【Trans】“More crazy than a dream” by Nakanishi Rei ②（Sunday Mainichi 2019.11.17 Column）

Jaejoong was originally a member of To Ho Shin Ki (meaning is the eastern god will wake up). The members were Yoonho (leader), Yuchun, Junsu, Changmin, and Jaejoong who was 17 years old at the time. Debuted in 2004 with the single CD “Hug”. They won all the rookie awards and became popular enough to attract tens of thousands of audience at the concert. From that time, the five's songs were not only beautiful voices, but also sexy, full of masculine charm, and especially the dance was so sharp, and it was pleasant to watch. However, “Stay with Me Tonight”, which debuted in Japan from Avex in 2005, was somewhat clumsy because it was too conscious of Japan, and it was not so popular except for enthusiastic fans.
But they did not give up conquering Japan. First, they mastered the Japanese language and succeeded in concerts for two consecutive days at the Budokan. In 2008, they won the No. 1 on the Oricon chart by the single CD “Purple Line”. And that year they participated in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle show). Subsequently, they received the Platinum Disc certification from the Japan Record Association for their album “The Secret Code”. Then the two consecutive concerts at Tokyo Dome were successful. To Ho Shin Ki has conquered every city in Asia, just like the god that woke up in the east.
However, the split incident occurred at that time. I can't talk about that, but Jaejoong, Yuchun, and Junsu started working as JYJ, and both Yoonho and Changmin continued to To Ho Shin Ki.
JYJ's activities did not go as they thought. That would be natural. Whatever the cause, after the division, it is a rule of the entertainment world that the weaker position receives pressure from all sides. JYJ had almost no media exposure for about 10 years. Even so, Japanese fans had been patiently cheering and they had concerts successfully three consecutive days at Tokyo Dome. Severe conditions continued thereafter. The three members of JYJ began to work independently. Junsu starred in the musicals “Mozart”, “Elizabeth”, “Dracula”, and “Death Note”, and after a great success, was in military service, and it was over. Yuchun was active in the dramas "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", "The Prince of the Roof Room", and the movie "The Fog over the Sea", and was consolidating his position as an actor, but was convicted of drug use. Jaejoong also went to military service. After he came back, chose to work as a singer in Japan. He signed a contract with a major production, and after the release of this album, he seems to be going to work more earnestly.
It is deeply meaningful that Japanese songs are covered by a Korean singer. Beyond all of the long history, love and hate, and political conflict between Japan and Korea, one singer will revive Japanese songs with deep love. This act is a symbol of effectiveness and solidarity that surpasses any word. I hope that Jaejoong ’s challenge will be very successful.
I met Jaejoong. Took a picture together. He’s a heart melter!