— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
From October 11, inside the 306 Station. (Images credited as tagged)
MTV K wants to know: Which Idols Do You Want to See Live In Concert?
•October 14, 2011 • 5 Comments— ^@@^
MTV K 10/12/2011 — by Anna Park
MTV K Top 10 Countdown: Which Idols Do You Want to See Live In Concert?!
Coming in at a comfortable first place was solo artist Jay Park, who OWNED this week’s poll with almost half of the total votes, while Big Bang rapper duo G-Dragon and TOP placed in second and third, respectively. Thanks to everyone who voted, and let us know what you think of the results! After all, Top 10 Countdown polls are a chance for us here at MTV K to get to know you, the fans, and we’re always on the lookout for opinions and feedback!
The final rankings for MTV K reader’s pick for TOP 10 Male Rappers in K-pop are:
1. Jay Park
2. G-Dragon of Big Bang
3. T.O.P of Big Bang
4. Taecyeon of 2PM
5. Junhyung of BEAST
6. Zico of Block B
7. Dok2
8. Mir of MBLAQ
9. Tablo of Epik High
10. Bang Yong Gook of upcoming male idol group TS BABY
Now, this week’s episode of STUDIO 5, shot right in the heart of Seoul, features a very special edition MTV K’s TOP 10 COUNTDOWN: Since we were in Korea, we decided to poll fans on the streets of Korea to see which idols they wanted to see live in concert and why!
After spending some time exploring the streets of Hongdae, Seoul and meeting dozens of K-pop fans, we narrowed down the list to 10 artists with reputations for sick live concerts.
These ten are known for their exciting live concerts for various reasons — from TVXQ and JYJ‘s flawless live vocals to Super Junior and Rain‘s explosive energy onstage, it was really tough choosing only ten… Watch Episode 3 of STUDIO 5 right here to see what fans in Korea had to say about these ten artists!
Scroll through this week’s candidates below, and we’ll announce MTV K fans’ rankings on next week’s TOP 10 countdown!
• BEAST
• 2PM
• RAIN
• SHINee
• JYJ
• Girls’ Generation
• 2NE1
• TVXQ
• Super Junior
• Big Bang
Candidate #8: Rain. (Photo Credit: MTV K/Jesse Lord)
To find out why these 10 artists made it onto this week’s TOP 10 COUNTDOWN, watch this week’s special on-location episode of STUDIO 5!
Who are YOU dying to see live in concert?! Place your vote below, and check back next week for a new episode of STUDIO 5 and a brand new Top 10 countdown!
Poll closes Sunday, October 16 at 11:59PM EST.
Thanks for voting!
[quickie][fan made] Waiting for you, Rain.
•October 14, 2011 • 1 CommentSet to “Can’t Get Used To”, the song he sang for his mom. ♥ ^@@^ RAIN Fanmade MV – Waiting For Rain. (Credit and edit: manloverain8 @YT)
[clip] Rain and recruit-mates at 306 Station receive their boot camp designations.
•October 14, 2011 • 12 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
RAIN BI 비 111014 서울신문_新兵部隊分配現場 (FULL) [Seoul newspaper — military recruits onsite] (FULL). Credit: seoul.co.kr / Courtesy of biblueberry06 @YT)
[fan cam] Rain at Gimpo Airport. Just when we think we’ve seen it all!
•October 14, 2011 • 7 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Fan cammers all up in his SBS Hanbam TV interview! Boy, his security looked PISSED OFF, didn’t they? Heheh. But what could they do, it’s just a natural occurrence in uncontrolled environments like that, and nothing got interrupted.
However… I will say that breathing down the Man’s neck as he walks to his transportation is a bit much. Good grief.
RAIN(Bi)2011.10.8Interview at GimpoAirPort. (Video credit: Min / rainloverpi0418 @YT)
[fan cams] More of Rain’s Last of the Best rehearsal.
•October 14, 2011 • 2 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Yeah, let’s have some more of that!
(All video credits: Min / rainloverpi0418 @YT)
RAIN(Bi)2011.10.9 REHEASAL LAST OF THE BEST PM2:55
RAIN(Bi)2011.10.9REHEARSAL PM3:15
RAIN(Bi)2011.10.9REHEARSAL-WithYou
RAIN(Bi)2011.10.9REHERASAL-FreshWoman
[fan cam] Last of The Best rehearsal: Loving his story.
•October 14, 2011 • 5 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Holy bejebus. There are times when I really love fan cammers.
111009[Fancam]BI Rain last of the best rehearsal. (SOURCE : http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzEyMzI3OTA0.html by charlottelu / courtesy of wawa2009100 @YT)
[info] Rain’s tentative unit disposition schedule.
