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SHCJ Hong Kong Tour Part 2

Cr to 公冶若澈SHCJ@weibo for finding the locations

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SHCJ Hong Kong Tour Part 1

Inside Asia World Expo Hall 11: 

More on Octopus Card:  https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/octopus-cards/products/on-loan/standard.html

More on Airport Express: http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/airport_express_index.html 

Download the MTR route map here:  http://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/en/services/routemap.pdf

Feel free to ask me anything on Twitter ^^

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(ENG) 171020 3MAD MINDY CUT

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[SHINHWA and SHCJ 1] We are Inseparable, ‘Interdependence Relationship’

To idols, their relationship with fans are like fish with water, they are inseparable.  The feelings are unable to be described with language. This article aims to describe a change, that idols exist because of fans, and with fans the idols can continue.

Nowadays, it’s not a situation where idols’ existence created a fandom. The period where fans’ one sided love can keep the idol group continue, or the group making decisions and required fans to blindly follow has gone. Recently there are a few examples to show this, fans requesting a certain member to leave the group, or releasing statement not to support a certain member.

From group ‘SHINHWA’, we can realistically see such relational change. The biggest turning points are when the group left SM Entertainment in 2003 and when the members completed military and set up Shinhwa Company in 2011.

During the early days SHINHWA was living a busy idol life, the members were unable to care about other issues, they just ran forward with all kinds of activities, hence gaining their popularity. When recalling the past, Lee Minwoo mentioned the past as driving a race car, Kim Dongwan described it as a chaotic period. While they were able to gain a huge success, the members did not know exactly what they were doing, they just worked their very best.

Back to the reality, the members wanted to be singers to become SHINHWA, aside of passion, they followed the company contracts and promoted within the period of time and developed really fast. At that time, communication between SHINHWA and SHCJ, rather than saying that it is self motivated, it is more like it is created under the given situation. 

However in 2003 when the contract with SM ended, they did not disband and gathered together, it changed to initiative. SHINHWA for the SHCJ with believed in them and wished them to continue, as well as for themselves, chose to walk on a difficult path. From this, it led to the change in relationship between SHINHWA and SHCJ.

The difference in relationship between SHINHWA and SHCJ and the other groups, can be seen as started from this period onwards. When the members had to complete military and put group activities in hiatus during 2008~2012, they were able to cross the barrier because of the good relationship between SHINHWA and SHCJ. As SHINHWA is looking for their own identity, the fans who believed and supported them became their biggest driving force.

Before the member all returned in 2011, right before the returning of a complete SHINHWA, the members wanted a clear hold of authority and hence set up Shinhwa Company. This is also how the members showed their determination in continuing as ‘SHINHWA’ and maintain ‘SHINHWA CHANGJO’.

To further explain, in such process, when SHINHWA fight to get the trademark right back from Open World Entertainment, it is SHINHWA and SHCJ’s trust which made it through. It was a period of time, when “Eric met the lawyers in suit”.

What does it mean when a person who wears stage costume to perform became wearing suit to study laws. It showed the determination in getting the name of ‘SHINHWA’ with their own hands, and the sincerity as SHINHWA to protect SHCJ.

And the result is, SHINHWA became the first idol group who went through trademark rights and maintained as who they are. 2 years of lawsuits ended in 2015. And to remember this day 29 May is named as ‘Shin-dependence Day’ (Shinhwa Independent Day). Just like how Korea attained sovereignty from Japanese colony, this day shares a meaningful value to SHINHWA.

This is why the relationship between SHINHWA and SHCJ is not purely created under the passing of time. They went through difficulties together, and grew in trust over time. In such process, various delightfulness, setbacks; happiness and sadness exists, this powerful feeling led them to create a further sturdy interdependence relationship.

