[Trans] BYJ’s update (2/21/2011)

Lifted from Suehan's blog (thanks for the translation sis)

1. Reposted from a tweet,
http://twitter.com/wellznow/status/39558795570978816


“Actor Bae Yong Joon ssi came to Wells…!!”

suehan: Wells is a furniture store located in Cheondam-dong, Seoul and its website is: www.wells.co.kr.



2. Reposted from yasai nim’s blog. This is a rough translation since I used a translation website to translate Japanese into Korean.

“I heard that Bae Yong Joon went to a nearby bank today. He was riding in his Maybach. It seems that he greeted his fans who were waiting(?) for him.

After that, he went to the dermatology clinic. He was wearing a black jacket, white boots, sunglasses, and a hat.”

[trans]BYJ Staff Blog (19) ramen and ton-katsu

Repost from lovebaeyongjoon

February 19, 2011

Translated from Japanese to English by tomato99 ♥ (thanks a lot)

source: BYJ Mobile Official Site
BYJ Staff Blog


Good evening! I am staff S ☆
18 February 2011

(tomato: this is an excerpt from the posting.)



Everyone’s mostly concerned about Bae Yong Joon san, let me share some information.

I have asked one of the management staff who had recently visited Korea.

Currently, Bae Yong Joon san is recuperating at home, so the management staff visited Bae Yong Joon san’s home this time!!

It was just the lunchtime, staff decided to get some meals delivered.

It is really cold in Korea now, they had considered it would be better to get delivery rather than going out with Bae Yong Joon san.

During the meal, staff asked, “Next time you are visiting Japan, let’s go eat something delicious. What would you like to have?”

Bae Yong Joon san answered, “Let me see,,, I want to eat ramen and TON-KATSU (pork cutlet) that I had with Hyun Joong (Kim Hyun Joong) last December in Japan.”



BYJ Staff Blog (17) Watching “Dream High”

BYJ Staff Blog (17) Watching “Dream High”

January 26, 2011
Trans by tomato99 ♥ @ Love Bae Yong Joon (thanks sis)

source: BYJ Mobile Official Site
BYJ Staff Blog



Watching “Dream High”
24　January 2011

Japanese to English: tomato99 @LoveBaeYongJoon


6 episodes had been aired as of 18th January.

I am one of his staff, but I get enraptured watching Yong Joon-san’s drama.(smile)

We posted Dream High posters at our office lobby, now bare lobby looks nice.

It’s wonderful to create contents that can make people happy.

However, people creating them go through a lot of trouble,,,

And I think support from people is the best thing to give them power.

Until the end of Dream High, I will support them at a viewer’s feelings rather than a staff.

That’s because my feelings are more passionate as a fan…

This last photo courtesy of Yume - Thanks sis

Investor’s Perspective about Bae Yong Joon

Actors from the investors’ perspective.

Source : Suehan's BYJ blog (thanks)

[Trans]From the GQ Magazine
Conda nim shared this article with us on café byjintoronto (thanks)


It is said that actors do not really affect the box office these days. The investors are still cold-hearted. We ask six investors about who they consider investing in and those they stay away from. - Editor Moon Sung Won

suehan: The magazine selected three actors they were willing to invest in: Kang Dong Won, Song Gang Ho, and Jeon Do Yeon. However, they would not invest in: Bae Yong Joon, Lee Jung Jae, and Hwang Jung Min.

I heard that he wants to appear in the movie. But, he just can’t appear in any movies he wants to do. He is so popular and influential financially that the investors and producers aren’t “hiring” Bae Yong Joon but Bae Yong Joon is “hiring” them. He is equivalent to a company now.

Even though a certain role suits the acting of Bae Yong Joon really well investing in him is still very problematic. Bae Yong Joon presently remains a huge actor and his mere appearance in a movie instantly possesses headlines of “Bae Yong Joon’s next movie.” It is a burden on the investors that they can’t deal with. They can’t do anything. - A team leader of A investment company.

