#i know part of it is that I'm nervous for an overnight social event with colleagues

[soullikethesea]

I might be a little bit of a workaholic... I kind of longingly checked my email today. I taught another lesson, noticed I felt a bit desperate for human contact.

A dear friend of mine described the effects of neglect as being unable to just have a meal at the table, instead carefully gathering crumbs under the table.

That's what I am doing here. It's the same in my yoga class, when I can enjoy "emotional intimacy"/someone "caring for me", but actually it is just a lesson for many people. I'm gathering the crumbs. This is what I'm comfortable with.

Well, relatively speaking, of course. I pretty much feel scared all the time. ;)

[jjheejz]

What is Fate?

[Part 5/5] WOH concert and after

WOH Concert (3-4 May 2021)

- The fact that they even have a grand scale wedding ceremony drama concert

- GJ did not attend ZZH's first solo concert, but both of them have their own concert together for the first time

- Chinese have a traditional tradition of calculating auspicious dates (metaphysics). It can be calculated commonly for when to move in to a new house, bury a deceased, open a business, hold a wedding etc. 3 - 4 May were auspicious dates for Wedding and marriage registration.

- The concert was held at a stadium in Su Zhou, but the entire city was blatantly supporting everything and anything about WenZhou like it's New Year's Eve. Eg. Building, helicopter banners, bus advertising, drone show, lantern display, subway endorsement, city's official account using WOH quotes applying to safety regulations, curated photo booths, life sized figurine of WenZhou (YouKu kept it as prideful display at their office entrance after the concert), crowds of fan support and cheers etc.

Drone show snippet:

- Both of them were given the center of attention for the entire 2 days of WOH concert. It was WenZhou/JunZhe concert in disguise as WOH concert.

= This gave them both the opportunity to show what they feel for each other openly (whether as WenZhou themselves or as JunZhe)

- To have a stage to be what they are* and have fun, while being accepted and greatly supported by a sea of Mountain people (山人), no matter how one sees it, it's an extremely touching form of support for them

*Disclaimer: obviously they weren't 100% themselves, mindful of the fact that this stage was monitored by important media bodies (not exactly sure what kind, but somewhat government-ish regulators I presume), but their gaze and body language is just as natural as what they are.

= The fact that the country in general is not open to this kind of relationship, yet they were in a place where most of the people were supportive.

- Yes, there were some important bodies (or eyes) during the 2 days concert. Which was why all the actors and actresses were warned. For whatever reason they chose to continue in their own way, it's daring consensus of support. And for whatever reason the regulators didn't do anything (there weren't any big news at all from them), is also a miracle.

- They had the opportunity to sing a duet on stage, live. For the audience, GJ's singing skills started from November 2020, ZZH likes GJ's singing, and 5 months later, they have a duet on stage.

- Official acknowledgement of cpfans

= First in history where the recognition was officially verbally mentioned in-person. You can say this fate belong to the fans.

- ZZH had the opportunity to vow a promise to GJ witnessed by X million of people in the stadium and those watching livestream, that he will always be there for GJ. He did not only vow as a companion to GJ, in ZZH terms, he actually vowed "I will love you forever" [ZZH on 'love' saga]

- The in-ear mic had the voices of the backstage crew's coordination. ZZH took it off early, but GJ was still wearing them during the exchange. That itself is a stressor as the backstage coordinator must have warned extremely sternly and loudly and GJ was shakingly nervous. When ZZH was giving this vow (which in the concert BTS release, we see him say "Don't I have a segment to speak to WKX?" Note, it's WKX, not GJ), the backstage crew was cursing and swearing when ZZH went with "I have things to say to Jun Jun." (as WenZhou, they have a disguise/a shield, with direct GJ, it's just...danger danger red light) Try imagine being the backstage crew and going all mad and crazy over what ZZH said that moment.

= ZZH's daring courage to say things like these was probably built up from his sportsmanship, hot-blooded passion from his past. It's beyond my peasant mortal's comprehension.