Fnnews: http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=014&aid=0003831501 /lshsh324_star@fnnews.com 이소희 기자 (Lee Soohee Reporter) Chinese Trans: BestShinhwa

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0:23 About Yang Heeeun having face blindness+ mentioning of Shinhwa

Translation in the comment section ^^

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UICnydQZHmo)

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[ALL ABOUT SHINHWA COMPANY] - Chapter 1. About SM Entertainment

The History of SHINHWA’s Relationship with Entertainment Companies: ALL ABOUT SHINHWA COMPANY

Original author: 미코 MIKO [2013.12.29] Original post: http://blog.naver.com/secgarden/150182106794

Chinese translation: 海天月夜 [2015.06.02] Chinese post: http://www.weibo.com/1251889924/CkJ1Gdqjc?from=page_1005051251889924_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment#_rnd1488141816655

Chinese translation: Bestshinhwa [2015.09.01] Chinese post: http://www.weibo.com/p/1001603882403276969902

English translation: xsterois [2017]

Chapter 1. About SM Entertainment

It’s not unfamiliar that Shinhwa debuted around the end of 90s, at the blooming period of the creation of ‘idol’, and being called ‘First Generation Idol’. After H.O.T and S.E.S, leading the idol entertainment companies, they were SM Entertainment’s third product.

About Shinhwa’s audition

The above image is ranked by the date Shinhwa members joined as a trainee. We don’t have to talk much about what happened before debut, in short:

Andy who was living in America formed a dance group with few Korean friends, joined a dance competition and got casted by Lee Sooman. After that he was picked as the final member of H.O.T, but gave up due to his mother’s worry about debuting at a young age, hence went back to America. After a year, Lee Sooman met Andy again in LA and brought him back to Korea. (At this time, some believe that Andy is already chosen as a Shinhwa member, but it’s unknown whether if it is a rumour among fans or a rumour from Lee Sooman.)

As a foreign student, Shin Hyesung was casted in a SM audition held in LA. It was in 1996, and was the same year that Lee Sooman met Andy again, and according to Andy as a trainee that time, after listening to Shin Hyesung’s vocal, Lee Sooman exclaimed “It’s really great isn’t it”.

Eric same as Shin Hyesung, was casted though LA audition. Although he joined the audition as suggested by Andy, he already met Lee Sooman in the past. And according to Lee Sooman and Andy, Eric was already popular among Korean students at that time.

Lee Minwoo studied at Jeonju Art High school, he joined Everland Dance Competition with friends and got casted by a SM manager. (His friend who was also casted as a trainee wasn’t able to become a Shinhwa memebr but debuted through other entertainment company)

Junjin studied at Ogeum High School who was already famous for his dancing skills. And through sunbae Ahn Chilhyun, H.O.T Kangta suggested him to be a trainee.

At last, Kim Dongwan was popular as a band vocal in Whimoon High School. He also gained the title of ‘Whimoon’s Moses’ (Meaning that wherever he walked past, students separated a road like Red Sea for him.)

tvN The List 130311:

About Kim Dongwan at Whimoon High School

Different companies wanted to get Kim Dongwan in and they even sent special manager for him, knowing all his schedules following him around to get a chance (as reported by DSP relations). Until one day Kim Dongwan was unexpectedly casted by a SM manager on street, while holding a big teddy bear for his girlfriend.

None the less, they gathered as trainees and after one year to few months of training, only six were chosen to debut as Shinhwa’s final members.

People call them SM’s mischievous icon.

Different to other idols with a mysterious concept (especially SM’s H.O.T and S.E.S), arguing with fans outside the dorm, getting drunk, bringing a television to play games at broadcast stations, escaped dorm but got caught and all received punishment, etc. Until now these were remained as legend stories in the industry, and you can find these easily on different humour-sites as Shinhwa’s history.

Therefore even after 10 years, I believe that their weird and extraordinary stories will remain on the internet. And that because of the contrasting image to other idols during such time, their unique image brought them to the exposure in variety.

In 1999, Shinhwa’s 2nd Album (T.O.P) brought them a late-coming huge response, forming the unique passionate fans, and achieved their goals. In the 5 years of contract period, even though there were various incidents (especially the life threatening accidents).

They continued in striving and working hard, showing a different style with every album.

At that time, I also thought their story will conclude with a happy ending...

With the passing of time, 5 years of “idols’ maximum survival time” went by, Shinhwa and SM’s contract came to an end in 2003.

