Love Me Tender

This is one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. Super Junior members Shindong and Kangin got tattoos recently. Shindong’s is just a little weird looking and the saying is odd - “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” What the crap is that supposed to mean? It is neither profound or impressive. But it is nowhere as bad as Kangin’s. Kangin’s tattoo has a MAJOR spelling mistake in it. Rather than saying “Actions are more precious than words” it says “Actions are more prection than words.” Prection? That’s not even a real word or close to a real word. Serious FAIL! Why, why, why didn’t he spell check?! Kangin! Idiot! At least ask Brian or Tim before you did something stupid like that. I am cringing for you. Foolish boy.

SHINDONG

KANGIN

References:
1. PopSeoul!: pictures & info
2. SujuOppa: info

Apparently there is a rumour that Kibum from Super Junior may be leaving the group. According to All KPop, Kibum fans noticed that he had numours scheduling conflicts between his acting arrangements and SUJU promotional activities. Some are speculating that this, in addition to his minimal vocal contributions on their second album, is a result of Kibum slowly moving away from the group. Will SUJU diminish back to 12 members?

Personally, why is this even an issue? Kibum is supposed to be the English rapper of the group and his that is minimal, at best. He’s not very good either, and he can’t hold a key if his life depended on it. But that’s ok, because he’s more talented in acting anyway. If he is going to go (even though I wouldn’t be surprised if this is just a marketing scheme to create buzz about SUJU for their third album as well as Kibum’s acting roles), then let him go. He was hardly in the spotlight anyway. And at least this way the members can evenly pair up during their dance sequences. =P

I’m two days late, but whatever! Super Junior M (unofficially known as Super Junior China) debuted on April 8. The sub group consists of five existing SUJU members Siwon, Hankyung, Kyuhyun, Donghae and Ryeowook, and two other SM entertainers, Henry (Lau) and Zhoumi. Personally, I think Henry looks really cute in this picture except for his low pants. He’s already the shortest member, do they need to make him look more stumpy? Stupid wardrobe stylist. I hope SM doesn’t make Henry cut up his his face, like Hee Chul. Talk about a bad (and unoriginal…remember Bin?) excuse. As if everyone who falls down needs plastic surgery. Even though Koreans highly value education, I wonder what the quality is at some institutions for such stupidity to exist AND BE ACCEPTED. Moving along…here’s the picture.

Zhoumi, Ryeowook, Henry, Siwon, Hankyung, Donghae, Kyuhyun
(from left to right)

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As you may already know, twelve out of the thirteen Super Junior members are co-hosts on a show called Exploring the Human Body. I didn’t know how entertaining they were until I watched some. I need to download them and burn them on a disk so I can watch them whenever I’m having a crappy day. For now I’ve been watching then on youtube. The quality for these clips aren’t that bad. Here are the links that are up (that I know of).

Episode 7 (Dec 23, 2007): Testing human flexibility
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Episode 8 (Dec 30, 2007): Learning about tears
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Episode 11 (Jan 20, 2008): Testing arrow scenes from historical dramas
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Episode 12 (Feb 3, 2008): Testing the skill of scent dogs
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

When I was watching episode 8, I was trying to cry along with them. It is hard to cry on the spot! And even harder: trying not to laugh when enacting a serious crying scene with a SUJU member while the rest of the goofballs are being loserfaces in the background. HAHA! That girl deserves a chocolate bar.

References:
1. Muishie: Uploading and subbing the videos

For quite some time I wondered what SM Entertainment thought of all the E.L.F. protests. Well, I don’t have to wonder anymore. They have released a message recently with regards to the protests from E.L.F. members who have made four demands. I actually thought it was quite hilarious and a slap in the face for these fans. I am all for protesting and free speech, but choose wisely because frivolous issues like an additional member to an already crowded group just makes free speech look like a joke.

E.L.F. Demands:

1. That SM Entertainment withdraws its plan on a Super Junior China unit.
2. That SM Entertainment officially announces that it will not remove any member from the group or add a new one in the group.
3. That SM Entertainment apologizes to Super Junior fans and people in general for releasing the concept that Super Junior is just a project group.
4. That SM Entertainment apologizes to Super Junior’s fan club E.L.F. for the mental/emotional strain the issues have caused them.

I don’t even know what emotional strain they are talking about since their actions don’t really scream normal. I’m sure if you asked the majority of SUJU fans around the world, they are more stressed out by these E.L.F. members than they are about the sub-groups of SUJU that are forming.

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I’ve been thinking about the numerous protests by E.L.F. lately and I’ve realized something. It is exciting at the thought that consumers can directly enforce their wants on a company. Some might see this as illogical, but I think it is revolutionary (somewhat). I love the idea that regular people can make a difference, even if it is for something as stupid and frivolous as preventing sub-groups of Super Junior to be formed. Companies should be accountable to members of society and their customers. Doing so would prevent them from exercising too much power in society and prevent the cultural, environmental and societal genocide that so many corporations have previously and are currently doing. There should be more protests against companies (although I would prefer that it wouldn’t be for silly things like adding more members to an existing boyband).

Exercising the right to free speech is something I value regardless of whether or not I agree with what that speech being expressed is. Even though I think E.L.F. members who are involved in these protests need something better to do with their lives, I respect them for exercising their right to free speech. Now if only the same motivation could be used towards protesting against environmental genocide, poverty, martial abuse, and other causes that require protesting, this world would be a better place.

And now for a little rant: JYP is having a concert tour in the States (LA and NYC). Why of all artists does it have to be him? Remember how I ranted about SUJU not coming to North America? Well I guess I have to settle for JYP *cringe*. Life is not fair. =(

Links:
1. ShenYuePop: E.L.F. latest protest
2. ShenYuePop: JYP concert information

It’s that time again. Time for Hollywood Bowl tickets to start going on sale. And just like last year, it’s a depressing time for me because I can’t go. But I’m putting up the infor for those of you who can. Think of me when you’re there!

For anyone who doesn’t know what the Korean Music Festival is, it is an annual concert where Korean artists perform in Hollywood. It is (as far as I know) the biggest Korean concert that takes place in North America. They usually have a range of music styles for different age groups and genre lovers. They had a pretty good line-up last year. This year they are keeping the performers list top secret. I guess it’s their way to ensure that they will make as much money as possible =P. Anyway, here is some info about it.

When: Sat, May 17, 2008
Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA
Site: Korean Mustic Festival official website
Purchase: Korean Mustic Festival, (323) 692-2068 or (323) 692-2070

SOOMPI:
Buying/Selling Hollywood Bowl Tickets
Soompi Meet Up

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