Thursday, March 30, 2017
Friday, March 24, 2017
Why do we idolize artists?
Last Friday my husband and I watched a re-run of an old British detective show, "Inspector Morse". It used to be our favorite show a few years back, so the re-runs are a great way to catch up with those episodes we had missed.
That particular episode was called "Twilight of The Gods".
Inspector Morse is a huge fan of opera music. He listens to female opera divas when he thinks about his cases, and actually he listens to classical music everywhere he can. He is delighted when a famous Welsh opera diva comes to Oxford, to receive an honorary degree, and give a couple of concerts.
He attends the first concert, and is completely enchanted by this woman. Her voice, her performing talent put him in a dream like state. After the concert, he views the world around him, and even his own job, as mundane. The everyday pursuits of regular people appear of lesser value than the magical world of art. In his eyes, the singer is like a goddess, even though she is middle aged, and not even attractive. It is her natural talent and artistry that makes such a huge impact on Morse. Himself, being an aging man, becomes like a teenager worshiping a pop idol.
Circumstances force him to come from his cloud nine down to earth, because his beloved artist is shot in bright day, on Oxford campus. She is gravely injured and taken to hospital. Obviously, it is a murder attempt. Morse is shocked - who would want to harm such a divine woman?
Morse jumps into an investigation to find out who was behind the outrageous attack. In the course of his research of the background, and private life of the diva, he uncovers more and more facts about the singer, that are much less than "divine". Little by little, his enthusiasm for her changes into sad disappointment. He finds out, she divorced her husband, decided not to have children, because they would "mess up" her career. But that's not the worse. She is very mean to her staff, screams and throws things at them, threatens them with firing at every minute mistake. Morse discovers also, that the lady has one night stands with very young men; she has a very strong "appetite" for them. To make it easy for herself, she keeps her youngest pretty little sister with her, everywhere she goes, to attract the young men, and then steal them for herself. That woman is just an unsavory character. Hence, the "Twilight Of The Gods". She was one of "the gods", in that show.
Well, it turns out she was shot by mistake - someone else was the real target for the shooter. But thanks to this, Morse becomes disillusioned with the world of artists. He confides in his sergeant Lewis about it. Lewis's comment is - "we are all humans, sir", and Morse responds -"Yes, WE! But artists? I have always thought that artists were DIFFERENT, BETTER than us."
***
So WE, the commoners, tend to put artists on pedestals. We assume, they must be made of a different substance than us. Just because they've been blessed with that special talent, we think of them as totally special people.
I am myself guilty of this kind of misguided thinking. Also, from my past experience of being a fan of singer X, and getting into personal encounters with other fans, I could see the whole "worshiping" nonsense. The fans wanted to see all the best in him; best talent, best intelligence, best heart, best humor, everything. Even when there were serious reports of his less than stellar behavior behind the scenes, those fans(and for a while, myself) refused to come to terms, and pretended that those reports were false. Even when they saw it with their own eyes, or the sources of information were legitimate, they dismissed everything. Some still do. But this is a digression.
Here, I am writing a blog dedicated to singer Jung Dong Ha, and it looks like the main reason for it is to idolize him? No? Or, to express my admiration? I really don't know why I do this. I think the main reason is to free my mind of thoughts about him, and his singing. I tend to think obsessively about multiple subjects. It may be tiring. But once I write it down somewhere, I stop thinking about it. My mind is clear, I can proceed with other things. I am free of burden.
But then, the truth is, that being a fan of Jung Dongha gives me a lot of joy and happiness. He gives extra color to my life. Even if my life was very colorful, which it isn't, Dongha's singing would add even more color. Because of that, I was truly disturbed when Maggie(not real name), quite suddenly stopped being a fan of Dongha, after having been involved behind the stage as concert staff. She went almost overnight, from enthusiastic supporter, to a sarcastic and resentful person. That really bothered me, because she must have had a reason. What did she experience, what did she see that made her change attitude so drastically? I was very fearful to ask her. I did ask her though, indirectly, but her responses were very unclear. Whatever she gave as reasons of being disappointed with Dongha, were ridiculous. Like the fact that he showed up to only one rehearsal instead of planned 3 rehearsals? Really? That would cause such anger? Please. So either it was something much more serious, but she didn't want to share, or it was her personal expectations were not fulfilled, during her brief involvement.
