The Power that Turned Crisis into an Opportunity—JYJ’s New Challenge
Not long ago, the viewers bulletin of KBS Music Bank was very bustling. The official announcement that KBS posted after the demands of the viewers and the broadcast company were firmly put against each other on the issue of having the popular group JYJ appear on a public television’s music program had been the root of the problem.
As for why JYJ is excluded not only from appearing on broadcast but also having their work counted for the K-chart, on the 18th KBS pointed to “the societal problem called a lawsuit” and “the danger of harming the development and order of the culture industry.” However, already in 2010 the court has recognized that the Subordinating Contract between SM and JYJ (Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu) were unilaterally disadvantageous to JYJ and is null and void. Further, last February, the court has even recognized that SM has interfered with JYJ’s activities despite the contract being null and void and has even issued an order for indirect compulsory performance. In a word, JYJ’s position is that there are no problems with regards to the legal issues.
Furthermore, in the case of JYJ who is even active as an honorary ambassadors for the Korean Wave, they are already the top stars of the Korean Wave and is creating innumerable added value for the Korean Wave, and therefore “the danger of harming the development and order of the culture industry” seems extremely low. On the contrary, actually, when considering the countless fans of the Korean Wave who enter Korea to see their performance and the products that they consume, the aspect that argues that JYJ is contributing to the development of the culture of Korea’s Korean Wave is stronger.
Despite this, the situation is currently such that one cannot meet JYJ not merely on music programs such as Music Bank but also variety programs. A bit ago there was an incident in which the appearance in “Come to Play” by team of MBC’s new Monday-Tuesday drama “Miss Ripley” had fallen through. The problem was that the broadcast company had expressed repeatedly that the appearance of Park Yoochun, one of the leads, caused consternation. An unheard-of situation in which MBC’s representative entertainment news program did not cover the shooting of the posters and the production press conference of “Miss Ripley” even took place. This was because of broadcast companies that are looking to cater to the mega-entertainment agencies.
The music industry which is already conquered by idols is more and more becoming conquered by the mega-entertainment agencies that have many of such idols. The well-known agencies of Korea have come to have even mightier power in the music circulation and service industry through KMP Holdings which they erected together. Furthermore, the instances in which they use the appearance or the lack of appearance of the idols as a point of advantage in their power struggle with broadcast companies have increased.
The reality of the modern music industry is that in order to make the public aware of the song, the person needs to come onto a variety program and perform vocal mimicry acts more so than singing their songs by holding concerts and going on music programs. In this reality and in between these mega-entertainment agencies that have armed themselves with idols, JYJ is unable to obtain even the chance to sing their songs.
What turned around this crisis into an opportunity is the power of JYJ. In order to promote their songs themselves and to meet with fans, they have planned the JYJ World Tour 2011. This is not merely an Asia Tour which had taken place even in their TVXQ days. Rather, they are also proceeding with a tour of the North American regions (Vancouver, Canada; New Jersey, Los Angeles, and San Jose, USA) and beginning a new challenge as Korean artists.
In particular, this world tour has gathered much eyes and attention because one of members Kim Jaejoong took charge as executive director and has packed itself with the songs of the best of the producers both domestic and abroad such as Kanye West and Kim Hyungsuk and self-made songs. Jaejoong is directing a performance that surpasses that of a Korean Wave star who shows a great performance on stage but rather a performance that is created by the participation of the artists themselves.
In fact, in the concerts in Vancouver on May 20 and in New Jersey on May 22, the footsteps of the fans who were of a variety of races and ages were ceaseless. The staff that participated in the performance were also on the level of international renown. AEG Live which had taken the executive responsibility for the concerts of the top international pop artists such as Celine Dion and Bon Jovi took charge of promotions and the internationally renowned choreographer and director Jerry Slaughter took charge of the executive directing for the North American concerts.
Javier Alcaraz, who participated as a staff for the Vancouver concert as a sound engineer, said: “I became enamored with JYJ’s singing ability. I am in anticipation for what they will show in the remainder of the tour.” Praise from the affiliates of the concert continued– Brian Jerkins, the lighting engineer of the New Jersey concert, said: “JYJ is a group that is bursting with talent. The appeal and charisma of each member were well-displayed in this concert.”
As such, it is clearly not the case that the musical capabilities is related to the ban on their appearances on television. The people who wish to stand on the stage of Korea through music the most should be JYJ themselves. KBS contradicted itself on the 19th, saying that “the appearance is decided by whether an album is released” and that “the selection of the appearing cast is at the sole discretion of the production crew.” Through this, if JYJ were to release a new album their appearance has become something that is entirely possible according to the demands of the viewers and the preferences of the public.
