By Xiaolong:
K-pop is an extremely competitive genre, a small country with a population of merely 50 million people produces new artists literally almost every day. The industry is like a ruthless stepmother: once you make a serious mistake, it might cost you your career and more. Career ups and downs are normal in an artist’s life but in K-pop, once you reached the lowest part, it is very difficult to climb up the mountain again. Ultimate K-pop Survival Guide will be a short series on artists who have managed to turn their failing career from point zero back again or who had gone through a lot of hardships and still managed to remain successful. Not only rookie artists but we, the audience, can also learn a lot from them.
Avoid them as if they were lepers
The first installment of the series is dedicated to perhaps the biggest survivors of the dark side of K-pop:JYJ. Everyone knows what they have been through, but it doesn’t hurt to summarize and focus on how they actually managed to cope with the situation.
For the uninitiated: once there had been an idol band we can possibly call one of the greatest successes of K-pop ever: Dong Bang Shin Ki, or by their English abbreviation, TVXQ. The five-member boyband, consisting of Jaejoong, Yunho, Yoochun, Junsu and Changmin, was among the first successful wave of K-pop to set foot in Japan, and with blood and tears, they worked their way up the ladder, from performing to a mere handful of fans to filling the 50,000 seat Tokyo Dome in rows. Their fandom, Cassiopeia, was certified by the Guinness Book of Records for being the largest official fan club in the world. They reached unimaginable heights in Asia, thus their break-up was probably one of the biggest shocking events ever to shake the world of K-pop. Not because boybands are supposed to last forever, but because they were at the height of their careers and were known to be close to each other. When the news broke out that Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu started a lawsuit against their agency S.M. Entertainment, to nullify their 13-year contract, at first everyone hoped there could be a settlement but in October 2009 the Seoul court ruled in favour of JYJ, and as a result, the Fair Trade Commission started advocating the use of ‘model contracts’ to prevent agencies from having artists sign excessive deals.
Though the social impact of their lawsuit was huge, industry players were forced to rethink the ways they were treating their artists, and JYJ emerged as a moral winner, the real hardships were to begin just then. S.M. Entertainment appealed against the court decision and a three year desperate battle took off. Not long after JYJ announced the establishment of their new band, their initial supporter in Japan, Avex, suddenly had a change of heart, claiming sole rights to manage the band in Japan, dismissing claims that JYJ’s new management company, C-JeS Entertainment, had any rights to organize events for the band on Japanese grounds. They too, ended up in a long lawsuit, during which JYJ was denied any kind of rights to perform in Japan. At the same time, all doors in Korea closed as well. The industry suddenly started treating the three young men as if they had leprosy. In silent agreement, major broadcasting stations denied them appearances as musicians. Some were claiming that they did not wish to get entangled in court related issues.
“At the time, we had no one to speak for us, and we could do nothing but silently stand our ground” – Kim Jaejoong
C-JeS Entertainment thus had to build a different strategy to promote JYJ. With no possibilities to appear on televised music shows and variety programs, the usual promotion cycle was out of question. The possibility of failure also lingered in the air, with the artists preparing themselves for the worst: that they might not be able to stand on stage again.
The rules of survival for JYJ were as follows:
1. Keep silent. Despite the constant rumours, the extensive media coverage, part of the torn fandom accusing them of betrayal, former label mates openly criticising them for their decision, JYJ kept silent. As they expressed in their 1000 day anniversary magazine, they decided to work silently and not be shaken by accusations and rumours.
2. If you cannot enter through the door, climb through the window. As they were denied the chance to promote through television, JYJ had to look for other ways of reaching their audience. They started separate activities, Yoochun and Jaejoong became involved in television dramas and movies, gaining wide followings as actors. Junsu began to appear in musicals and in a mere three years’ time, he went from being looked at as a ‘box office bringing tool’ to a highly praised and critically acclaimed musical actor on his own right. When the nation’s main broadcasters were not willing to talk to them as musicians, ironically, they became the sweethearts of the government, appointed as goodwill ambassadors and promoters of national and international scale events like the 2014 Asian Games, and were among the few selected artists invited to perform at President Park Geun-hye’s inauguration. The latter marked their first televised performance in three years in their home country. When local record labels were unwilling to assist, they went to the US and started working with American producers, despite their lack of English skills.