But if it was something serious, how would I react if I knew about it? Would I be able to separate what the artist does, from who the artist is? It might be very difficult!
Of course, being an adoring fan, I think the best of him. On the professional side, he is hardworking, always challenging himself and his fans with new artistic endeavors, not shying away from risky performances which may not always bring applause. He tries anyway. Through his singing, he is able both convey seriously deep emotions, as well as entertain and amuse his audience with playful, lighthearted numbers.
I do completely accept his image. I do think that he is a great person, someone who I would like to be friend with, if it were possible. Someone who has no mean bone in his body, who is gentle and kind, honest, humble, wise beyond his age. Someone who understands, and accepts, that his mission in life is to make people happy, if only for a brief time. Someone who shares their special gift with joy and love.
That's who I think Jung Dong Ha is.
* * *
However, I am fully aware it may be just my delusion. But then, my expectations, or perception of him are not unreasonable. His talent as a singer is absolute. It's OK for me if he is slightly cheesy sometimes. He doesn't have to be very appreciative to his fans for their continuous support. Sometimes I think he shows too much appreciation ^_^ .
I just want him to remain a decent person, like I think he is. I don't want to experience another disappointment, like some 12 yrs ago, with singer X, who at the end, was revealed to be a narcissistic jerk.
But, aren't all artists narcissists, who only think about their own good? I hope not, but I am mentally prepared for any bad scandal. It will hurt when it happens, I know, but it will not take me by surprise.
I think we are all searching for something sublime, pure, unspoiled. Hmmm. Why do we think we can find it in some artists ? Because to us common people, they present certain image, we believe is a promise of something flawless.
Inspector Morse is a huge fan of opera music. He listens to female opera divas when he thinks about his cases, and actually he listens to classical music everywhere he can. He is delighted when a famous Welsh opera diva comes to Oxford, to receive an honorary degree, and give a couple of concerts.
He attends the first concert, and is completely enchanted by this woman. Her voice, her performing talent put him in a dream like state. After the concert, he views the world around him, and even his own job, as mundane. The everyday pursuits of regular people appear of lesser value than the magical world of art. In his eyes, the singer is like a goddess, even though she is middle aged, and not even attractive. It is her natural talent and artistry that makes such a huge impact on Morse. Himself, being an aging man, becomes like a teenager worshiping a pop idol.
Circumstances force him to come from his cloud nine down to earth, because his beloved artist is shot in bright day, on Oxford campus. She is gravely injured and taken to hospital. Obviously, it is a murder attempt. Morse is shocked - who would want to harm such a divine woman?
Morse jumps into an investigation to find out who was behind the outrageous attack. In the course of his research of the background, and private life of the diva, he uncovers more and more facts about the singer, that are much less than "divine". Little by little, his enthusiasm for her changes into sad disappointment. He finds out, she divorced her husband, decided not to have children, because they would "mess up" her career. But that's not the worse. She is very mean to her staff, screams and throws things at them, threatens them with firing at every minute mistake. Morse discovers also, that the lady has one night stands with very young men; she has a very strong "appetite" for them. To make it easy for herself, she keeps her youngest pretty little sister with her, everywhere she goes, to attract the young men, and then steal them for herself. That woman is just an unsavory character. Hence, the "Twilight Of The Gods". She was one of "the gods", in that show.
Well, it turns out she was shot by mistake - someone else was the real target for the shooter. But thanks to this, Morse becomes disillusioned with the world of artists. He confides in his sergeant Lewis about it. Lewis's comment is - "we are all humans, sir", and Morse responds -"Yes, WE! But artists? I have always thought that artists were DIFFERENT, BETTER than us."
***
So WE, the commoners, tend to put artists on pedestals. We assume, they must be made of a different substance than us. Just because they've been blessed with that special talent, we think of them as totally special people.
I am myself guilty of this kind of misguided thinking. Also, from my past experience of being a fan of singer X, and getting into personal encounters with other fans, I could see the whole "worshiping" nonsense. The fans wanted to see all the best in him; best talent, best intelligence, best heart, best humor, everything. Even when there were serious reports of his less than stellar behavior behind the scenes, those fans(and for a while, myself) refused to come to terms, and pretended that those reports were false. Even when they saw it with their own eyes, or the sources of information were legitimate, they dismissed everything. Some still do. But this is a digression.