Of course, it is not a desirable situation to have one visit the foreign stages more often because it is difficult to appear on domestic music programs. An artist must meet the public through his music and abilities rather than any other factor and the evaluation of him must also follow suit. As long as the fans who consume their music exist, the demands to have JYJ appear on television will continue for the time being. Furthermore, JYJ who is ceaselessly growing as musicians by continually challenging themselves, have an obligation to stand in front of the fans with their much-matured music.
JYJ who is growing from an Asian star to a world star and musician. In this environment in which their appearance on a domestic program is difficult, every single day must feel a new challenge for them. Above all, JYJ and fans are waiting ardently that the day comes in which JYJ can meet the fans and the public with their own music on a music program in Korea.
Source: Top Star News
Translation Credit: JYJ3
OK, I’m reading.
JYJ boys, true Honorary Ambassadors of Korean Culture, are doing it excellently. People worldwide is recognizing their huge talents.
¿Why aren’t they allowed to be broadcasted in their own country?
Because of some envious and greedy slavers and assholes.
Well SME, AVEX and associates:
¡WE WANT JYJ AND WE LOVE JYJ!
¡THEY ARE TRULY GIFTED ARTISTS AND THEY DOESN’T BELONG TO YOU!
¡FREE THEM AT ONCE!
¡DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN JYJ FANDOM DEMANDS IT!
These people should be swept away by the tsunami!
¡THE JYJ FANDOM TSUNAMI!
ROFL
Shadow, love your phrasings when I read the article’s content . At the same time,the headlines calmed my mind !
You’re so right on!
I totally agree with you! JYJ’s natural talent and performance and manner in stage, will grow more and more fans internationally, May be that’s why like SM and Avex are so afraid of jyj? whatever is I really don’t like greedy big companies like them. We jyj fans demand and demands let jyj go free.., Remember We the jyj fans always watching SM and Avex acts!!!!
Whoa. That’s the NJ venue right? Waaaah. I was there! XD
Great reporting this!! Yeah!
Yes, that is the NJ show. Guess what, you know the ‘red cocktail dress’ I mentioned in my fan account? That’s the young woman I was talking about. I could see her from where I sat. I can even see where I’m sitting even though you can’t make me out clearly.
Well, all I can say is…Korea’s loss is the world’s gain. Korea, you can change all this. These wonderful representatives of Korean culture deserve better than this.
I’ve never heard of another situation like this except for South Africa. How dubious an honor is that to be in the same company as an apartheid pariah. We all know how that turned out.
when I saw her in the pic, I immediately thought abt ur fanacc, Mommy… LOL
^__________^
I love this article. People should talk abt this more istead of the “other issue” LOL
Peace, family, PEACE~!
If you look in the picture above the top of the fan…there are figures sitting below the ones standing. The one sitting in the aisle seat is me. 🙂
LOL I SAW HER TOO.
*magnifying glass out, trying to spot Mommy-hen*
i cant find you mommy 😦
Check out my response to Sammie. It’s really a blurry image but you can see the location. 🙂 Who knew, of all the photos they could have put in their story, there is one where my short, chubby little self is sitting. 🙂
¡Lucky girl!
GO JYJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the translation! JYJ are working very hard and trying new things in order to move forward! Yes, it is a shame that they can’t appear on shows and promote regularly, but at least this issue is gaining more and more attention!
I feel a change coming, and I’m excited!
I really like the last paragraph…I do….great news…love it!
JYJ is not only Asian star now but world star 😀
Never give up boys 🙂
“JYJ who is growing from an Asian star to a world star and musician. In this environment in which their appearance on a domestic program is difficult, every single day must feel a new challenge for them.”
Sometimes I feel so much for the boys. The difficulty they face everyday.
Pls always be supportive of them. Stay with them. They only have us, the fans.
@Shadow, we must support them with our love, our respect and our loyalty.
count me too!
yes! good article! they put the important thing in here. about the court decision, JYJ achievements and their contribution to the so called ‘korean wave’. show a pic where u can see international fans (not only asian0 gather to watched their concert, the info about their concert, AEG n Jerri Slaughter, even mentioned the US staffs. and lastly, this word : JYJ who is growing from an Asian star to a world star and musician.
so proud!!!!
I like this part too “JYJ who is growing from an Asian star to a world star and musician.”
Thank you, Admins for translation and share this wonderful artcle.