During that time, groups debuted before Shinhwa or debuted at similar time declared disbandment, even without an official announcement, the members left and worked in different fields. At that time, the running period of idols were expected to be around 5 years, and the number of albums was also ended at 5. However, Shinhwa in 2002 released their 6th Album. From that time onwards, they began slowing breaking the limits of idols.

Recalling SM Entertainment sunbae idol groups, in 2001 due to conflicts between members and company, H.O.T went in a status of “half disbandment”. S.E.S in 2002 disbanded according to members’ will, and debuted as solo singers.

And in 2003, when everyone expected SM’s third child, Shinhwa will go through the same path as the other idols.

But as we all know, such expectation did not came true. Before talking about Shinhwa’s next decision, let’s look into their experience in SM Entertainment which may considered as a turning point.

Chapter 1.5. Shinhwa Promoting as 5 (2001)

When Shinhwa released their 4th Album in 2001, without Andy, promoting as 5 members is what everyone knows. Andy also mentioned it on a programme himself, and as what we know, it was due to his personal issues. But the truth is, recalling the incident in 2001, it was not just solely a personal uncontrollable case.

Andy’s Activities on Hiatus

[Author’s NOTE: Although I do not know how much this incident has impact on Shinhwa, this could fully represent how they realised the actual relationship between the group and the company. And this is also the incident which made Shinhwa fans lost trust towards the company, and that it is not totally irrelevant to the future conflicts. Below is according to my recall of the situation and rumour during that time+ what was reported on media+ Andy’s future explanation.]

One day, KKFS (Korea Kent Foreign School) was rumoured to have students from high status families getting into university with no qualification. And in this school there were two popular idols. They are S.E.S’s Shoo (Yoo Sooyoung) and Shinhwa’s Andy (Lee Sunho). (S.E.S's Eugene was a graduate from this school)

Reporters who were starving for news did not miss this chance. News on TV and newspaper all brought the two names out. At first, it was “an idol member”, and then it became “S.E.S’s Miss Y and Shinhwa’s Mr L”. Later, they even reported with their real identities. People who heard about the university entrance scandal began to judge and blame them.  Of course, this also happened in the fandom.

(For reference, I was only 4th grade at that time, just began liking Shinhwa, but still am able to remember this shows how big impact it brought…)

About this incident, if we start from the conclusion, the school which had an university entrance scandal, happened to have a foreigner student Andy (with foreign residence). Andy was 12th grade at that time, applied and got accepted for Hankuk University of Foreign Studies on English. Shoo also was accepted in university already.

However when the news broke, the spotlight of the media went onto “idol’s improper university entrance scandal” (in reality they just happened to be a student there) instead of the “high status family scandal”. Whereas the universities which were at the centre of the scandal, used “not qualified” as an excuse to cancel KENT students’ accepted university application. Of course, from the the surface their reason made sense. KENT was not a proper high school course, hence they were not qualified for university application from the start.

(I need to point out that, not only Andy and Shoo, whether all Kent students did got blamed due to “not qualified”. For reference, all foreigner high schools are recognised as proper high school course now. But it was only not recognised during that time.)

Therefore the high school education was not recognised, concluding with a Junior high graduate, cancelled university entrance.

ENDING LIKE THIS?? Then it would be great….

Due to the KKFS incident, a lot obstacles were created to Andy.

1. As Andy’s education was not recognised, Andy’s past 3 years studying at KKFS as a student was rejected. This created a problem to Andy’s reason to stay in Korea. Hence before his identity was made clear, the business activity (=as a singer) became impossible.

2. Male adult who is not a student, by principle is required to receive military health check, and before that travelling is forbidden.

Therefore, until Andy got the military health check, he was forbidden to leave the country. It would be great ending like this, receive the military health check and solve the legal problems. But to make thing worse, Andy’s “personal issue" broke out. Andy’s mother in US suddenly went really ill.

For reference, Andy was born in a single parent family, without any male parent, it means that he is responsible to act as the father’s role. Andy as his mother’s guarantor was really urgent to travel back to US, but due to what happened in Korea, until the travel ban is removed, he could only wait.

During such process, Andy even made a lawsuit about the university application was inappropriately cancelled. Some may misunderstood his action, but he did this not because of to escape from the military check, but instead if he could resume the “student” identity then the travel ban would be removed and he could rush back to US. But at last it did not succeed.