•October 14, 2011 • 49 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Please see the compiled information below, originally in Korean, posted on The Cloud by the 8th Cloud Exec Board today, concerning Rain’s upcoming military activities. Japanese and English versions were also included. We thank them for the information. And yes, of course we’ll support him with as many letters as we can when we get his address.
Looks like, as of the time of this posting, he’s already moved to his boot camp unit in Yoncheongun.
°
[Oct-14-2011] <Notice from rain-cloud>The result of Rain’s unit disposition & his upcoming scheduled activities.
Hi, we’re 8th term Cloud executive board.
Marking his third day (the 14th) of being called into boot camp, his unit disposition results are in.
The followings are extracts from newspaper articles.
* Rain has been deployed in unit Key (열쇠부대) belonging to 5th Division of 6th Corps located in Kyunkido region’s Yoncheongun.
His expected schedule
1) the 14th : He’ll move to his unit after the release ceremony about 1:00 pm after lunch.
2) He’ll receive his military base education in the Training Batallion inside his unit “Key” belonging to 5th Division for 8 weeks from the 17th.
3) His military service location will lastly be confirmed after the random computer classification based on below regimental level, about September 12. {*Stephe’s NOTE: I do believe this should read DECEMBER 12. ^@@^}
4) He’ll serve in the army in his final place of military until he is separated from the army.
5) He’ll retire from the army on 10 July (Wed) 2013.
Details of his final military place address will be noticed soon.
We hope you’ll support him a lot.
Thank you.
[article][images] How is Rain doing since enlistment? Just fine.
•October 14, 2011 • 6 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Other articles say that JiHoon was nervous as his and his recruit-mates’ basic training assignments (the locations they’re being dispatched to for the bulk of their boot camp) were being spit out by computer. Gosh, I would have been, too! (Where the heck are they sending me? Gah!)
An “imposing figure in his beret.” Sounds about right. Heheh. *wondering how to keep my mama from flailing over his soldier pics* *sigh* *mission impossible*
°
TV Report/News Nate 10/14/2011 — [English translation by rain bird @rain-eu.]
How well does Rain serve in the army? He’s getting along just fine.
Singer and actor Rain (his real name, ‘Jung Ji Hoon’, 29 ) inducted into the army last 11th, is serving in the army healthily.
The site where more than 1,900 recruits including Rain were being classified into certain types of the units in 충효예 hall (‘Choong Hyo Ye’, a phonetic spelling of 충효예 / the meaning of the words is fealty, the duty of obedience to parents, and courtesy) inside boot camp 306 [^@@^] in Kyugkido’s Uijeongbu City, was released to the media on the 14th at 8:30am.
One official from the army, gave a hint to reporters asking about Rain, “He has not yet begun to undergo military education in earnest, but as you see, he’s getting along just fine.” On the day, Rain was seen to be an imposing figure with his beret on.
Meanwhile, with both their parents looking forward to seeing the site and the recruits in attendance, this classification proceeded via computer catalog system. Rain has been dispatched to an unit called ‘Key’ belonging to 5th Platoon of 5th Company.
The recruits including Rain who were classified into certain types of the units, will receive their military basic education in the Training Batallion involved for 8 weeks from October 17th. Rain’ll retire from the army on 10 July 2013.
[clip] Soldier check #2.
•October 14, 2011 • 7 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Look at that handsome fellow. (look at all of those handsome fellows… there are a lot!)
Yes, must keep the Raizo-face during assembly… I wonder which one of his troop-mates made him crack up when they were finally in the mess hall, or back in the barracks, away from their superior officers, heheh… 🙂
RAIN BI 비 111014 TV Daily_新兵部隊分配現場 (Recruit military units on-site). Credit: TV Daily / courtesy of biblueberry06 @YT)
[images] (Helluva Hot) Soldier check.
•October 13, 2011 • 40 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
THIS is what I have been living for… seeing our soldier boy in his ROK camo get-up. And he is even more handsome than I ever expected. Oh. My. Word. *must be professional, cannot swoon*
Please note, everyone, that there is really no need to be concerned over new recruit JiHoon’s change of posture from what we’re used to. Why do I say this? Because it is JiHoon who has enlisted, not Rain.
This is that wonderful inner guy that we all love as much as we love his alter ego, and this isn’t a movie or a drama set. He’s a real soldier, and soldiers are hard. They don’t walk around all KPop-ish and celeb-ish and grinning and jovial most of the day, especially when they’re in assembly. They simply don’t because it’s not natural. Their environment is one of serious patriotic pride. They don’t slouch; they use everything about their bodies and posture to convey that pride, from their faces to their feet.
They are serving their nation with their lives and that’s about as real as it gets.
JiHoon is A-okay. Please don’t think there is anything wrong with him.
