[The following is a direct translation of the article as it appeared on Nate via Sports Chosun.]
In New York, K-pop rewrote its history.
On August 30, JYJ member Kim Junsu started his first world tour in New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Until now, idol groups, girl groups, and agency ‘families’ have gone on these, but Kim Junsu is the fist solo artist to start a world tour alone.
To that extent, the New York performance had a special meaning to K-pop. This was a breakthrough not only for Kim Junsu, but also for K-pop, which had been hampered by limited genres and artists.
▶ The reason why – even though he had gathered 100,000 fans before – Junsu only performed in front of 2000.
No more words are necessary. Kim Junsu is an artist that represents K-pop. The group he belongs to, JYJ, shocked not only the Japanese media but also Korean music authorities because the group gathered about 100,000 fans within two days at the concert that was held in Tokyo Dome in June 2010.
If you consider his fame, the small stage could be unfamiliar and awkward for him because the tour started in a stadium that could only hold 3000 people.
However, this was only a small part of the long-term project for Junsu to jump up to become a world star. His agency representative, Baek Chang Ju, said,
“In order to perform in many cities worldwide and not end in one-and-done performance by being overly attached to scale, he performed in a small venue. ALso, in stead of receiving guarantees from a local promoter, the company is directly investing to run the tour.”
The reaction of 2000 fans that were able to obtain the ticket was fanatic. It was easy to find many women fans in their twenties not only from Asia but also from U.S., Canada, and Spain.
▶The reason why Kim Junsu was the protagonist to rewrite K-pop history.
The music video of Tarantallegra, the title song of his first solo album, started the concert. The audience heated the atmosphere by dancing to the song. Next, Kim Junsu met the expectations of New York fans by dancing and singing to Dance and No Gain.
Meanwhile, even though many male soloists held concerts in foreign nations, the reason why Kim Junsu was the first to hold a world tour is special. It is precisely because he has the charm that is hard to find in other artists. As a musical actor, he mastered acting and singing.
Showing off his singing skills by singing ballad songs such as You Are So Beautiful, 알면서도 (Even though you know), 돌고 돌아도 (Turning Round And Round) as a vocalist, he showed off his fancy dancing skills through Tarantallegra and Fever. Furthermore, he performed the songs he acted and sang to in the musicals he was part of: 마지막 춤 (Last Dance) from Elizabeth and 나는 나는 음악 (I’m I’m Music) fromMozart.
This concert went for 120 minutes with singing, dancing, and acting but the tension made those 120 minutes seem like a quick blink.
Having the worldwide star project ahead, he introduced his English single that day. The album containing the English version of Tarantallegra and an urban-pop style R&B song, Uncommitted, was recorded and the music video produced with the best crew in Los Angeles. On this day, August 30, by performing Uncommitted, he not only satisfied English-speaking fans but even raised their attention to the next level.
Amy (35), who came to watch the concert, said:
” I like the fact that Kim Junsu has the ability to express his emotions when singing which other singer do not have”
Marige (21) also said:
” I saw his face right in front of the stage. It seems like he really was enjoying it.”
▶ The significance of his tears every time he performed in New York.
Off of a fresh start, he will have future concerts on September 2 in L.A., September 6 in Mexico, September 8 in Brazil, and in two European nations in November.
Though he is evaluated to be a successful solo artist, ironically, Kim Junsu could not avoid this precise reality. The fact that JYJ cannot promote on TV made drama appearances – like those of other members,Park Yu Chun and Kim Jae Joong – the only TV outlet for Junsu. Still, because he was more confident in singing and dancing than acting, he had to fall into a dilemma.
In the meantime, Junsu chose the third option of recording a solo album and released his first solo album, Tarantallegra, as Xia in May.
Kim Junsu teared up three times on stage in New York. This showed how hard and stressful the long period of time that he had to contemplate on returning as a solo artist was for him.
He was able to meet high expectations even in the worst conditions because the era of publicizing music merely through broadcast has passed away. Junsu disclosed his opinion, saying:
It is projected that the world tour, with its stable start, will lead to the era of “World Star Kim Junsu” as he releases more and more songs.
Sources: News & Pictures: Nate
Translation Credit: Sarah Park via HelloKpop
Shared by: JYJ3
I’m soo proud of you angel <3
we will support you junsu, please keep singing
So proud of him! I love him so much and I’m so happy his having all this success, he deserves this and much more.
Can’t wait for the concert in Mexico City!
such a wonderful article! Go Junsu!!
Reblogged this on everything K.
It took a Top Class star like Junsu to lead the way to a new reality of what a KPop star can and should be! Junsu has earned the right to be considered a World Class artist and the fan response from this tour proves that.
