Thursday, June 30, 2011

Leeteuk’s Birthday Project UPDATE – THANK YOU!


We couldn’t contain the joy. Together with the other fanbases (spearheaded by WingsforLeeteuk), we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who donated and helped in anyway for the success of the Birthday Project for Leeteuk. Those who bought the badges from all over the world, we are very much thankful. ^^
The chosen charity was the WorldChildCancer.org, a UK-based organization which helps kids with cancer. A total of  $2,713.50 SGD was collected and donated through PayPal. ^^ A certificate will be sent to Ash, a friend through WingsforLeeteuk, and she will be handling it personally to Teuk on July~

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

MUST READ: The consequences of not being ONLY13


Why must Super Junior be ONLY13?
I believe, many ELFs have seen different versions of ONLY13, some of you agree, some of you don’t.
Many versions done by Chinese and Korean ELFs, started circulating between 2008 to 2009. I do not disagree, that many things have changed over the years. However, the concept of ONLY13, still stands. In fact, I strongly stand by the notion that, we should uphold it even more.
Please do not discredit me first. Hear me out.
Emotional versions, you have heard many. Since I am an older ELF (in terms of age), I would like to address this from a different aspect, no cries & plead, I want to point out the reality to all.
Why ONLY 13?
“ONLY 13” Does not mean we ANTI the other two. On the contrary, if you have been to any Super Show 3, you will notice, that we gave them as warm a welcome, as much support. However, to us, they will always be SJM, not SJ.
Everybody knows, when Super Junior was first formed, it was a pilot project, a 12 person boyband, to test the market’s acceptance level. Every year, there were supposed to have new members replacing old ones. Super Junior05 was debuted, with the anticipation of members being replaced anytime.
TWINS success in 2005, paved the road for Super Junior, a massive boyband, each has his own quality. ELF was formed. The success of Super Junior, was unexpected by the company, and ELF’s loyalty and power, also frightened them. The launch of U in 2006, promoted Super Junior from newbies to a much higher tier, but also created the first clash between ELF and the company. When the company decided to add one more member, ELF objected violently, because they were worried that with the incoming of this new member, it means someone existing, will need to leave. Fortunately, with the company’s words, and the new member’s efforts, ELF finally accepted a 13 member Super Junior, and Super Junior 05 officially dropped it’s 05, and became Super Junior. We, ELFs, now have our beloved maknae, Cho Kyuhyun.
I believe everyone must have heard that Kyuhyun really had a hard time when he first came. One day, he got drunk and complained to Ryeowook tearfully “Teuk hyeong doesn’t like me. He makes me suffer..” Now you can see this magnae is being spoiled by his pampered hyeongs, actually he beared hardship for 6 months before being accepted by his hyeongs. That’s why Eunhyuk said “The others please don’t come here, Teuk hyeong doesn’t like it.”
2007 is the most heart wrenching year for Super Junior and ELFs, a serious (almost fatal) accident, forced SJ to cease all work and projects. I believe ELFs are very clear about this, I do not need to elaborate.
2008, 2th album (2jib) celebrated Kyuhyun’s comeback, but it also ignited the 2nd clash. In Don’t Don’s mv, a new face was seen, a young man playing violin, and given a long solo. The attentive ELFs, suspected the company is up to some tricks again, started the movement: ONLY13. So, K ELFs did a silent protest, raised some cash to buy 1 share of the company, symbolizing ELFs, now becoming a shareholder, can vote in the AGM on any topics that will affect the company. And C ELFs also had a signature event with 10 thousand people. This seemingly ridiculous act, had successfully forced the company to declare: no new member will be added, no change of current member lineup. This “new face”, will only be included in SJM, a sub group that is targeting on China market. As a result, a first in history of kpop, additional members that do not belong to the core group, are now added in the sub group.
Don’t look down at us ELF!
Now, everyone will be asking, why do we insist on 13? Why don’t we just let the other two join?
ELFs then may not be able to predict what will the outcome be, for protesting. But, ELFs do know, what the outcome can be, if ELFs do not protest. These few years, I can feel even stronger, if not for the protest then, what will be the ending for SJ.
Lets fast forward to the present time:
2009, the highly acclaimed house of red, split into 2 due to contractual dispute, it’s fans were also divided. 2010, the leader from another promising boyband, due to the surfacing of his past extreme remarks posted in his blogs prior to debuting, left the group and the company (forced?/volunteered?). 2011, a young boyband had 2 of its 7 members shockingly replaced.