Also, rumours began to spread everywhere. From Andy leaving out of the dorm, to become missing, temporary leaving the group, withdrawal from the group, and even rumour on suicide. (About attempt of suicide, at that time the company explained it was because of taking excessive cold pills leading to gastric spasm, and was sent to the emergency. I personally think such issue is still questionable, but it is not a significant point here, so I will end this here.)

2001.05.10 Voice Message from Andy

Afterall, Andy successfully received the military check and due to not qualified education (finally as Junior high graduate), and was decided as “reserved placement” in military, he left all rumours behind and quietly left for US.

2001.05.10 [NEWS] Andy’s Military Position

After few months, Shinhwa came back with their 4th Album.

Without Andy, as 5.

What ironic is, Shinhwa with one member less, the album received well results, it’s actually really popular among the public. People started to give them more recognition for trying the un-idol-like concepts.

Some even said that ‘Hey Come On’ is the next level in music. And ‘Wild Eyes’ as the continuing song, received even greater reaction than the title song.

No matter if it is music, variety or the media reflected that Shinhwa could be perfect as a 5 members group. But this did not make people satisfy because of the subtle atmosphere. Some fans appeared to not care but feeling lost, and some fans even accepted that Andy is already not a member. Shinhwa seems to realise that before the return of Andy, they have the responsibility to stay in their position and try to make Shinhwa better.

However looking at Shinhwa promoting without him, Andy thought that he no longer had a position in Shinhwa.

Due to Andy’s inability to support the hospital fees (US hospital fees are different to Korea’s ones), he brought his mother back to Korea after few months. Looking at Shinhwa striving forth, began to feel the distance in between, or began to feel the guilt that may block Shinhwa’s development. He did not go back to the dorm but instead hid in a college building somewhere in Seoul.

Not getting a haircut, not shaving, shower with cold water, only able to sleep with soju and aspirin.

After that, as what we all know, Andy returned back to Shinhwa.

After Shinhwa’s 4th Album promotion, Shinhwa Changjo’s 5th Fan Meeting was held. It was the biggest event among all fan meetings held, and the venue was Jamsil Main Stadium. According to Andy, that day Lee Sooman contacted him and told him to join the fan meeting.  Andy at the waiting room heard the fans shouted ‘Lee Sunho’ even without him on stage, teared up.  To hide the weeping eyes, he borrowed a pair of sunglasses, and stood in front of the fans after a year.

When the fan meeting was coming to an end, Andy appeared at the last encore stage, greeted everyone shyly.

Shinhwa, once again returned as six.

However, even just naming this “after experiencing hardship, Andy returned to Shinhwa”, the impact this incident brought is definitely visible.

The point is, the person who called Andy to join the fan meeting is Lee Sooman, from this aspect both Andy and the fans were thankful for.

But the question is, this company called SM, left Andy out during their 4th Album promotion, appears to be doing a kind of experiment.

When Andy is not in Korea, leaving him out, released a new album. Using the finished recording, and re-record it as 5 members, and making it into an album with 5 members. [-> Do anyone know where this is from?]

Idol groups were normally with 5 people, even with 5 voices, they were flawless no matter if it’s album or variety, the appearance of the 5 members were perfect.

The members did not mention Andy as much, called Junjin as the ‘maknae’ and called Shinhwa as ‘5’.

From all these actions during the promotion, could SM be trying this out to make Shinhwa as a 5 members group? People already made such assumption.

Also, about Andy’s rumour, fans complained that SM did not handle it well. In reality, Shinhwa’s fanchant during 4th Album promotion, determined to add ‘Lee Sunho’, showing how much they anticipate Andy’s return.

But about Andy’s news or his future decision, SM did not voice out any opinion. When Andy was bothered by rumours before the military check, and the situation was so bad that he even went to the emergency, SM did not state clearly that Andy was not related to the university entrance scandal, and did not show a strong will to solve Andy’s problems.

