Thursday, April 27, 2017
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Throw Back Thursday #6 - 2013
Here are some stage antics with his Boohwal band mates in May 2013.
That was when I had no idea that Jung Dong Ha existed somewhere far away.
♥ ♥ ♥
More of it from the same tour:
:
I think, at some point Jung Dongha had outgrown the band. I am glad he went solo. It was a natural progress of things. I know there are fans who still mourn the split between Dongha and Boohwal. There are even those who could not accept it, and are not fans of Dongha, because to them Boohwal and Dongha were like one , unbreakable unit. The fact they went their separate ways after 9 years together was too shocking. I have no memories, and no nostalgia for those first years of Dongha's music career. I only found him shortly after he became a solo singer. I am amazed by him, and I love watching how he is evolving, and growing.
PS. I just realized I posted a Thursday blog on a Wednesday! I got mixed up.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Jung Dong Ha theatrics
Jung Dong Ha often adds theatrics element to his performances. It was particularly visible in the earlier appearances on Immortal Songs2 TV singing competition (2012-2014), but he's been doing some theatrics on a smaller scale, while giving live concerts. I will post some video examples.
It is my understanding, that when the word "theatrics" is used, it is in negative, unflattering, almost derogatory meaning. It's considered something cheesy. It's almost as if the artist uses some kind of "tricks" in his/her performance to attract attention, or to cover their shortcomings as far as real talent. So the talent inadequacies are masked by theatrics.
Sometimes it's true.
But I definitely love when Jung dong Ha does this, I always enjoy it a lot. I feel that his theatrics, sometimes unexpected, make his performances richer, more colorful, and easy to remember. He himself must like doing it too, since he adds theatrics every now and then. I do not think he overuses it.
When he debuted on Immortal Songs2 in September 2012, he already made a big splash, not only by his voice, but also falling on his knees during his song, to covey desperation. The very first performance:
* * *
But the ultimate theatrics, and most memorable JDH performance of this kind, the one that people still mention when reminiscing about the past IS2 shows, came 2 month later, in November 2012.
Here, Dongha did a whole spectacle, while performing song "Wind". I read an old interview with him, translated into English, in which he said that he had put a lot of work into learning the entire fight choreography, and that he was proud of himself that he did it.
* * *
Here below is another example, again from Immortal Song in 2013. Someone commented on YouTube, that Dongha is playing a game "how many genres can I fit into one song". Funny comment. ^_^ The song's name is something like "I Love Seoul". I love how he plays orchestra director in the beginning. With this performance, he won that particular episode of Immortal Song2, probably because everybody was enjoying themselves so much. ♥
* * *
And in February 2016, during a very special yearly concert dedicated to the late singer Kim Kwang Seok, before performing "About Being Thirty Years Old", Dong Ha is seen sitting at a table in front of bottles of soju. It is probably referring to a phrase by Kim Kwang Seok, that a good song is like a bottle of soju; the more you have, the more you like it. This song expresses a lot of melancholy by a young man who reached age of 30, and is not happy with his lack of accomplishments. Dong Ha talks, playing a role of that man, having a conversation with a friend.
It is my understanding, that when the word "theatrics" is used, it is in negative, unflattering, almost derogatory meaning. It's considered something cheesy. It's almost as if the artist uses some kind of "tricks" in his/her performance to attract attention, or to cover their shortcomings as far as real talent. So the talent inadequacies are masked by theatrics.
Sometimes it's true.
But I definitely love when Jung dong Ha does this, I always enjoy it a lot. I feel that his theatrics, sometimes unexpected, make his performances richer, more colorful, and easy to remember. He himself must like doing it too, since he adds theatrics every now and then. I do not think he overuses it.
When he debuted on Immortal Songs2 in September 2012, he already made a big splash, not only by his voice, but also falling on his knees during his song, to covey desperation. The very first performance:
* * *
But the ultimate theatrics, and most memorable JDH performance of this kind, the one that people still mention when reminiscing about the past IS2 shows, came 2 month later, in November 2012.
Here, Dongha did a whole spectacle, while performing song "Wind". I read an old interview with him, translated into English, in which he said that he had put a lot of work into learning the entire fight choreography, and that he was proud of himself that he did it.
* * *
Here below is another example, again from Immortal Song in 2013. Someone commented on YouTube, that Dongha is playing a game "how many genres can I fit into one song". Funny comment. ^_^ The song's name is something like "I Love Seoul". I love how he plays orchestra director in the beginning. With this performance, he won that particular episode of Immortal Song2, probably because everybody was enjoying themselves so much. ♥
* * *
And in February 2016, during a very special yearly concert dedicated to the late singer Kim Kwang Seok, before performing "About Being Thirty Years Old", Dong Ha is seen sitting at a table in front of bottles of soju. It is probably referring to a phrase by Kim Kwang Seok, that a good song is like a bottle of soju; the more you have, the more you like it. This song expresses a lot of melancholy by a young man who reached age of 30, and is not happy with his lack of accomplishments. Dong Ha talks, playing a role of that man, having a conversation with a friend.
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.
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