[News Trans]Bae Yong Joon’s movement, what kind of 1st security

April 10, 2010

Trans in English by Suehan (thanks a lot sis)

Bae Yong Joon’s movement, what kind of 1st security

[2010-04-09 19:31:33]



【Seoul = Newsis】Reporter Lee Jae Hoon, Hallyu star Bae Yong Joon (38)’s movements should be kept a secret.

On the 9th of April, related to Bae Yong Joon’s hospital visit in Japan, his management company Keyeast said, “The name of hospital was involuntarily released, and the hospital has difficulties performing the normal medical services because of the interview requests from the local media. It looks like they read and translated the Korean news, and the name of hospital was released.”

Recently, Bae Yong Joon donated treatment equipments to eight hospitals in Japan for premature infants. On the 6th of April, he visited the local hospital that installed the treatment equipments under his name and comforted the premature infants and their parents.

He went to Japan on the 5th and will return to Korea after he does work for the charity activities and other matters for a few days.

realpaper7@newsis.com

http://www.newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20100409_0004852143&cID=10601&pID=10600

Bae Yong Joon and Mgr. Yang's Daughter

April 9, 2010

Annyong　Hasaeyo, dear family

Source: BYJ Mobile Official Site
BYJ Mgr’s Blog (55) /April 8, 2010
by: Manager Yang Geun Hwan
Translated -Japanese to English: tomato99

Annyong　Hasaeyo!
Dear family, this is Yang Geun Hwan.

It is already April of year 2010. How time flies!
Other day, my daughter who was born last year celebrated her 100th day.
In Korea, child’s 100th day is a special day and we celebrate it with family and relatives.
I had a small gathering with my family for celebration.
Bae Yong Joon attended and congratulated us.

To show my appreciation of all your concern and warm support for my daughter,
I would like to share the photos for the first time.
I hope you find her adorable.

Bae Yong Joon and my daughter

my daughter

It is spring but Korea is still cold.
I hope we can feel the warmth of spring in both Korea and Japan.
Please be careful not to catch cold in the cold weather.

Kamsa Hamnida.
Sincerely,
Yang Geun Hwan

[Trans & photos] Yon-sama cafe finally opens in Seoul

April 8, 2010

Yon-sama cafe finally opens in Seoul

Translated in English by Tomato (thanks)
source: Joins.com


On 26 March, Park BOF newly opened as Cafe Artienue at lobby floor of 9th Avenue.


inside is separated in two parts. Gallery filled with Hallyu star's private goods. You can feel Yon-sama looking at his costumes from events in Japan and his favorite things from his home.


You are not allowed to take photos but there is a photo shooting zone too. You can take composite photos with Yon-sama and there is also a set with snowman which resembles the drama WLS.


You can also purchase the necklace which Yujin(Choi Jiwoo) will be wearing for the last episode of Animation WS.


To feel the Korean taste, you can also try Korean traditional tea at the cafe space. You can also purchase glasses and mug cups which are Cafe Artienue's original goods.


Found it!! A potted plant which was sent from Yon-sama to commemorate the opening of the cafe! There's also Joon bear sitting next to the pot.

You can find other Hallyu star's shops at 9th Avenue, a place you cannot miss for a Hallyu　entertainment lover!

[Vod] BYJ in Opening of Gosireh Hwa inLlotte Hotel

April, 8, 2010

4/7　ヨン様＆ゆうこりん「DON」より　ｂｙKen

Cr: gineidenkiruhi @ YT

Photos and another vod link by JIJIPRESS (thanks)

(visit the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu33JAy_m5E

[Trans] YJ visited a Sashimi Restaurant in Busan

April, 8, 2010

YJ visited a sashimi restaurant in Busan.

