[Trans] wenny in osaka
wenny is a long-time taiwanese fan, and she even started her own bae site, byjfamily. coz of her love for our man, she's gone to baeland on her own. coz of her love for our man, she now has gone to osaka on her own. but hehe, she met up with a fellow fan snowkin there... and the two even spent a night at the same hotel as wuri yong joon.anyway, wenny has been very quick to share what she witnessed that afternoon, and also to share her thoughts. she has also kindly agreed to let me translate her sharing into english.
and oh, wenny actually finished this posting on the night of 1st june... thanks for sharing, wenny!
original in chinese: wenny / byjfamily
translated into english: happiebb / bb's blog
1st June, Osaka Event
- The Whole Works
Part 1: opening performance (duel scene)
When it was 2pm, everyone was already in their seats waiting for the fan meeting to start. At the venue, we kept hearing 'Starting soon... Getting ready to start.... or something of this sort. My Japanese is not good, so do forgive me if I've gotten it all wrong. Then everyone just kept waiting for the real signal that it's starting, then we're disappointed yet again. Just like that, again and again, it went on like this.
From where I was sitting... I could see something. I could see Cheoro (blue dragon) and Baek Ho (white tiger) already standing behind the TWSSG backdrop. I thought I even saw the two practicing their duel actions. I was watching them with my binoculars. So i knew that the TWSSG backdrop would come down later, and I knew that once that happened, then we could see the cast waiting behind. But I didn't know if Yong Joon was behind there too.
At around 2:20pm, finally.... the show started. Everyone was at the same time excited and anxious... anticipating and waiting breathlessly for what was about to come. At least the Japanese family and I were feeling like that. Although I was sitting there on my own, I was still able to communicate with the Japanese family around me with body language and all that, we were still able to chat happily. The Japanese family was very friendly, and would take the initiative to say 'hello'.
On the side, just want to say something... Actually, if the overseas family were to apply for their tickets from BOF, on hindsight, that would have gotten us the best seats. Of course, BOF could understand how the overseas family travelled far to see him. They were seated facing the stage. Although they were not seated directly below the stage, but they were at the front section of the upper level that's facing the stage directly. It's less tiring to look at the stage this way, and they could use their binoculars to look at the stage straight-on.
And, right before the overseas fans... many banners were hanging there. I saw Hong Kong's, China's... BYJFC's... etc. I used my binoculars and can't be sure if I was seeing the banners right. But I did see fellow Taiwanese fans in their BYJFC tees. But i was seated too far away from them, no way to go over to them, and I also went into the venue abit too late. I was seated at the side, coz it was from balloting. I suppose there's good and bad about side seats, but there're times when I thought my neck was going to break from holding up at a certain angle for too long. Anyway, won't waste time talking rubbish.
Once the sound of commencement was over, we saw the backdrop being lowered on the stage. From behind, stood Kiha, Sujini, Hyeongo, Baek Ho and Cheoro. They're all wearing their costumes from TWSSG. So where's our Tae Wang?
Then a white door that had previously looked like part of the white wall opened up. Damdeok walked out from that door. And not long after, the fighting scene started. The whole opening performance was quite interesting, but I didn't keep track of how long that scene was. I watched the performance earnestly, of course I didn't use my binoculars. From where I was sitting, I could see the people on-stage, but I could not see their faces clearly. Of course, if Yong Joon was on-stage, I would use my binoculars. But seriously, if Yong Joon was on-stage or when he was talking, they would usually zoom in to take a close-up and his face would show up on the big screen. It's actually much clearer to look at the screen.
Part 2: Interview with PD Kim
I will not describe this part in detail; after all, I can't say I understood everything. Then I think the emcee said PD Kim has a very good friend, and that good friend is Mr Joe Hisaishi. And then Mr Hisaishi appeared on-stage. After a warm hug between the two men, the interview ended and Mr Hisaishi took over the stage.
Mr Hisaishi led the Osaka Symphony Orchestra to perform the main theme from TWSSG.
Part 3: Joe Hisaishi & the TWSSG Music
This part was actually quite long. Mr Hisaishi led the orchestra to perform some 5, 6 pieces of music. This was my first time seeing the master at work, and he was truly extraordinary. This was my first time listening to Mr Hisaishi's music, and I was totally won over.
