Hangeng is Back!! What about SJ?

The return of Hangeng.

Super Junior's Hangeng disappeared for almost two months. He did appear again in public after the news that he is breaking his contract with SM came out (last December of 2009). Except for updating his blog once on his birthday to thank all the fans who left birthday wishes, no one has seen or heard from Hangeng. FINALLY..... on Feb. 19th, 2010, Hangeng was spotted at an airport in China. I will briefly summarize the personal account written by one of the fans who saw him on the 19th. Apparently, a few fans knew about his flight schedule a few days before the 19th. but they did not spread the news because they know that Hangeng probably does not want to be disturbed. Therefore, only 7 or 8 fans went. He had gotten paler and fatter (he was tooo skinny, therefore it's a good thing). The fans did not talk to Hangeng or disturb him in anyways. They took pictures and clips from pretty far away. The videos and pictures can be found online. I attached 2 pics. If anyone want the vids, send me a message and I will send it to you.

Along with Hangeng's reappearance, news about SJ's 4th album came out earlier today. Even though there's not official statements, but SJ's leader Leeteuk recently confirmed (on a show) that SJ's 4th album will be out soon. Soon is??? MAY!!!! Super Junior's official 4th album will be out May 2010.

My question is......... how many members participated in the making of the album. Kibum did not participate in any 3rd album activities because he was filming a movie (which will come out soon). But I doubt that this is a temporary excuse. Kibum wants to act more than sing/dance. therefore it is possible that he will not participate in any SJ activities from now on. Kangin should return in the 4th album right? after his assault case and hit-and-run case, Kangin has been absent from all public activities for a few months now. These two members' situations are fairly predictable.

But Hangeng is an entire different story. Following after Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun of DBSK, Hangeng sued SM (for the same reason as the other three). Hangeng was not seen at the Super Show 2 concert in Beijing. And because of him, SJM did not appear at the Hunan TV's new year event. I watched a fancam version of SJM's Super Girl and Blue Tomorrow at SS2 in Beijing. The middle spot was left empty for Hangeng.

Will SJ and DBSK suffer the same fate as H.O.T.? or will they be able to break the 5-yr curse of boy bands? (well, technically, DBSK = 6+ years already.)

For SJ, even if Hangeng leaves, it will still go on. Henry and Zhou Mi (SJM members) were on Starking together with the rest of SJ for the new year special. This is a hint that SM still wants to add Henry and Zhou Mi into SJ, like they planned from the beginning (due to oppositions by fans, it has not happened yet).

I've never really openly expressed my opinion on this whole issue because I don't have a conclusion yet. I will try to organize my thoughts today. I think I feel differently about SJ and DBSK.

DBSK is the most successful ASIAN boy band ever! Their popularity in Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, etc. are unbeatable. SJ was not able to surpass DBSK. Recently, Ellen Degeneres Show asked people to recommend Asian singers (so the show can have a segment on them). DBSK received the most votes. SJ, SNSD, BB, Wonder Girls, Arashi, Rain/Bi etc. were all on the list. DBSK also has the biggest fan club in the world according to Guinness. Starting from the beginning, DBSK was more unified than SJ. DBSK sing and dance better (in my opinion). Therefore, I really want DBSK to stay as ONE. I'm not angry at Jaejoong/Junsu/Yoochun because I understand that SM is unfair, but I do not want DBSK to break apart no matter what. DBSK really is the BEST!

SJ..... was created as a flexible group that would switch members. But again due to fans' objections, SM aborted that idea. But subgroups emerged none the less. Subgroups are for the benefit of the fans as well as the promotion of SJ, but it also planted THE SEED in SJ and in fans. Little strokes fell great oaks. I am actually now cool with the fact that SJ will be a 'flexible' group. At least if SJ break apart, I will not be as sad as DBSK breaking apart.

Everyone focuses on the past faults of SM and artists. but I want to focus on the future. Will they be able to become better after leaving SM?