JYJ with their new beginning & new challenges is rocks!!
at least this article and the support from the other family can decrease my sadness now 🙂
everytime there are problems occur our boys always can found some way to change those crisis to became some big opportunity for them
everytime they found doors which get locked in same time they will found another doors that can bring them to some place which more beautifull
i believe to God power and miracles
God never stop gave some help for those people who needed it….people who persecuted….i think it’s God wish…….God close those doors and open another doors for our boys which in those doors there are more happiness and better path…..i wish our boys can feel more their freedom and happiness now and forever
@ Miaw, ¡DITTO! I share your words, babe.
its true dear..sometimes God didn’t give the thing that we want but GOD will give the thing that we need..i really believe time for jyj will come..it just that we must not give up hope, always fight and keep stay strong together^^
erk..please ignore that ‘always fight’..*typo there;p
i want to say always fight the obstacles..so it’ll not seem that we’re weak..
@syi
it’s okay dear i get it what u mind 🙂
uppss wrong typo
get it what u mean 😀
@sam sam
*hugs*
i missed u and your twinnie
i thought about u guys before coz usually u guys get in this site first 🙂
I’m a day late, but here’s a hug for you Miaw, you pretty kitty! *hugs* ♥
@MIAW
I love your Meow for today… Heheheh /hugs u
why my replied has be in above of your comment ? OMO gomenasai (bow)
i think ‘m forget put ‘-‘ in your name (bow)
what’s wrong w/ me these day 😦
‘hugs’
more virtual hugs coming ur way….
awesome article, soon korea is going to realize what they are missing. jyj ftw.
I agree-singers should focus more on their singing skills and musicality than prioritizing and putting a lot more thought in entertaining in variety shows-not that I’m against it but I think when idols/artist are overly exposed to this kind of promoting rather than being known for what they truly trained for, which is singing, they lose their mysteriousness and charisma. Good job jyj!
I agree with you – overly exposed artists thru music /variety shows would result to losing their mysteriousness, and people would eventually get tired of them, bored … so yes, even if it’s an unfavorable situation for JYJ for being banned in their domestic music scene, but there are some favorable things that are derived from it, they are able to maximize their creativity and talent..the doors are closed, JYJ broke down the walls, who needs a door when the walls are down…they cannot sing in Korea, so they just enjoy singing in foreign stages instead…
THIS! I get so tired of the “but they’re idols not singers” argument. They’re paid to sing… right?
And they shouldn’t have to share every detail of their lives and dorms and meals with their fans (unless they choose to do so themselves)…
First time I have seen a Korean article be so completely clear and truthful. Thank you to Top Star News. This KBS thing helped the media understand more fully what is going on, I think.
For some reason Mission lyrics are going in my head, “Let’s go mission, let’s go mission, let’s go mission, make it go. I want you screaming, JJJJYJ !!!!” I can’t wait to see Mission performed on a music program in Korea and at the annual MNet show.
Great article. Just what we need. Keep them coming!!
oh my !! this post make my heart so warm with director nim pic ….
hope my JJ will read this and share up … they need this at this time … we all need it … return to our cool and positive mind and strong kind heart ….
take heart my JYJ boys ,,, my JYJ3 family ….
be strong my boys my family .. fightoooooo …
^__________________^….
This has got to be one of the beat articles I’ve read. It’s honest and clear and gives JYJ the respect that they deserve. I hope many people (both fans and nonfans) get to read this!
Very well written article.
“Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into opportunity.” (Joseph Sugarman)
greatest example for this quote = JYJ
and I’m very proud and thankful to know these three men = Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu!
A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
😛
@kris
“greatest example for this quote = JYJ”
Now THAT is a profound truth.
One of the best article EVER, everything is clealy written here and more importantly it points out the obvious facy that JYJ are no longer idols but became artists, true musicians who are spreading their wings and challenging themselves, living through and for their music, enjoying themselves and making the fans happy and proud with all their hard work. JYJ, I hope you always soar high and show all these people who turned their backs on you, bashed you and didn’t believe in you that you are worth more than many, that you deserve better than them, that you don’t need them because you are amazing and us fans will always be by your side. JYJ ftw ♥
*the obvious fact (typo ^^”)
@kokoromiya7
“JYJ, I hope you always soar high and show all these people who turned their backs on you, bashed you and didn’t believe in you that you are worth more than many, that you deserve better than them, that you don’t need them because you are amazing”
Nicely stated. And yes, I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve just been a little bit down today because the news that people who purport to be Jaejoong’s “fans” have been sexually harassing him again, and it just absolutely breaks my heart to think of such a thing happening to this beautiful soulful man. When are we going to admit to ourselves and each other that these deranged individuals are not “fans” they are pathetic pathological exhibitionists and they need to be put down?? I am just sick at the idea that Jaejoong has to be awakened in the middle of the night confronted with these people’s continuing graphic and insulting delusions.