3. No regrets, no complaints. In their 1000 day anniversary magazine, the band members expressed that despite all the hardships they did not regret their decision, not once. Having faith in your decisions is important for obtaining and maintaining the strength necessary to survive. They have also never complained of unfair treatment or the lack of opportunities because of the silent ban in Korea and Japan. They just did what they had to do: work hard and smile. I believe that having a positive attitude and being able to smile at their fans was an important factor in their success. Instead of giving in to striking waves of depression and self-pity, they rose above hard times by sticking together and supporting each other.
4. Don’t lose your trust. When unfortunate events happen, one can easily feel they are no longer able to trust other people. JYJ, too, had gone through this period. When Baek Chang-ju offered his help in 2009, they did not trust him, it took them months to open up and accept his helping hand. C-JeS Entertainment was established exclusively to steer JYJ’s boat through troubled waters and it went from a one person venture to a serious agency that employs over 40 people with sales amounting to 33 billion won (roughly 30 million USD) in only two years’ time.
JYJ’s legal fights have just recently ended, but their battle is far from being over yet. Broadcasting stations are still treading carefully. Despite all the unfortunate events that had befallen them (appearances denied, concerts cancelled last minute, accusations, rumors, some of their own fans turning their backs on the band), JYJ never once gave up.
Their album, In Heaven, sold over 350,000 copies, Junsu’s Tarantallegra was one of the most successful solo albums of 2012 despite lacking in promotion, both JYJ’s and Junsu’s solo world tours were completely sold out. Their Tokyo Dome comeback concert in April this year had attracted 210,000 people altogether.
Besides part of the Cassiopeia fandom still supporting them as much as they support the duo TVXQ, JYJ gained a firm and enthusiastic new fan base as well, through their group and individual activities. Jaejoong’s limited edition mini album became a huge success, Yoochun is virtually the most successful idol actor on the market and Junsu cemented his name as one of the best singers ever born in Korea. They are wealthier than most artists under their former agency, including their former band members Yunho and Changmin.
Were they lucky? I would not think so. Many of us would have given up such a grueling and frankly, seemingly hopeless battle against giant obstacles. What we can learn from JYJ is that you need to keep your faith, grind your teeth, work hard and believe in your own abilities. Only then will you be able to turn all unfortunate events into glistening success.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the writer and not of hellokpop as a whole.
Banner created by: Sovany Nguon
Photo Source: AfterJae
Credit: Xiaolong via HELLOKPOP
Shared by: JYJ3
I cried reading this. My JYJ oppa is a real survivor.
Love this and thank you to the author. Proud of the trio… Very proud.
that is why i never once think JYJ in a same level with any other idol.. JYJ’s place is way too high to reach for them..
JYJ is in a whole different level..
yes indeed…
Agreed! JYJ is not on the same level as anyone. No group defied its management group and succeeded. JTL, another group that fought for equal pay from SM, defied SM and didn’t triumph the blacklisting. I pray that JYJ will always be successful.
Woah! this article daebak! JYJ daebakkkk ^^ so cool.. My babies always the best~~
JYJ FIGHTIING!!..
Love this article! Thanks guys for sharing, I can completely relate and I thank God I was able to gain strength from JYJ’s example during that dark period of my life. Indeed, JYJ are legends for many many reasons, including those presented above. 🙂
I will never give up supporting JYJ.Have faith guys! Thank`s for sharing this article to us
“If you cannot enter through the door, climb through the windows”
Totally agree!
Thank you JYJ for being such an inspiration!