Here, I am writing a blog dedicated to singer Jung Dong Ha, and it looks like the main reason for it is to idolize him? No? Or, to express my admiration? I really don't know why I do this. I think the main reason is to free my mind of thoughts about him, and his singing. I tend to think obsessively about multiple subjects. It may be tiring. But once I write it down somewhere, I stop thinking about it. My mind is clear, I can proceed with other things. I am free of burden.
But then, the truth is, that being a fan of Jung Dongha gives me a lot of joy and happiness. He gives extra color to my life. Even if my life was very colorful, which it isn't, Dongha's singing would add even more color. Because of that, I was truly disturbed when Maggie(not real name), quite suddenly stopped being a fan of Dongha, after having been involved behind the stage as concert staff. She went almost overnight, from enthusiastic supporter, to a sarcastic and resentful person. That really bothered me, because she must have had a reason. What did she experience, what did she see that made her change attitude so drastically? I was very fearful to ask her. I did ask her though, indirectly, but her responses were very unclear. Whatever she gave as reasons of being disappointed with Dongha, were ridiculous. Like the fact that he showed up to only one rehearsal instead of planned 3 rehearsals? Really? That would cause such anger? Please. So either it was something much more serious, but she didn't want to share, or it was her personal expectations were not fulfilled, during her brief involvement.
But if it was something serious, how would I react if I knew about it? Would I be able to separate what the artist does, from who the artist is? It might be very difficult!
Of course, being an adoring fan, I think the best of him. On the professional side, he is hardworking, always challenging himself and his fans with new artistic endeavors, not shying away from risky performances which may not always bring applause. He tries anyway. Through his singing, he is able both convey seriously deep emotions, as well as entertain and amuse his audience with playful, lighthearted numbers.
I do completely accept his image. I do think that he is a great person, someone who I would like to be friend with, if it were possible. Someone who has no mean bone in his body, who is gentle and kind, honest, humble, wise beyond his age. Someone who understands, and accepts, that his mission in life is to make people happy, if only for a brief time. Someone who shares their special gift with joy and love.
That's who I think Jung Dong Ha is.
* * *
However, I am fully aware it may be just my delusion. But then, my expectations, or perception of him are not unreasonable. His talent as a singer is absolute. It's OK for me if he is slightly cheesy sometimes. He doesn't have to be very appreciative to his fans for their continuous support. Sometimes I think he shows too much appreciation ^_^ .
I just want him to remain a decent person, like I think he is. I don't want to experience another disappointment, like some 12 yrs ago, with singer X, who at the end, was revealed to be a narcissistic jerk.
But, aren't all artists narcissists, who only think about their own good? I hope not, but I am mentally prepared for any bad scandal. It will hurt when it happens, I know, but it will not take me by surprise.
I think we are all searching for something sublime, pure, unspoiled. Hmmm. Why do we think we can find it in some artists ? Because to us common people, they present certain image, we believe is a promise of something flawless.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
TBT 4 - Do You Know-아시나요
This is a very cool video from July of last year. Dong Ha was invited to a radio station, where he sang live. At that time he was suffering from light cold, nevertheless, his voice seems to be unaffected.
The host of the radio show used to be a singer/song writer himself, and he asked Dong Ha to sing one of his songs, called "Do You Know". It appears to be extremely well known in Korea The original sound track is playing in the background, and Dong Ha at the mic, is reading the lyrics from the sheet of paper. His host seems to be impressed with this rendition of the old song.
Well, I'm impressed. This is not a flashy performance, no tricks, no gimmicks, just pure singing.
This is the only time Dongha sang this, at a request of the original performer. The song fits Dongha perfectly, but since it is very well known as the other guy's golden hit, I think it's a kind of courtesy not to "steal" it.
The host of the radio show used to be a singer/song writer himself, and he asked Dong Ha to sing one of his songs, called "Do You Know". It appears to be extremely well known in Korea The original sound track is playing in the background, and Dong Ha at the mic, is reading the lyrics from the sheet of paper. His host seems to be impressed with this rendition of the old song.
