Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Master And The Follower

May 27,2009

Thanks to Happie Bb , she translated this article in Josie Jishin ( a Japanese Mag) in English. Though I can understand some Japanese language, but I can't read Kanji (Kanji are the Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese logographic writing system along with Hiragana and Katakana). I can read Hiragana and Katakana but not Kanji, it's so difficult for me.


original in japanese: josei jishin 2009/05/26
translated into chinese: snowkin / loveyongjoon
translated into english: happiebb / bb's blog


Lacquer Teacher Reveals
the Teacher-Student Relationship
for the First Time!

"In his works, pain and loneliness have been expressed...."


"I didn't ask him to come, but at around 7pm, Bae Yong Joon suddenly appeared. In his hands were a high-grade suit in gray and a shirt, that's his birthday present for me." Mr Jun Yong Bok who is Yonsama's (36) teacher said this with a smile.

It was 16th April, and Mr Jun held a birthday party for himself with ten other friends at Gorilla restaurant in Seoul. At that time, Yonsama had specially hurried over to send his birthday wishes. Yonsama has been Mr Jun's student for three months alreadys, and there are still exchanges and contact between the two.

"There's even a lacquer drying room in Yong Joon's home. The facilities were airflown from Japan, and it was my son who had gone over to his place to help install and set up everything."

Yonsama had turned one section of his own home into a lacquer studio, and that's for him to learn and create diligently as a lacquer artist.

"Each time I go to Seoul, I will instruct and guide Yong Joon on the techniques of lacquering. As a lacquer artist, he's really outstanding, it's really beyond words. His enthusiasm is also commendable. When I'm talking, he will be taking notes and he even uses IC record to record what I say.

I've taught about 2,000 students so far, but this is the first time I've had a student like him."


They address each other as teacher (sonseungnim) and you (jane?). Even when they are at a dinner party, their teacher-student relationship is also clearly displayed.

"Yong Joon will never raise his chopsticks to eat before I do. And when drinking, he will also turn his body to one side and cover his mouth to drink."

Of course, in korea, such courtesy and practices are quite common and expected towards one's elders, but Yonsama does it so thoroughly and mindfully. Mr Jun said, "He's too polite, I wish that he will be more relaxed." (laughs)


The Lacquer Fantasy event - a Collaboration of Lacquer and Musical Instruments - and also the joint lacquer exhibition of Jun Yong Bok and Bae Yong Joon was supposed to be held in June, and it has been postponed (date TBA) because of the flu situation.

Yonsama whose works are to be on display together with Mr Jun's works in the exhibition, did not step out outdoors for a week and he spent a week to create this big work. "Two works measuring180cm in height and 120cm in width, the titles are 'Sea at Dawn' and 'Romance between Two'.



The artist's life, philosophy and thoughts tend to be reflected in his lacquer works. We can feel the depth of life, loneliness and pain in his works."


On another note, the Iwate Lacquer Art Centre which had closed last November will be re-opening come 1st August.

"Yong Joon will be the honorary Centre Director! There will also be a special exhibit area that is newly added specially to showcase his works. In future, I would like the Art Centre to be under his care."


Now, Mr Jun is making preparation for Yonsama's fluid and moving stage (read: platform for performance), and he is also creating lacquer pieces. Let us watch this summer closely!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Winter Sonata- Animation

May 26, 2009

In this month of May, it is said that BYJ and Choi Ji Woo started the dubbing work on the "Winter Sonata" Anime.

After 7 years the 2 starring stars of the said TV Drama, performed together through their voices.

By this Fall the WLS anime will be broadcast in Korea as well in Japan.

Here are some of WLS trailers and BYJ's message....






Thanks to Tomato99 and Firedauz for the videos.

(Cry of BYJ Family) Reclusive YJ

May 26, 2009

I want to share this very well written fan letter that I've had read from other site. Because I know all of BYJ family can relate to this.

