JYJ ‘In Heaven’ Special Edition Ranks No. 1 on Hanteo Daily Sales

Credit: Hanteo + 秤砣君0924
Shared by: JYJ3

JYJ’s “In Heaven”: Bidding farewell to mainstream K-pop

JYJ released the music video for the title track of their new album, In Heaven, yesterday. To be honest, I wasn’t flailing over my desk in excitement over the new video…but I was excited to finally hear a recording of “In Heaven” that wasn’t disgraced by inappropriately placed fangirl screams in the background.

The music video certainly isn’t your everyday, ankle-deep K-pop MV fare, which is definitely something to be thankful for. But it seemed to me that the dramatic nature of the video was trying to compete with the dramatic nature of the song…and in the end, both sides lose. “In Heaven” is a really great song – arguably one of JYJ’s most impressive works to date – and the MV was shot really well, despite having a painfully cliched storyline. The two individual components of the MV – the song and the videography – tug at the heartstrings in just the right way when presented alone. But put it together and it tends to cheapen the effectiveness of either component.

But enough pseudo-legitimate artistic criticism from me. Check out the MV for yourself:

Though at times it may not seem like it, I have a lot of respect for JYJ. I really do. Granted, I don’t agree with a lot of things they’ve done – sue SM, produce the atrocity that was “Ayyy Girl,” spam photos of their cats via Twitter…amongst others. Nor do I feel all that bad for them and their current situation. Sure, it sucks to be constantly cockblocked by every television network in Korea, and they’ve probably made more enemies in the entertainment world than friends within these past few years. On the surface, JYJ’s story is pretty tragic: they gave up the glory of being in one of the most celebrated Asian pop acts in K-pop history so they could pursue their true dreams…and in return, the entire K-pop industry avoids them like a Damascene crowd fleeing from a trio of lepers.

But even so, I don’t pity them too much because I think that ultimately, they’re gonna be okay.

As someone who spends a lot of time examining K-pop in detail, I find it difficult to view JYJ’s music in the same way that I view most other K-pop music. To me, K-pop is defined by trends and their influence throughout the K-pop spectrum, as well as their evolution with every new promotional concept. Within mainstream K-pop, every ‘fresh’ concept is a derivation from an old idea, which is why K-pop music oftentimes comes across as being redundant and unoriginal. But in the same way, redundancy is arguably what keeps a loyal fanbase coming back for more.

Back in their heyday as a five-membered group, DBSK was arguably a leader of trends within the mainstream K-pop scene. But now, JYJ has detached themselves from mainstream K-pop, and thus has detached themselves from mainstream K-pop trends as well.

And that’s kind of amazing, if you really think about it.

The current trend-based K-pop system is manufactured in a way that allows little to no musical or artistic flexibility, which is a pretty sucky situation when it comes to K-pop idols who are clearly in it for something more than mere popularity awards or fangirls worshipping them at their feet. I’d be more than willing to argue that JYJ’s principal reason for leaving SM wasn’t merely financial, and that it probably had something to do with the fact that Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu have long proven themselves to be competent musicians that are capable of making music outside of the confines of an entertainment institution like SM.

Even when SM allows one of their artists to put a self-composed work on an upcoming album, it rarely makes it onto the album’s version A tracklist and is often relegated to Bonus-Track-Land on the repackage version. Needless to say, there’s no way in hell SM (or any other K-pop company, for that matter) would ever let an idol’s self-composed work serve as a promotional single. In the end, K-pop artists serve as vehicles for trends – but if the current trend is defined by autotune and shiny spandex pants and made-up words that end in “-tic”….well, I’d want out, too.

JYJ’s been effectively exiled from the mainstream K-pop scene, sure. But at the same time, they’ve also been freed of the burden of keeping up with the trends and sacrificing artistry for the sake of profit. The end result? Few promotional opportunities and gratuitous amounts of drama – but for the first time in their careers, JYJ can say that their music is truly theirs. No trends driving their inspiration, no fangirl hormonal desires to feed. Say what you want about their business tactics, but at the very least, JYJ’s music is clean and honest.

