[67/91 weeks done][song of the wk][calendar] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 1/22 – 1/28.
» Cloud USA Yellow Ribbon for Rain Calendar: DOWNLOAD it (for free).
» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE. And of course, don’t forget that our Cloud USA Forum is a most excellent place for Rain love, fan communication, and self-expression. By the way — have you left a message for JiHoon on The Cloud today? Our Project page for newbies on how to register for and USE the Official Cloud Rain Fan Club site in S.Korea is HERE.)
°
Getting to the bottom of RAINmaggedon 2013
» [The Cloud] News & Fan Account Summary of Rain at the 2013 Walkathon
» [article] Rain: “I would just serve on the front right now if I could.”
Because we wouldn’t give Korean netizens a glass of water right now if they were on fire. » [LOL] Our U.S. Netizens on Rain & Kim Tae Hee.
» [English Translation] Consolatory Train Performances Provide a Special Strength.
The Center for Military Human Rights is concerned about Rain’s treatment and that of his fellow soldiers. » Tweets abound: Dignity for Soldiers.
The Korean Media is now purposely ignoring official updated statements from the military and Rain’s management, and continuing to only print misinformation and the early untruths to feed the witch-hunt on Rain, and thus, their ratings. The Korean Media in general gives new meaning to the term “bottom-feeding.” » [articles] Rain’s lodging issues explained.
The verdict is in, and the earth is saved from destruction. » [article] Rain who violated the decree on military service, is placed under a period of probation of one week.
» [article] The shattering of men’s fantasy: The betrayal of Kim Tae Hee.
» [article] Defense Ministry: Rain’s total vacation days are 27. Official Army duties overnight = 44.
» [interview summary] Rep. Shin In Gyun: Singer Rain’s “71 days of leave time” is a distortion.
» [opinion] From Stephe’s desk: Rain has been the object of a “witch-hunt” worthy of Salem.
» [editorial] Business as usual: Rain under fire by the Media and his countrymen for going on a date.
RAIN SUPPORT
By Snail Mail: » [info][Cloud USA] Operation: Tie A Yellow Ribbon.
Through the ROK military (at DEMA): [info] Overseas fans: Please leave a message of support for Corporal Rain on DEMA’s website.
By Twitter and/or Facebook: As of this moment, 6550 yellow ribbons for Rain have been added to Twitter and Facebook icons since the Brigade was started. Amazing! Thanks for supporting our favorite corporal during his military service and for letting him know you’ll be waiting when he gets home! » For a brief read about the meaning of the Yellow Ribbon, go to our previous post HERE.
For information on where to send handwritten cards and letters to
상병 (sangbyeong) Corporal Jung JiHoon/Rain, please see our previous post HERE (military). For cards, letters, and gifts, do see our post HERE (office admin).
» Rain’s official website. » RAINY Entertainment’s official Twitter.
» R2B: Return To Base official social media sites. » Rain’s official YouTube channel AND » Facebook page.
°
SONG OF THE WEEK: “With U”, Track 3 on Rain’s Vol.4 album Rain’s World (2006). This song is also forever linked to Rain’s brilliant work as mental patient “Park Ilsoon” in the international award-winning film, I’m A Cyborg But That’s OK (2006). Behold, the music video below! Love it.
(video courtesy of SweetAznTreat @YT.)
Rain is Eternal. Where clouds stay gathered, rain will always come. It is inevitable.
— Stephe ^@@^
Cloud USA 
Ok, is it me or what? Now, I can remember a time in my life when I could eye roll with the best of them, But did the First Lady even really roll her eyes? I need another rational opinion. It seems that the news these days is all about “throwing made up shade” in somebody’s otherwise untarnished direction. Let’s not even talk about the whole Beyonce lip-synching thing. Parties (*cough….Tea….cough, cough*) who shall remain nameless wouldn’t be satisfied until “scandals” put a blot on such a lovely day.