If, due to the departure of one member (take our case, Hangeng), the company is allowed to replace him, this will also means that the company can replace any member at its own whim and fancy. We can’t fight back: “you can only replace Hangeng, but not the rest”, as we have lost the first right (legally, if a precedent is set, all subsequent cases will usually follow what was done before). If departure is the “lawful” way, then the company can always force a departure, willingly, or not.
ELFs, think about it, If not for the fact that ELFs have been very forceful and stubborn about ONLY13 belief, l can literately count the possible results:
1) The first to be replaced will be our Angel Teuk and Flower Heechul.
Reason:
a. Their age, is way over the average age of a idol boyband
b. Teukie and Heenim’s popularity, ensures their solo career, taking them out, can allow new members to ride on the famous brand name SJ, while building their foundation
c. the Fanbase of both 83liners are very big, separating them, will divide the power of ELFs
2) Kangin’s return will be unpredictable.
Reason:
a. Kangin is strong headed, stubborn, brave, resulting in him having several brushes with law recently. From the company’s aspect, he is a problem child (if he is still considered a child). If not for fear of ELF’s power, for another protest, I am afraid, Kangin’s current fate, will not just be sent to army, it will be a total strike off. Even till now, ELFs have been closely watching Kangin while he is in the army, other than simply missing him, we are also ensuring the company do not assume that, they can wipe off Kangin from ELF’s memory, in the span of two years. Whether a return after he is dismissed from army, is secured, will depend largely on who will emerge as the winner, from this tug of war between ELF and the company.
3) Shindong’s future unknown.
Reason:
a. Lets face it, Shindong, having been surviving in a idol group for as long as 5 years, is a rare sight. He can be a great comedian, a compare, even a broadcaster, but if the company had absolute power to decide, what do you think, is the possibility of him staying in the group?
4) KRY will be singled out immediately.
Reason:
a. This is straight forward, KRY has the best vocal in the group, splitting them out first, will enable the company to redirect their resources, allowing them to focus on Japan and China market, markets that value ballards
5) Kibum’s return will be impossible.
Reason:
a. Kibum had always wanted to focus on his acting career, but, he has never object to participate SJ activities in –between. If the company can bring in new members easily, Kibum will have no worries.
After all these, our Super Junior, will be changed beyond recognition. Over the years, how many of the original members will still be intact? Is this the result we wanted? Fans will leave with their bias, separated & divided. Super Junior, will no longer be the Super Band, ELFs, will no longer be the strong backing.
From then on, Super Junior will no longer raise any emotional memories, ELF, the supposedly Patron Saint, will disappear, with the departure of the original members.
This, may be the reason why, our men, despite: not having to sing more than 10 seconds in each song, not being able to speak in most interviews, having to squeeze into overcrowding stages (to the extent that some have to face the wall & stop dancing), forgoing more financial gains, still decide to stick together, extended the contract. Even if we can’t gather all 13 now, even though those who are enlisted, went on solo temporarily, in hiatus, have yet to return, but, as long as they are still here, Super Junior, is still our Super Junior. However, a Super Junior without the original members, will no longer be Super Junior…
Chinggu, you can doubt my analysis, maybe things will not go the direction I thought, but, heart to heart, can we afford the possibility of such an outcome?
Let me stress again, ONLY13, does not exclude the other two, we never will. We will love them, protect them as well. However, should there be any conflict, if we need to choose, our only choice, is very clear, is the original 13 men from Super Junior core group. Super Junior, from Leeteuk to Kyuhyun, not a single missing.
If fans are not strong enough, they won’t be able to secure their idols.
You have the right to love many people, but I protect the original SJ only.
Author: Jeslyn Ho
My two cents:
This is what I am saying and I am immensely thankful to the great author for coming up with this. :)
To me, there are two kinds of ONLY13 ELFs in this world, those who know what they are doing and those who have no idea what they are there for.
First and foremost, I was never a part of the ONLY13 group and I have to admit that I had my fair share of hating them but when I knew of their reason for doing so, I knew I was wrong.
ELFs, I tell you. We did a great choice of sticking in this fandom.
ONLY13 people who continuously bash Henry and Zhoumi, stop it. You are doing it wrong.

