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Now N New _ 하나되어 (1999)

Once upon a time in 1999, various stars came together to create a project song called 'Become One'. The purpose was to raise funds to help those affected by the 1997 IMF. The proceeds were donated to the unemployed relief fund.

I know I am a bit late to this party, but this was a real treat to watch and listen to, especially seeing your favorite artists come together in a song for a good cause. This really reminded me of the 'We Are The World' era.

This music video contains at least 99% of my favorite singers... but for some reason I totally geeked over Jaewook (Position) being included... xD (He looked so cute)

Along side Position, I really enjoyed seeing my other favorite ballad singers like Im Changjung, Lee Seunghwan, Shin Seunghoon..

Kim Hyunjung, 1TYM, Kim Kyungho, Lee Junghyun, Jo Sungmo, Uhm Junghwa, Lee Seungchul, Jinusean, Fin.K.L, Jekki, etc.. Were also included... so many of my favorite stars in one!

So many stars, but my eyes always go to Lim Jaewook... xD You can also notice that this is the same era of 'Blue Day'. I loved his hair during this era! He looks so cute!

Enough talk about Position, but this project collaboration was truly revolutionary. (Majority) of the popular stars at the time came together for a great cause and to help those unemployed from the 1997 IMF. It is really bittersweet.

Apparently, in 2021, stars of the current generation came together for 'Now N New 2021' version of this song. I haven't watched it yet, but honestly I am not that interested in the modern version.

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today's ballad > Lee Seunghwan '애원'

This was one of the songs that got me into Seunghwan's music.

It is called 'I Pray', or entreaty. It is track 6 from his 5th album 'Cycle', released in 1997.

I've had my far share of emotional and sad ballads, but so far this is purely heart wrenching you listen to sometimes. The slow melody, along with Seunghwan's sweet yet haunting voice really makes you feel the emotions of the masterpiece. The music video also stars one of my favorite actors; Jang Hyuk and Kim Hyunjoo! This music video was actually one of the works that Jang Hyuk starred in as a rookie. Then a couple years later in 1999, they star along side each other in one of my favorite dramas, Into The Sunlight!

Screencaps I've taken of them from the music video. Hyunjoo looked so beautiful here with this hairstyle and makeup, and Jang Hyuk with the long hair!

One of my favorite moments from this music video. I believe this scene really properly conveys the possible story of the music video.

In my opinion of a possible theory, I believe their characters used to be lovers.

As Jang Hyuk runs into Hyunjoo for the first time, he recognizes her while she stares blankly to nothingness, not knowing how to properly approach her. And then later in the music video, we realize that Hyunjoo is blind, hence her using a walking stick towards the end.

I believe this scene in the gif represents that even though he is there, she cannot see him, as if he doesn't exist (physically and emotionally).

He also realizes this towards the end, where they cross paths, Jang Hyuk staring so intensely at her, but she walks pass without noticing his presence. But this does not stop him from chasing after her at the end of the video.

It is a bit hard for me to listen to this song at times because it does really get me in my feels (lol), but everytime I watch the music video, I just love seeing two of my favorite actors in such a sad story. The lyrics are just as sad too.

Lee Seunghwan has many ballads that are my favorites, as he is of course one of my favorite balladeers.

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issey miyake, 1991 in vogue fashion: 100 years of style by decade + designer - linda watson (1999)

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1995

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Black Soul in Japan

In 1973, a trio called The Three Degrees, surprisingly had their fame skyrocket in Japan with the song "Dirty Ol' Man". Their presence reached Japan, before they made it to the domestic US charts.

During this time, the lineup consisted of Fayette, Sheila, and Valerie.

In 1974. during their prime in Japan, they also made a Japanese version of their megahit 'When Will I See You Again.' It also surprised me because they were extremely dedicated to their audience demographic and the cross-cultural appeal they had.

This actually the first song I've heard of theirs, and I was instantly drawn in by their sweet vocals. Especially of member Sheila...just blown away! They are so beautiful too.

The Japanese version of this was stellar too. As a fan of classic music from Japan, (more of in the 80s..) I really enjoyed listening to this. It was the first time I've heard of Black singers recording a song of theirs in an entirely different language in the past. They also released a Japanese exclusive single called にがい涙 (Nigai Namida, 'bitter tears')

And to my surprise, they sung so sweetly and confidently in Japanese, live! I could tell that they took their job seriously and worked hard. (couldn't stop thinking about how beautiful they were either....) Continuing their time in Japan, their fame brought them on many television appearances and interviews, especially after they won at the 3rd Tokyo Music Festival. You could tell how much they were loved in Japan! (They still have a steady Japanese fanbase even today.) I'm glad they were also able to learn and experience Japanese culture firsthand. In this clip, they are dressed in Kimonos, learning classical Nihon Buyo dance. I also found it cute how they were learning so intentively, especially Valerie lol.

In 1975, their fame in overseas continued with an exclusive televison special, where they sung songs in various languages.

Their fame in Japan was definitely deserved. And they also well deserved their rising fame in the US afterwards, after hitting various charts in 1974, even in the UK. The Three Degrees is all around a very talented, elegant, and stunningly beautiful.

And yes, I know the Degrees have had a fair share of lineups, but I think this one during their Japan heyday, will always be more favorable to me.

Me downloading yet another image of miss Valerie Holiday

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I always feel so drawn to ballads specifically released in 1998... but this one comes to mind the most.

Once upon a time in early 1998, Jang Donggun and Gu Bonseung, an iconic 꽃미남 actor duo, came together to release a project album together titled Love Is.

This song is part of the OST of the MBC drama 'Love', in which they both starred in along side Choi Jiwoo. The song was composed by the well-known Yoon Ilsang. It also samples 'Air on G String' by J. S. Bach. The melody is always lingering in my head, especially since it samples a classical melody. Love Song music video, which is also alongside the main track of the album, was also released. But I can't remember how to attach another Youtube link... xD (someone help...) But this is one of the many ballads that I could probably recall in a dream. The sweet voices of Donggun and Bonseung along the sad, yet romantic melody, is just perfect. Luckily, I was able to acquire the album, which was signed by Bonseung himself! (He left some fingerprints...err.... xD) I can't help but replay the CD over and over again.. I hope one day they can come together and sing this song again...it's too sweet...

Donggun, I can't take my eyes off you T_T Are you well?

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err.... i need to relearn how to use tumblr again.. xD

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my eyes quickly going to soojong... oh boy

POV : You switched on the TV in the Korean 80s-90s

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Mblaq “Y” Cyworld mini-me gifs