Jaejoong/Junu/Yoochun left together and there's definitely greater power in that. more than half of DBSK is outside of SM. Therefore, if SM does not want to lose DBSK, SM must let them have their way (well, some of their way). Separating into 2:3, neither side will be as great as when the 5 are together for sure. DBSK really is the BEST asian boy band ever. I want them to stay together and hold on to their glory. If they break now, everything's gone.

Hangeng case..... honestly, even though Hangeng is super super super popular it China, if he leaves SJ, then he will only be able to be popular in mainland China. and I personally do not think he will last all that long. I know that Hangeng is leaving SM, or even SJ, for health reasons, but....... really depends on what's more important to him. If he is alright with being a normal, healthy man, then by all means, LEAVE. but if he still wants the fame and glory....... then leaving SM is not a good choice for him at all. I do not think he will be able to stay as famous as long. He doesn't have the skills Jaejoong/Junsu/Yoochun have.

Anyways, good luck to them all.

I will sit quietly infront of my computer and wait for the end :)

SHINee and F.T. Island

Ok guys, I'm slowly but unavoidably expanding my Kpop boy band obsession. Just wider, but not deeper. I don't like any of the new ones nearly as much as I love DBSJ.

I want to talk about 2 new bands that have came to my attention. Honestly, they are not that new. SHINee, another SM product, debuted in 2008. F.T. Island debuted one year before SHINee.

F.T. Island is a band that actually plays instruments, which is apparently very rare in Kpop. But sadly only the lead vocal, Lee Hongki who does not play any instrument, is well known. Music wise, F.T. Island is really talented. I like a lot of their song. Love Sick, One Word (On Air OST), Lie, etc. Even though they are talented, I have to say that Lee Hongki would not have made it as big if it weren't for SJ's Kim Heechul. Contrary to Hongki, Heechul is very successful on entertainment shows but not a great singer. On shows, he often says that Hongki is one of his best friends and tells stories about Hoogki thus raising Hongki's popularity. I would not have known Lee Hongki if it weren't for the fact that he went on a show with Heechul. Lee Hongki was born in 1990 (same year as me), 7 years after Heechul! In Korea, it's hard for people who have such a big age gap to be friends. But I don't know what Lee Hongki did, but he's very lucky to be friends with Heechul in my opinion. After knowing him (seeing him on shows), I think Hongki is a very sincere and caring person........ very very different from Heechul. Hoogki is very innocent and not as selfish as Heechul. Anyways, they are both great.

We are SHINY SHINee!!!

I "disliked" SHINee for a long time because....... 3 out of the 5 of them are younger than I am!!!! LOL, I know it's a stupid reason, but it was the only reason stopping me from liking them. I'm still not completely over this. SHINee is known as the next DBSK. but honestly...... at least singing and dancing.... DBSK is better. The only song I really love by SHINee is Ring Ding Dong, which came out October of last year. I guess Amigo and Noona You are so Pretty are not terrible. Taemin is supper cute and he is my fav because he is Hanchul's love child (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCmKL3Ri88c&feature=PlayList&p=34AB67C087C04EC1&index=4). The fact that Taemin is my fav really does not make any sense. I don't like SHINee because they are younger than I am but Taemin is the youngest so shouldn't I dislike him the most? Jonghyun is a great singer. Minho is very very handsome. Key just looks cool. and Onew, the leader, is sweet. Onew is not tough enough to be the leader.

I'm gonna stop here cuz I'm really tired.

I didn't mean to write this much. I simply wanted to share a few SHINee vids.

The first one is 090626 Music Bank (SJ, DBSK, SHINee, and SNSD performed; kinda like a huge SM party). An accident happened at the end of the show and Onew FAINTED!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cvVsbyypyk

The second vid I want to recommend........ is SHINee on 100% Entertainment, my fav Taiwanese show. 100% is hosted by Show Luo (his nicknames are Xiao Zhu and Director). Show is my fav TW singer, mc, and actor. He really can do everything!!! he debuted as a singer in 1994 when he was only 14 (younger than all the SHINee boys lol). and I just found out that from 2003 - 2007, he signed a contract with AVEX. AVEX is the Japanese company that DBSK and TRAX signed with. Two of my fav idols together! Here's the vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivZ8Kn5vioI. because I love it so much, I'm working on subbing it. Part 1 of 5 is done :)

SJ is now officially a 12-member group?