Sources:
Original : http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=581947513
Repost : www.byj.co.kr talkbox #56977 (in Chinese) by xiaoyanl
author : 裴莲儿 (2009-5-22 09:04)

Chinese to English : BYJ quilt/Freeboard/Freeboard -#15105 --by Cam 

[Trans] [Not completely suffering] Reclusive YJ

Recently someone from this website posted Mr Cai Kangyong’s famous diary . I try to reflect the article onto myself after reading it again. In the article it states: if you idolize a star, you must put it in writing – this I manage to do. It also states: if you idolize a star, you must let your mum know – this I manage to do (I did not just tell my mum, I even told my husband in a heat of the moment when I was not completely rational. Let’s put the seriously damaged consequences aside temporarily). It then states: if you idolize a star, you should go to see him in person – this I can’t manage to do, no matter how much I scratch my head to pieces, because my idol BYJ is in reclusion once more.

There has not been any news about YJ for a long while. Occasionally we get to hear that he has been to the library, the art museum, the dye factory and the salt mine to gather information and take photos. Often a few isolated words and phrases, at the most one or two blurred photos, in an attempt to provide a remedy for his fans’ lonely hearts.


It appears that reclusion is a convention for YJ. Like in the past, each time he finishes a project, he goes into hiding for a year or so. Wasn’t there a story about how after the peak of his drama “First Love” he was in reclusion for ten months?


By the time he returned to the TV station, even the concierge at the entrance could not recognize him. This time around it has been over a year and a half, if we also count his recuperation from the injuries after TWSGG.

Although during this period, he made several magnificent appearances. In Japan twice, the MBC’s award ceremony twice, the ambassador of travel, the medal award presentation and the white tiger of TWSSG’s wedding.





These appearances are far too little for his deserving fans that have been missing him deeply. Every time when the news about another wedding, we are like the nagging Ajima hoping he may turn up. But the end result is too often a no show amidst the crowd. No matter how disappointed his fans are. He stays far away like before, away from the aloofly noisy pla-ces and people. A recluse in his own world, leaving behind the soft clouds and light winds.

Honestly speaking, from this point of view, being a BYJ fan is really hard work. Recently I pop my head over to another popular star’s site (don’t kill me). This star is constantly appearing in public. He is promoting his new album straight after the TV drama. His next project of another TV drama and a movie are waiting for him in the pipeline. His news is reported one after another. His website is boiling, postings such as,”I am going to see him”, “I have seen him”, “I just returned and haven’t got over from feeling dizzy after seeing him” are all over the place. Various activities, video, artwork are everywhere, until our eyes can’t take it anymore. His fans are over indulging in happiness. I was following the lead, but at the same time, when I think about YJ, my heart feels somewhat quite lonesome.

Occasionally I even feel a bit resentful: YJ a, YJ, loving you is not an easy task.

Back to being a bit resentful, but truly in my mind it was clear that YJ’s excellence and how he stands out from the crowd, are his most precious qualities.

In this world, there is fewer and fewer who would handle matters in the same manner as BYJ in the entertainment industry. We could say it is fairly unique. New stars, more intense competitions. It is hard to stay at the top. Maintaining public appearance and popularity is most important. Fame and fortune come hand in hand. Just a simple truth. But this truth would not hold up when it comes to BYJ.

Fame and fortune is not BYJ’s aim, although he has been successful when compared with others. Improving himself continuously, enriching himself continuously and pursing self perfection continuously, are the utmost boundary for BYJ.

Since his debut, he has been behaving this way. Although this kind of individualism does not go down well with the trends and could trouble him frequently. A junior dares not participate in variety shows, dares not to accept interviews, ignoring piles of script offers. Doesn’t buy into others. In turn, he recedes and went off on a self education journey. He paid no attention to the TV station’s freeze and the media’s criticism. He continued enriching himself quietly, polishing himself, preparing himself for “the act with restraint on the bases of extensive knowledge”. Until one day, when he returned with a graceful smile and confident steps, as powerful as a thunderbolt. Hence forth standing at the summit, pointing and smiling at the world.

But his reclusion has not changed, live simply by wisely, live tranquilly by remotely. YJ knows the essence of it deeply.

Actually, without his continuous pursuit of self perfection and self improvement, we would not have such an enriched and unusually refined BYJ. It was said that there are lights of wisdom in his eyes, where do they come from? It was also said that there is this noble aura in his movements, how did he possess them?