Throughout the entire performance, scenes from TWSSG were playing in the background; I couldn't help but think back at the story and the scenes from the drama. So touching!
Mr Hisaishi even played the piano version of The Promise personally... The piano, alongside the strings, was pure musical magic. And at the end of one part, he immediately leapt back onto the conductor's rostrum to lead the orchestra to the next chapter. Ah, truly a master at work!
This part also counted as one of the most touching parts for me. The beautiful music from the drama, I actually had the good fortune of listening to it LIVE! That's one big, fat, moving moment!
Part 4: Greetings & Interview
Yong Joon, Kiha, Sujini, Hyeongo, Baek Ho, Cheoro
Mr Hisaishi left the stage after the last note of the music. Then the screen started playing the animated scenes of the four gods, the part that the black jujak was awakened. Oh my, it's truly amazing to watch the effects on the big screen!
After that particular scene, we saw Yong Joon and the four gods rising from below the stage onto the stage. Of course, it was yet another round of excitement amongst the fans. He was sooooo... handsome it was beyond description.... Keke, that's the time the binoculars came in handy...
Yong Joon, and the rest of the cast, waved their greetings, and then sat down on the chairs that were arranged for them. Starting from Yong Joon, they greeted everyone in either Japanese or Korean. Yong Joon used Japanese for the entire greeting.
Then it's Kiha's turn to greet everyone, and she spoke half of her greeting in Japanese. But I thought her Japanese was not that bad. Sujini was even better; she spoke in Japanese throughout her entire greeting. Hyeongo? Not too bad, he took out his 'script' and read from there; pronunciation's not that bad. But there was one part towards the end when he used Korean, and had to rely on the interpreter. The same with Baek Ho, he spoke half in Japanese. As for Cheoro, he only spoke a couple of sentences in Japanese before switching to Korean to greet everyone.
Then the emcee started to ask everyone questions about the drama. I won't go into details here, since I can't say I completely understood everything. But think there's one part when the cast was asked which scene was their most memorable or favourite... I think Yong Joon said it was the scene when he told his people not to die, that the king didn't need an army who would die on him, the king wanted men who would stay by him no matter what.
Everyone had their turn to be asked and to answer questions. Throughout this entire process, Yong Joon was seated on-stage. Now all of us know Yong Joon really doesn't take heat well. I think I saw MSR fanning herself and telling Baek Ho it's really hot sitting there on-stage... MSR was wearing quite little comparatively, and even she was feeling really warm, so you can imagine how uncomfortably hot the men must be.
But during this time, Yong Joon only occasionally used his hand to stop his perspiration and to push his glasses up alittle, he looked unperturbed. I would think he must be feeling very, very, very hot in that suit under the super-bright lights. And everyone was posed questions, and there were quite a few of them, so the whole duration was actually fairly long.
Everyone answered in Korean, and then there was the Japanese translation, so the time taken was even longer than usual. Most of the time, the actors and actresses would just say a few sentences, then they had to wait for the translation before going on... But throughout all these, Yong Joon was always attentive to what the emcee had to say, and depending on whose turn it was to be asked, he would usually look at that person. Anyway, I just want to say I was really touched during this segment.
*bb: i think wuri yong joon was being careful not to look at the fans, or to look at any one direction. do you know what will happen if he does that? yeah, everyone's attention would be diverted and there would be screaming and all that... therefore distracting attraction away from the person being interviewed on-stage. i believe that's why wuri yong joon was being especially careful not to look anywhere except at the person talking.
So, so... happy... I just used my binoculars and just looked at him to my heart's content. Of course, coz Yong Joon's the lead, so he's on the big screen quite often too. And usually close-up too.. I could see him quite clearly. I could see how attentive and polite he was when other people were answering their questions. I was touched.
If I remember correctly, there was one part where Baek Ho said he thought Dalbi was really pretty. And he was so worried about that kissing scene. That seemed to be his first on-screen kiss, so he was quite nervous and had NGs.
And oh, Hyeongo would often say 'ah... oh... hee... orr...' or make such sounds when answering questions... and everyone just couldn't help but laugh out loud. Seems like Oh Kwongrok still hasn't gotten Hyeongo out of his system.
And Cheoro was very much like his character when answering questions, shyly reticent...