This is probably the most shocking news i've heard in a long time.

SJ are spokesmen of the brand spao. 2 new styles came out recently. On the shirt/hoodie, there are only 12 members printed!!!!!!!

According to one source, an worker at the store asked the manager who delivered the new arrivals why there are only 12 people on the shirt/hoodie. and the manager replied "Hangeng left SJ. so he was not printed."

No matter the reason, THERE ARE ONLY 12 FIGURES!!!!

I was really surprised when I saw this. I mean even though Kibum did not take part in SJ's Sorry Sorry activities...... he's still part of SJ. but now Hangeng.......... I have to admit, there are some comfort in not officially leaving the group. I'm actually a bit scared. I mean I'm cool with Hangeng leaving SM, but not cool with him leaving SJ!!!!!!!

I'm back :)

Because of AVo's suggestion, I will be updating my blog on SJ/DBSK/Kpop news. I probably should have started doing this a lot earlier so I don't have to send Avo, Huda, and etc. 10 emails and change my fb/gmail status 20 times in one day :)

I will only post news/vids/pics of things that I like and include my own interpretation. therefore, definitely not a reliable source of kpop news. Also I'm into some BL, but my fav CPs are not exactly conventional. and I sub vids on youtube, I will link them on my blog too.

First and most important news on Feb. 18th, 2010 is.....

Today is DBSK Max Changmin's 22 year old Bday!! 생일 축하합니다!!
Changmin oppa should be filming a drama..... right now.
Best of luck to DBSK!
The 5 of them will be performing together in Japan again in March. but there are also news that say that Yunho will be in LA in March to train for "This is it" concert. "This is it" is a series of concerts put on in memory of MJ. Many famous musicians from around the world are involved. Yunho is representing Korea.
It is a great honor to be part of the MJ memorial concert, but......... I really want to see DBSK TOGETHER!!!

Energy Audit: Transportation

Daily Commute: 50 miles. But my parents who work at UAB and I take the same car almost everyday therefore 50/3 is ~16.7 miles. Carpool can significantly reduce your energy impact.
Annual Commute to school: ~3116.7 miles.
Annual Gas Consumption: 129.9 gallons. My parents drive a 2001 Toyota Avalon which has a fuel efficiency of ~24MPG. It's pretty energy efficient, but I'm hybrids and smaller cars are even more efficient. Also the car is getting old, therefore it's MPG might not be as great.
Annual Energy Impact (Oil Consumption): 3.1 barrels
Annual Green House Gas Emissions: 1.7 tons of carbon dioxide emitted.
Vehicle Air Pollution Score: 2. VAP Score is based on how much smog-forming air pollution is emitted. It's on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 is the worst and 10 is the best). So a 2 is pretty bad. I looked at other cars produced in 2001, they all have VAP score of 1 to 3. Then I checked out the 2009 Toyota Avalon, its VAP Score is 6!!! Obviously people are more conscious now. Technology has enabled us to reduce impact on the environment. Of course this over production of green house gases started with the Industrial Revolution.

Next year, school year, I will be in college. I hope my commute will be less. I'm going to UAB so I do have the option of living at home. But more than likely I will dorm and will walk/bike to class more. I probably will only go home once or twice a week so my commute should decrease by about 50%.
I did this same energy audit in APES a year ago. My transportation distance did not change at all in my 5 years at ASFA. Cost of commute has since oil prince fluctuates. 2007-2008 school year had the most expensive gas.
Again carpooling is one of the best ways to reduce transportation energy. Carpool will also save you parking money. Too bad Birmingham doesn't have public buses/subways every where. Everyone wants to live out so they can have big houses and lands. Another way to decrease transportation energy is to get a more fuel efficient car. I drive a 2001 Toyota Corola which is more fuel efficient than the Avalon my parents drive. So next year my energy impact will also decrease since I will switch from driving a 24MPG car to a 30MPG car!!