Hello, everyone;

Before I introduce this posting, I want to refresh your memory. Do you remember my previous posting about his new Ferrari? Yeah. He bought a new Ferrari 599 and he was spotted with his Ferrari at a few places in Korea. And the writer of this posting has a nickname as atom in his blog, is a sommelier that appeared in byj’s book, ‘A Journey to discover the beauty of Korea’. So, the writer didn’t mention byj’s name at all in this posting, we can easily assume the big brother is byj. Please enjoy.

original in Korean: atom
Date/Time: 2010/04/07 15:09
Translated into English: Suehan/ suehan's byj blog (thanks)

(Haewoondae in Busan) Gyeongbuk Sashimi House: Famous Restaurant for Spicy Seafood Stew

A while ago, I went to Busan with my big brother for 2 nights 1 day, just the two of us. It was a unique and fun trip even though only two men went there for 2 nights 1 day. We had our first meal at the sashimi restaurant when we arrived in Busan.


We rode a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to go to Busan.
My big brother, who accompanied me, bought this car a while ago and I rode in it about 5 or 6 times. Whenever I rode in that car, I could feel its amazing acceleration, stabilized cornering, and comfortable riding. Even I hated to get off.. haha. (I will talk about the detailed riding story next time..)


There was a post in the room, and it was interesting. “Smile at least half of the day!!”


Tasty soy bean paste


Simple table setting.


The sliced raw fish was cut into thick pieces. Almost as thick as beef slices.


Put a piece of the sliced raw fish in a sesame leaf and seaweed.


Another piece with leaf mustard kimchee


In a single piece wrapped with seaweed. It looked like they were using fresh fish because of the thickness of the sliced raw fish and flavor. I really want to come back here.


Radish, boiled in a soy sauce with spices, stimulated our appetite for rice.


Soothing spicy seafood stew


There are many solid ingredients and one whole stingfish


Rice cooked in the pot.


We had roasted rice.


They even served us roasted rice for free.

Please visit them when you feel like eating a spicy seafood stew in Busan. The soup was an art. It is located in the entrance of Mapo Dock.

http://blog.naver.com/mmatom/30083922928

[News trans] BYJ visited Japan secretly

April 7, 2010

BYJ visited Japan secretly, and donated treatment equipments to eight hospitals for the premature infants.

[Newsen] 2010-04-07 11:10
translated in English by Suehan/ suehan' byj blog (thanks)

[Newsen Reporter Pae Seon Young]

Hallyu Star Bae Yong Joon visited Japan on April 5th.

His management company said, “Bae Yong Joon visitied Japan for the invitation of the opening of Lotte City Hotel which was held in the morning on the 6th. On that day, Lotte Hotel opened in Japan for the first time, and he present white china, which was made by an Korean artist, to congratulate its opening.” A piece of china, which he presented, will be displayed in the hotel.

It was known that he arrived in Japan through another city, not Tokyo, for security reasons and smoother procedures.

He has donated the treatment equipments to eight hospitals in Japan for premature infants since last year, and the same afternoon, he visited the children’s hospital in Yokohama where the equipment was installed under his name and stretched his donation activities.

On that day, he met the infants, who were having treatments on the beds he donated, and their parents and comforted them.

Someone related to his management company said, “There is a shortage in treatment beds for premature infants and specialized doctors worldwide,” and “He donated them to provide momentum to get more supporters and interest to save the precious lives and help the infants to get healthy from the treatments.”

Pae Seon Young; sypova@newsen.com

http://news.nate.com/view/20100407n08016

[Job Notice] Bae Yong Joon’s Japan visit

Bae Yong Joon’s Japan visit

name: Digital Adventure　administrator
date: 2010/04/06 20:01:27
Translated in English by Tomato


Hello, dear family,

Bae Yong Joon has come to Japan, yesterday.
Bae Yong Joon is very distressed on the accident caused by windstorms at Jeongdongjin, Korea and he has repeated discussions with his staff till last minute on this Japan visit.

After discussions, he has decided on visiting Japan, and today, Bae Yong Joon has sent words of congratulations on grand opening of Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho.
We ask you for your kind understanding that we could not inform you beforehand because of security reasons.

During his stay in Japan, he is scheduled to prepare for activities related to future charity activities.
Please note and understand that there will be no chance to greet everyone in person.