Ree wrote an article earlier today about the possibility of JYJ re-integrating itself back into mainstream K-pop. For many people, this news is a cause for celebration – and for good reason: JYJ’s been through way too much crap and are way too talented to be denied of basic performing rights due to office politics and red tape. Personally, I did do a little fangirl squee when Leeteuk and Eunhyuk played “Chajatta” on Sukira. But at the same time, I’m really quite satisfied with the way things currently are. The flames between SM and JYJ are starting to cool – SM now only fancies itself the father of the prodigal son – but I reckon that they’re currently so busy taking care of their other kids so that reining back JYJ has become less of a priority. And while JYJ might not be completely satisfied with their current celebrity status, they’re starting to settle firmly into the roles of musicians and artists, rather than idols – and they’ve done the work to show it.

“In Heaven” isn’t a perfect song with a perfect MV. It doesn’t follow any trends and it’s not out there with the intent of winning any awards. It doesn’t boast flashy visuals with good-looking guys making bedroom eyes at the camera. In the most basic sense of the word, “In Heaven” isn’t a K-pop song, and JYJ isn’t a K-pop group. And thank goodness for that.

Credit: Patricia@seoulbeats

Source: JYJ3

(Video) JYJ’s Get Out MV

Finnaly, JYJ’s Get Out MV released. Public were waiting for long time to watch MV of In Heaven and Get Out. In Heaven MV had released a few days ago, in this MV you can see act ability of Junsu and Ji Hyo. Daebak for them both.

Get Out MV? What should I say? Speechless. Awesome, noone can ignore this fact. Watch this MV first and give your comment? Feel the emotion.

Jeju Island senator requests an official clarification and apology from KBS

Amidst the recent controversy regarding KBS’s cancellation of JYJ’s broadcast appearance for Jeju Island’s nomination event, a politician from Jeju’s Parliament addressed an official statement today.

Addressing the matter on international embarrassment over the entire issue, Senator Kim Jaeyoon expressed, “JYJ was scheduled to appear on a special broadcast on the 20th, yet was suddenly cancelled 4 days before the event, causing Hallyu fans to voice their statements and bringing such international embarrassment.”

Kim added, “The media has raised speculation of external pressures. The situation became more controversial as groups from JYJ’s former entertainment company, whom JYJ are on trial with, replaced JYJ.”

Prior to closing his statement, the senator was also quoted saying, “KBS formally announced that the reason is because of popularity [ie. SNSD and f(x) are more popular than JYJ], but they deserve criticism for not having ‘clear criteria’ for their broadcasts and going against the promise they made to citizens.”

In the end, Senator Kim demanded KBS to apologize to the citizens, domestic and international fans for breaking the promise and causing international embarrassment. He also asked the broadcasting station to reveal and clearly explain the reason for cancelling JYJ.

With all the drama that has surrounded JYJ and Jeju Island’s nomination, what are your thoughts now that a politician is involved with the matter?

Source: Media Jeju, @sojaednews and SharingYoochun
Shared : koreaboo.com

Korean netizens express their embarrassment over Jeju Island’s incident with JYJ

Jeju Island’s cancellation of JYJ’s upcoming appearance for the promotional event of Jeju’s Seven New Wonders of The World has created an impact not only in South Korea, but also on an international scale.

On the 17th of July, The 7 World Wonder Project, lead by the New7Wonders, updated their official Twitter account with message to KBS. On the said update, the official account revealed, “To all our friends in Korea, time to kiss and make up!”

Furthermore, the official account relayed a message to JYJ’s Jaejoong by saying, “that is the right spirit!” The reply comes into consideration after Jaejoong declared that he will continue promoting the nomination despite being cancelled by Jeju Island’s Government and KBS Jeju.

Recently, JYJ’s Jaejoong gained the attention of his followers after he tweeted, “If there are obstacles in prompting our own country’s natural scenery, then under these conditions I will have to promote it by myself.” He then changed his profile photo to Jeju’s landscape.