Well, I'm impressed. This is not a flashy performance, no tricks, no gimmicks, just pure singing.
This is the only time Dongha sang this, at a request of the original performer. The song fits Dongha perfectly, but since it is very well known as the other guy's golden hit, I think it's a kind of courtesy not to "steal" it.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
TBT 3 - This time a ballad - If You Are Like Me
This was a winning performance on Immortal Song2 in June 2015. The song name is "If You Are Like Me"
Dongha starts while sitting, like he often does for the beginning parts of some songs. His voice is so soft, and soothing, but you can hear some deep sadness. For about 2/3 of the length of the song he continues in very subdued manner, without his usual belting. A few times his voice goes into higher notes, like a little bit of weeping. Even when he stands up, which usually is followed by his very forceful singing, he continues with tenderness and melancholy. Only for the last minute, he gradually increases the volume, as if he couldn't keep it bottled down, and had to shout out his anguish. Nothing more to say, it was a wonderful performance; everybody agreed.
Dongha starts while sitting, like he often does for the beginning parts of some songs. His voice is so soft, and soothing, but you can hear some deep sadness. For about 2/3 of the length of the song he continues in very subdued manner, without his usual belting. A few times his voice goes into higher notes, like a little bit of weeping. Even when he stands up, which usually is followed by his very forceful singing, he continues with tenderness and melancholy. Only for the last minute, he gradually increases the volume, as if he couldn't keep it bottled down, and had to shout out his anguish. Nothing more to say, it was a wonderful performance; everybody agreed.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
TBT 2 - Whale Hunt- Immortal Song2 - July 2014
What a fantastic performance this is! I loved it the first time, and I love it now. The instrumental arrangement is great, as with many, many Korean pop songs. They are such creative, and talented musicians. In my mind I can hear clearly the piano, rhythmically imitating the running train.
But I also have a very personal, emotional connection to this song.
It happened by chance, just like the discovery of Jung Dong Ha! The connection is this:
Last August 2016, I went to South Korea to visit Miki. Miki was living in Songdo-Incheon, teaching English in one of the private schools. But during his first Korean trip, he had lived in Jecheon - little town in the middle of the country. He had befriended a wonderful Korean couple, who had taken him under their wings, and "adopted" him, as their third adult child.
Both of us were invited to visit them in August 2016. We spent 2 and 1/2 days with them, traveling around the area in their van. Mr.Kwon, "the best driver in the world", liked to have the car radio on. I wasn't paying attention to the background music, but at some point, I suddenly heard the familiar tune! It was the Whale Hunt song, a different version, not rock style, sang by a group of men - some kind of old recording. Nevertheless my heart jumped!
And then, Mr. Kwon behind the wheel, burst into singing together with the radio! Therefore, whenever I hear it, I always think about our Jecheon adventures. Forever ♥
The first time I heard the song, and the name of it,"Whale Hunt", I was a bit perplexed.
So I asked Miki: "does this song really talk about hunting the whales?" Miki listened to it, and said that yes, but it also is talking about a trip on a train. It talked about jumping on a train, and going to the sea, to catch a whale.
Well, I thought it was a little strange, since to capture a whale, don't you jump on a boat, not a train? I had an inside feeling that there was a different meaning to this song. My online search revealed the lyrics, and reading them, I thought the "whale" must be a metaphor for dreams.
Recently I found some more background information.
The song, "Gorae Sanyang" is from 1975, by a famous singer Song Chang-Sik.
The 60-ties and 70-ties were a difficult period for Koreans. I will quote from the blog Not your average K-pop I found lately.
"(...) lyrics that reflected the depressed period that Korea was going through, under the military government. Folk music, flare jeans, men’s long hair, acoustic guitar were all symbols of defiance in Korea between 60’s and 70’s.
Especially, folk music that liberally spread the message of freedom was the target of military police enforcement. Men with a long hair were caught because they were most likely folk music fans and it meant they would possibly protest against the government. It was a dark, oppressing time (...)
The government excessively censored music and a number of music were banned for ridiculous reasons.(...) “Gorae Sanyang” was banned because of the title of the song, which means “Whale Hunting” in English. But really, the government knew what it implied.(...)In the song, the whale symbolizes the dream and hope. Especially of the young who were trampled, jailed, and even killed by the government because they claimed their civil rights and spread the truth about government corruption.(...)Musicians during this time couldn’t write the lyrics they wanted because of the strict censorship. They had to use metaphors, which unintentionally resulted in beautiful music.(...)