Proud to be supporting you from the start till now…
I am so proud I am a JYJ fan. They are indeed so inspiring to us specially those who are in difficult situations in their life right now. Thank you JYJ for leading the way.
thanx. reading this article remind me of 2010 when i started knowing jyj through skks. the news & info about what had happened to them made me cried many times. jaechunsu are really good role models for the younger generation. love & support them forever.
no regret, not once. that’s what i always think in supporting them from the very beginning till far in the future.
thank you for write this lovely article. our true fighters JYJ, they craves their own history. all the love for you Jaejoong Yoochun and Junsu.
looking at what CAN we do and keeping a positive attitude and a no complaining attitude is what brought them through this far, and what i think helped the fans go thru it all with them. they are incredibly strong and patient to have gone thru all this and really love what they are doing. i love them for being that way and giving us their music and love all this time even when they are hurting and uncertain about their future. i respect them so much and am proud to say i am a fan still and forever.
ALWAYS KEEP THE FAITH…..
To the author of “Ultimate K-pop Survival Guide: JYJ”, Xiaolong, I am making a deep bow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. In these words you have managed to convey what three 1/2 long years have been like for the members of JYJ: Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu. To hell and back seems almost tame in comparison to what they endured.
Though their struggles have been many, and there are still some mountains to climb, I don’t doubt for one moment that JYJ will overcome and reach the heights they are destined for. My belief in Gandhi’s comment about good triumphing over evil remains strong.
As stated, the measure of success they, and CJeS have achieved, is a testament to the power of positive thinking and perseverance. Keep your eyes on the prize and never give up. Gratitude is another factor in making a success out of one’s life. Be grateful for the opportunity to do so. Be grateful when you know you’ve chosen the right path. Be grateful for having those around you who are true to you. Be grateful for having dreams, goals, and ambition. Be grateful for the opportunity to achieve them.
I am grateful for having the chance to share JYJ with so many incredible people. I’ve made some wonderful friends by embracing the fun and excitement of being a JYJ fan. I’m grateful for having a place to call home, and share in the wonderfulness of JYJ. But most of all, I’m grateful for Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu, for having the courage to stand their ground and pursue their dreams. This ahjumma-noona will always be there for you, will always take your back. 😉
PEACE
WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREED with your statement!!
I’LL ALWAYS “KEEP THE FAITH” IN THEM! GO, GO GO !
I’m bawling right now T__T
JYJ fighting!!!
JYJ fans fighting!!!
JYJ fighting!!!
JYJ fans fighting!!!
to this article is godsent. im readig everything in this blog right from the first blog concerning the lawsuit and separation to understand it better and not base opinions like puppets who follow mainstream n big record labels and i have been seriously bleeding from my heart at what the boys have gone through. i am a new fan and did literally nothing to stand by them but i feel so grateful those who did.
Reading this articles really makes one think that they are not only survivors but the true Gods of Hallyu…artiists beyond comprehension.
To silently go through all they did is a feat not all can accomlish…this just shows how strong they are. You can throw sticks and stones but you cant break my bones comes to mind when i think of these real MEN! unlike the cowards who hid behind lies and put on the blanket of being victims!
IN YOUR FACE SM n ur artists, AVEX, and all you resties!!
So proud of them..really overwhelmed by all their effort and dedication.. They are truly perfection personified in their own way..^^♥
NICE. This is what we need. Thank you to the author. Let’s all take a moment today, go to HelloKPop and make a comment there as well. 🙂
I thought the same. It’s a good idea acknowledging the author to speak up 🙂
wow, awesome article….totaly agree^___________^!
Thumbs up! >.< JYJ is strong for going through everything for the sake of what they believed!
Goodness, guys please vote for JJ
http://mwave.interest.me/star/poll/vote.m?poll_seq=94
Oh wow~! This is seriously well written! WOW!
Panda Hug a d Standing O to the author.
As a JYJ fan since 2010, am happy that I made the right choice the moment i followed their careers. It was not easy to be a fan of JYJ watching the pains they silently suffered and how many friends they lost along the way. But it’s so easy to love them thus, am still here seeing them turn difficulties into success
When TVXQ5 broke up, I witnessed fans moving on to another male band to love and turning their back on Junsu, Jaejoong, and Yunsu. It was very ugly. I am proud to stick by JYJ from the beginning. It’s all about core values, and JYJ stood up for their human rights.