After this session, everyone just left the stage for their next change of costume. Because of where I was sitting, I could 'follow' Yong Joon with my binoculars as he walked down.
Part 5: Costume Designer Talked about TWSSG Costumes
Since everyone needed time to change, they probably filled the void with this part. I saw that once Yong Joon had gone off-stage, everyone was seen leaving their seats to either go powder their noses or take mini-breaks. As for me, I continued to bear with all the calls of nature - nope, no eating, no drinking, no... no powdering of nose...
The emcee invited the person in charge of costume design to go on-stage and interviewed him. Initially I didn't even know who he was, it was until they brought out the costumes that I realised he was in charge of costumes. Perhaps there're people who had fallen asleep during this part... Coz I didn't really understand what was being said on-stage, only heard that Yong Joon's armour was really really heavy... like 20kg? You can imagine what hardship it was to wear that during filming.
Next was yet another musical feast for the ears.
Part 6: Jun Seo Performed 'The Promise'
The emcee invited Jun Seo (from BOF) on-stage and interviewed him. When I first saw his hairstyle, the first thought that crossed my mind was that it's similar to that certain someone... Also long hair, and also half-up... But I noticed that he's wearing earring. Of course, there're some Japanese family who thought he's not bad, quite clean-cut.
As for me, I thought he's got a rather nice voice. Surely it wasn't easy to sing well under such pressure, with some 35,000 people in that huge stadium. I even got goosebumps! No, no, no, I don't mean it was so bad, his voice was really quite nice. The background was playing scenes of Damdeok, Kiha, Sujini, etc... It really is quite something to be listening to the song live. I almost couldn't hold myself back to sing along with him. He left the stage right after the song.
Can't be sure, but I think it was at this point that the emcee spoke about waving the hankies. I didn't quite understand it then, but I saw white, red, blue and black hankies flying and dancing all around the stadium. So i asked the person sitting next to me where the hankies (*bb: or were they scarves?) came from. It was then that I realised that there's one in each of the goodie bags that we were given as we were coming in. I took mine out, oh, it's blue for Cheoro... Sighs... How come I didn't get the Damdeok one...
Part 7: Parade... PD Kim, Yong Joon, Kiha, Sujini, Hyeongo, Baek Ho, Cheoro
Why did I say this was a parade? Well, I can't think of anything more suitable to describe this, so I can only describe it as a parade. Just read on and you'll understand what I mean. To me, this is the most most most touching part and also the part that made me the happiest.
Initially, no one really knew what was happening. Only saw that right after the emcee said whatever it was that he said, the family sitting on the other side started screaming....
I quickly picked up my binoculars to see what's happened. But no matter how I tried, I just could not figure out what was happening where. Then, the next thing I know... I saw a huge white car. Actually maybe I shouldn't say it's a car, it's jsut a white box with wheels or maybe castors on the bottom. But what triggered everyone's high-decibel screams was that certain, very special man who was standing right on top of the white box vehicle-thingy.
Oh.My.God....
What a great big present that was! To us, that was like the biggest, biggest, biggest surprise ever!! Can you imagine what an immense consolation and what a pleasant surprise that was to the family who was previously saddened by how they just could not even get a glimpse of Yong Joon despite the long hours of endless waiting...
But... was he really going to go around? To let everyone of us see him? Really? Would we really be that fortunate and blessed? I just could not suppress the overwhelming excitement bubbling up inside of me. I kept exchanging notes with the family whom I had just gotten to know. And at the same time, tears had started to well in me and I was crying due to the anticipation, the excitement, and the wave of emotions that just washed over me.
We were sitting right at the opposite side. But this time, there's no fear of not being able to see him clearly. The binoculars in my hands did its job perfectly. And the big screen was also focusing on his face. But oh dear, the tears... my tears really did get into the way, my tears got into the way of me seeing Yong Joon clearly... And I thought I was such an useless crybaby then...
The vehicle-thingy started to move very very slowly, really really really very slowly, it was almost halting. And the entire stadium was totally blanketed by loud screams and shrieks. And then, the white, the red, the blue and the black hankies started to dance in the air. What made everyone go even wilder was when he raised his camera and took pictures after pictures of the family. Ah, that was yet another great surprise!