2001.04.23 A Letter to SHCJ on Andy’s Rumour

At least this is what fans’ thought. (If SM actively solved the problems, the fandom won’t split). At such situation, SM still promoted 5 members Shinhwa, created fans’ further distrust towards the company.

Of course, with Andy’s return, the saying of “5 members Shinhwa” became solely a rumour, or you can call it SM’s failed tactic. Even if the rumour is true, that SM tried to take Andy away and make Shinhwa as a 5 members group, then this project was not only an experimental failure, but it brought unexpected negative impact to SM.

Using this incident as an example, not only Andy, SM can ignore their personal will and change the members of Shinhwa at any time.

Shinhwa could no longer be 6 at any time, even the group’s survival is uncertain, this is what the members clearly realised.

Back to 2003.

Even though it was revealed after a long time, H.O.T and S.E.S disbandment was mainly due to contract renewal. H.O.T’s situation was due to members’ individual contract renewal, conflicts and misunderstanding grew, leading to disbandment. S.E.S’s situation was SM tried for individual contract renewal, but due to contract problems, conflicts grew, and finally announced disband while at the top position.

Same as the two previous groups, before contract renewal, the company began to secretly seek individual members. The first person who got suggested for contract renewal was Lee Minwoo and Shin Hyesung. Lee Minwoo since debut was in charge of choreography, lyrics and song writing, these various areas, showing a strong individual talent. Shin Hyesung is Shinhwa’s main vocal, from the collaboration with Lee Jihoon, it showed that he is strong enough to become a solo vocal. In another words, SM saw their ability to step out of the ‘idol’ limitation and became a ‘musician’, hence chose them for another contract.

However, witnessing other groups’ unwilling disbandment, continued promotion while treating one member as non-exist, Shinhwa objected the company’s action, and decided to betray (?) SM as 6, making such significant decision.

End of Chapter 1. About SM Entertainment Next: Chapter 2. About Good Entertainment

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2001.05.10 [NEWS] Andy’s Military Position

[updates] Andy's military position

From Shinhwa Section for SM Club

Date: May 10 2001 at 11:06 PM Credits: daily sports ["http://www.dailysports.co.kr"] Translation: robin

Original post: http://www.network54.com/Forum/93530/thread/989561184/last-989561184/%5Bupdates%5D+Andy%27s+military+position

[NOTE: This is a repost from a forum in 2001, accuracy is uncertain]

-----------

[shinhwa] Andy's military position

Famous group shinhwa's ANDY [20.Lee SunHo] has received an 'special position' in the military.

[This means, because Andy is currently a singer, he was placed on a list. This list qualifies him to enter the army when people are needed.]

On 23rd, 12:00 afternoon, Andy had gotten a Seoul military checkup. That day, after he had gotten the special placement, he says that," Truthfully, I wanted to be on active duty."

He says," But wouldn't it be better if I went after I went to school more and finished all my jobs right now." In addition, Andy comments to the reporters on the rumor with 'attempting suicide'.

The rumor of 'on 22nd, 60 pills swallowed', was told fake by Andy with his response," I was just feeling sick and just took some pain relieving pills."

From Andy's words," The last 2 days, the school problems and military problems and etc. problems made me stress a lot, so I couldn't eat much."

" And so, I suddenly got a headache around 7:00 p.m. at night, and thought it was a cold coming onto me. So I took 2 pills of pain relievers."

On that day, Andy could not attend his regular schedule, due to his major headache.

That night, the pain reliever pills did not work, and at 10 p.m., Andy was rushed to the emergency room by his mother and his manager.

Andy's doctor had told us that," Normally, Andy had a serious case gastritis." [gastritis=imflammation of the stomache]

And that is why, even with 2 pain reliever pills, his stomache had gotten worse. And the doctor also included," If you have this kind of state like Andy, it is not good to take any kind of specific pain relieving pills."

After hearing Andy's condition, shinhwa's member 'Kim Dongwan' had visited him late at night. On 23rd, Andy had come back home to his 'seoul jah yang dong' residence after receiving an IV.

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2001.05.10 Voice Message from Andy

[updates] Translation of vm Andy left.