He’s just got his “Raizo” face on. 😀 ^@@^
(Media images credited as tagged / Tips by: I_am_Dulcie, thanksto6, marthaadel, Ajumma Fangirl)
Rain’s acting pays off in Russian poll.
•October 13, 2011 • 6 Comments— Written by: Stephe Thornton, Managing Editor ^@@^
[Cloud USA 10/12/11] As we understand it, according to a Russian poll reported on by eNews 24 reporter Choi Eun Hwa recently, Rain clenched third spot as Russia’s favorite South Korean actor after Kim HyunJoong and winner Lee Minho. Hoorah!
This is great news.
It’s just more evidence of how Rain’s talent has spread. That star is bright, and it’s going to continue to get brighter regardless of where he is, including the military. So he needn’t have any career concerns while he’s serving his country, none at all. The Rain train will just keep moving on down its one-way track with little braking. All aboard!
We’re looking forward to Rain’s future TV dramas after he returns to his chosen career, the movies and projects he may have here in the States, and his starring role in upcoming movie Flight: Close To The Sun, soon to be out of post-production.
Congrats to Minho, HyunJoong, Jo JiSub, Kim Joon, and all of the fine actors on this list. They deserve to be there.
— Stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com / www.cloudusa.org
Source: News Nate report translated by Monika S.
(Image and info credit: monika.leeminho.blogspot / source: http://korean-drama.ru/)
[fan cam] Rain’s Last of the Best rehearsal: Let’s just faint and get it over with.
•October 13, 2011 • 7 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
@_________________@
111009 THE LAST OF THE BEST 리허설 (rehearsal). Video credit: goldenRain6to5 @YT)
°
And some quick extras, from rehearsal and during the show:
2011.10.09 나도 리허설 살짝!!!! (brief rehearsal). Video credit: LetsGoHomeWithRain @YT)
I do believe he’s doing some old choreography from Lee Hyori’s former girl group Fin.K.L here, to “Busan Woman”. LOL!
2011.10.09 핑클춤추는 비 (Dancing Rain Fin.KL). Video credit: LetsGoHomeWithRain @YT)
[article] With all the news we’ve already read about Rain’s enlistment…
•October 13, 2011 • 10 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
…why am I posting this particular article too?
Because of this paragraph RIGHT HERE:
“About 1,000 fans from home and abroad, including those from the U.S., Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, gathered to see him carrying placards wishing him the best.”
Getting anyone to include Rain’s U.S. Clouds in writing anywhere, even when we are there, is like pulling teeth without benefit of a numbing agent. Doesn’t happen. (And it is nicely written, as well.)
So thank you, Chosun Ilbo. 🙂
°
The Chosun Ilbo 10/12/2011 —
Teardrops Fall as Rain Enlists in Army
After giving teary-eyed fans a rousing send off on Sunday with a free street concert in Gangnam, a newly-cropped Rain enlisted in the Army on Tuesday afternoon for 21 months of compulsory military service.
The “Ninja Assassin” star and Korean Wave singing sensation reported to the 306th Army draft camp in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. He is going to take up active duty after a five-week boot camp.
The former back-up dancer who rose to international fame held a press conference at a nearby vacant lot and bade farewell to fans before he disappeared into the Army camp.
The ever-humble star said, “I’m sorry for making a fuss about my enlistment.” He thanked fans for supporting him for the best part of a decade and looked emotional as he headed off for a life of drills, discipline and Army fatigues.
He was seen off by friends and acquaintances including K-pop boy band MBLAQ, which he helped create and manage.
About 1,000 fans from home and abroad, including those from the U.S., Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, gathered to see him carrying placards wishing him the best.
On Sunday night, Rain gave a free concert on Yeongdong Boulevard in Samseong-dong as part of the Gangnam Fashion Festival.
He debuted as a solo artist in 2002 and has since expanded his scope of activities to include TV dramas and films. In 2006, Time magazine named him on its list of the top 100 people who were transforming the world with their talent or power.
“Thanks to his angelic face, killer bod and Justin Timber-like dance moves, Rain … has ridden the crest of hallyu,” wrote Time reporter Bryan Walsh.
Rain acted in the Hollywood movie “Speed Racer” in 2008 and starred in the action film “Ninja Assassin” one year later.
[Cloud USA] From Stephe’s desk: Talking ’bout a lean, mean Rain machine.
•October 13, 2011 • 9 Comments
My dear Private Hoonie,
Guess what?
The MTV Style blog computer randomly chose my comment on their latest Rain post (from October 12) to feature, and this is the second time, dude! Better watch out—you don’t want me being “featured” on MTV more times than you. Haha! (that would be dope, right)
Just kidding. We both know there ain’t a chance of that, seeing as I have NONE of your chest pumping or ab-rolling skills, not to mention the way you look in a suit. 😀
Love,
S.