I'm sure some of you would be wanting to ask me if I was captured by his lens. The answer is No. Because I was seated at the tail end, and by then, Yong Joon was already tired. Why? He was just waving and waving his hand non-stop throughout the round. And facing the family in the circle seats, the family below the stage, he had to take care of all sides and everyone. So, he had to turn here and there towards both sides so that he missed no one. So long as there's one side, any side that didn't get to see him, the sisters on that side would shout out loudly that they didn't see him. He was all smiles throughout, and he was waving his greeting throughout. And me, I was trailing and tailing him with my binoculars and also via the big screen. (*bb: now that we know his shoulder's still hurting, am thinking surely all that non-stop waving also put a strain on his injury...? how can i love this man more...?)
And at this point, surely some of you would be curious to know if Yong Joon was alone in that vehicle-thingy. Of course not! In the same car were PD Kim, Sujini and Kiha. But I only had eyes for that certain man. That man whom I think about incessantly, the man whom I would wait up to 20 hours and then some, just to catch a teeny weeny glimpse of...
And there was another vehicle-thingy behind Yong Joon's. In that second car were Hyeongo, Baek Ho and Cheoro. The truth is all of them were waving to the family very warmly and enthusiastically. And we, the family, also returned the greeting fervently. We also did not stop waving the hankies in our hands.
As I watched the vehicles coming towards our way, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I turned to hug the sister next to me. And I even used the hanky to wipe my tears... (what..? did you think i was wiping away my drool...?)
When there was still halfway more to go, everyone was still in a very wild and elated state. But Yong Joon who had been working so hard was already feeling tired. I saw him lean against the side of the vehicle and took a mini-break as he continued to smile.
The happiest lot that day must be the fans sitting in the overseas fans' section. I saw that he was really really really close to them. So close that they could almost touch his hand. But of course, they could not do that. Not only would that be dangerous, that would also ruin Yong Joon's good intentions to let us take a really good look at him.
And then... very slowly... the vehicle came before me. The distance, it's about the same distance as when you're standing across the road from the beauty salon in Seoul. Or perhaps it's even abit closer, nearer than that. I felt quite blessed then. Of course, that's not as good as what the fans at the overseas fans' section got, but... it's good enough, it's enough. So close that I did not need my binoculars to see his beautiful smile. So close that I could see his hand, the hand that was working so hard to keep on waving, waving at me.
As I watched how he was trying so hard not to stop waving at us, know what I was feeling in my heart? I was just thinking in my mind... All the difficulty I had gone through to get there, all the long hours of waiting... Everything was suddenly worth it. That moment... that was a moment of unprecedented happiness.
Although we were amongst many many many people, and yet all of us were able to see him clearly. But actually during that time, everyone was standing on their feet. The people at the back were shouting out for the people in front to sit down coz they're blocking the people behind... But I guess at such a moment, it's really hard to control oneself. Every section was the same, everyone was standing up. And during this part, it was so hard to hold back the tears... This part seemed to go on for a long, long, long time. It's almost as though time had stopped. Maybe you'd think I'm exaggerating, but if you were there to experience it yourself, you would know what I mean.
I can feel it in my heart... Yong Joon really really really understands how the family wishes so earnestly to see him. But due to the restrictions laid upon him by the Japanese police, maybe he really wanted to wave at us when he saw us waiting at the hotel, but he could not.
At this fan meeting... a place where there weren't any Japanese police. That stage that belonged to him and him only (yes yes, i know, i know... there're other actors and actresses too)... here, he trusts his family. And he also returned all the love and adoration to the family. How could I stay unmoved? How could I not be touched to the core? Yong Joon is just a man whom we cannot resist, and just have to love him. I just cannot explain nor describe clearly or completely the things I was feeling at that time. Such high... (Please don't laugh at me, k..?)
And oh, Yong Joon was wearing a jacket with some frills... He was so handsome it was beyond description... Okie, okie, I know I should stop yakking about how good-looking Yong Joon was... But I just cannot stop telling you how good he looked!!
