[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Getting Schooled – Elite Basic

Cloud cover by: Michele, Staff Writer

After four consecutive nights of Rain’s full on sexy and swag, I thought it best I return to my CF series a little less provocative and in-your-face in that I, myself, am still trying to recover. So what better way than the innocence of Jung Ji Hoon, the school boy?

Fresh on the heels of his debut and pairing up with co-JYPE mentee, Byul, he frolicked his way through a wintry playground for school uniform producer Elite Basic. Such a sweet precursor to Sang Doo, right?

In these early CF’s, it is rather endearing to see Rain still getting his footing in front of the camera as well as settling into that long frame of his while dancing. In that I just had the honor of witnessing him dance inches in front of me at ZEPP Tokyo, I can tell you he has perfected his craft and indeed has taken it to the next level.

Still, I love revisiting these very early moments in Rain’s career as a sweet, humble reminder that underneath it all there was (and still remains) an endearing young man with a beautiful smile who was filled with wonder, hope, ambition and talent. But, during the photo shoot for the campaign we get to see some of that quintessential Rain we know of today.

Playful. Indeed.

Focused intensity. Yes.

Gorgeous lips and eyes. Of course.

Sweet swag. Most definitely.

Humble and gracious. Always.

Come, let’s frolic!!

If I had to choose a time within which I would have liked to know Rain, I think it would be the early days when he was just on the verge of exploding onto the Korean entertainment scene. Not only would he have been all that much more accessible, it just would have been great to hear him talk of his dreams and ambitions and to be on ground zero with him.

Neither of the following videos are subbed, but as in my previous posts, I won’t let that stop me from sharing them because just watching Rain and listening to him speak is a delight all unto itself.

First, the full photo shoot video. A model in the making, he almost seems a bit uncomfortable being in front of the camera, but is still so natural in any event. He sure did learn how to work the camera eventually, right? He downright assaults them now…LOL!!