Re-Visit Korea Article

BYJ promoting Korea to the world. The rightful goodwill ambassador for his people. But what struck me was the number of participants on the Wednesday event in Tokyo Dome. Wasn't that a living proof what BYJ could still do these days? Although we'd like to see him more in our screens but I think he has done ever so well. Just keep up the good work YJssi and easy on your health.

'Visit Korea' campaign: Korean superstar Bae Yong-joon, left, smiles as he talks to Korea Tourism Organization chief Lee Charm during a ceremony to launch the Visit Korea 2010-2012 campaign at the Tokyo Dome, Wednesday.

Courtesy of Visit Korea Committee

By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter

Japan held a launching ceremony for the Visit Korea 2010-2012 campaign at the Tokyo Dome, Wednesday, with more than 40,000 participants that included Lee Charm, president of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Japanese First Lady Miyuki Hatoyama and Korean actor Bae Yong-joon, a superstar in Japan.

“It is extremely meaningful that Japan is joining a tourism campaign to promote Korea to the world,” Hatoyama said in a private meeting with the KTO president ahead of the ceremony.

She expressed a deep interest in the “Korean wave” of culture and entertainment in Japan and other parts of Asia. The Japanese first couple will visit Korea on Oct. 9 at the invitation of President Lee Myung-bak.

The ceremony included a talk show with the KTO chief and Bae, a congratulatory address by Ambassador Kwon Chul-hyun to Japan and a video presentation of Korea’s tourist attractions.

“Korea is planning a host of new projects to attract foreign tourists to Korea during the years 2010-2012,” Lee said.

As a goodwill ambassador of the campaign, Bae said that he was interested in raising the global status of Korean food.

Korea has set up a special committee to prepare for the campaign to attract 10 million foreign tourists to Korea over the next three years. Lee serves as its vice chairman.

The committee is led by Lotte Group’s Vice Chairman Shin Dong-bin. The domestic launching ceremony for the campaign is scheduled for Nov. 11.

It is the third time for Korea to initiate such a campaign. The last was held in 2001-2002 when Korea co-hosted the World Cup finals.

The campaign, first announced last year, is also promoted by goodwill ambassador Kim Yu-na, the 2009 world champion in ladies figure skating.

jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr

Source:Xiaoyi's Blog. Thanks

Tokyo Dome Pictures

Just take a look at the number of people in Tokyo Dome during the promotional tour of Winter Sonata Anime. It's packed solid and the grand entrance of BYJ and Choi Ji-Woo using a hot air balloon must be like a dream.

This reminds me of Count of Monte Cristo. Majestic..

The cast of the anime.

Bay Court Club Photos

These photos of Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji-Woo are so gorgeous.Both posed for the Japanese media during a news conference to promote 'Winter Sonata Anime' in Tokyo, Japan.
Source:(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
Yonhap News, Kr. Yahoo

together again.. they still look a stunning pair.

He really look a lot younger on this photo.

charismatic smile..

BYJ and CJW

BYJ Japan Visit

OMG!! Am I dreaming?? BYJ in Narita is amazing. He looked fresh, happier and hotter. I think we all love this new hairstyle. Thank you BYJ. It's fabulous!!!

Winter Sonata Anime mv

Winter Sonata Anime will be launched soon. Let's look back at some of the promotional trailers.

Baesisters

Before I get so comfortable and go back to work this weekend I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my Baesisters for making the effort to meet me although the time they took in travelling didn't equate the amount of time we spent. I felt awful not able to spend more time with them. Leny had two hours journey almost the same with Angge.

I was a bag of nerves before I met them.. I was very nervous and didn't know what to say. I don't know if they felt the same..
Meeting Leny, the lady behind 'Chikara' was fun.. Her sense of humor is amazing. She's very friendly and I could tell just by that meeting she's a very reliable person. Her tall, sexy figure and warm smile made me feel at ease straight away.

Angge is such a lovely girl. I actually managed to see her cross stitch of a BYJ photo which actually looked bigger than I thought. I reckon she's prepared to go all the time to seek new adventure. Very well mannered and a charming young lady..Char ha! Thank you very much for the lift Angge!

When we mentioned BYJ in the conversation we couldn't stop giggling. So funny that we have to think of things to do or say if we get the chance to meet him in person.. Oh well, Leny already know what she'd say in Japanese while Angge is polishing her Korean. Yikes! Me? I'll try harder with my English.