Early Plans and Expectations. Random Realization.


I was literally banging my head on the wall last night because I was trying to come up with a good project for the 6th anniversary of Super Junior on November. Well, I know it’s really funny considering that June is just ending but if I want to come up with a project which could continue the success of the previous one, I have to plan early.
Truth is: I want to handle a big project. But I’m torn between doing it in the open and holding it in secret. Well, I do want the plans to be known but a part of me fears that others will tag me as someone who did it for popularity.
Hmm… whatever. At least, I know have ideas. Having none makes me crazy.
.
.
.
I wonder what Super Junior thinks of about their fans – the real thing. I wonder what runs on their minds when their fans perform charitable activities under their name.
Just a random thought this is. I just imagine them, though, crying tears of joy and patting each other on the back. Not because they have been given additional points for a positive reputation but because they are so happy to see what their fans have become for and because of them.
Got the idea?

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Yin and Yang


Yin-Yang represents the ancient Chinese understanding of how things work. The outer circle represents “everything”, while the black and white shapes within the circle represent the interaction of two energies, called “yin” (black) and “yang” (white), which cause everything to happen. They are not completely black or white, just as things in life are not completely black or white, and they cannot exist without each other.
I do not fully know the concept of the Yin Yang symbol. But when I see this, only two persons come to my mind: Leeteuk and Heechul.

credits as tagged

Monday, June 27, 2011

83-Line.


Heechul: Our Jungsoo ah, even though we’re both the older members in SJ, I didn’t really do anything. I’m so sorry I troubled you all these while…
Leeteuk: It’s okay if you’re not exceptionally nice to me, it’s enough if you just stay by my side forever.he love.
Heechul: Jungsoo is tired because he has to take care of 12 members. Man, you can’t cry by yourself. When you’re tired, learn to lean on us, okay? Because you’re the leader you have a lot of courage, but regarding age? We’re the same ago ok! Being the same age, I want to tell you something: If you’re tired, come find me, I’ll always welcome you.
I don’t know if you would agree but I have to say that the connection between the 83-line is immeasurable. Though complete opposites, Jungsoo and Heechul will forever be the best epitome of brotherhood love and camaraderie. Though their personalities are entirely different, they still fit together so well.
Like the Yin and the Yang, together they create a powerful impression for the group called Super Junior. Though they don’t always show, these two has a strong kind of bond which not even Hangeng or Kangin can intrude.
And for the second time, I want to thank Kim Heechul for being so considerate, loving and concerned towards his only hyung. Thank you for giving him strength when we know we couldn’t. Thank you for believing in his leadership. Thank you for respecting and supporting his decisions. Thank you for opening your life to him. Thank you for looking up to the leader who you know will lay his life on the line for each one of you.
Thank you, Kim Heechul for being Jungsoo’s pillar whenever he feels like giving up. Thank you, Kim Heechul, for all the love.

I Don’t Like Popularity.


I don’t like popularity.
Though it doesn’t show, I really don’t like fame. I am contented with doing things on secret, and then see how it benefit others later on. As much as I can, I don’t like putting watermarks on my creations; and though I am a writer, I don’t really care much about copyrights, otherwise extremely needed.
Because truth is, I don’t want to look boastful. I am afraid that I might overdo things and eventually turn into a lowly git who cares about nothing but attention. That may happen because I tend to get overwhelmed easily. And it’s a sad truth and confession.
What I have achieved and what I have become now is enough for me to continue staying here. I have done things already – and continue to do more things in the future – and it is sufficient to please myself.
Yes, it’s myself which I satisfy that is why I don’t like popularity. After all, if I do things for myself, even a move in the quiet is enough to satisfy. I do not need to worry about pleasing people. I do not get boxed in a certain stereotypical responsibility of being someone else I’m not for the people who ‘believe’ in me.
Indeed, being popular might compress my world. If I desire to be popular and then later on get such fame, all eyes will be on me. My every move will be watched, noticed, and criticized. My boundaries will adjust on my disadvantage. And boy, I hate that.
Plus, if I’ll befriend fame, I might just cause envy. And I don’t want anyone suffer such poisonous intoxication.
So really, I don’t like popularity.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Loving Super Junior Is…