P.S. At least this time, my comment made more sense (and didn’t involve me throwing up over some cat hair balls).
[ETA video links][ETA Eng trans][clips] Rain’s interview segment on Hanbam TV.
•October 13, 2011 • 9 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
*{Edited to Add 1/26/13: Well, as you can see, the interview videos below have been scrubbed from YouTube. Also, the ones posted by ShelleyShea are now are blocked in the U.S. And as far as I can see, there are no more to be had, unless they’re hidden. So… here are some links to the entire interview on Tudou and FC2. Hopefully one of them works for you, if not both. Happy viewing! ^@@^ }
—
{*ETA: Holy cannoli, he’s going to put his recruit-mates on an exercise regimen. Poor things! They are doomed. LOL! And what’s this? There isn’t a woman in the world who can resist him? Okay, I’ll give him that one. ROFL! ^@@^}
This is part career-introspection and part “where he is now.” Prepare to laugh when: 1) The bubbly host starts breaking down “Busan Woman” in the airport, 2) when she gets WAAAAY too close to his nipple LMAO!, and 3) when he starts hugging the girl group cut-outs. LOL!
You won’t laugh, however, when you see how upset BbaekGa was at JiHoon’s enlistment. Aw, poor dear. ♥
We send Rain’s father, sister, family, friends, hyungs, little Eagle brothers, and the General all our love and support. Fighting!
SBS – Hamban TV_Rain interview, 10/12/2011 (Credit: SBS / source: DC / edited by ratoka @YT)
(English translation by rain bird @rain-eu. PLEASE NOTE: Looks like rain bird did her translation from the actual tudou video version, so if the minute markers don’t match, that may be the reason. No big deal though, right? This aired on October 12.)
~0:11
Singer Bi (Rain) or actor ‘Jung Ji Hoon’.
After 10 years of debuting, he has become a go-getter to dominate the world.
SBS TV’s HanBam (Midnight Entertainment news) got an exclusive interview with Rain.
0:14~0:24
Rain : Hi, everyone. This is ‘Jung Ji Hoon’
Long time no see.
This is the day that my everything opens to you.
Now Power Interview begins.
0:29~0:34
Reporter : I hear Rain has just arrived. I’ll have an interview with him as soon as he shows up.
0:44
R : I’m very pleased to see you, Rain.
0:47
R : Would you hold this (mike) for me? Busan Woman ~~
9:50
– Reporter ‘Ji Young’ welcoming Rain who has just arrived from a visit to Pusan city –
0:53
Rain : Would you stop it now?
0:56
Rain : It seems to be rather forward of me to be interviewed with earphones.
Sorry to trouble you..
0:59
– The world star impressing us as a decent man –
1:04
R: They respond well to your airport style of management.
Do you often think of your physical appearance when you shows up at the airport?
1:06
Rain : Of course I do (in a jovial manner)
1:08
R : What is the concept of your airport clothes today?
1:13~1:19
Rain : In fact, I wore these clothes even when I left yesterday.
I want to be casually dressed like this.
1:21
R : Are you helped by your stylist usually?
1:23
Rain : As you know, I’m about to enter the army, therefore, my stylist tries not to take care of me very often now.
1:29
R: Let me flick the dust off your shirt.
1:33
– Embarrassment flashed across his face. –
1:35
R : I don’t think that’s an intention !! I’ll flick it off your shirt.
1:37
Rain : That’s okay, I’ll do it.
Continue reading ‘[ETA video links][ETA Eng trans][clips] Rain’s interview segment on Hanbam TV.’
Rain check.
•October 13, 2011 • 4 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
No words needed. ♥
°
This is what it’s like to be SMOKIN’ HOT. Heheh. (Last of The Best rehearsal pics credited as tagged)
°
Casual farewell for Rain with friends, back in Busan on October 7, the same day as the Busan International Film Festival and the Flight: Close To The Sun PR conference. Yes, there is JKS, Asia’s prince! 🙂 (Image credited as tagged)
°
Fresh new fan art from the wonderful RainBiLove2. 🙂
[fan cam] Soldier check: Welcome to the ROK’s finest.
•October 13, 2011 • 7 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Look at all the new recruits that went through the 306 gate, the same as JiHoon, that day! My goodness! O.O
[Rain (Bi) Fancam]11-10-11 Rain inside military camp (By charlottelu). (credit: charlottelu @youku / courtesy of ratoka @YT)
[images] Soldier check.
•October 12, 2011 • 18 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Inside the camp Tuesday. Standing tall, head and shoulders above. Good luck, JiHoon. And good luck to all the new recruits going into Basic with you! ♥ ♥ *yellow ribbons and sunflowers waving*
(Images credited as tagged)
[brief][slide show link] LIFE: Too Hot. Rain, King of K-Pop.