Reblogged this on dreamalexia.
Reblogged this on luminarytriad.
*** cited ***
“Kim Junsu teared up three times on stage in New York. This showed how hard and stressful the long period of time that he had to contemplate on returning as a solo artist was for him. ”
I know Junsu’s pressure is the heaviest, Unlike Jaejoong & Yuchun, who took part in TV drama or movie, where most of the work backed up by the TV stations / movie production team . For Junsu, even booking a venue, he has only his agency, and face lots of attack and deprivation. And , he is the only who leave homeland most to struggle for music career.
My actual action to keep a talent solo singer alive:
…………………………………………………………………………………..
1. Purchase Junsu’s CDs, merchandise , concert DVD when come out.
2. support MV playing view rate
3.Increase his worldwide recognition : vote at Mnet for Junsu being the most potential successful solo singer
( Big Bang is biting hard )
The link:
http://global.mnet.com/star/poll/vote.m?poll_seq=14
congratulation junsu!
if anyone can do it HE can! he is amazing and the whole world should know it!
KEEP MOVE URI JUNSU…KEEP MOVE JYJ.
One in a million SUPERSTAR!!!!
Congratulation Junsu you are a true world class super star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my, where’s my box of tissues again???:-(
every time articles mention the struggles and hardships of our boys, i still can’t get used to it, even up to this time…
The show may “only be 120 minutes” — but deep in the hearts of fans who watched you…those are the most precious 120 minutes of their lives
You’re truly a “WORLD STAR” and the “MASTER OF THE STAGE”!!!
We, JYJ fans will forever support you…
Congratulations Junsu!!!
@micky07
I’m crying here with you sister. I’m hoping this will end on 13th. Sept.
Yes, I need a box of tissue… my tears won’t stop… I need to stop TT____TT
@micky07, @sempoi
DBSK2 now back to Korea , from this Sept to next year, JYJ, especially Junsu, will face another peak dark ages >,<
just see how full the promotion at Korea & across Asia, we can see….the oppression will multiply, even JYJ has
the most favorable ruling.
I hope they gain huge compensation, settle all legal expenses, then sit down with think tanks for the career future.
@micky07 @sempoi
ohhh a box of tissue won’t be enough for me….please hand me a bucket…..TT
Congratulations Junsu! I’m so pround of you.
Only because he deserves it and more. I love you, Junsu.
current fierce voting for group singer turn into solo singer,
must say, if Big Bang also chop away his overflowing promotion, sponsors etc,
this could call a fair play.
Under very unfavorable condition, Junsu still insist come out own money , and have best crew to help on music production,
how can I miss one vote to him ? ** here we can vote as many as possible.
Junsu, if you win this award, I hope you can appear on the TV ceremony!!!!!!!!!
Mnet
http://global.mnet.com/star/poll/list.m
I voted but unfortunately it saids you can only vote once perday. Is there a way you can get around this?
U can vote more 1x with account FB, twitter and MNet ID. U can register MNet ID with more than 1 email.
I voted 6x today and will make more email account ^_^
Spread it and let’s vote!!!
@flower , @ Salsabila (@phuxiaheart)
yes let’s show visible support to Junsu!
as on 3-Sept -2012 , Junsu ranked # 2.
He is the ONLY one not from big entertainment company.
MNET will not let me vote. It keep saying I can vote tomorrow. However, I have not voted today. I think something is wrong with the voting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can vote everyday guys.. with more 1 account FB, twiiter, MNet
How do you vote on twitter and facebook?
when they asked you to logged in for vote, click it n there are options which one would you prefer to logged in, and you can see an option for twitter or fb =)
*huggggggsss* u’re soooooooooooo AWESOMEEEE kim junsu!!! hwaiting!!! never give up and we will always keep the faith !!! (^___*)v
Reblogged this on cutiekyubi.
Rewriting history indeed. Even though it has been a couple of days, I really am still moved by Junsu’s performance on Thursday! It was fantastic! I am so happy that I decided to go. Next time, I’ll get floor tickets though. : P Anyhoo, I hope everyone enjoys the concert this evening!
Please,please,please come to Chicago, Ill. USA.Xia has so many fans everywhere
Great article, but once again I wish the reporter has just written a couple of more sentences explaining WHY Junsu cannot “promote on TV.” Why are reporters in SK so deathly afraid of doing this??? If nobody says anything, how will pressure be brought to bear to change things there???