I'm truly glad I met them in person. It felt that we have known each other for sometime. Thank you very much ladies. One time one meeting, right?

Re-BYJ Q & A

I must be the last person in Baeland not able to read this translation of the press con on time. Thanks to jet lag I had the chance to catch up. I like reading it again and again. Thanks to Gaulsan for a great effort in translating. Also posted in Quilt.

Greeting:Annyunghaseyo!
I am Bae Yong Joon. Thank you very much for attending this meeting.
This is my first press meeting for publishing a book, and I feel embarrassed, nervous, and happy at the same time.
I hope you consider the book that I will introduce you as my record as a beginner of studying Korean culture, not as a book specializing in culture.

I heard that you fell ill with sepsis. How is your present condition?
I am sorry to make everyone worry. I am getting well, and I received much power after meeting the masters today.
Would you tell us how you feel after writing your book?
There are many reasons that made me write this book. In an interview I had in Japan, I was asked to introduce noticeable pIaces of Korea. I was ashamed because I couldn't give good answer to that question. Also, when I met my Family coming to see me working at the shooting site, I felt sorry for them because they spend most of their time at the shooting site, and I hoped to introduce them good places to enjoy. At first, I planned to introduce celebrated localities and good restaurants, but I change my mind. I thought that if I introduce Korean culture, how Koreans feel and express themselves, it would help people notice the deeper meaning of things otherwise they won't notice when visiting the same pIace. It was a hard work to write this book, but thanks to the support of these masters, I could finish writing. I am thankful that I managed to finish this book without trouble.

Did you write this all by yourself? (Smiling) I wrote it by myself.

How did you choose the themes? There are 13 themes, and I chose some from things I was always interested, and some were recommended by others. My journey to meet and interview the masters were arranged like riding on a flow of water. Through books, newspapers, and through acquaintance... I met one master and then another. I thought 'this might be what is called karma'.

How much are you satisfied with your book? I am not satisfied. Whenever I feel not satisfied, I say to myself I can do better next time. The most difficult part of writing this book was meeting the deadline. It was really hard to write in time. (Like other people,) I couldn't speed up my writing till the last moment(laugh). Because the entire process was delayed, the editing staffs had to work very hard. I would like to say here that I am sorry and thankful for their help.

Are you planning to write another book? I think it is time to plan another drama(or movie) than a book. I feel very sorry to my Family for my long absence. However, writing a book is a very interesting process. If I write another book, I will introduce celebrated localities and good restaurants, which has more photographs and less words(laugh).

Where was the most impressive place? There are so many good places that it is difficult to choose one. However, Hwangryongsa-ji of Kyungju was the most impressive place. There is nothing left there and we can't see a thing. I don't know why, but that place made me immerse in deep thought. When I returned home, I thought 'maybe I missed something. I must visit there again.' It was such a pIace.

[ Hwangryongsa-ji is a place where was a large temple named Hwangryongsa.It was built in 554AD in Shilla dynasty. It was destroyed when the Mongolia invaded and put fire on it in the 13th century. There is no building left, and only stones that supported columns are left to show us how large that temple was. It is the place that appears at the front cover of YJ's book. ]

Among various things you've experienced, what would you like to continue doing?
I would like to become a farmer. I want to step on the ground and touch soil. I think I will feel happy to plant and harvest things and share healthy food with others. I've learned many other things and I want to do them, too, but if I am to write one more line in my curriculum vitae, I would like to add that I am a farmer.

What is your next plan?
I will never become a singer. I can't sing well. If you visit me when I become a farmer, then maybe I can sing you a song. There can be no BYJ as a writer if there is no BYJ as an actor.

Why did you fall ill? Would you give your message to your fans?
The largest problem was losing weight. When I once asked someone about losing weight, he said, if I write another book, then I will gain weight. I think my body got weak because I lost too much weight, and that's why I had to get hospitalized. I am now recovering. I am basically a healthy person, so I will recover soon. I am sorry to make my Family and my parents worry.

Is there anything discontented with your work?
I've studied really hard, but many things are discontented. I regret that I was short of time. The most regretful thing is, there is a flaw in my writing. In page 257 at the second bottom line, it is written 'western tower'. It should be 'eastern tower'. I am sorry. There are many defects in my book, but I hope this could be a companion of your journey to explore Korea.
Many thanks to Tomato99byj for the clips from the book.