The large-scale speculation comes after Jeju’s local governement along with New7Wonders Foundation and KBS Jeju appointed JYJ to become Honorary Ambassadors for the island’s nomination but cancelled such four days prior to their special broadcast concert.

The first blow came after KBS Jeju sent out a statement of their cancellation by announcing, “In our final stages of our broadcast preparation, our plans for SNSD and f(x)’s appearances became possible and we have expressed out greatest apologies to JYJ’s representatives”. C-Jes Entertainment confirmed that they have not received an apology, announcing that they will seek legal actions on this incident.

Netizens who have heard of the large-scale publication have voiced out their anger stating, “This is an international embarrassment” and “I do not understand what is going on. If you knew from the beginning this would happen, why did you use them?”

What are your thoughts now that the international media has taken hold of the Jeju Island event?

Source: Sports Chosun and JYJ3
Shared : koreaboo.com

JYJ chosen as ambassadors of KEPCO

JYJ members Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu have been named ambassadors of KEPCO, an electricity provider in South Korea. This announcement was made during the company’s music concert held at its headquarters in celebration of its 50th anniversary. A spokesperson from KEPCO expressed, “JYJ’s youth and energy, among other characteristics, are very much in line with what the company wants to have as an image. As such, we have chosen JYJ to be ambassadors.”

Additionally, a spokesperson for JYJ also expressed, “We are motivated to assist KEPCO in promoting its young and futuristic image in order to help the company with its plans to internationalize.” After the announcement, JYJ performed “In Heaven” and “Empty” at the event.

Check out their performance below.

Empty

In Heaven

Currently, the members of JYJ are busy with their own schedules. Junsu finished his encore performance of a musical, “Mozart”, on the 3rd, Jaejoong is busy acting in an SBS drama, “Protect the Boss”, and Yoochun is currently featured in ”Miss Ripley”.

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily and usnujfan
Shared : koreaboo.com

JYJ’s Busan concerts expected to cause “ticket war”

With JYJ in the midst of the North American leg of their World Tour, fans in Korea anxiously await their return to the country for the final two shows of the tour, which take place on June 11th and 12th in Busan. However, getting tickets to the event is predicted by many to be a challenge.

Despite JYJ’s notable fanbase in Japan, the country was not on their list of stops for their World Tour. As such, it’s been speculate that a large amount of fans for Japan will make up a bulk of those purchasing tickets for the Busan concerts, potentially overwhelming Korean fans. Regarding this, CJeS CEO Baek Chang Joo assuaged, “We are currently thinking of a plan for domestic fans as they have been notified that a large block of tickets have already been bought by Japan.” He even went on to state that despite the members’ busy schedules, a separate concert could potentially occur, though not necessarily in Busan. “… Taking the fans into consideration, we are currently fixing the schedules so that we can add one more performance in a location other than Busan.“

Regarding the Busan show’s ticketing, the company also released the following statement:

** The date that we previously announced (26th of May, Thursday) has been changed to the 27th of May, Friday.

Please take note that the the accurate communication between the venue and the ticket sales office may be delayed.

Date: 27th of May, Friday at 8PM
Distributor: Interpark

Seating class and pricing (including tax):
VIP seating: 143,000₩
R Seating: 132,000₩
S Seating: 110,000₩
A Seating: 88,000₩
B Seating: 55,000₩
C Seating: 33,000₩

Once again, sorry for the confusion caused in the ticketing.

We hope for your understanding.

Thank you for always.

Do you think the ticketing will be dominated by international fans? Will you be attempting to get tickets?

Sources: Sports Chosun, DongBangData, OneTVXQ and C-Jes
Shared : koreaboo.com

JYJ, Han Hye-Jin To Support Charity Football Event

Boy band JYJ will perform during half time and actress Han Hye-jin will be the face of the first “Asian Dream Cup” on June 15 in Vietnam. The event is organized by the JS Foundation, a charity set up by football star Park Ji-sung.

JYJ’s passion for football is well known, as member Junsu leads celebrity football club FC Men. JYJ will also take part in a football clinic for young players in Vietnam.

Han is extremely popular in Vietnam for her starring role in MBC drama “Jumong”, and she will carry out various activities to help promote the event there.