The rules of survival for JYJ were as follows:
1. Keep silent.
to work silently and not be shaken by accusations and rumours, even as a solo artist, this is how Jaejoong survives when other fans want him to speak up on cheap rumors.
I’ve been keeping this as reminder.
JYJ Fans’ Recipe
Ingredients to be a JYJ fans:
1-lots of love-to love the 3 of them,
2-lots of courage-to fight trolls,
3-lots of patience-to get through tough times (helly)
i proud to be JYJ fans.. and i proud to JYJ and JYJ’s fans too who always keep the faith with all conditions.. No matter enemies try to stop us we always stay and fight it together.. and we believe the truth will win.. (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ (>^_^)><(^o^< (o⌒.⌒o)
ps: sorry for my bad English m(_ _)m
It doesn’t matter if they couldn’t appear on TV as musicians it just makes them an exclusive artist and different from others group..They are too precious.. It’s true that others kpop groups or artistes have to learn from them.. So proud of them..
Thank You that’s all I have to say, they are who they are and there’s no need for words to describe it JYJ for the world
So proud of JYJ, I rooted for them as “never give up” role model. And I thank CEO Baek Chang Ju as well whose willing to take care of JaeChunSu whenever everybody else turn their back and help them become successful.
JYJ fighting!
CJes fighting!
Oooh gosh reading this article on my way to interview job really help. Once again JYJ help me and this article really push my confidence. cause yesterday i feel so down on how it so hard for to get a job that i like. The word keep your faith and last sentences really wake me up. if i have faith i know there will be a way 🙂
This is such a great article! Very well-written! I’ve bookmarked it and read it again and again.. It really summed up the struggles that JYJ had gone through, and is still going through..and most importantly, it also highlights JYJ’s victory over all these bans and obstacles!
“What we can learn from JYJ is that you need to keep your faith, grind your teeth, work hard and believe in your own abilities. Only then will you be able to turn all unfortunate events into glistening success.”
So proud to be a JYJ fan! I learnt so much from you! To many more years of success, and great music! Love you, boys!!
Question…
What is up with the “silent” thing? I’ve noticed Homin fans do this too. They constantly claim that Homin were always “silent” about the whole break up and that JYJ were the ones talking. Both groups did talk about the issue. No one was “silent”. The only difference is that JYJ never made personal attacks on Homin. (people like to accuse Junsu of “attacking through twitter” but he asked a question and he seemed genuinely perplexed but I admit twitter probably wasn’t the best means of communication because his comment was open to misunderstandings…)
Some may accuse me of trying to re-visit the past but I am genuinely curious. Silent about what?
@retrokim
To be honest, I think the silence thing had more to do with the legal aspects than anything else. No comments keeps you from endangering your position with statements that need to be addressed. Your legal reps make all statements that are necessary.
Now with the lawsuit being over, there is more leeway to be more open, i.e. the book.
That makes sense. They couldn’t give details and it is unlikely that they ever will. They seem willing to let this go but at the same time they aren’t going to lie if they are asked a question now that the lawsuit is over. If anything their problem is only with SME management…don’t understand why people think JYJ should praise those slimy bastards. They’ve been quite civilized and that is all that matters.
Totally agree. This was strictly a business matter. No need for them to not answer a direct question. When one’s credibility is on the line, always opt for the truth. This disconnect about praising SME comes from people who drank the Kool-Aid, and can’t separate the glamour and glitz from the truth. They see and hear what they have been programmed to see and hear. But that is their problem, not JYJ’s, the guys have clear consciences, that is all that matters.
@butterfliesarefree2: wow, i never heard of someone giving the analogy of drinking Kool-Aid. Good one!
@ee3451
Not be morbid, but in case you are too young to have been around at the time, this reference comes from a mass cult suicide that occurred in 1978. Over 900 people were convinced to drink poison laced Kool-Aid. This was known as the Jonestown Massacre.