Loving Super Junior is hard. Very hard. Every ELF knows that. It’s really not an easy thing loving these 15 boys and supporting them all the way…
Loving Super Junior is time consuming. The endless nights we watch their perfs online. The shows we need to catch up on and the music videos we need to watch so the view counts increase because we know Suju depends on us ELFs for this to happen…
Loving Super Junior leaves us broke. That need to save up on our allowance to buy their album. To help them win album awards and the need to watch their Super Shows would leave us staying at home rather than go to the movies with friends. It would leave us with growling stomachs at school for every penny needs to go out to them…
Loving Super Junior means to bear others criticisms and harsh judgements. The words “gay” and “ew” will be sometimes thrown in a conversation whenever they would know how much you’re a fan of SJ. They will never understand your need to talk about them and they’ll laugh at you for even liking them in the first place…
Loving Super Junior sometimes means to endure getting reprimanded by your parents. They would stop you from buying those albums or go to that Super Show you’ve been saving so hard because for them, it’s a waste of money…
Loving Super Junior hurts. Because whenever you see them in an accident or when you hear they didn’t win any award, you get this aching pain in your chest seeing their faces all down. And what’s worse is when you see them smiling when you as an ELF know full well how much they’re just hiding all that pain inside…
Loving Super Junior means sometimes getting into fights. Especially when others insult them because that is what you’ve promised SJ. To protect them no matter what others say. It’s not a good thing when you answer back to them and to antis especially when Heenim says not to do it but what can you do? It is in your nature to protect them.
Loving Super Junior means believing in them even if they left you. How you’re wishing so much for that person in the military to come back soon. How you wish for Snow White to just drop whatever he’s doing and come back and how that certain Chinaman should just forget about his pride and return to his brothers.
Loving Super Junior is hard. 
Painful. 
Tiring.
But at the end of the day, you find that feeling all these things are all worth it.
Because loving Super Junior makes us happy. The effect of their songs, music videos and shows after watching them for the whole night, lacking lots of sleep, can turn us into a ball of sunshine that nobody can extinguish.
Loving Super Junior may leave us broke but this is what love is. Supporting them through every album and every show and you know that it will stay as one of your prized possession and a memory that you’ll cherish forever.
Loving Super Junior makes you stronger. Even if all those criticisms were thrown in your way, you’ll know what matters is what YOU think of them and that THEY will never understand because they’re just scared to be proven wrong.
Loving Super Junior makes you proud of them even more. The hurt they go through and their willingness to stand up and smile will leave you proud of how strong all your oppas are and how you want to be just like them too.
Loving Super Junior gave you a new family. ELFs. One that even antis can’t stand up against. So when antis suddenly attack, you know you’ve got ELFs to back you up.
Loving Super Junior means having hope. That they’ll be united again once more. And even if that seems like a very thin string to hold on to, where it seems like it’s going to slip away from your hands any moment, you’ll know that you’re not the only one holding on to it and that thousands of ELFs’ hands are grasping at that string as well. Not only them but Super Junior’s hands are holding on too.
It is indeed a very difficult thing to do. To love Super Junior. But that is why we are called ELFs. Because we’re the only ones who can love Super Junior eternally. To love them without any questions asked. To believe in them when no one else does.
So if you’re an ELF, be proud of loving Super Junior. Don’t hide it. Because Super Junior loves ELFs too.And they’ll never let each one of us go. :)
- ELFquotes
I just thought I should share this here. It’s a very beautiful read and it touched my heart. I wish that through this essay, more and more ELFs (especially the new one) will understand what they signed up here for. After all – and like what I’ve always been saying, being an ELF constitute a lot of responsibilities. It is more than just admiring Super Junior. 
To the one who came up with this one, THANK YOU.