•October 12, 2011 • 13 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Photo: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
Wonderful slide show, and a really NICE blurb for JiHoon. Thanks so much, LIFE! 🙂
However…
Asia isn’t the only place hearts are broken. There is sadness all over North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Arabic world, Down Under, and just about anywhere else you can throw a dart into on a map.
Has the Media been paying attention for the past several years? At all?
— Stephe @cloudusa.org
°
LIFE 10/7/2011 —
Rain, King of K-Pop.
When the South Korean singer-actor known as Rain had his head shaved and reported for his mandatory two years of military service in October 2011, millions of Asian hearts were broken. After all, Rain is the reigning king of Korean pop — or K-Pop — and his crooning can be heard around the world. But his fans needn’t hold their breaths for 731 days. After all, there are always plenty of photos to keep the passion alive. Think of them as the silver lining in Rain’s dark cloud.
[fan made] No matter how we try, oh… these memories won’t let go. :)
•October 12, 2011 • 4 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Rain1. (Credit and edit: rainsbabe @YT / Music: “Tattoo” by Se7en)
[video link] Rain included in E! News Asia’s Buzzworthy October 9 recap.
•October 12, 2011 • Leave a Comment— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
This quick segment focuses on Rain’s Best Seoul, his tweet to his Clouds and fans, his temporary absence due to his enlistment, and his free concert in Gangnam-gu.
You can find this Buzzworthy video on their E! News Asia facebook HERE.
[article] South Korean Sensation Rain Enters Military as Hundreds of Fans Bid Him Farewell.
•October 12, 2011 • 1 Comment— ^@@^
Liu Jin/AFP/Getty Images
The Hollywood Reporter 10/12/2011 — by Sofia M. Fernandez, Lee Hyo-won
South Korean Sensation Rain Enters Military as Hundreds of Fans Bid Him Farewell
The pop singer-actor’s latest film, Soar Into the Sun, will be released in 2012.
Is Rain the South Korean Elvis?
It certainly seemed so by the turnout of hundreds of fans in Seoul Tuesday that came to bid the singer-actor farewell as he entered military service.
Like Elvis, who served two years in the U.S. Army, Rain will be an active-duty solder for the same amount of time with South Korea’s Uijeongbu 306 Reserve Battalion.
Military service is mandatory for all able-bodied South Korean men. Artist who have tried to avoid duty, have suffered career backlashes, reports the BBC.
Rain will be off the public radar for the next two years, but fans will be able to watch him in military action through his air force movie, Soar Into the Sun. In Soar, Jung Ji-hoon – Rain’s real name, which he prefers to use for acting projects – plays a talented yet troublemaking elite air force pilot who is demoted to the combat flying unit. There he meets new friends, rivals and love interest, and is put to the ultimate test when he ventures into enemy territory…
» You can read this article in its entirety on The Hollywood Reporter website HERE.
[post][article] MTV Style and MTV News on Rain’s army enlistment.
•October 12, 2011 • 12 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
*sniff, sniffle* Waaaaaaa. MTV Style feels our pain. Thanks, Mary. 🙂 (And yes, he’s definitely going to be even more of a lean, mean machine than he already is. Heheh.)
°
Rain performs at Beijing's Wukesong Culture and Sports Center on March 26, 2011 in Beijing, China. Photo: Getty Images
MTV Style Blog 10/12/2011 — by Mary H.K. Choi
Rain Is Going Into The Military And We Will Miss Him In Luxury Suiting Real Bad
Oh, wwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh. I, along with a bajillion Rain fans, are extra-special sadfaced that the superstar South Korean heartthrob, actor and Stephen Colbert dance-off rival has finally been conscripted for his mandatory 2-year bid in the army.
While part of me is a bit starry-eyed at the prospect of HARDCORE military training and its effect on what is already a siiiiiiick ripped physique (your boy has 0.0002% body fat in Ninja Assassin), I can’t even deal to think that his hair will be all Jarhead short even if I’m totally mixing idioms because I think that only applies to Navy dudes (UGH, whatever, it’s like sports, ALL THE SAME) and that I won’t get to see him dance (haha, just thought of that awesome Youtube of those dudes pop-locking in the Korean demilitarized zone) BUT even more is that we won’t get to see him in beautiful suits for all his various fashion editorials.
I mean, REMEMBER THIS?
From our Hot Dude Of The Day: Rain Travels Around The World With Dapper MCM Accessories post? COME ON (and I can say this ABOVE reproach because I am Korean…) isn’t this *spirit fingers at the all-monogrammed goodness below* ENOUGH WORK FOR OUR COUNTRY? Sigh. NORTH KOREA, YOU’D BETTER NOT WILD OUT WHILE THIS INCREDIBLE SPECIMEN IS ON CALL. I’mma be pissed.