Part 8: Everyone's Future Projects
The next part is for the emcee to interview the cast one by one, to ask them about their future plans or projects. The first to appear was Hyeongo. I'm not certain of the contents of the interview. I only know that I suddenly heard music and then our dear Hyeongo just started dancing solo... Although he didn't have a partner, he seemed to be doing a fine job of dancing. And suddenly, for that moment, he even appeared (somewhat) attractive and handsome, keke! This was also a great present that Mr Hyeongo brought for us. I was alittle moved by that. To dance solo before 35,000 people is, after all, not an easy thing. It's something that even Yong joon would be unable to do. So, doesn't Mr Hyeongo deserve a round of applause from us all?
Next up was Cheoro. I think he said something about CF. But I was so touched by Hyeongo that I wasn't listening too attentively to Cheoro's part. And before I knew it, Cheoro had left the stage.
The third one was Baek Ho. Haha... he mimicked Hyeongo's way of talking. I don't know what they were talking about, but I thought I heard that Baek Ho admitted to falling in love. His shy smile was cute!
The fourth one was Sujini. But I could not understand most of what was being said. But the interview didn't last long either, and it was over quite quickly too.
The fifth one was Kiha. She spoke about her new work, a movie that would soon be released in Japan or something. Personally, I think MSR is a talented actress, and I deeply admire her for her ability to portray all sorts of characters so well.
The last one was Yong Joon. When he went on-stage again, everyone went wild once again. In the background, they were playing the animated version of WLS. Then I think Yong Joon said that his next work would be to do hte voice-over for the anime. As for the next part, I didn't understand it then. But the other sisters (including SNOW) had already mentioned it. And the Nikkan Sports special edition also unveiled his plans for next year.
And oh, Yong Joon did speak about the love and support that the overseas and Japanese family have given him. I was already soooo... touched, and I didn't quite comprehend everything that he had said. but I did hear him say the final words: Sarang Haeyo~
Part 9: Goodbye and See You Again
After Yong Joon spoke to his family, everyone else came on-stage again, including PD Kim. Then everyone thanked the audience, and they walked to the left of the stage and waved to the family there for a long time. Then they walked down the stage, and I thought I saw Baek Ho holding Yong Joon's hand. Then they walked to the right side and waved at us. And finally, they walked to the centre of the stage and waved. Then Yong Joon gave a very deep bow to thank everyone for their support.
And at this point, the Tae Wang's flags were raised all around and red-coloured confetti started to fall in front of the stage. And then there was a loud explosive BANG, and green, black, white and red ribbons started falling from above.... As the ribbons floated and drifted towards the ground, accompanied by the flying flags... it was a perfect ending. So perfect that words failed me.
Then the cast walked to where they're supposed to leave the stage... One by one... Yong Joon was the second last one. I saw him turn to say something to Cheoro who was behind him. And I just kept watching him until he was no more to be seen. And the fan meeting came to an end.
But to 'disperse' 35,000 people was no joke, and no small matter. The crew arranged for us to leave Kyocera Dome Osaka section by section. I think the entire process took at least half an hour...?
I was just thinking... This touching moment, this special feeling... I think I will treasure them deep inside me for a long, long, long time... Until the next time I see Yong Joon.
I thought I should pen down my thoughts now that I still remember the details. If I wait till later, I'd probably forget the little details, or maybe I would be lazy to write much by then.
posted by bb @ 6/04/2008 01:51:00 AM
4 Comments:
Gosh~~~~
I'm exhausted just by following wenny's ups and downs of emotions.
I cried,
I laughed out loud,
I smiled,
and
I sighed...if only....
Thank you bbj so much for translating and wenny for sharing this beautiful and touching story.
Sarang hyeyo~~
^^
oaktree
Dear bb,
thanks for translating wenny's story and sharing on your blog. This would really help many of the fellow sisters to experience this warm, touching and lovely event.
Take care.
Loves, xiaoyi
Dear bb and Wenny.
Very thanks for your story and translating. Just reading the blog I can share your feeling, the successful event and your big love to YJ.
I wonder if YJ have ever read these blogs to know how people love him.
If yes, I think his pressure is too heavy for him even we know that he will be happy.
Have we ever thought that with our love , he cannot behave as a normal person can do. He must take care of what we think of him, what he should do to response to our expectation,...
My English is not enough to express my thinking.
Just few words.
Love YJ too much and all of you too.
Thanks
I really enjoyed this translation, thanks for your time and efforts!It's really touching to read a story from the eyes and heart of one of oue fellow sisters.
Yoko
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