Speaking of Beyonce, some idiot pundit had the nerve to say (of Beyonce’s “lip-synch-gate”) that the public has a right to know if she did? To that I say……”Are you Effing kidding me??” A right to know what exactly?? That she lip-synched to her own damned voice. This is news?? Investigative reporting?? Oooo…….some real “heavy hitting news” there I tell ya!
http://youtu.be/YMpICj-uguk
LikeLike
Hmm, for somebody accused of not singing, sounds like she did in fact sing but over her track. You can hear her voice…..well over her own voice. So I’m thinking this is why she pulled out the ear piece. This video was posted on the Wall Street Journal’s web site (not that That makes a hill of beans these days). As far as I’m concerned, the girl sang the song it was her voice….the live part AND the “Memorex” part. So Washington pundits ultimately do we really give a sh__t? I’d say worry about this damned economy getting back on track, not possible lip-synching and eye-rolling of First ladies and pop icons. Geez!!
LikeLike
AMEN. Somebody’s always got to be complaining about something, or they’re not satisfied.
Stephe ^@@^
LikeLike
Wait…where have I seen this kind of crap before?
Oh yeah, with Rain and Korean netizens. Sheesh. Don’t people have anything better to do than bash celebrities these days?
I love Beyonce, and her performance was great–lip-syncing or not lip-syncing.
So there.
Terri :-}
LikeLike
I was thinking the same thing. First the rumors/speculation starts, then some wise ass thinks it will be a bright idea to post the rumor on the internet. Then social media goes hog wild. I mean for people to not be as religious as in ages past, “crucifying” celebs seems to be the order of the day.
I give Beyonce props, because girlfriend never ever responds to backlash. She may address it months from now in some interview (and that’s a strong maybe), but she never responds publicly in the midst of backlash towards her. I’ve never seen her do it. To me it takes a “strong back” to be able to hold out and not defend yourself publicly. She and Bi both. As hard as I’m sure it is, I think it’s best to not say anything.
LikeLike
People really need to get a life! Ugh!! The ceremony was beautiful, Beyonce sang well, common, everybody knows the kind of voice she has so I can’t understand the so called scandal! When Christina Aguilera forgot part of the anthem, everybody wanted her head too, no matter how beautiful she sang. Performers are human beings too, they have the same fears and make mistakes so get over it! People will always find something to criticize. I like she don’t give responds to the media, that’s a good approach. That way it ends there and tomorrow the media will look for another celebrity scandal to feast on. 🙂
LikeLike
Exactly, I agree with you Mari….100%
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
Aww I love that song!! No matter if I feel in the gutter, that song picks me up in a second flat!! That first pict of Rain is soo beautiful! Love it and added to my vault! Love the video too, that movie was epic! I like those stories with asian people you talked about, Lol!! yeah, It seems that we’re the experts in all things asian! My girls ask me about all asians they come across in tv shows like I know all of them! Lol!! I must admit that I notice them more cuz I love them but I’m far from being an expert! What I noticed recently is that the asian community in Puerto Rico is growing fast! They’re mostly restaurant owners or in computers and mostly chinese but I like they’re growing in numbers. My eyes just go after them! Kekekeke I can’t help myself, specially if they’re children or young men cuz they’re georgeous! Lol!! 😀
LikeLike
Oh btw, things are looking up for Asian actors in Hollywood (as far as getting work is concerned). I see Sung Kang is in the new Sylvester Stallone movie and Lee Byung Hun will be in Red 2 with Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren.
These are action movies, but hey at least we’re seeing Asian actors more often than not right now. However, I do get why Bi would want to go the romantic comedy route.
*This is an aside:* Lord, speaking of Asians. My mother called me last night while we were watching Inaugural festivities/balls. She said daughter, there’s this Asian guy talking about Michelle Obama’s dress, who is he?
Just like hubby, to her now Asians (are my people). I said mama I don’t know all Asians just cause I like Rain. By the way, it was Joe Zee, fashion director of Elle magazine. So Funny, I have now become the household “authority” on all things Asian……..chocolate me. LOL!
LikeLike
ROFL. Re: your Mama. I’ve got the same problem. Here’s one conversation I had a few months ago with my mom (almost verbatim. LOL).
Mom: “Honey, do you know that guy?”
Me” “What guy, Mama?
Mom: “That guy there.”
She points to the TV screen. On it is Steven Yeun, from the Walking Dead, being interviewed.
Me: “No, I don’t. Who is he?”
Mom: “Shrugs. I don’t know. Some Asian guy.”