Rain for MCM. Photo: Courtesy of Taiwan & Hong Kong AppleDaily
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Rain Photo: Getty Images
MTV News 10/12/2011 — by Jocelyn Vena
South Korean Pop Star Rain Starts Military Service
Singer must complete two-year stint in Korean army.
Like Elvis Presley before him, South Korean pop star Rain has left his life as a celebrity behind, for now, to begin his military service. On Tuesday, the 29-year-old began his two-year stint in the Korean army.
The service is mandatory for all men to complete before the age of 35, and Rain, real name Jung Ji-hoon, headed to a Seoul-area army base as fans sent their heartthrob off. He wrapped up a string of live performances over the weekend, and in a recent blog post on his website, he said that he wished he had completed his military service earlier in his life.
He added that he felt it was “too late” to be joining now but that “I will try harder to fulfill my duty more sincerely.” As a sign of his popularity in Korea, approximately 20,000 people showed up to his final performance on Sunday before his military service kicked off this week. The Wall Street Journal reports that hundreds of fans arrived at his send-off, where he was sporting short hair.
Time.com reports that at the send-off, he told his loyal and emotional fans, “Thank you for the 10 years of love.”
While he is a Justin Bieber-like superstar in his home country, he remains better known to American pop culture aficionados as the star of 2009’s “Ninja Assassin,” as well 2008’s “Speed Racer.” He even won an MTV Movie Award for his part in “Ninja Assassin.”
In a 2009 interview with MTV News, Rain did tease that he wanted to eventually pursue an English-language music career. “I don’t sing in my film, and I don’t have plans yet for an English album, but I will,” he said. “Please wait for me.”
[fan cams] Rain’s Last of The Best at the Gangnam Hanryu Festival.
•October 12, 2011 • 9 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
The fans close to the fan cammer might bust out your eardrums, but it’s worth it this go ’round, even when Rain’s sound equipment checks out on him a few times. These visuals from October 9 are AWESOME.
(All videos: rainist327 @YT)
Ridiculously adorable, as usual. ♥
111009 RAIN(비/bi) Gangnam K-Pop Fest – 내여자(My girl) by.rainist [fancam]
Oh lord, did he put a “I need you, I need you, I love you, baby” in there? Heavens!!!
111009 RAIN(비/bi) Gangnam K-Pop Fest – Love Story by.rainist [fancam]
He needn’t have worried about the sound—the fans stepped in and took over the song for him. 😀
111009 RAIN(비/bi) Gangnam K-Pop Fest – 널 붙잡을 노래(Love Song) by.rainist [fancam]
Perfectly done!
111009 RAIN(비/bi) Gangnam K-Pop Fest – My Way by.rainist [fancam]
Hard, gritty Rainism, where he dances his shirt out of his waistband. Love it!
111009 RAIN(비/bi) Gangnam K-Pop Fest – Rainism(레이니즘) by.rainist [fancam]
111009 RAIN(비) Gangnam K-Pop Fest – Letter for fans by.rainist [fancam]
[fan made] Take care, my Jung JiHoon.
•October 12, 2011 • 3 CommentsAh! On Kim JaeDong’s show around Christmas 2009, singing Korean ballad “You Are My Lady.” 🙂 ^@@^ Take care my Jung Ji-Hoon. (credit and edit: Lane Brazil Cloud / lany68 @YT / Music Credit: @andreiacs 2630)
[quickie][fan cam] Onward, soldier, as we wave our yellow ribbons and sunflowers.
•October 12, 2011 • 2 Comments“Jung JiHoon! Jung JiHoon! Jung JiHoon!” 🙂 ♥ ^@@^ 111011 (Fancam)_Rain enlisted to army. (credit: btm / manloverain8 @raincloudHK @YT)
Random Rain Goodness.
•October 12, 2011 • 5 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Let’s keep the Rain train rolling right on down the track, shall we? 🙂
[video][images] Rain check.
•October 12, 2011 • 7 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Virtual superhero time! Somebody hit his music! And… action! (Image: Randy Noh / showdirectorceo @Twitter)
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Screen caps of Rain from SBS Night of TV Entertainment. (caps: ratoka @The Cloud Photo Board)
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Remember this, from when Rain was on his TIME 100 odyssey back at the end of April? So good to see it again! Thanks for sharing this, Mr. EC! (Image: myjanggun @Twitter)
Watch out! Is there a potential ninja behind the wheel? (Video credit: noniboy23 @Twitter / re-uploaded by ratoka @YT)
[Rain (Bi) Fancam] Rain In LA Driving (By noniboy23 ).