From Shinhwa Section for SM Club

Date: May 10 2001 at 11:13 PM Credits: Heaven's shinhwa Translation: robin

Original: http://www.network54.com/Forum/93530/thread/989561623/last-989561623/%5Bupdates%5D+translation+of+vm+Andy+left.

[NOTE: This is a repost from a forum in 2001, accuracy is uncertain]

-----

-The Voice message Andy Oppa left.

Hi Everyone. I am Shinhwa's Andy. You guys are shocked right? But this is because of the newspaper articles...... That time I was really sick, and took some pills on an empty stomache And my mother said that it was bad to take pills on an empty stomache, so my manager took me to hospital.... Today is 3/24/01 right? It is Shinhwa's third year anniversary... . Congratulations... . . Wah...*clapclapclap*... . The people next to me are the staff nuna's. I wanted to leave a message at the office, so I came to the office today. All of you fans will be healthy, and so will I... and we will work hard on our upcoming 4th album. I really gave a lot of you guys many worries. In the 4th album, I will try harder...and please remember that. And don't forget our shinhwa, and Andy also Always be healthy. I will try to maintain a fair health also. And don't worry too much. Because if you guys do, shinhwa will too. Then, Bye.

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2001.04.23 A Letter to SHCJ on Andy’s Rumour

[updates] Letter to Members of Shinhwa Changjo Due to 'Andy Rumor’

From Shinhwa Section for SM Club

Date: April 23 2001 at 8:15 PM Credits: sm town Translation: ramyun

Original post: http://www.network54.com/Forum/93530/thread/988082145/last-988082145/%5Bupdates%5D+letter+to+members+of+shinhwa+chang+jo+due+to+%27andy+rumor%27

[NOTE: This is a repost from a forum in 2001, accuracy is uncertain]

-------

To all the members in "shinhwa fan club".... We started to receive many complaints and questions on concerning the topic of "andy's suicide attempt" that was in the sports seoul newspaper yesterday.... When andy was in the hospital, he had no further issues with pills or anything else. All he had was 'stress resulting lung problems' and nothing else. The '60 pills suicide' is fake, and please do not believe what the newspaper said.

And today 23rd, Andy had gone to the hospital to get his regular checkup... Andy's healthy has no problems, but it is true that due to the college entrance topic, he is stressed out. It is ok for you guys to be telling us, " why does shinhwa members not care about andy's health," but surely we will tell you again. All of the shinhwa members care dearly for andy and take care of each other like they are siblings. These days, they have been calling in our offices concerning this article.

They ask about that they can't contact andy these days, but us too have been having a hard time keeping in contact with him. He is obviously stressed out with entrance reasons and is on his vacation. So please, it seems like the newspapers will be talking about this topic for awhile. Please trust our words and believe that Andy did not attempt suicide. Also, this rumor might have been started by other singer fans or anti fans...if you hear anything else about that, please notify us quickly. And when Andy is strong enough to forget about all the college entrance problems that happened, he will clear everything up asap. thanks

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[ALL ABOUT SHINHWA COMPANY] - Chapter 0.

The History of SHINHWA’s Relationship with Entertainment Companies: 

ALL ABOUT SHINHWA COMPANY

Original author: 미코 MIKO [2013.12.29] Original post: http://blog.naver.com/secgarden/150182106794

Chinese translation: 海天月夜 [2015.06.02] Chinese post: http://www.weibo.com/1251889924/CkJ1Gdqjc?from=page_1005051251889924_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment#_rnd1488141816655

Chinese translation: Bestshinhwa [2015.09.01] Chinese post: http://www.weibo.com/p/1001603882403276969902

English translation: xsterois [2017]

[Chinese Translator 海天月夜’s NOTE:  This post is written by the author in 2013, and there were changes in compare to now. (For example, Eric’s company is now E&J Entertainment, started up with manager Lee Jonghyun in 2014.05.26, Kim Dongwan’s current company is CI Ent, Junjin’s company went from Openworld Entertainment to FA (Free Agency) and now (2015) Nfino. The past Openworld Entertainment is the current Joonmedia, which is the company who gave them back the right of ‘Shinhwa’.)  The aim of this post is to celebrate Shinhwa getting their right of ‘Shinhwa’ back in 2015.05.29 and to let people understand the path that Shinhwa went through all these years. Also, the original author has a negative opinion towards SM, hence it will be translated exactly what was written. Please make personal interpretation.]