We will do our best to create a better chance to meet with everyone.
And also, we ask you for your understanding and warm support.

[Reposted and Trans]That was Yonsama..

April 7, 2010

That was Yonsama..

Original written in Korean: こんばんは。
Date/Time: 10.04.06 13:38
Translated into English: Suehan (thanks a lot sis)

I just went to the restaurant in front of the office for lunch.
There were so many people there, even the police were all over, and guys in black suits walked back and forth.
I thought that Lotte Department store was on its opening sale,
but my boss’s wife, who couldn’t bear curiosity, asked someone about it.

She asked about it, and the reason was that Yonsama was coming.
We looked around and saw many auntie groups holding Yonsama’ pictures, fans, handkerchiefs, etc.

I was not interested in Yonsama, so I just kept eating.
But my boss’s wife was a great fan of him and was ready to go out when he comes even if she was eating.
My boss wasn’t upset with her, but he grinned and bare it.
Yonsama arrived when we almost finished our lunch.

Woa.. It was amazing. Just Yonsama was in his car and passed by..
He opened the window and waived his hand at them, but half of them cried.. ㅡ_ㅡ;;; Why did they cry?

My boss’s wife stopped eating and ran outside.
They said that they were happy, he was handsome, and happy to live. (I don’t understand why they said that..)

Anyway, it was the day that I felt Yonsama’s power again.

We came back to the office and my boss’s wife was still bragging about it to the female workers..
Hew.. I hope she cares about her husband a little.

I don’t think I can go home early today again.. sob sob

http://cafe.daum.net/japanricky/26A4/40001

[Trans & Vod] KBS Program, Am-Plaza (April 5, 2010)

April 6, 2010

KBS Program, Am-Plaza (April 5, 2010)

Clip edited by Boonseongbae/byjintoronto
Translated into English: Suehan/ suehan's byj blog

Female Anchor: A while ago, you two were introduced in the book that Bae Yong Joon ssi published.

Lee Hyo Jae: Yes.

Female Anchor: The Japanese fans must have liked you a lot as usual.

Cheon Han Bong: Yes. I was surprised. He was very good with his hands.

Male anchor: Are you talking about Bae Yong Joon ssi?

Cheon Han Bong: Average people can’t make something right away even though they know how to handle the clay. The clay doesn’t go up straight due to the speed of the spinning wheel. But Bae Yong Joon ssi followed my instruction very well. We need to narrow the arms to lift the clay with the speed of the spinning wheel. We need to narrow the arms to keep the balance, and surprisingly, he did it very well. After a while, he made one right way. I saw him making about two. I think he is very good with his hands. He was born with it and given by nature.

[Trans] From MBC TV Section Entertainment Reports

April 4, 2010

From MBC TV Section Entertainment Reports

Clip edited by: Boonseongbae/byjintoronto
Translated in English: Suehan/ suehan's byj blog ( thanks)

This week, 1,583 viewers voted on the pair who they considered to have the greatest friendship?

15th place is … Bae Yong Joon and Ryu Seong Soo

[caption] Bae Yong Joon and Ryu Seong Soo have surprisingly been best friends for 9 years.

Choi Dae Yong, ‘the writer of the Golden Fish Tank.’
“It’s not easy to be friends with someone who is at a much higher status, but they continue to keep a close relationship.”

RSS: He always knows the right things to say. “I’ll call you early, about 11:00 am. Come outside. Let’s work out and eat together.

RSS: Hello

BYJ: Where are you? Come outside quickly.”

RSS: Okay. I’m gonna wash first and then go.

Yoo Jae Seok (Host): He came to the CF filming. I was surprised. He stayed at my room even though he was closer to Bae Yong Joon ssi.

[Trans] Second express mail from DA

April 2, 2010

Second express mail from DA

Digital Adventure sent second express mail, dated March 31, 2010, to everyone who attended the tour and Noriko nim summarized its contents on her blog and I translated it into English for you.