What’s it going to take, people?? When is this going to stop?? When Jaejoong breaks down in tears on stage one night and begs, “Please, please stop this!” Is that what these people want??
@Lilibaiyu
I’m worried that he’s already breaking down & crying about this in private. These people need to wake up & realise that love doesn’t mean walking all over the person you claim to love, just so you can have what you want.
@Sapphire
xox So right. I know they’re very young, these twitter hecklers, but COME ON, people! This is killing Jaejong! It’s making him sick inside.
They can’t seriously want this…..
I always love it when they are called musicians and artists. I embraced them as idols and it feels so good to still be with them as they go to higher level and they are gaining more fans for their talents. of course initially for talents then knowing more about them is loving them more.
there are new fans gained when YooChun take on SKKS drama, some became fans of YC then learned he’s part of JYJ then became JYJ fans too.
I will guess that some stage musical fans are taken in by Junsu’s talent and have also become JYJ fans.
I’m sure more and more fans will be gained when Jae finally shows himself in his drama.
with the talents that they have put them anywhere and like a thrown seed they will grow
After reading this article for a second time, I decided to go and check out AEG more. I will admit I didn’t know much about them. Well now I know more. Fact one – they own the Prudential Center and the Nokia Theater where JYJ will perform. Fact two – this is one of the largest entertainment/sports BEHEMOTHS in the WORLD.
Fact three, having this company like you, and working with you ought to put a HUGE scare into SME and AVEX. Why? Because this is a company that does not scare easily, if at all. So guess what SME and AVEX?
You may intimidate a few folks in your neck of the woods, but I can gaurantee you won’t intimidate AEG at all. In fact if there is anyone who will be doing the intimidating it’s them. You say you will tell them, they can’t have any of your acts if you work with JYJ. OK. Go take a look at who they do work with, what they own, what their entire LOBs consist of. Then come back and tell us how afraid of you they are.
I’m not going to be able to wipe this smirk off my face for a long time. With all the hardwork, the professionalism and showmanship, not to mention the talent JYJ possesses; having a positive and productive relationship with a company like this, means JYJ will never have to worry about having a concert connection anywhere in this world! Go suck on that!
Amen to that. JYJ has friends in high places mwahahahahah
thanks for the input …AEG and JYJ
..smirking with you…
Wanna know what else caught my eye?
Nary an amusement park, cruise ship, or karaoke business of any kind in sight! Just thought I would mention those little factoids. 🙂
im not surprised if the will even built a zoo or a huge ass LSM statue.
LOL! Why? Because at our zoo, the oldest is America, there is a HUGE statue of a gorilla. I guess I could try and sneak in late one night and spray paint his name on it. 🙂
@butterfliesarefree
More and more I find myself wanting to say, “Please JYJ, come to the United States–stay here, live here.” If S.Korea is continuing to abuse you and shut you down, if this corrupt LITTLE company SME can actually subvert justice and decency to the point that it has, PLEASE come here. You are so welcome here, we love you and you can achieve anything you can conceive of here. Now, I know this will not sit well with the S.Korean, indeed the Asian ladies of JYJ3. I completely understand that. But it just makes me so tired and so sad to continue to hear all of these terrible obstacles that these 3 rare and precious young men have to continue to try to overcome. Not to mention all of this completely insane shipping misery that poor Jaejoong is continually being subjected to.
Are you very, very sure, S.Korea, that you even deserve JYJ at this late date? I have to wonder, a lot of the time.
Lilibaiyu,
Keep this in mind. Nothing good comes easy. I feel the guys are strong enough to handle the small petty behaviours of a few fans. Don’t forget, they were weaned on this nonsense. I give them credit for being savvy enough to wade through this quagmire. It’s not pretty, but it’s also something that comes with the territory.
Sure, it’s nnoying to no end. But this fits that adage…you can’t change other people. You can control or change how you react to them. At this point it would be wasted energy. I think the guys realize this. Think back to those books they promoted as part of that Samsung Reading Campaign. They get their inspriration from some powerful material. I don’t see them reading things like this and forgetting what they read.
the neat part about all this is that when they finally can appear on a show or music program, that companys ratings will explode thru the roof and further prove them worthy and capable of anything they set their hearts to and of really being an asset for the culture and music industries there. maybe that is the reason that sm is trying so hard to block them.
sit here in my office, reading and grins like an idiot despite the fact my student didn’t perform well in their final which will bring trouble for me in the exam board, the VC will throw a fit / owh well
Ah, but not all students are equal. Sometimes you get the ones who have it, and sometimes they don’t.
woohoo!!!congrats yoochun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!best new actor!!!!!!!!!