Only a deep sadness no matter how much drinking, singing, and dancing.
Looking around to see what to do, but all I see is people turned their back on.
Leave for the East Sea, take a local train, a third-class seat.
A dream from last night is forgotten when you wake up
But the dream that is remembered is the small, lovely whale
Leave for the East Sea, to catch the whale alive and breathing like a myth
Even though our love would be shattered, even though we would lose everything at once
We have it vividly in our heart, the lovely whale
I was so impressed when I saw during the performance, that the audience was totally familiar with the lyrics, and people were mouthing them together with the singers on stage.
I'm really glad that Jung Dong Ha was a part of such a performance. It was entertaining, yet meaningful.
But I also have a very personal, emotional connection to this song.
It happened by chance, just like the discovery of Jung Dong Ha! The connection is this:
Last August 2016, I went to South Korea to visit Miki. Miki was living in Songdo-Incheon, teaching English in one of the private schools. But during his first Korean trip, he had lived in Jecheon - little town in the middle of the country. He had befriended a wonderful Korean couple, who had taken him under their wings, and "adopted" him, as their third adult child.
Both of us were invited to visit them in August 2016. We spent 2 and 1/2 days with them, traveling around the area in their van. Mr.Kwon, "the best driver in the world", liked to have the car radio on. I wasn't paying attention to the background music, but at some point, I suddenly heard the familiar tune! It was the Whale Hunt song, a different version, not rock style, sang by a group of men - some kind of old recording. Nevertheless my heart jumped!
And then, Mr. Kwon behind the wheel, burst into singing together with the radio! Therefore, whenever I hear it, I always think about our Jecheon adventures. Forever ♥
The first time I heard the song, and the name of it,"Whale Hunt", I was a bit perplexed.
So I asked Miki: "does this song really talk about hunting the whales?" Miki listened to it, and said that yes, but it also is talking about a trip on a train. It talked about jumping on a train, and going to the sea, to catch a whale.
Well, I thought it was a little strange, since to capture a whale, don't you jump on a boat, not a train? I had an inside feeling that there was a different meaning to this song. My online search revealed the lyrics, and reading them, I thought the "whale" must be a metaphor for dreams.
Recently I found some more background information.
The song, "Gorae Sanyang" is from 1975, by a famous singer Song Chang-Sik.
The 60-ties and 70-ties were a difficult period for Koreans. I will quote from the blog Not your average K-pop I found lately.
"(...) lyrics that reflected the depressed period that Korea was going through, under the military government. Folk music, flare jeans, men’s long hair, acoustic guitar were all symbols of defiance in Korea between 60’s and 70’s.
Especially, folk music that liberally spread the message of freedom was the target of military police enforcement. Men with a long hair were caught because they were most likely folk music fans and it meant they would possibly protest against the government. It was a dark, oppressing time (...)
The government excessively censored music and a number of music were banned for ridiculous reasons.(...) “Gorae Sanyang” was banned because of the title of the song, which means “Whale Hunting” in English. But really, the government knew what it implied.(...)In the song, the whale symbolizes the dream and hope. Especially of the young who were trampled, jailed, and even killed by the government because they claimed their civil rights and spread the truth about government corruption.(...)Musicians during this time couldn’t write the lyrics they wanted because of the strict censorship. They had to use metaphors, which unintentionally resulted in beautiful music.(...)
Only a deep sadness no matter how much drinking, singing, and dancing.
Looking around to see what to do, but all I see is people turned their back on.
Leave for the East Sea, take a local train, a third-class seat.
A dream from last night is forgotten when you wake up
But the dream that is remembered is the small, lovely whale
Leave for the East Sea, to catch the whale alive and breathing like a myth
Even though our love would be shattered, even though we would lose everything at once
We have it vividly in our heart, the lovely whale
I was so impressed when I saw during the performance, that the audience was totally familiar with the lyrics, and people were mouthing them together with the singers on stage.I'm really glad that Jung Dong Ha was a part of such a performance. It was entertaining, yet meaningful.
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