Kim Junsu teared up three times on stage in New York. This showed how hard and stressful the long period of time that he had to contemplate on returning as a solo artist was for him. <<<THIS
my heart is aching for you junsu dear~
love this article so much!
we will always love& support XIA♡♡
“The reason why Kim Junsu had to be the one to rewrite the History of Kpop”
the title on this article had said it all.. other may boasted they are the first Kpop to perform in Country A, B, C, etc.. but Junsu doing it as SOLO Artist, backed up by a small and not (yet) famous agency. he did it for fans who want to see XIA Junsu, not a group or bunch of groups, not because of some famous n higher up company, not because he got tons of famous sponsors for his concert, not even because he was sponsored by his country government. he did it as himself, for his fans, for his group fans, for people who wanna see him, not Kpop artists.
i believe Junsu has achieved wayyyyyyy more than to be called a Kpop artist, its too small for him, maybe not a world star yet (like some people so proud to called themselves that), but he is an artist, true performer. and i think it talked much abt him, rather than have a Kpop/hallyu wave artist behind his name. coz Kpop/Hallyu Wave one day may ceased, not again popular, but i believe Junsu will be remember, since he sis al about quality, rather than just quantity or just ride on Hallyu Wave/Kpop trend.
@one_nee
Hi, One_nee. I really liked your post.. I also believe that Junsu is pursuing a “real,” an authentic career in music.So, so may so called K-Pop groups are not. The second these people, the majority of them anyway, do not have the fancy and incredibly slick and costly packaging, the glitz, the studio tricks to make them sound like they can sing and the multi-group tours to allow them to lip-sync to 3 songs per show, period – they will fall instantly by the wayside. Why? because they can’t really sing and they are not the real deal. They are merely defective products that their entertainment companies are selling based on an insanely faulty business model. Junsu IS the real deal. And he will have a real and fascinating career.
yes, like i said, he is a true performer n true artist. his passions are singing, dancing n music. like one of his fave song in Mozart, “I Am Music” =)
oh and thank you for mentioned that you like my post, you are so kind =)
Do anyone know in detail how you can vote on twitter and facebook for the poll? GD is in the lead right now and I want to vote more than one time if possible. However, I do not understand how you can also vote on twitter and facebook. What do you have to click on?
Go Junsu! Mark the world with your presence, Baby! *MUAH!*
^_____________________________^
He touched everyones heart in NY Concert..
Support JYJ !
Junsu, you are my inspiration, but the long and winding road is still there in front of you, keep the spirit and do not forget to keep your health,as well as to Jaejoojong and Yoochun, you guys are the best of the best
Reblogged this on My Blog.
I was there at the LA concert last night! As expected, Junsu was spectacular!
I am JaeJoong’s fan, but I went there because loving JJ asked his fans to support Junsu’s solo tour on his promotion video.
PLEASE let’s not forget JJ and Yu Chun… JJ wants to sing too, probably way more than acting!
Junsu has his parents on board of director on C-JES, enabling him to have this concert…. but JJ doesn’t have the support for his singing career like Junsu does… During the concert last night, I was very sad to see that C-Jes posted a video of JYJ’s world tour scene with only Junsu’s picture (from Chile, Peru, Spain, and Japan, etc.) as if JJ and YuChun didn’t exist at those JYJ events….They ALL worked very hard together in difficult circumstance, and JJ and Yuchun still don’t have the opportunity to sing. It’s not that they are preferring acting careers, but they are doing whatever they can to stay in business, waiting for the opportunity! PLEASE PLEASE don’t forget them!
I truly hope C-JES will promote JYJ’s music career, not just Junsu’s. I love Junsu’s work, but I will not go back to Junsu’s solo concert without having them work on JJ’s and Yoochun’s music careers as well.
@Jay
“I truly hope C-JES will promote JYJ’s music career, not just Junsu’s. I love Junsu’s work, but I will not go back to Junsu’s solo concert without having them work on JJ’s and Yoochun’s music careers as well.”
Yes, and especially if you are a younger fan, I understand your concern but please rest assured, Jaejoong is doing EXACTLY what he wants to do for right now. Ditto, Chunnie. This it the beauty, the GIFT of their break from SM. No one is telling any of them what they MUST do.
This is Junsu’s moment. Let’s not second-guess it, or parse it in any way. The Soulmates certainly aren’t – as usual, they have been nothing but supportive of Junsu’s tour. He has had triumphs in every venue so far, so let’s cheer for him (I mean – how can we not?? He’s GREAT!) and rest assured that Jae and Chunnie are doing so too. Remember, any and every bit of publicity, good press and notoriety that each member gets goes directly back to The Three. That’s how they’re workin’ it during this terrible time of banning, so lets support them.