Down memory lane

I had a great dinner with a few good friends earlier- 5 woman and 1 man (and his wife). I’ve known this group since 2002/2003. So that’s about 7-8 years. And all because of Bae Yong Joon. So although I have quite a few posts to catch up, I’d like to take a little walk down memory lane just briefly.

In 2004, Bae Yong Joon came to Singapore to promote his first movie, ‘Untold Scandal’. At the same time, he had his first and only fan meeting here in Singapore.

Perhaps some of my readers may not think much of him or just can’t see what the fuss is all about. But Bae Yong Joon was at the peak of his popularity then because of ‘Winter Sonata’. Just like Lee Min Ho was popular after ‘Boys Over Flowers’ and Jang Guen Suk was popular after ‘You Are Beautiful’. There is no doubt that he and the drama contributed much to the rise of the Hallyu wave. He was also the first big Korean star to come to Singapore.

In many of the fan meetings today, it is organized by an event company, who charges an arm and a leg for the fans to see their idols. There is money to be made in this and well, I don’t blame the artiste’ agency because you really got to make money while you can (ie, while the artiste is still hot and popular). This fan meeting with Bae Yong Joon in 2004 was unique and unusual because it was organized by the fan club, Joon’s Family for the fans. And it did not cost an arm and a leg and a head, although many fans still complained then.

There is a different feel to it, especially when I compare it to the fan meetings/ showcases held recently. It may not be as professional but there was a lot of ‘heart’ put into it. I believe the fan club must be the only non-commercial organization to have his hand print. It should be worth quite a lot if we ever want to auction it off. ^^

And through this event, I got to know many others who have now become my friends today- Yuen Ping, Li Yi, May Choon and even the security people (whom I keep seeing when I attend K artistes events nowadays).

I had written an account of it on the Joon’s Family website back then but it was erased accidentally. Maybe one of these days, when I do have the time, I’ll write about it again…before I grow too old and forgetful. ^^

Thanks for the memories and friendship girls. And Ted- see you again soon. ^^

There will be some changes to the Joon’s Family website and it is hoped that the new site will be launched soon. As for annual gathering, it will be looked into when his travel book is available in Singapore in the later part of the year.