to the right of the room. At about 4, the emcee came on stage, briefed the VVIPs and VIPs as to how to go about the photo and autograph session and reminded the media that no flash photography was allowed. Few minutes later, he entered the room and everyone was just shouting their heads off. When I first saw him, I was gobsmacked for a few seconds and then I started clicking my camera away. He was so tall and so much more good looking in person. I just couldn’t take my eyes of him. He then walked to the centre of the stage and greeted his fans. When he saw the balloon sculpture of him he was surprised and glad that the Malaysian fans went to such length to make him feel welcomed. After that, the organizers brought the purple box filled with gifts for him which he asked if he could open it there and then to which the emcee said sure. When he opened it, balloons flew out of the box and as he reached it to retrieve his gifts, he took out 2 scrapbooks courtesy of JKSCFM. After the unveiling of the gifts, he went back to the room while the organizers organized the VIPs for the photo session. Once they were ready, Keun Suk would come out and take a 5 second photo with them. This went on for 10 rounds. Although it must be very tiring for him to be in and out yet at every single time, you can see him smiling so genuinely. After the photo session has finished, it was time for the autograph session. Not only did he sign the poster prepared, he also signed t-shirts, his album and also posters of him made by the fans. He also took pictures with some who asked though the only sad thing is that he did not sign the big board like he does at every Cri show. At about 5.30pm, the emcee announced that the shuttle bus to take the VIPs and VVIPs to the hall has arrived and that they can head to the bus but not a single fan budged out of the room. Although they were not going to go up close with him they still wanted to stay and see him, which was more than enough for them including me. At about 6pm, the autograph session finally ended and he hugged the last person. (what a lucky eel!! ) and he also said that she asked him to go to Indonesia and he said that he may do so next year before heading backstage. After he left the room, everyone dispersed and headed to the hall for the showcase. Though it’s a pity that Rhythm Land did not organize a shuttle bus for the media to go over and we had to walk.
My sister and I decided to head to Pavilion to get some bread as dinner. After that, we headed to the hall. It took about 15 minutes since it’s quite near. When we got there, there were already many people who have arrived and entered the hall. After we registered, we ate our bread and entered the hall. When we first got to our place, I was thinking to myself, “Why did they put the media so high up? Shouldn’t we be nearer to get a better view and pictures? (be reminded, I have a short range lens.)” Was quite disappointed with where all the media were placed and it seemed that I wasn’t the only one. One of the media from a Chinese newspaper told the bodyguard and he too agreed that the media should get a nearer seat. He consulted with the organizers and they came and move us to a nearer seat.
While waiting for the show to start, they were showing his Let Me Cry MV, a few of his CFs including Zegda. At about 7.15pm, the show started. The lights went off and the fans went crazy! He came on stage with singing Let Me Cry from his latest album and then it was Oh My Darling! Then he went backstage to prepare for the interview. When he came out again, he was greeted by the emcee, Owen Yap and he greeted the fans before taking a seat. Mind you, throughout the entire interview, he was speaking in English most of the time and only in Korean if he needed to express more of his feelings or when he was not sure of the word in English. Thus, the translator was not used.
and on a side note, his English is very good. It’s interview time, I’m going to put it in a script style for easy reading J here goes:MC: Your first time in Malaysia right, how do you feel?
JKS: I’m so happy because so many eels were waiting for me at the airport. It was amazing
MC: What do you think of Malaysia?
JKS: It’s very hot. Now I’m current shooting for my new movie, “You’re my Pet” in Korea and star shooting at 6am till 3am but that place is very cold.
MC: and Malaysia is still hotter?
JKS: Yes it is, coz you guys make hot and happy and high.
After that, the emcee stated that this is the generation of Jang Keun Suk, it’s the age of Jang Keun Suk because he is the best star in all of Asia. Then he went on to talk about his debut album, “Let Me Cry” which was just released in Japan a couple of months back and to this date have sold over 17,000 copies. “The only reason why I’m this famous is because of you,” said Keun Suk.
MC: After the album you must have been really busy, am I right?
JKS: Yup
MC: So what have you been doing?
JKS: Making a new photo album, new movie, video album
MC: With your busy schedule, do you have time to rest?
JKS: I keep sleeping at home. You know why? Because I don’t have girlfriend
Then, they were talking about his trip to Europe. He went to Europe not to chase girls but to shoot his video album although it was a very busy schedule, he enjoyed the trip. After that, they showed the video album of him at Budapest. Basically it would be a 45minutes show. The only cast involved is Keun Suk so basically, you’ll be only seeing him for the entire 45minutes but I don’t think anyone would be complaining because we can’t get enough of him! He’s planning to put this video on during the Film Festival. The reason why he did this video album is because he wanted leave as much of Young Suk because he is going to be old. This video will be shown internationally worldwide with subtitles.
After the video album, they then talked about his photos taken at Europe. At each photos, he explained about what each photo meant. There were quite a number of nice pictures of him and not forgetting there was one of him half naked. When he was asked how much of skinship can he show, he said only his upper body.