1. Even a fan who has been hospitalized from the injury returned to Japan safely and some fans visit hospital as outpatients. We’ll handle all related matters sincerely until they recover fully.

2. Around the later part of April, we’ll present Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo’s picture which were taken at the time of the filming of the ending scene to everyone who attended the tour.

3. We’ll invite all of the tour attendants preferentially to the next event, when we organize it in Japan, which Bae Yong Joon would appear. (At this moment, nothing has been decided yet, but we’ll send detailed information by writing as soon as they are available.)

4. ‘Family Picture’ as a surprise plan will not be sent out because all of the tour attendants couldn’t participate due to the sudden incident regardless whether the pictures were taken or not.

http://norikoiida.exblog.jp/
translation in English by Suehan/ suehan's byj blog (thanks)
photos credit as label (many thanks)

Fascinated with Bae Yong Joon

March 27, 2010

Bae Yong Joon

Original in Korean: Lee Jeong Min (2010.03.26 22:54)
Translated into English: Suehan / suehan's byj blog

Sometimes my son is called for the CF or movie shooting even though he isn’t a famous actor. One day before the shooting day, we got a call from someone related to the Japanese animation Winter Sonata shooting site and we went there.

I hesitate a bit because he would appear as a supporting actor, but since I promised to appear, we hurried to there despite of hardship. Many people came hurriedly as well, but I regretted to go there because of the cold weather. I was really sorry for my son.

After about 40-50 minutes, we started to move and headed to the studio. It took about 20 minutes by walk. Until that time, all of the child actors’ mothers were upset.

About two hours have passed, the shooting started, and about another hour has passed.. What’s going on here? Oh My God. Suddenly Bae Yong Joon showed up.

I was so surprised because he was right in front of me, and my bad mood thus far disappeared because of him. Everyone goes to see him despite of their hardships, but I’m seeing him right next to me. Wow.

Thanks to my son. But, my son didn’t know that, and he kept running, fell down, and even a woman assistant director gave him looks continuously. Thinking to go back home, but I decided to stay because I didn’t want such a long waiting period to go in vain.

He wasn’t my favorite entertainer, so I started to lose interests in him as time passed even though he passed by me. He was expressionless, wearing sun glasses and didn’t look at my son even once. My son was more handsome than him. I thought so~~

But..
I was so surprised by his smile when he filmed the last wedding picture. He was expressionless and suddenly he smiled so naturally. Right at that moment, it reminded me of my most beloved husband with a potbelly.

I couldn’t help but be so surprised by his natural expression while he filmed three or four cuts. I couldn’t find his uneasy appearance as a star anywhere. He was so lovely.

He really was to me an angel while others expressed Choi Ji Woo an angel. (Of course, she was so pretty.) Oh my gosh. How can he smile so lovely like that?

There are many people, who smile nicely, but he is a born artist to me, I call myself a philosophical person. As I implied before, I didn’t admire or miss him. Frankly, I didn’t have an interest in him as an entertainer. I like Kang Dong Won who has totally a different style. If you contact me, I really appreciate it. Ha ha ha.

Let’s go back to the original story; it’s a bit of a sensitive issue, but I remember the article about his past love story. Not like now, when he had a difficult time, he had a lover, but his parents didn’t like her. It seemed like a drama to me.

I don’t know whether it’s a true or not, but he must have been hurt. Not only that, he might have been hurt for some other reasons, so he looks cold to endure them. But I could sense his warm heart from his smile.

It seems far-fetched? I clearly guess that, then, is he a born artist? or does he have a good fortune in his face? If I need to choose one, I want to select the first.

There must be someone who is born with superior abilities. Born with a beautiful face, or body, or singing ability, or talking skills.

But, I don’t think he was born with those abilities. Of course, it’s from my standpoint. That’s why I respect him. And I envy him, but I can’t be near him. But I want to know if I need to learn something from him and if so, I want to show it to my son.