Answer :
always have a book in his hand
Erudited and received in deep knowledge
Indifferent to fame and fortune
Without desire is firm and uncompromising

He is a contemporary reclusive star.
He is someone that I admire, love and praise sincerely from my heart

YJ a

You, like the mountains are high and the rivers are far, I will look from here, far across the distance.
You, like the tree of love stay evergreen, I will accompany you forever, stay true.

YJ a

Continuing your joyful reclusion. I can manage… sob sob.

Though I miss him a lot, still I'm waiting for him since we all know that he will be back sooner or later to give us another surprises.

Photos credit as labelled

Friday, May 22, 2009

BYJ's AB Ads Collages

May 22, 2009

Leny's collages of BYJ's Arnaldo Bassini Ad's...





Thanks to BYJ Gallery/ Style, Newsis, Maron and Arayo


BYJ - Riches South Korean Actor

May 22,2009

Source: Singapore News at Yahoo
Entertainment/Asia Pacific/World

Bae Yong Joon richest celebrity in Korea


Xin.sg - Thursday, May 21

Besides the usual performance and endorsement deals, many artistes are also likely to invest. According to Korea media reports, actor Bae Yong Joon is currently the richest South Korean celebrity.



With the rebound of the Korean stock market this year, celebrities who dabbled in the stock market benefited significantly in terms of wealth. According to Korean media reports, there are currently five South Korean celebrities with stocks worth over 1 billion won (about S$1.16million); among them is Bae, who owns the largest portion, 34.8%, of the shares in Korean listed company KeyEast.

As compared to the first trading day of this year, KeyEast's share price has soared by over 50 percent with Bae earning about 6 billion won (about S$7 million) from it, making him into the richest South Korean celebrity at present.

Second in line is the entertainment company which manages the famous South Korean boy band Tohoshinki. Third is Asian superstar Rain, who owns 13.36% of the shares of J.Tune Entertainment, which shares have hit a market price of 3.6 billion won (S$4.3million).

Thanks to BYJ gallery/ style for the photo and to Xin.sg

Thursday, May 21, 2009

My BYJ 's Scrapbook Pages - II

May 21, 2009

Hi every one,

Wanna have to do something while waiting for BYJ to show us something new..... see some
of my different artworks? My BYJ's scrapbook pages.

I made it every time I can't sleep at night or every time I wake up so early as 2AM.
You know there's no seconds that BYJ is out of my mind... So bad for me, isn't it.

These are the older works, I'll post again the newer ones later, I haven't scan them yet,
sorry I'm so slow.

Materials used:
Scrapbook acid free plain papers, printed papers, crepe paper, laces, ribbons, sequins, rhinestones, copied and printed photos and text and other embellishments.

Hope you would like this too.....








want some more.. then see the older post.......

http://mychikara.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-byj-scrapbook-pages.html

Thank you so much for those who posted those photos that I use.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Leny's BYJ Necklace II

May 19,2009

Hi , hi to all my dear friends...I have here something to share again. Another BYJ necklaces which I design.








For those who haven't seen yet the first one please go to...

http://mychikara.blogspot.com/2009_04_23_archive.html

Hope you like all my designs and thanks for coming....



Monday, May 18, 2009

BYJ Proves That Lean Poultry Diet's Effective

May 18,2009

Source:THE KOREA TIMES
Home > Newszone > Biz/Finance

Men Eat Up Chicken Breasts for Tight-Bodied Look

By Jane Han
Staff Reporter

Who said chicken breast is a diet staple only for tight-bodied sizzling young men? With the latest social trend idolizing muscular and fashionable middle-aged men, 30- and 40-something men looking to tone up and trim down are emerging as the biggest buyers.

Online shopping mall Auction's sales data showed Sunday that revenue generated from chicken breast sales has shot up 108 percent on-year in the past month. Male shoppers accounted for 75 percent of the sales and among them, 30-something shoppers were the largest age group (37 percent), followed by consumers in their 20s (26 percent) and 40s (23.4 percent).