MC: What kind of style do you like?
JKS: Long hair, tight clothes and most importantly, eyeliner!
Next it was time for the Part 1 and Part 2 of the show. Part 1 would be when he came out as the roles he played which was Kang Mu Gyul in Marry Me, Mary/Mary Stayed Out All Night and as Hwang Tae Kyung in He’s/You’re Beautiful. When he came on as Kang Mu Gyul he was in the indie style that was portrayed in the show and sang “Take Care, My Bus”. After that, he sang “Hello, Hello” the slow version but halfway through the song he stopped and said, let’s pick up the beat and started singing the faster version of “Hello, Hello”
As soon as he was done singing, it was time for another round of interview.
MC: Do you have any hidden wound like KMG in the show?
JKS: Yes, because nobody lives without a wound.
MC: Do you want to get married as early as KMG?
JKS: Yes, as early as possible. If I cannot find fiancée, I wouldn’t be able to get married early.
MC: Between Go Mi Nam and Wi Mae Ri, whom do you choose?
(fans were screaming Mae-ri)
JKS: Go Mi Nam? But I choose Mae Ri because I like feminine girls.
MC: Heard that you are going out with Park Shin Hye. Is it true?
JKS: (pause) Alright, now I can say it, honestly, I did go out with Park Shin Hye…only in drama. I see all this rumors on the internet and when I click it, pop up ads appear.
MC: Difference between HTK and KMG?
JKS: HTK is more professional, keeps in his feelings, and wears deep eyeliner. KMG is carefree.
After that, the emcee started talking about YB and recited the most famous line from it in Korean, which is, “Go Mi Nam, I give you permission to like me. “ Then,
MC: Which is your favorite line in the show YB?
JKS: The one which you just recited.
MC: How bout in MMM?
JKS: Mae-Ri, don’t like me.
Then, it was time for him to come out as Hwang Tae Kyung from the show “You’re Beautiful”, the hit show that skyrocket his acting career worldwide.
He came out dressing in blue and it was games time. 3 lucky girls were chosen through lucky draw to answer a question each and if they got it correct, they would get to go onto the stage and receive a present each from him. The last person was really lucky because not only did she get to see him up close but she also received a hug from him. After the games, he sang “Still” before heading backstage to change for part 2, which is Lounge H.
Big Brother Kurt came out in black and headed to his mixer. They were playing some sort of songs about both of them and after a few minutes of waiting, Keun Suk came from the back of the stage in white carrying the Cri-J flag. They went on to singing “Gotta Get Cha”. After the song, they were introducing Lounge H to the fans who did not know what was it about (but I expect that many of them have already know what it is about) For the sake of those who still don’t it’s basically a time of dancing and grooving with Keun Suk and BB Kurt while they control the music and be the DJs. Also, they were talking about releasing a Lounge H album by Team H, which of course consist of Keun Suk and BB Kurt. According to them, it would be released sometime soon. Mind you, they were both speaking in English (and I have to say it is quite fluent and clear) thus the no need of translator again. After that, it was more dancing and grooving with them. This went on for about 10-15 minutes before they sang another song from the soon to be released album, “Shake It”. More dancing went on before they headed backstage, although there was a minor electrical problem but it was quickly fixed. During the Lounge H, there is usually beer spraying and shirt tearing, but since he was in Malaysia, he respected the laws in Malaysia and instead of spraying beer; he threw water all over the fans. Lucky VVIPs and VIPs who got wet by him.
Next it was the finale. He came out in silver and tight jeans. Before he sang his last song, he sat on a stool and said a few words to his beloved eels. Here it is:
“This is my first time in Malaysia. Although the stage is small, I had a lot of fun tonight. You fans made the show bigger. Thank you so much for being here with me.
This show reminds me of my first fan meeting in Japan. Although it started small, you all made it big. I am big in Asia because of you.
This show in Malaysia brings back fond memories of my first fan meeting and I really appreciate it.
Tonight I found out why I can never get any rest. Till I die, I’ll never stop and I hope you guys will be there for me.
Thank you, Malaysia. Thank you so much. We can meet again next time right?
Wherever you go if you wait for me, I’ll be there.
You guys are my precious. My Precious
I’ll never stop. See you soon!”
While he was saying this, he was wiping tears (confirmed by media during press conference) and after that began singing “My Precious”.
After that final song, the crowd went crazy shouting for encore and asking him to come out again. This time he came out with his famous “I <3 FAN” T-shirt and sang “Promise”.
The show was supposedly to be 2 hours only, but because he love his fans and want to give them the best show ever, he continued with all that was plan. Thus, the 2 hours cri show became a 2 hours and 15 minutes show. All the eels had a great time being entertained by him and really hoped that he had enjoyed his time and would be back again next year.
Special thanks to Korea.com team, Rhythm Land and Chesca, JKS FC Manager for making this experience possible!
Pictures of the showcase. (Click on pictures for a larger view)
Written by Chesca Mejia / Associate Writer