The Asian Dream Cup is the first official event organized by the JS Foundation, and will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 15.

So far, Park’s teammate Patrice Evra, and South Korean footballers Lee Young-pyo, Jung Jo-gook, Lee Chung-yong and Jong Tae-se, a North Korean player currently playing for Bochum in Germany, have said they will take part.

Source: english.chosun.com
Shared : dkpopnews.net

Who is really the leader of Hanyru (Korean Wave) — A comparison of JYJ’s Concert in North America with SM’s Concert in Paris

Recently, all of Korean media’s attention has been on SM’s concert soon to be held in Paris. They declare SM to be leaders of the Korean Wave (Hanryu), spreading the Korean culture to even non-Asian countries. On the other hand, despite their upcoming large-scale North American tour, JYJ has been receiving virtually no coverage.

But let’s think for a moment here. Is SM’s concert in Paris really as impressive as it sounds? Are they truly the only leaders of the Korean Wave? Is their concert major enough to deem JYJ’s World Tour insignificant and therefore unworthy of media attention?

Take a look at the following chart and see for yourself.

Hm… Let’s take this one by one.

1) Sponser: JYJ‘s sponsers are AEG, one of the most famous promoters in the world (you can read more about them here ), and Samsung Mobile (do I really need to explain how huge of a company and success Samsung mobile is?). SM, on the other hand, is basically sponsoring itself.

2) Number of artists performing: Only Jaejoong, Yuchun, and Junsu for JYJ. SM, on the other hand has at least over 35 people performing.

3) Location: JYJ is performing in 4 different cities in N. America. SM, on the other hand, is only performing in Paris.

4) Seats: JYJ is selling a total of 52,100 seats. SM, on the other hand, is selling 6,300. Three people selling 52,100 seats versus 35+ people selling 6,300. You do the math. Who has the greater selling power? The answer is quite obvious.

Conclusion: A group of three people are working with a MAJOR worldwide promoter and company, performing in 4 North American cities, and selling 52,100 tickets, while a group of 35+ people virtually has no sponsor, and is performing in only Paris and selling only 6,300 tickets. I am in no way suggesting that SM has no role in Hanryu.Their concert in Paris definitely enhances the Korean wave in countries outside of Asia. However, in terms of scale of upcoming concerts, it doesn’t take much to figure out that JYJ clearly is the winner here. If anything, JYJ’s concerts are definitely larger in scale and are more vigorously spreading the “Korean Wave” in non-Asian countries than SM’s concert in Paris. So tell me Korean media, where are the reports covering JYJ‘s leading role in Hanryu? At the very least, JYJ’s World Tour deserves the same amount of recognition as SM’s upcoming concert. Dear Korean press, when will you stop your biased media coverage? Are you proud of admitting that you are under the control of an unjust figure? Isn’t unbiased and fair representation long overdue in Korean media?

Source. 김박김월드 in DC TVXQ Gallery, withJYJ
~*We will always be with JYJ!!*~
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NII featuring JYJ Will Release New Photos This Coming May

The Illustrator-author Munge’s Minis met with the casual clothing brand Nii to show off a new style (T/N: I am not sure how to spell the name of the illustrator and the character name).The Minis character line which has been shown since this spring is formed of the picket T-shirt and the Hoodie T-shirt that has embroidered the main characters Clara and Roo.

They were sold continuously and are spurring on the summer T-shirt sales in anticipation of the full-fledged summer season with the Minis character line and the varied color variation and the applied graphics.From the end of April one can meet the Mini-Me character T-shirts the design of which is the feel of a picture that was drawn by a brush. This item which leaves an impression because of the brush touch from which one can feel the author’s sensitivities can lightly worn and is formed of 4 colors.

From May, a large-scale offensive (on the quantity) for the character line will begin in earnest and the children’s line for the main products will also be released, and in time for the Month of the Family, one can create a lovely family look styling.On the other hand, the summer advertisement cuts for JYJ, the exclusive model for Nii, will be revealed in early May through the home page.

Source:BNT News
Cr: JYJ3