[NOTE: I used the two Chinese translations as reference and will translate everything that is written. Links are added for referencing to articles that I found online.]

PREFACE

A wonderful yet troublesome 2013, I hereby writing this long passage marking as a full-stop to their 15th Anniversary. The aim of this is to reorganise Shinhwa’s relationship with the entertainment companies in the past 15 years.

Although it’s a new start for Shinhwa, they were still unable to break away from the impact of SM; The first company after Shinhwa broke away, Good Entertainment; Conflicts and argument on the name of Shinhwa, Openworld; Supporting members’ individual work, Top Class, Liveworks, TOP Media, M RIZING; And gathering all, forming Shinhwa Company after 13 years. This passage will record all changes and the companies relationship with Shinhwa until this day (2015).

Shinhwa Company was not formed only to tell people that Shinhwa exists. Although it seems like a brand new start for Shinhwa, the truth is that until now all past companies were all linked and tangled together. This is why Shinhwa Company is that unique and special in the industry. And this is also the reason why I (author) am still unable to like SM after 10 years.

Of course, what I know is not even half of what the truth is, and the unrevealed stories to fans and the public is uncountable. But the reason why I am still writing this passage, is that the path Shinhwa has been through the past 16 years, is not as that simple and easy as how others think.

Saying that “We want to be like Shinhwa sunbaenim” by rookie idols. Saying that “Hope that our kids can leave their company like Shinhwa and start up one themselves” by the other idol group fans. Or saying that “Shinhwa is working smooth and running well leaving SM” by netizens.

Everytime hearing such comments, I laughed, but this is not out of blind pride, but thinking that if they know the truth, it is impossible to bluntly say “to be like Shinhwa”.

16 years, to protect the existence of a group is that complicated and heavy. And the remaining road, even though it’s unknown, they still continued moving forward. Although it is unable to tell everyone, at least I hope that this could bring a little more understanding to all fans including me.

[NOTE: This is a long passage  About stories which are unconfirmed on their accuracy, the author did remark if it’s rumour or assumption, please read carefully to avoid misunderstanding. This is written by a FAN, there may be uncensored inaccurate content, please be alerted.]

CHAPTER 0.

Here are six men.

With all different name, look, age, talent, family background, personality, even the companies they’re in are different.

But they are knotted together because of Shinhwa Company. Rather than knot, may be describing it as they created Shinhwa Company themselves is more appropriate.

Shinhwa Company is totally different to the common entertainment companies. It exists only for these six men, and it only runs for this six men group. It was not made to create a ‘company’ but it’s created to make a ‘group’ survive and continue. It’s not based on simple contracts, but the reliance among individuals and various companies, running through linkages and cooperations. It may be weird, but it’s an ideal company relationship.

If you are curious about the reason behind this company, please anticipate the following long story, with words describing more than 15 years of history.

TBC

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PREVIEW

Title: ALL ABOUT SHINHWA COMPANY

Original post: http://blog.naver.com/secgarden/150182106794 Original author: 미코 MIKO (secgarden)

Another long ass thing I’m translating. I’m not even close to halfway so please wait for few more weeks for this lol.

[xsterois]

39 Years Old Eric Who is in Love, and Fans’ Attitude

Original link: http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=047&aid=0002142267

(Opinion) Oppa’s love and relationship, it’s unescapable for fans to “realise reality”, but “it’s alright”.

Content by Park Eunji reporter (Ohmynews)

Idol group Shinhwa’s leader Eric and Na Hyemi confirmed their relationship. Compare to before, idols’ open relationship is more acceptable now, so that’s why Eric’s confirmation is not that a surprise thing. Debuted in 1998, Shinhwa’s Eric is now 39 years old. Even though considering as a “current idol”, at such age fans should be able to accept and think that “wish they can meet a nice partner.”

But it doesn’t mean that the day to “realise reality” won’t come.