Me: “Well, what does he do?”
Mom: “Well, they said he’s an actor. From that show being made here in Atlanta. You know. That zombie thing.”
Me: “The Walking Dead?”
Mom: “Yes! That’s the one!”
Me: “No, Mom. I don’t watch that show.”
Mom: “Oh. Well, he’s Korean-American.”
Me: “Well, that’s good, Mama.”
Mom sits there with the remote in her hand and stares at me.
Me: “And?”
Mom “Well, I thought you might know him.”
Me: “Mom. I DON’T watch The Walking Dead and I don’t know every Korean or Korean-American actor in the world.”
Mom: “Oh. Well, of course you don’t.”
Me: (My face: O_o) “Sigh.”
I love my family. LOL. And I have to admit her bringing Steven Yeun up made me actually go watch the first few seasons of the show, which is actually really good, by the way. (And I’m so predictable. LOL.)
Terri :-}
LikeLike
LOL!!!………Exactly! It’s like all of a sudden we know every Korean or any Asian face in the world. Yes family…..gotta love’em.
So funny!………………………..
LikeLike
We were out for a doctor’s appointment, I was pulling into the parking deck, and I stopped to let an Asian lady cross over to get to her car. And my dad goes, “I wonder if she’s from Korea. Rain might know her, it’s possible.”
I just stared at him until the car behind me started honking. LMAO
And if he sees an Asian on my TV screen, any Asian, he will ask who they are (if he doesn’t already know). And he seriously wants to know.
The times when I’m like, “Look, I just can’t help you”, he looks shocked. 🙂
Stephe ^@@^
LikeLike
LOL. Aww. Your sweet Daddy. He’s so cute.
(I know, I know. I don’t have to live with him. LOL.)
Terri :-}
LikeLike
Um .. Excuse me .. I’m not a cyborg
I just try to do the right thing at the right time ..
Rain .. I miss you so much .. very much
LikeLike
Ok, here’s what still baffles me. Why Rain? There are plenty other successful Hallyu stars in Korea now and mostly because Rain opened that door even wider. Also if we are honest, Bi is an “elder statesman” among k-pop artists now, so why does he garner so much wrath among the Korean citizenry? This kind of instant and heated backlash is driven from some place very much personal (IMO).
So if that is the case like I’m thinking, why doesn’t this person/persons just come on out with it. Just be like JYJ’s company when they did nasty things to impede JYJ’s career goals, because they wanted to leave their crazy contract.
Show yourself, don’t be cowardly. At least Bi deserves to know why he is the target of witch hunts and who is targeting him.
LikeLike
Good question, BiA. That’s something I’ve been pondering for a long time.
As much as I despise SM Entertainment for what they did to JYJ, at least they did it out in the open. They didn’t skulk like dogs in the shadows. Like you, I’ve always felt someone somewhere has it in for Rain. I could be wrong and it could simply be a case of greed and envy from people who just can’t stand seeing others succeed. You know the type. Still, he has experienced way too many “scandals” for there not to be someone somewhere manipulating things.
All I can say is if Rain did something to piss someone off THAT badly, then I do hope he at least knows what it was. I hate to think that he’s just as baffled about it as we are, because if he’s confused and he doesn’t know his enemy, then he can’t plan a good defense. And that thought is even scarier than the thought that someone is after him.
Seriously, though, Rain just doesn’t seem like the type to just carelessly do something to piss someone off like that. Especially someone with power. I’m not saying that I don’t think he’s ever done anything wrong or hasn’t pissed anyone off. Everybody does. I’m just saying that he simply seems to be smart enough not to get himself in to really big trouble like that. Not “intentionally” anyway. Of course, everybody is young once and none of us are exempt from making stupid mistakes. I know I have.
But I definitely remember them, and if any of them come back to haunt me, I’ll know exactly why. LOL.
Terri :-}
LikeLike
Yeah, it’s just odd. A very, very odd state of affairs that “someone” doesn’t seem to think others can “see” through. If he (Bi) has pissed someone off, it’s my hope too that he knows what it’s really about. If it’s personal we need not know, but damn to keep upsetting the “natives” because there’s some unspoken ill will is just dumb. Go handle it….fix it, then go on about your business.
LikeLike