- Supporting Cast shenanigans and warnings for them, link here

After

- After the concert was over, solo fans expect the main leads to break up even as co-workers or say, being even in the same frame. This expectation is extremely strong in the industry for years. The same goes for JunZhe despite this time many are cpfans but they do know this prevalent expectation. So imagine crying over the vow and the next moment, just hours after the concert, JunZhe is happily sticking to each other singing in the same frame as if they did nothing big a few hours ago. They sang a phrase together with this lyrics: 30% arranged by fate/god, 70% arranged by hard work. A love for perseverance will lead to success/winning.

= Debunking expectations, breaking many years of industry's common consensus successfully. They invented after after-sales CP service.

- Stage, endorsements, film scripts, major public events, variety shows, top brands etc. Poured in, and although it's all solo events, we see traces of the other half.

- Aside from that, we now see social media exchanges (almost always for the other half), brand endorsement captions (almost always about the other half), official brands partnering with each other because of them (despite being legit competitors) etc.

- The word 'support' or at least 'love seeing them together', is the general reason CPfans are fans of them. But to both GJ and ZZH, it really goes beyond the word itself. Acknowledging is just the beginning. ZZH does take LLD to heart and GJ is very interactive with LLDs in his own quirky way.

*From the [Star X Moon Saga], to the developed feelings because of this drama and actually accepting their feelings, to the fact that the pitiful budgeted amount for WOH was not well received at all before it was broadcasted but boomed records in the end, to the open shipping support by the production crew/casts/general media/fans/brands/cities, to the climbing successes and mountainous opportunities opened for GJ and ZZH overnight, everything was unprecedented and unexpected, but they all dramatically happened to the two of them in a span of one year.

Bonus

A fan went to a temple to check out JunZhe's fate. You can only check for one person and she checked for GJ. She passed her result to a Master and he immediately tell her to give up because that person is taken and turned away. The fan quickly corrected and say she's actually checking for someone else, the master turned back and checked her read again and said, everything is aligned to their favour, it's blessed by the Gods. (If I can find the full article again, will add on more but that's the gist, surfing in China made me love Google's search engine algorithm so much more).

A few other fans who 抽签 (Chinese praying tradition - simply put: draw a stick of varying luck). They all got the bestest of luck for JunZhe. (Reading the readings, I'm just...in awe...I...)

= Borrowing the meaning of another famous novel title, to me, this is a true "Heaven's official blessing" pair.

-------End of series-------

🌻To returning readers: Updated info are in purple for your easy references!

🌸Part 1 - Before filming here

🌸Part 2 - During filming here

🌸Part 3 - After filming, before broadcast here

🌸Part 4 - Broadcast/Promotion period here

🌻Upcoming: JunZhe Saga series

🌻[Ongoing updates] Will add if I remember or found new ones - last updated 220721

🌻For long posts like this, I tend to look back for grammar and phrasing mistakes (sometimes info updates), so when you reblog for future references, do keep in mind that there may be updates in the original post! :)

[ipurpleyou1993]

My thoughts on:

Because This Is My First Life

Starring: Jung So-min/ Lee Min Ki/ Kim Min-seok/ Kim Ga-eun/ Esom/ Park Byeong-eun

- Marriage is a life-long commitment. It's not something you can decide on overnight. Well, it is the 'rest of your life' that you are talking about here. Don't you think? 😉😊❤️

- Marry when you're ready - not when it's convenient. It's not a trend. It's not a contest either. You have to be physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and spiritually ready. THERE.IS.NO.NEED.TO.RUSH. 💯😊😉

- Communication plays a very important role in relationships. Say what you want to say when you want to - You have to be vocal about your thoughts and feelings. 💕

Picture this:

You can't read your partner's mind. Aaaaand, the same goes for the latter. You can't expect your partner to know what you're thinking about all the time. It will only bring confusion to the table - which will lead to unnecessary arguments sooner or later. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣😊

Always remember: Communication is 🔑

- It's important that the foundation of your relationship is understanding.