Debuted for 19 years, some fans are already married. Concentrating on their personal lives after marriage, some may neglect the fandom life, but supporting Shinhwa for a short period of time every year, to fans it is a memory in their 10s, 20s and a it’s a source of happiness. Welcoming the reform of the 1st generation idol groups, at the same time being proud that Shinhwa never disbanded.

To fans, Shinhwa is an idol to look up to, and is a family which has been protected for almost 20 years. Therefore, to fans, they also want to wish them to meet a nice person and live happily. Adoring an idol is different from falling in love. It’s not about “hoping to love me”, but it’s about “wishing the person I love will live happily.” Even though prepared for few years already, when the relationship rumour broke out, emptiness can still be felt.

In these few years, during every Shinhwa’s comeback, the media will ask about “When are you going to get married?” or “Who do you think will get married first?” just like those annoying relatives always do. And during such time, Shinhwa replying “We haven’t consider marriage yet” is what fans want to hear. Even in 2015 Eric announced a “Marriage Ban” (in the promotion period), relieving fans’ anxiety.

Even this time, it was directly pointed out that “marriage next year is not true”, but fans also dated, and some even got married, everyone understands that their marriage is not far ahead. Even experiencing all kinds in the past 19 years, the fandom won’t be able to willingly accept that an “all-loving” idol is becoming someone’s lover. A fantasy will collapse someday.

Shinhwa’s moments spent are also Fans’ memory

Without any member changes, never disbanded, until today, leader Eric acted as the most important role. In 2005 the right of the name ‘Shinhwa’ was given to Openworld by SM, 20 years old Eric at that time studied law and fought for it, at last gaining the right of Shinhwa back, this is not an unfamiliar story to fans. And this is also why as the co-CEO of Shinhwa Company with Lee Minwoo, under the name of ‘longest running idol group’, leaded by Eric, the members all have a special relationship towards Shinhwa.

Starting an early social life in the 10s, and now 39 years old, no matter if it’s work or relationships, he knows what he is doing. Perhaps the relationship news made fans worried the most is that the heartfelt passion and memory given may be hurt and shattered.

But don’t worry much about Eric’s relationship, no matter what. When trying to plan a meet up but everytime their schedule didn’t match, he told the members “Shinhwa is our whole 20s, how could you do that!” He is such kind of Eric. Until now, spending their 30s as Shinhwa, they won’t easily let their fans disappoint. Shinhwa’s memory belong to the members, but it also belongs to the fans. And that Shinhwa knows it pretty well than anyone else. Shinhwa will still continue to prepare the stage for people who love them.

Believing that Shinhwa who has been walking path that no one else did, will continue to show their best work, and bring even better music. 

(At the same time) I guess we should be prepared to congratulate the future coming marriage news.

[xsterois]

2016 Another year my love <3

Why 1103 is woodong day???

1103 is actually the day when Minwoo and Dongwan first met in 1997.

Minwoo’s Diary (published on a magazine in 1998):

“Last year on 1103 is a windy day, Dongwan who was wearing a ‘bread cap’, hip-hop trousers and a big T-shirt came to the practice room. Manager introduced Dongwan who was standing, wearing a jacket with a bagpack–'He will start practicing from today onwards' 

Full of feeling thinking about Dongwan’s first impression.

Then and now, Dongwan always smile.

Still is a friendly, interesting and lively person,

Is someone who brings happiness and bright up atmosphere.”

(Brief diary content)

“去年11月3日是一个凉飕飕的日子，带着面包式的帽子（直译了不知道是啥）穿着hip-pop裤子和大T- shirt的东万来到了练习室 ， 经纪人这样介绍了夹克外面背着背包站着的东万－－‘这是今天开始一起练习的新人’ 这样想着对东万的印象就充满了感情  那时也是，现在也是，东万很会笑  依然是和其他人很容易混熟的有趣和活泼的人  是一直给人们带来快乐并活跃气氛的人 ”

（大体日记内容了） 

Cr: WoodongBar Eng trans: xsterois

[xsterois]

We all have that one lame uncle and his lame jokes

[xsterois]

fuuuucccccccccccccccck omg

I’m going to blindfold you so that everything will be more intense.

[xsterois]

신화 SHINHWA - 표적(Sniper)_Official Music Video