It simply points out that cult mentality will cause people to lose all common sense. They will disavow elements in reality to justify going against reason and their own best interests. SM followers do this gladly because they have been successfully indoctrinated.
Yes. JYJ is indeed very strong. They just keep heading forward despite the ban in Korea. They are my role model. They are very courageous to voice out their opinion when they know that they will face hardship after leaving SMEnt.
“ALWAYS KEEP THE FAITH”
JYJ Fighting!!!
Thank You to HelloKpop for this right- on- target article. It continues to amaze me the strength of JYJ when their careers were seemingly in jeopardy; how they held onto each other and carried on; heads unbowed. This is why fans and GOOD friends have continued to love and trust these three young men. JYJ FOREVER!!!!!!
Can’t agree more … JYJ fighting …. I pray for you guys everyday !!
JYJ are wealthier than most artists including their former band members.Love it.That means they got paid for the job well done .Jaejoong even said he got a nice vacation after working hard on his tours.Under SM,fair pay and vacation are impossible.
oh GOD, JYJ 4EVER AND FIGHTING!
Well written article! Lets help spread the word of the injustice! By the way, please provide comments on the article’s direct site to support the author for speaking up. Thanks.
JYJ is JYJ. They are themselves, and that is the reason that I admire and idol them.
Brings back memories…
Kudos to the author, Baek Chang Ju and JYJ^^
Reblogged this on murasaki 紫.
I still remember the dark ages JYJ and the fandom experienced. I’m so proud of all of us for staying by their side. 😀
Reblogged this on Kimmaiyu's and commented:
Survivors through and through. (: ❤ you guys!! JYJ fighting!
I can reread this over and over how triumphant our boys are so so so proud….JYJ Fighting…
Agreed! I am proud to be a JYJ fan. JYJ never gave up. No group struggled as much as them.
Thank you ~ this beautifully sums up some of the things that make JYJ so special ^_^
I became a fan late last year after watching an episode of SKKS. Obviously Yoochun took me here but now I am a huge fan of all three of them. No knowing anything about their struggles, I searched on what their lawsuit was all about. Instead of forgetting about this trio, I came to actually admire them more, not just for their good looks but for their amazing values and sense of self worth. It wasn’t easy to give up on all that they’ve been building up the past 9 years, but a moral victory is more important than fame or money. That’s what they proved, and for that, they have even been rewarded with fame and wealth I’m sure they never imagined, plus, a super fan base that will keep on believing in them! It doesn’t matter that we’ll never be as huge as their former fan club, but our love and faith will surely keep them soaring!
Go, JYJ! Thank you Xialong! Thank you, Baek Chan-ju. Fighting!
Nicely written. My story is similar to yours except that I watched the Rooftop Prince. Welcome to JYJ3! There are extremely passionate JYJ fans out there! I am happy when fans recognized JYJ’s values and learned of JYJ’s history.
@jyjnewbie
Great comment! Thanks. I enjoyed reading about your journey to JYJ. 🙂
It’s nice to know that there’s this small company that stood and believed in JYJ… and for JYJ for being strong, they are an inspiration.
That’s why I really like JYJ. They can be a no. 1 motivators. They are able to turn obstacle into challenge. The most I like is that they didn’t even regret or complains. Such a behavior of the winners.
Nicely said!!
exactly comes down to character our boys have in spades
cried alotwhile reading this article , we have made the right choice to be always jyj fans , i know that this site is a jyj site only but i am a homin fan to so like a cassiopia fan cuz i am a fan of kpop since 2012 and i started with the song of tvxq merotic , wrong number . . . etc and from what i see you guys dont like homin am i right well i love jyj . just thinking about the bad things tbat ever happend to them i reallllllllly dont like sme nor avex , and theis recent shit thats been around i am starting to hate all the haters even if it means korea , thats how much i love jyj anyway i always use this one phrase : always keep the faith , it helps me , with everything
jyj fighting we r here for you