Ko Hyun-sil, a food merchandiser at Auction, attributed the strong sales to the recent fad for ``beautiful older men,'' an image characterized in MBC's popular drama ``Queen of Housewives.''

Oh Ji Ho , Yoon Sang Hyun and Choi Chul Ho


Queen of Housewives


In the drama, typical ``ajeossi,'' or middle-aged men, who are stereotyped to be outmoded and have little physical allure, are nowhere to be found. All three main male characters are fit and stylish, each with their own manly appeal.

``The television show has triggered even ordinary men to work their way toward becoming these hot characters,'' she said, adding that weight control is the first place people are looking to start.

Skinless chicken breast, which is known as one of the leanest and most protein-packed foods, is a popular choice for health and weight-conscious individuals.


Top actor Bae Yong Joon proved the lean poultry diet's effectiveness recently by shedding more than 8 kilograms in two months by eating chicken breast and eggs.

The growth rate of chicken breast purchases among 40-somethings stands out the most, based on the data. Their consumption soared 214 percent year-on-year, the highest jump compared to other age groups.

According to Auction, male shoppers in their 40s also showed off their purchasing power in the health supplement categories. While sales of diet supplements leaped 25 percent year-on-year, 40-somethings generated 24 percent of the revenue.

``Social trends trigger all sorts of fads, but the latest one is beneficial because it ultimately helps middle-aged people look after their health more,'' said Kim.

jhan@koreatimes.co.kr

05-17-2009 18:16

Thanks to Jane Han of Korean Times

Thursday, May 14, 2009

BYJ... My Only One.... Forever

May 14, 2009


The Only One ... Forever

Though I'm older, I'm young again
When I looked at you
My heart is beating frantically
And my head is full of illusions
....

So hard, may be I'm obsessed and
I hate to be like this
Trying to be responsible to heal
My mental and emotional self

But still it never change the feelings
and it grows fonder.

When loving you is wrong
Then I don't want to be right anymore
I don't care what they say
I don't care what ever the complications are
All I know and care of is you
And you're the only one
and that's .... forever.

The only one from now on
And I said the only one not number one
'coz number one have number 2
number 3 and so on....
But the only one.... forever.....

LENY #6 - 2008


Here's my video, this is really my first work
and I'm so amateur in doing this so it's not so good yet.
I should have to learn more to make a better one.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDlEBTTsBK0

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

BYJ... by Myoce

May 13, 2009

Hi, for those who can't go in KOB fan art gallery, I want to share here again one of my Baesisters some art works with her consent.












Thank you Myoce for those beautiful arts that you've share to us.
Thank you, thank you so much.
Keep up the good works 'coz
I'm always looking forward for more. (hek hek hek)


Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day


May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day to every mother in this world...

To: BYJ,

Please send my greetings and gratitude to your "Omoni".

For She is someone who holds you close,
Trying to guide you and give you a sense of values,
Yet sets you free to find out for yourself
Just who you are and who you want to be....

For She is someone who dreams,
Great dreams for you,
Yet accepts the dreams that you decide to follow
And will always love you just the way you are.

And I'm so grateful to her for bringing
you in this world...
...You that gives us all in this Baeworld
A strength and courage to face
The difficulties and obstacles in life...
...You that lights up our burden souls...

Comes deeply from the bottom of my heart,
Thank you very much to Her.
May She and your grand mother and younger sister
Feel all the wonders of GOD's love
and celebrate this Mother's Day with a joyful heart.

Happy Father's day too to your "Aboji"
(I've heard that mother's and father's day in Korea is celebrate on the same date.)



And to all my Baesister's Mothers and who's a mother herself,

This one's for you

Because we have a special friendship,
Closeness is never more than a thought away.
And no matter how many miles or seas are between us,
When we're thinking of BYJ and of each other
With love that only true friends can give,
We truly are together.

"A Mom is like a simple calculator
Someone who adds Comfort,
Subtract Fear,
Divides Blessings and
Multiplies Joy."

Happy Mother's Day to all of you.

Today is our day so
Let us relax and enjoy ourselves.
God gives us richly all things to enjoy.


And to my Mother

Where ever she is now
I know she still guiding and protecting me

Thank you and I Love You

Mama ... Happy Mother's day
I miss you so much.