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Rain and close friend Ronnie Yang (of Caba Entertainment) showing off Rain’s new Army-do. In his accompanying tweet, Ronnie expressed the sentiment that he was looking forward to when JiHoon’s military service is finished and he’s back home with his loved ones. (Credit: Ronnie Yang / noniboy23 @yfrog)
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We saw G.O tweet this shortly before Rain arrived at the 306 Reserve Station to enlist, and I wanted to post it again because of all the amazing faces that are in this photo along with Rain. He was surrounded by ten years of love right there. G.O, you were a sweetheart to share this. (Image: MBLAQGO @Twitter)
[clip] Strictly for the Visuals: Rain and the “Flight Close to the Sun” cast…
•October 12, 2011 • Leave a Comment— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
… as seen through the eyes of the ROK Air Force, at their October 7 PR conference in Busan. Gracious me, the visuals here are LOVELY indeed.
정지훈 인터뷰 (Jung JiHoon interview). Credit: Republic of Korea Air Force / rokafplay @YT.
[fan account] It was awesome to see the Man in “Business Man Zone.”
•October 12, 2011 • 9 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Here we go with another FANtastic account from fabulous fashionista and Cloud USAer April, this time from Rain’s Best of The Last free street concert at the Gangnam Hanryu Festival on October 9. Follow the perils and triumphs of our pinkfashionninja as she and her friends (hey there, Jessica! hi, Enshea!) risk life and limb—literally—in the midst of 20,000 spectators and return home victorious. This is a partial—you can read her entire extended fan account and see all of her pictures and videos HERE, on her blogspot.
Heavens, but I’ve almost busted a gut all the way through this thing. LMAO! Thanks so much for sharing, April. 🙂
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Rain 비 Last of the Best Concert Oct 9th [partial]
By: April @pinkfashionninja, 10/12/2011
All Images & Videos: April @pinkfashionninja
After a morning of browsing the streets and shops I waited at Sindorium station to meet up with the others. The first person I saw Enshea who informed me that none of the others were coming. Muah? It was 1 pm and and we were all going to ride to the show together. I personally had wanted to get there at 10 am to wait in line but decided on the scheduled time everyone was comfortable with. Instead of complaining (cause you all know I wanted to) Enshea and I rushed down the subway stairs to catch the train to Samseong Station. We got there at 2 pm and Lord Have Mercy: the line was A BLOCK LONG. My mouth dropped and I was so frazzled I didn’t know what to do. OMG. Does this mean that there’s a chance I won’t be able to see my Rain?! WHAT! We decided to ask some girls in line that looked like they spoke English. The young woman from Europe told us that there was a notebook that went around where everyone in line had to put their name and number on it if they wanted a ticket. Again my mouth dropped and my stomach sank. The line was so long that when we tried to walk to the front of it we just stopped and turned around. There was no use walking an entire block down to see where the line started. The woman that we spoke to was number 500 something.
When we finally found the end of the line and secured our spots a young woman and her husband and daughter lined up behind us. She was also trying to figure out what was going on. Her name was Jessica from Texas. Her husband was in Korea for the Army and she was staying in Korea until December. She was a huge Rain fan and it was her first time going to his concert. We chatted about the frustration of the venue constantly being changed and how we loved the Cloud USA site so much because it allowed us US fans to keep up with Rain. Since she said she was an avid reader I had asked her if she saw my first pinkfashionninja fan account of the Rain concert that was on Sept 24th. She jumped up and replied “Yes Omg! That’s you!” She had checked out the post and read my blog before. It was such a great a feeling to know PFN was getting out there. Jessica was actually the second person that weekend that said they had heard of my blog. (Yeah making progress!)
Like my fancy concert chart I created?!
So hours went by waiting for the show to start and I got interviewed four times! I made sure I had my “Rain’s Coming” glow stick from the other concert and swung it around happily. As we chatted up and waited in our sections on the sidewalk along with all the other fans, a sudden roar of screaming occurred. Oh My Gosh Rain was on stage getting ready to practice! Since I already had a wrist band and a sure spot in line I DARTED up the sidewalk toward the stage. OMG there he was! In an apple cap, tan jeans, Adidas shoes, and a white T-shirt (which I thought had an American flag on the back of it but I think it was something else). DARN!
A couple of Jessica's pics taken with iPhone...
Nice butt, Rain.
It was awesome to see the man in “business man zone” making sure everything was in order and flawless. One thing that was weird was one of the reporters asked me and Enshea what our favorite body part of Rain’s was. I was a little shocked at the question to be honest. I mean I adore every part of Rain don’t get me wrong but I am a grown woman so me screaming “I love Oppa’s Arms!” isn’t befitting. lol I responded that yes I did discover him through Ninja Assassin with his banging body, but it was his background that really brought me to him. I felt like a dummy but I actually responded that it was his mind I was most attracted to. I mentioned about him getting his Masters degree and with doing that he’s showing that he’s not just looking at the present, but his career and well being in the future. {Aww look at my Miss America perfect answer lol)
Jessica and I in the sardine packed crowd! I don't know why I was laying on that girl's back beside me. lol
So not long after Rain practiced and left we were ordered up and were getting ready to move. At that point it had to have been thousands of people there already and it was only 5 pm. As we waited we were given a ton of free food and things like balloons. The bad thing about getting the balloons was that we couldn’t take them with us as we entered into the audience area in front of the stage. (Actually it was good because I would have busted some people’s balloons if I couldn’t see.)