It might be a part of excessive motherhood (to raise my son, a child actor, like him), but I’m happy because I found it (suehan: a role model?).

Was it the first time for me to see an entertainer?? Ah... I’m a country girl. I admit that.

A child actor’s mother next to me tried to take a picture of Bae Yong Joon ssi, but she was restrained. I requested it to his manager politely, but I was refused as well. I wasn’t upset because his manager explained the reasons to me very politely by saying, “Others might want to take pictures of him too.”.

Actually, I wasn’t regretting it much at that time. But I’m regretting it a lot now.

I saw his smile and I should have requested to take a picture of him politely again. I’m not sure anybody can see him in his/her life time.
Like this, “Would you please take a picture with my son, so he can want to be like you, Bae Yong Joon ssi?”

I think I should have been brave. If I took a picture of him, even though I was refused, still my son might have felt something when he would have seen me requesting the picture.

For example,
“What? You ignored my mother? I’ll pay you back.” or, if he knew he was a famous person, “Wow, I took a picture with such a famous person. I’ll be successful as him.”, like this.

I don’t think I can’t sleep well tonight.
I don’t like one side love, but I’ll be really happy when I have someone, whom I can feel and learn from while I watch him. Is this called fascination??

I’m 34 years old, and it’s my first time being fascinated with an entertainer.

http://pann.nate.com/b201429216

[Reposted]A nice wine restaurant ‘Insitu’

March 24, 2010

A nice wine restaurant ‘Insitu’

Source: http://blog.naver.com/errorplan/120104208603
Reposted by Suehan/suehan's byj blog (thanks)

suehan: I just want to summarize the blogger’s posting because he mostly explained the pictures to introduce the restaurant. He said that this restaurant appeared in many Korean dramas including ‘Pasta’, and the name, ‘Insitu’, is Italian and it means ‘here’ or ‘at this place’.

According to him, BYJ visited there on February 17, 2010, and I think he got the date from BYJ’s picture below. The address of the restaurant’s website is http://www.insitu.co.kr/

[DATV Event] Manager Yang's Talk

[DATV Event] Manager Yang's Talk

Fuyuka posted her account on today’s DATV event. She went to the session from 1 o’clock, whereas I went to the 5 o’clock one. As I found what Manager Yang said was pretty much the same and her memory was much better than mine, so I translated her account, hehe.

Original in Japanese FUYUKA's BLOG
Translated in English: Cloud nine/ BYJ QUILT
(Thanks to both of you , my dear sisters)

DATV 6-month Anniversary Event

I went to this event. It was sunny today, but was cold.
At Sangenchaya I changed the trains to Setagaya line.
On the way I had a relaxing and heartwarming feelings somehow.
It’s been a while I took a local train like this.
(cloud nine: it is tiny little trains of 2 cars)
The venue was a 5-minute walk from Shoinjinja mae station.

Here we are at Setagaya Ward Hall.
So many people were already there.

Then the session started from 1 o’clock.

Miss Miyamoto, DATV announcer appeared on the stage,
followed by DATV CEO who greeted and apologized for the mishap
saying he was so sorry for the trouble
and now the company was doing its best to cope with the matter.
He continued that DATV has received various opinions
and they would like to present the events and contents
that everyone can enjoy more.

Then the unreleased scene from a making video
of ‘A Journey To trace the beauty of Korea’ was screened.

The scene that Yong Joon and a monk were sweeping with the bamboo brooms
set an audience roaring with laughter since Yon-sama looked clumsy with the broom.

Was it a ten to fifteen minutes video?
Then Manager Yang came up to the stage, which caused a flood of flashlights…

(As Miss Miyamoto said “Really amazing flashlights~~”.
I guess that shooting was not banned.
There was no notice about it either, so I have posted the pictures here.)

“I’m sorry that we were unable to visit each everyone (in the hospital).
We are praying that they will recover as soon as possible.”

“I haven’t actually seen Yong Joon clean his room (laugh), but his room is always tidy.”