With lots of love, hugs and kisses,
(but beware of H1N1or swine flu, he he he he)

LENY

I dedicate this song to all the mothers in this world.
This song was sang by Lea Salonga at very young age
Thanks to
Ultrathick for this video and the translation.

Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan ( Cradles Swing)


Friday, May 8, 2009

Interview with JYB

May 8, 2009

original in japanese: noriko iida / hallyu fan ver. 10 (2009/04/23) translated into chinese: snowkin / loveyongjoon translated into english: happiebb / bb's blog

Snowkin: Noriko Iida is a magazine reporter, and she is also a loyal bae-fan.
She would update her bae-blog on a daily basis.
In this issue, she even interviewed blogger fuyuka,
who has the most visited blog amongst bae-fans, with over 2.2m visits.




Yong Joon says, "I'm very happy."

Interview with Lacquer Artist Jun Yong Bak:
Yong Joon's Secret 1-week Morioka Visit


Yong Joon spent happy times learning lacquer painting in secret】

The second day after completing a week's worth
of learning about lacquer painting secretly in Iwate-ken (Morioka city),
Bae Yong Joon appeared at the Gosireh restaurant at Shirogane in Tokyo.
The expression on his face was like that of a curious young man, bright and radiant.
This is the first time I've seen Bae Yong Joon
wearing such a relaxed and happy expression on his face.

From arriving in Japan on 26th Feb,
and having spent a week in Iwate-ken must have a most fulfilling time for him.
Mr Jun Yong Bok, the lacquer artist who has brought such happy times to Bae Yong Joon
- What sort of person would he be?

Mr Jun who showed up at the Morioka TV news station is a very gentle and kind man.
He's the lacquer artist who has gained world fame
from restoring over 5,000 pieces of lacquer art pieces at Meguro Gajoen.
I was nervous when I had made that call to him,
and through the phone, he also transmitted his gentle personality.
Right after that (call), he immediately sent me his book,

"Soul: Dad Why Are We Here In Japan?".


Jeon Yong Bok's Biography Written by himself in Korean version

A Japanese Version Written by a Buddish Nun Jakucho Setouchi (Harumi Setouchi)



I took a week to finish this book,
and I also went to see the fine lacquer pieces at Meguro Gajeon.
In the morning of 16th March, I boarded the Shinkansen from Tokyo for Iwate-ken.
This happened to be the exact opposite direction of Bae Yong Joon's first time on the Shinkansen,
and the train sped all the way towards Iwate-ken.


【Under the guidance of the lacquer sunbae's spirit; worked hard at restoring lacquer works】

Let's start with Mr Jun's life as written in his book.

Mr Jun was born in Busan in South Korea in 1952.
Born to a poor family, his elder brother passed away when he was in primary five.
As the oldest of the family (from that time), he had to work from dawn and dusk everyday.
In secondary school, he started selling chrysanthemum bread, moving coals,
and working all sorts of jobs to help support the family.
During this time, he was influenced by his two uncles who were painters,
and developed an interest in painting.
As I was reading the stories from Mr Jun's youth,
images of Chan Woo's family as portrayed by Bae Yong Joon
in the drama First Love appeared in my head.

After Mr Jun graduated from high school,
he served his military duty with the marine corps for three years.
After that, he worked in a company dealing with composite wood.
When the company was penetrating the furniture market,
he was the planning chief, responsible for design and operations.

He was not satisfied with just furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay,
so he set up a lacquer research centre in Busan in 1980
and became involved in the creation of lacquer works passionately.
The meaning of 'Japan' is actually lacquer, lacquer-ware,
or the act of coating with a brilliant, hard varnish,
and in order to learn about the world-renowned Japanese lacquer painting techniques,
he made numerous visits to Japan.

One day, the Meguro Gajeon commissioned Mr Jun
to work on the restoration of an ozen (Japanese-style dining tray),
and this was the turning point or trigger of the restoration project at Meguro Gajeon.

During Mr Jun's first visit to Meguro Gajeon,
he found the name of a Chosun lacquer artist (Gwang-Shin)
on the lacquer and mother-of-pearl works.
Mr Jun swore "These works that bear the soul and the spirit of the lacquer-artist sunbae,
I want to bring them back to life with my two hands."

