[series] Inkigayo Chronicles: A Rain Retrospective – It’s Raining #4 (11/28/2004)

Cloud cover by: Michele, Staff Writer

Rain’s first visit to the Inkigayo stage with It’s Raining was a ‘Hello, it’s nice to meet you, I’m Rain and here is my new single.’

His second was, ‘Hey, I’m back with my new single, it’s good and I’m cute, too.’

The third was, ‘Yo, I’m Rain, I’m a badass and oh yeah, here’s my new single.’ With the fourth and final visit with It’s Raining in 2004, he is by the book. He comes full circle with this performance, and with the choreography tight, and vocals spot on, he basically says, ‘This is my song and this is how I do it.’

However, I caught Ji Hoon coming out to play for just a second. Just a mere second at around the 2:06 mark when he flashes a quick peace sign and that infectious smile. It was quick – very quick – but I managed to catch a shot of it. It’s not a very clear shot because the man is fast. And….the man is so cute. ♥

So very cute!!

Even more endearing is the fact that sometimes he himself cannot contain and put a cap on the cute. He does have lots of cute. I am happy and grateful he shows us that side (and often) even in aggressively intense performances such as It’s Raining.

I think Rain has a few signature songs that will always be the ones that define him over and over. Much like we associate Jailhouse Rock with Elvis Presley and Thriller (and entire host of others) with Michael Jackson, It’s Raining will always be one that defines Rain, and defines him well.

I would hope that he if read that statement, he would agree and give us that shy smile of approval. I also hope that he would take comfort in knowing that his star is shining as bright and luminescent as both Elvis’ and Michael’s. In fact, it is burning brighter than ever and reigniting over and over.

Michele @CloudUSA.wordpress.com/CloudUSA.org

P.S. Many reporters and people in the industry have said that this was the album that made them all realize Rain wasn’t just another singer marketed by JYP, but a force to be reckoned with and genuine talent that was here to stay. It’s Raining has also been named one of the top ten K-Pop songs of all time, over and over again.