Just a thought

You know when you just come back from a long break you kind of come out of yourself and actually able to see your true self in an objective way. Life sometimes get so monotonous that you tend to take for granted what you have or the people around you.

You probably wonder where this post is going but I felt that I have something inside that I'd like to express. Since this blog was engineered for someone called Bae Yong Joon, it actually struck me hard today how this man has done so much for his country, the people around him and to those who believe in him.

He is so fragile and yet so manly. So stubborn but compassionate. He knows what he wants and so determine to perfect his every action. So much that he has given most of himself.
I know this is a sort of a late view but as we wait for him to come out again on the 29th, I know you felt the same concern towards him. There's only one Bae Yong Joon and he may be a friend, a family, a son, partner, soul mate to you or to others but there's one thing that's certain- he's one of a kind and there's no one quite like him. I hope he'd fully recover and able to attain peace with his body and mind..BYJssi God bless!

Back Home

Hi!!! Just got back home from our trip. Reality bites as a bunch of correspondence greeted us while waiting for our car as unfortunately the parking people misplaced the keys..but it will be sorted out I hope. Holiday is well and truly over eh.

Our stopover in Hongkong was quite interesting.With limited time we only managed to visit the Peak. We were slightly exhausted being up for over 12 hours. My persistence on wanting to take photos of the city at night made the afternoon drag. However it's worth the wait.

Always bring a tripod. That's one the big thing I forgot. ;-( guess I have to learn the hard way.

BYJ-Press Con Pics

Although I am sad leaving the country but I am really smiling at the moment...so many gorgeous pictures of BYJ. Photo credit as labeled. Thanks to Miemi/byjgallery.

working mode..

straight from the heart..

relax but confident..

true strength and charisma..

Mission accomplished!!!! Well done Yong Joonssi!!! So proud of you.
Thank you very much.

BYJ Recent Photos

OMG!!!!!! Doesn't he look dashing??? Very nice hair and really really love the style. Just what I wanted.. I know he would look great with any style but this one is simply PERFECT!!!Photo credit as labeled.

KOB Photos

Just the right timing and these photos are simply comforting. I'm glad that BYJ was discharged. YJssi take good care of yourself. Your body is telling you something and you should listen!!!many thanks.
Photos posted by Suehan/Quilt
Source: KOB/byjintoronto/byjgallery

Lights

I hope and pray that BYJ will get better pretty soon. He's one dedicated man and truly admire his compassion and commitment. He has given so much of himself and must learn to take it easy..I hope these photos would cheer you up.

Nanay Bebeng Restaurant

Tadayuki Restaurant


BLUGRE Cafe

Whistletop Bar and Grill

Red Knights Garden


Davao City at night..

up close and personal

So many new pictures coming out as the days progress. I like these intimate photos shared by Maron.. take a closer look on how intense and poised this man is on his journey.

Free and happy..his smiles simply radiates.

Focused but careful..

Time to reflect and consider..

Something new

I don't know what to say but let's say it! Mmmhhh he looked cool, fresh, still ever so youthful..Almost similar to my hair at the moment and I actually missed my long hair but don't think I would survive the tropics with those. Overall, not bad.

Although I was hoping it would be closer to this.

Or a tiny bit like Rob's..oopppssss still woozy after all my readings.. sigh..What else now?
Photo credit as labeled.

Afterthought

While reading this article in Xiaoyi's blog I couldn't help but shiver on how keen the person was in sharing his thoughts about BYJ and this book. While the wait drags like forever it felt that this is not just an ordinary book. There is more to it.. possibly more than I have imagined. Many thanks to Xiaoyi and Gaulsan for the translation.

Source: http://www.cyworld.com/durici***
Trans K to E by Gaulsan


“What does Yon-sama have to do with a book?"

Watching Sunbae(先輩) going through the long process of photographing, interview, writing, and editing... my doubt completely disappeared.

The introduction of Korean culture that even Koreans don't know quite well.
I am glad that instead of bragging "I've met this famous people and have learnt this much", he started with the statement that "I don't know much, either."

As he goes close to the object with his heart and without pretense, his book is easy to read and leaves a deep impression in one's mind.

As a publisher, I think this book is a really good book that will bring the writer and the readers much close to each other. This kind of book doesn't come everyday.

I started this book with prejudice and misunderstanding, but now my heart starts to beat just by looking at the first page.