From then on, Mr Jun made many visits to Meguro Gajeon,
and spent two years to study and research secretly about how to restore these lacquer pieces.
The entire process of how the restoration project was handed to Mr Jun
was like a TV drama with an exciting plot and story development.


【The international person who loves his own country's culture with such passion;bridging the gap between Japan and Korea
with lacquer art】


The three-year restoration work was carried out at the compounds
of a defunct primary school located in Kawai-mura within the Iwate-ken perfecture.
Mr Jun's family of five lived in the village together with over 100 artisans;
they experienced much difficulty and hardship.
But they overcame all sorts of difficulties and challenges
with the life philosophy of 'I will not retreat no matter the difficulty. I Can!'

In my mind, images of Mr Jun working on the restoration project with all his might
overlapped very naturally with the images of Bae Yong Joon
fighting to complete the TWSSG filming despite his injuries.
Mr Jun believes that one must first the culture of one's own country,
before one can be a truly global citizen,
and this has a common thread with Bae Yong Joon's own attitude towards life.

I've read Mr Jun's book;
Mr Jun who 'bridges the gap between Japan and Korea through lacquer art',
and Bae Yong Joon who 'who bridges the divide between Japan and Korea through TV dramas',
I feel that there is some sort of fate between the two men.


【Met BYJ in December, had many things in common, and became lacquer teacher】

The Iwayama Urushi Art Museum is located at mid-way of the hillside,
and it takes 10 minutes by car from Morioka city.

As the museum is now closed (temporarily),
the spacious museum has become very quiet.
In the studio on the second level,
Mr Jun is working on creating high-end lacquered watches.
During a break from this work, he told me the story about how he had met Bae Yong Joon.

"At first when Bae Yong Joon spoke about wanting to write the book 'Beauty of Korea',
I wasn't particularly interested.
I was wondering if Yonsama was just wanting to do something nice-looking...

Later, through an email sent over by his staff,
he had clearly expressed his wish to contribute
towards the cultural exchange between Japan and Korea.
So I too changed my mind."

Mr Jun and Bae Yong Joon's first meeting took place
in Seoul on 19th December last year.
They got along and chatted well together for about three-and-a-half hours.

"My son Hyun Min was also with us at that time.
He looked at my son and said, 'Your name is Jun Hyun Min,
and you're born on 23rd October 1989, right?'

I was very surprised then.
Looks like he had read my book before the meeting, and had made preparation.
I met him directly and listened to his ideals,
on how he wants to experience and understand the culture personally
and then to relay and disseminate the message from his own perspective.
It was very admirable.

If it's for money,
then it would be more profitable to just act in dramas and CFs (laughs).
To go around the whole of Korea personally,
he fired ceramics, made kimchi, and personally took pictures and did interviews.
Even here, he too took pictures of my works,
he's very good at photography."

With Bae Yong Joon, Mr Jun spoke about the history of lacquer, the present and its future.
He even showed him the high-end Seiko watches made from gold and mother-of-pearl
which were released last year.

Mr Jun said, "Traditional culture is not about copying or reproducing things
that existed in the past.
Tradition must grow and move forward together with times,
culture has to change and progress together with the times.
There're many fine and beautiful things about lacquer throughout history,
it's still fine and beautiful to use lacquer in the art-form and cultures in this 21st century."

Bae Yong Joon who had listened to Mr Jun speak about lacquer history
with his fullest attention told Mr Jun, "I'm not here to interview,
but I want to learn lacquer painting. Can you teach me?"

Mr Jun said, "If you're doing this with just a cursory or casual attitude,
or if you think it's cool to do this,
then I'm very busy and have no time, and will reject you.

But if you really want to understand the journey of lacquer, and wish to create,
then I will teach you."


【Completed 12 lacquer works in a week; can't imagine he's a novice】

Mr Jun said Bae Yong Joon is a very busy man
playing the dual roles of an actor and a businessman,
and he did not think that he would come and learn lacquer painting.