“When I visit him to his house, he welcomes me with the snacks, tea and meals. He always clears away. (laugh)

“He cooks shabu-shabu or spaghetti or something like that.”
“He likes bland taste and dislikes instant foods.”
“So he was happy with the meals at the temple.”

“What he was bad at? Maybe love? “ (big laugh)
“That’s why he is not married. I’m just joking.”

“We started to talk about love since I got married.
He asked me if I was happy to be married." (laugh)
“I answered that it was good.”
“After I got married, he never calls me after nine o’clock." (laugh)

Manager Yang met BYJ about ten years ago.

“My first impression was ‘He was handsome.’ “
“I think he grew old a little, but at that time he was more handsome.”

“As his manager the work that I was impressed most is WLS.”
“It was hard work indeed and I still keep the down jacket I wore at that time so that I won’t forget those days.
The North Face jacket which Yong Joon bought me.”

“He is mischievous and sometimes plays with my kid.
My daughter knows that Yong Joon is handsomer and richer. (laugh)
Just a joke…(laugh) “

“Lastly as for his work, I’m very sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time.” “It’s all my fault.”
“We wish to decide the next work soon and start working.”

There was a Q&A session
(cloud nine: I attended the 5pm session, and there was no Q&A)

To the question of “How is Yong Joon-ssi?”

He just answered “He is fine.”
(Leny: It's very relieving to know that BYJ's fine now.)

There was also a request that fans wanted a message or some words,
even as short as four (Yon) lines.
He answered that he would pass the request to Yong Joon.

This is what I remember from the notes I took, so if there is something wrong I’m sorry.
But he told us a story of such nuance.
It was about an hour event.

I had a good time to meet many sisters after a while.

These are the goods we got with the 2,000-yen ticket.

"My Friend Yonsama" ....

March 23, 2010

‘My Friend Yonsama’ from the article of Ryu Seong Soo’s interview

Original in Korean: Woman Joongang Feb, 2010 issue.
Extracted by: Elain/byjintoronto.
Translated into English: Suehan/ suehan's byj blog

Hallyu Star Bae Yong Joon’s best friend who has a wide acquaintance, even though it’s unknown, in the entertainment field.

I talked about ‘Yonsama’ first when his name appeared in our conversation. Then, he gave me a hint by saying, “He doesn’t like to be called by that name when I used it in front of him.”, and “If you meet him, make sure to call him by his real name, not his nickname.” He added, “I don’t know how he looks, but basically, he feels the burdensome on the value of his name and he doesn’t like to show off. He was even mad at me by saying, ‘Yo, use my real name when you call me.’ when I called him as Yonsama as a joke over the phone.”

How does ‘a human being’ like Bae Yong Joon appear to him as a friend, not as a Hallyu Star? According to Ryu Seong Soo, he’s an average man in his late thirties who likes human beings and enjoys drinking occasionally. He said, “You would think that he chooses the people whom he wants to meet, doesn’t have good connection with others and never drinks. Am I right? No, you’re absolutely wrong. He likes to go here and there and meet other entertainers even though he wasn’t recognized. Maybe he is somewhere around here (Cheongdamdong). He has a technique that allows him to move around without being recognized, and most people think that he stays at home most time, but it’s not true (laugh)”.

Even to Ryu Seong Soo, his first impression of Bae Yong Joon was of a person who was ‘hard to get close to’ It was difficult for him to get close to BYJ when he approached him because he thought that BYJ couldn’t be good with others. But he saw BYJ’s humble thinking and good personality after he spent time with him, so they developed a relationship as friends.

They call each other in the morning, and go to the valley in the summer sometimes. But he can’t deny that he is careful and nervous because BYJ is a “Hallyu Star” now. He laughed with a joke, “His image shouldn’t be destroyed because of me.”

“Many people asked me about him like they asked Gong Hyeong Jin about Jang Dong Geon.” I’m proud to have a successful friend, but I’m cautious because he is a big top star. I don’t want to hurt his reputation because of my unnecessary talking (laugh)”