Friends

A friend is someone whom you feel comfortable going to a bar with wearing sweatpants. A good friend is someone whom you feel comfortable going to a bar with wearing no pants.

Lol, my mom read that quote somewhere yesterday… then I guess I don’t have any good friends since I’m not going to go to a bar wearing no pants. Chinese people have a similar saying. We say “穿一条裤子都嫌肥” which means best friends are so close that there’s still room if they wear the same pair of pants.

How do you define a good friend?
In movies, there’s always the popular girl whom everyone wants to be friends with. But how many real friends does she have?
How can you make friends and keep them?
Seniors will leave and move on to college soon. How many of the people I call friends now will I keep in touch with? How many new friends will I meet at college?
Maintaining a friendship takes a lot of work. Technology has made it easier (facebook, e-mail, text message, etc.). But to truly keep a friendship going, both parties need to put in effort. One of my best friends in the world lives in China. We met when we were in the 3rd grade. Maintaining a friendship over the Pacific Ocean is difficult. It means I have to give up at 6:00 A.M. on a Saturday so I can call her. It means I have to stare at a dictionary so I can write a letter to her (yeah, for a while, I forgot how to write in Chinese. I had to look every other word up in the dictionary).
I will work very hard to keep in touch with my good friends at ASFA. I don’t need many friends, but I need the ones I have to count.
Anyone wants to give me tips on how to keep up with friends?

North Korea

When we had the War on Terror discussion in class, Clint/Sadie/Steven talked about North Korea. They said that North Korea was about to test their long-range missiles. The paper said something like even though North Korea said they are just sending a satellite, US believed that they are actually testing weapons. The few days later, Russia came out and said that North Korea was just sending a satellite.
Personally, I don’t understand why the US is so paranoid about North Korea sending stuff into space. How come US can have nuclear weapons and other countries can’t? So US will use weapons for a good cause and North Korea will use them to destroy the world? I don’t buy that. The US has not right interfering with other country’s business. If the US is the only country that has nuclear weapons, then it will control and may be even hurt other countries. Check and balance is needed. So other countries need to have nuclear weapons too. I think the world will be at peace if every country has nuclear weapons. Then we will all be on equal ground. Again, balance is very important, like Lao Zi instructed.
China’s position on this issue is very important. The Chinese government never came out and formally pressured North Korea to abandon its nuclear and/or space programs. Based on Chinese history, China does not like to interfere with other country’s business. China went through similar pressures. Under Chairman Mao, China developed space and nuclear technology. China/Chairman Mao was pressured not to do it. Also China/Chairman Mao was criticized for starving the people to develop technology that will not directly improve the standard of living. But China did anyways. In my mom’s and my opinion, China won’t be where it is now if it weren’t for those developments. Because China has nuclear weapons and advanced space technology, China is more respected and “feared” on the world stage. The US is way less likely to go to war with China than with most other countries. Of course military strength is only one of the reasons. So China understands why North Korea is doing this now better than any other country on earth.
The US government really should not interfere with other governments. If another government is corrupted, leave it for the people to over throw. US also doesn’t have the right to decide who can have nuclear weapons. If you want to win, then just get stronger. It’s like if I wanted to go to Harvard I should work hard and make better grades. I shouldn’t go destroy Avo’s homework and spread rumors about her.

At the end , I want to include an interesting fact. At Suju’s concert, they sang a song titled “Luxemburg.” The lyrics describe different countries. For example, it said China has many people and Maldives is the best place for honey moons. Surprisingly, at least to me, it describes Korea using the phrase “will be united soon.” I guess Koreans, at least South Koreans, really want to be re-united with North Koreans. I thought it was interesting.