"When he really showed up in late February, I was really very surprised.
I didn't even tell the neighbours or the people who come in and out of this place.
I've lived here in Japan for 20 years, and I'd never told lies like this.
It's very hard (laughs).

But for someone who had come with a purpose, an objective,
to let him go without achieving his goal, isn't that a pity?"

All thanks for Mr Jun's care and concern,
Bae Yong Joon was able to complete his lacquer learning stint smoothly
without anyone discovering it.
In that week's stay, Mr Jun had taught Bae Yong Joon all the process
of creating a complete lacquer work.
Thereafter Bae Yong Joon started his creation on his own, freely.
There were 12 pieces of works.

The bigger wall panel is 80cm by 120cm.
Which of these works is the most outstanding?

Mr Jun said, "There're works with the sea as the theme,
and there're also works based on the heart as a theme.
All of the works are outstanding.
There will be one day he himself will want to show everyone his works,
please do enjoy them at that time."

"From the use of the brushes to the dust problem during the drying process,
he solved all the problems.
All 12 works were completely lacquered.
Can't imagine that this was his first time learning and creating such lacquer works.

He didn't mimic or copy me at all;
instead, the creations are Bae Yong Joon-style,
I'm very happy about this."

Other than using lacquer painting,
the 12 works also included the use of ceramics, sh*ells and others.
Bae Yong Joon would understand it completely
so long as Mr Jun explained the basics to him once.

Mr Jun said, "Up till now, I've not met anyone
who's able to produce such outstanding works with just a week's stay.
I can feel his passion and love for lacquer painting.

He has read many books about lacquer painting before coming here,
so he has already learnt about things
such as the composition of lacquer, the use of the pen or brush.
He has already grasped the theory,
so the understanding will be quicker."


【Creating his art till 5am; the quiet Bae Yong Joon too jokes】

Bae Yong Joon is not afraid of lacquer poisoning.
Mr Jun had asked in concern, "Is it alright when you've filming work?"

Bae Yong Joon had replied decisively, "I will do it without gloves.
It's okay, I can bear with it."

Mr Jun said, "When there's a real risk, I will also wear gloves,
and during such times, I will also make him put on the gloves.

Bae Yong Joon did everything himself,
from getting ready and packing up after the work sessions.
He would be engrossed in his creation from 4am all the way till 5 o'clock or thereabouts."

In addition, even if he only had abit of sleep,
he would wake up early to go for morning strolls with Mr Jun at the back of the hills.
When cleaning up the lacquer brush made from human hair,
the quiet Bae Yong Joon said to Mr Jun, "I want to keep my hair long and beautiful,
and make them into lacquer brushes for Mr Jun."

"He has a prudent and careful character,
likes learning and often brings books with him.
He can't drink all that much, but when he drinks, he moves his body sideways.
He's very well-mannered, and really cares for his staff,
I really do admire him.

When I'm not around,
the usually quiet Bae Yong Joon would imitate my Busan dialect
to make everyone laugh (laughs)."
Mr Jun spoken about his stay happily.


【Shared beauty of Iwate's nature, and happiness of walking on the streets; experience Beauty of Japan at Konjikido】

In order to create (good works),
coming into contact with Iwate's nature is also important.
Together with Mr Jun and the staff, Bae Yong Joon had visited the fish market,
Jodo Ga Hama, and also went to the Kumanohana Observatory.

Mr Jun said, "At Jodo Ga Hama, there were kids playing and throwing rocks,
Bae Yong Joon took pictures of this scene,
but the kids' parents all did not notice.
No one would imagine that Yonsama would be there (laughs).

At the fish market, the ajummas are my fans,
and they would call out to me, 'Ah, Mr Jun...'
He also took pictures of such scenes, but no one noticed him."

He went to Koiwai Nojo (Koiwai Farm), and also saw cherry blossoms.
He also went into the big supermarket within Morioka city,
and walked on the big streets, went into coffee shops,
but no one noticed.
Not only did he learn about lacquer painting,
he also fulfilled his wish to walk freely on the streets
without anyone discovering that it's him.

For Bae Yong Joon,
it must have been a wonderfully fulfilling and enriching Iwate-ken stay.