Enshea and I had thought of the idea to write Rain’s name on the balloon so he could see and wrap it around my ponytail. I walked around with this balloon tied to my hair like a thought bubble. As we entered and the security checked out wristbands a woman stopped me and said I couldn’t take the balloon with me to my section. I was like okay fine so she proceeded to take it off for me. Now I have learned in life that you have to take life by the horns and do what you got to do. Now if I had let her take the balloon string that was wrapped around my ponytail off that would have allowed more people to get in front of me and get a better view of the stage because of course they wouldn’t hold up the line to get a balloon out my hair. They would just let more people in and then I go in. Guess what. HELL NAW! I put my hands up and said “No I got it” and and I squeezed the balloon with my right hand and it burst and fell lay flat on my head. I said “PROBLEM SOLVED” and darted to a close spot where I needed to be. The woman, Jessica, Enshea, and some fans who heard us busted out with laughter. It was quite funny but I’d be damned if I let a freaking balloon get in the way of me and Jung Jihoon.
The poster I stole from the Samseong Area. I could only get the arm though because all the Ajummas beat me to the one with him on the other side. At least I got an ARM! "Oppas arm is so sexy!" Bwahaha
At first I was so worried we wouldn’t be able to be in the front sections because of the sheer amount of people there. It was so overwhelming but I had thought of a plan B if I wasn’t in a good section! (Gotta have a plan B!) Before we knew it the video started and there Rain was. Coming out of an Escalade like a pimp having the ladies dress him. I almost shed a tear when the screen said “Last of the Best” instead of “Rain the Best Show”. As soon as that man entered the stage “Fangirls” went APE SH**! A WAVE of people came forward in one swooping motion. Literally like an ocean tide. Chicks screaming “Oppa!” like they were going to somehow move closer by saying that. A chick even pushed my hand down because my glow stick was supposedly in the way of her viewing. Straight tripping! A nice ajumma behind me made a fuss about Jessica’s daughter not being able to see so Jessica and her daughter were able to move almost to the barricade. I told Jessica to have her husband put their daughter on his shoulders so Rain could see her since he loves kids, especially girls. If Rain saw her he probably would have acknowledged her and maybe brought her on stage. I would then fake like I was her mama and be like “I got to go up there with her, Rain.” lolol
Oh course the concert was amazing and Rain tore it up! It wasn’t as emotional for me this time because being able to see him earlier practicing in such a close proximity, it kind of calmed my nerves and I was able to relax and enjoy the show. I was so honored to be able to attend the show. I thank Rain for being so kind and generous and giving us fans a last chance to see him as “RAIN” before he has to be only “JUNG JIHOON” for two years straight. I was surprised that Rain didn’t make this show emotional like the Rain The Best Show on Sept 25. I felt he kind of rushed off stage at the end compared to his other concert. I think it might have been really emotional for him but because he was an ambassador for the festival and it was suppose to be a fun family event, he kept it short and sweet. You saved me some serious tears Jihoon, for real 🙂
I think it’s best to just keep this post light and happy so please check out my Youtube Videos where I go WAY MORE indepth on the craziness that are “fangirls.” I don’t think typing the experience would be able to top my reactions in the videos lol. After the show Ajummas and young girls were sneaking backstage and someone ripped the side of Rains tent/dressing room and he had to dart away without being able to say bye to the fans who were acting sane like ME and wanted to see him. I would like to request no more free concerts from Rain because it seems to be an open invitation to crazy witches who “think” that they are fans to come and topple over children and people. Anywho here are the links. Hopefully this fan account gave people who were not able to attend insight of the monumental night. Thanks so much for reading and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO PINKFASHIONINJA!
We love you Rain. We are waiting your return. I love you, I will always love you and 2 years will go by quicker than we think. I thank you for being an amazing person. Just remember…..
“Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are CLOUDS in the sky
You’ll get by……..”
By: Pinkfashionninja
Rain Best of the Last Show Fan Account Pt.1. (Credit: Pinkfashionninja / AprilShowers007 @YT)
(Rain Best of the Last Show Fan Account Pts. 2, 3, 4, and 5 are also on YouTube as related videos to Pt. 1! And see more of her pictures in her full fan account on her blogspot HERE. ^@@^)
Cloud USA 