At the end of the day, what makes a lasting marriage is the genuine care and understanding you share with your partner. Romantic love is superficial. But when you truly understand and care for your loved one, your companionship can withstand anything. Through thick and thin, 'til death do you part - Guaranteed. 💯❤️😊

- Our parents are always rooting for our betterment and happiness. Our joy and success are theirs too - tenfold. 💕

- You don't need to have many friends. A few who are true will always be enough. 💕😊👍🏻

- Everyone has different opinions on love, dating, and marriage. Let's respect each other's views and just spread love & good vibes always. ❤️💯😊

Love is a beautiful thing. Do not be scared of it. Take risks. 💕

Marry your partner when you genuinely love, care for, understand, and see your future together - wrinkles and all. 💕

The Gist:

Because This Is My First Life is a story about friendship, love, dating, and marriage.

The series revolves around the friendship of 3 ladies, whose take on the subject are very different: The Unlucky Girl (Yoon Ji Ho), The Career Woman (Woo Su Ji), and The Hopeless Romantic (Yang Ho Rang).

The Lucky Unlucky Girl:

Yoon Ji Ho is a 30-year old assistant writer for a production company. After years of waiting, she was offered a break to become an official drama writer. However, due to unfortunate events, she lost her writing job and was forced to be in a tight living situation. As a resolution to her living sitch, she met Nam Se Hee (a cat-loving career-oriented male who has decided that his life is fated to be lived alone), her landlord. Their adventure begins when they enter a 2-year marriage (living arrangement) contract.

The Career Woman:

Woo Su Ji is the liberated one among the 3 friends. She's only interested in dating men, but has no intention of being in a relationship. She works at a private company where the majority of the employees are male. She has a very strong character especially when faced with sexist remarks from her colleagues at work. Her story begins when she meets Ma Sang Goo, the CEO of Nam Se Hee's work place, who is willing to do anything to break her barriers and enter her stone heart.

The Hopeless Romantic:

Yang Ho Rang is the simplest among the 3 friends. She's been with her boyfriend - Won Seok - for 7 years. They have been living together for 5. She only dreams of becoming his wife and a mother to their future kids. Their story begins when they were both faced with circumstances that made them question their feelings towards each other.

What I liked about the series:

1. I love how the series tells you that this life, is your first life. That everything you do in this lifetime is your first attempt.

It's telling us that we should not be afraid to fail, because we can always try again. ❤️

2. It is mature and conservative at the same time. The theme is mature but the portrayal and execution of scenes are still conservative in a way. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. 👍🏻😉😊

3. I love how this series tells us to understand those who seem different. There's always a reason behind other people's behaviour. Let's not be too quick to judge! 😉👍🏻💯

4. I love how all the characters complement each other. You know that feeling when you thought it wouldn't work out... but it did? That gratifying feeling is here. Hahaha! The overall chemistry is uncanny! I love it! ❤️

5. This has EVERYTHING in it. In Filipino term, SIKSIK LIGLIG UMAAPAW.

I literally rolled on the floor laughing, I cried, I was angry, I was a bit nervous, and I felt super kilig... IT'S ALL HERE. Better watch it so you'll know what I'm blabbing about. 😂😂😂

6. The conflicts of the characters are so realistic that you can't help but relate. (Except maybe the contractual marriage 😉) 👍🏻😊😍

7. I like how Nam Se Hee changed his hairstyle on the latter part of the drama. He looked so much better! 😍❤️👍🏻

8. I love how the series not only focuses on the romantic side of the story but on social issues like sexism and sexual harassment in the work place as well.

Ladies, know your rights. It's best to face difficulties head on. But if communication does not work, QUIT. Nobody deserves to be treated without respect. 👊🏻

9. I like how they wrapped it up in the end. It feels good that everything was accounted for. Hahaha! Wordings too formal eh? Hahaha! It gives you that accomplished and at ease feeling since everything was resolved beautifully. 💕😍😊

I love how the drama shows us that love, in all its form, is beautiful. The love that endures, the love that blossoms, the love that changes, and the love that is constant. I love how Love wins! 💕😊🎉

Cons:

- The male lead's character is a bit weird at the beginning. Hahahaha! 😉

This kdrama is so underrated. It deserves more recognition. ❤️ Highly recommended, guys! 😉

No rating. This drama has earned a space in my heart. Super love this. 💕💯👌🏻

Soundtrack:

Because This Is My First Life OST (1-8)

CTTO for Photos, Music and GIFs