On the last day, 4th March,
he visited the Konjikidō in Chusonji with Mr Jun playing tour-guide,
and saw the exquisite lacquer and mother-of-pearl works there.
When visiting the main hall, the teahouse at the side
was holding a workshop on tea ceremony,
Bae Yong Joon joined them.

In the teahouse, Mr Jun sat next to Bae Yong Joon.
Mr Jun said, "He knows the rituals of the tea ceremony very well;
he was very humble and was tasting the tea very carefully.
He even visited the tatami tearoom next door with much interest."

Mr Jun started on the Meguro Gajeon restoration project at the age of 36,
which is the same age as Bae Yong Joon now.
Having taken care of and tended to Bae Yong Joon for a week,
what thoughts does he have towards Bae Yong Joon?

"I think it's quite impossible for ordinary people
to gain such recognition by people at the age of 36.
I too am very proud about my own work.
To promote the cultural exchange between Japan and Korea through lacquer,
my fame in Japan is not even 1% of Bae Yong Joon's in Japan (laughs).

Personally, I've no interest in his TV dramas,
but in terms of the effect he has of introducing Korean arts and culture to Japan,
he can be said to be a great person.

To do this much to promote the relations between Japan and Korea,
he must be the first in history;
this achievement will probably remain in history, I guess..."
Mr Jun said this of Bae Yong Joon.

As for Bae Yong Joon up-close-and-personal,
Mr Jun said, "He's very polite, very humble, and very sentimental.
Looking at him like this, I'm relieved.
We should be honored to have such a Yonsama whom we can proud of.

Many stars become famous and popular,
but many of them just disappear very quickly, but he's different.
Bae Yong Joon's someone who can bring happiness to the family,
this I understand." Mr Jun complimented him as such.

As part of the Bae family, I felt as though I was being complimented,
and was feeling especially happy.

Through the interview, I reaffirmed my thought that
these two men are destined to meet.
Just like Bae Yong Joon and his family.


【To introduce the essence of Eastern culture to the world】

"These two men both have thoughts of introducing Eastern art and culture
to the world in future."

"To introduce such precious Eastern culture to the rest of the world,
and contribute to world culture."

Mr Jun and Bae Yong Joon exchanged their ideals and ideas about the future.

The Iwayama Urushi Art Museum is currently under renovation,
and is slated to reopen in August tentatively.
The newly-renovated museum will exhibit Mr Jun's works,
the exquisite lacquer and mother-of-pearl watches, guitars and other works,
and there are also plans to add a science hall to promote the study and research of lacquer,
and also a garden-museum with lacquer as the theme.

The display of Bae Yong Joon's lacquer works has not been decided,
but surely they will be on display one day,
am already looking forward to that.

During the re-opening in August, even if it's just one of Bae Yong Joon's works,
it is ours, the family's wish that it could be displayed,
hopefully our wish can come true.
I left Iwayama Urushi Art Museum, and said my goodbye to Mr Jun;
he too stretched out a warm hand and bid me goodbye.


A Small Story...
Mr Jun and his son Hyun Min

Mr Jun said, "Bae Yong Joon is just like a son.
I address him like how I would address someone younger and in a friendly tone,
using 'no' or 'chane'."

"He wrote in my interview notes happily,
'Bae Yong Joon is BYJ, and Jun Yong Bok is JYB.'

I said, 'So son-saeng-nim can also be called Yongsama!
So in future let it be Yongsama of Iwate!' He smiled shyly to that."

Hyun Min (19) who had slept and eaten with Bae Yong Joon for a whole week said,
"I call Bae Yong Joon-ssi 'hyong', and we spent our times just like brothers.
I was abit nervous in the beginning,
but after drinking tea and chatting till very late everyday,
the nervousness disappeared very quickly."

He showed me the pictures they'd taken together with the cellphone,
Bae Yong Joon looked very happy.

"When he was returning home on 9th March, at Narita Airport,
he called me before boarding the plane, 'Hyun Min? This is Yong Joon-hyong...'
I was so surprised that he'd called me."

Here's the videos of Mr. JYB artworks
Thanks to Tomato99 for this