BILLBOARD FAN ARMY FACE/OFF : Why ELF Actually Paid Attention

First of all, I won't be speaking for the whole fandom. We all have our own reasons. But I'm gonna speak for my friends (who I know will either be agreeing with me wholeheartedly or I'm gonna force them to) and I just want everyone to understand why all of a sudden, ELF paid attention to this fan army thing happening on Billboard right now.

Okay...

So believe it or not, most of us do not really know about the on-going bracketing on Billboard. It wasn't even about Super Junior, after all. It was about us, ELF. It was about who the strongest fandom is; and while mine has been known to be quite competitive when it comes to things like this, I honestly think we've grown out of that phase and we all just wanted stress-free lives focused on dealing with our boys.

In short, we didn't care at all. The past bracket scores will prove that to everyone. Most of us are busy young adults focused on real life issues and we know we didn't have time for things like this...

'Didn't.' 

We really didn't care until Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae decided to fuck everyone's lives up by mentioning this on Twitter and Weibo. 

Now the question is... Why did I say that?

What many new fans should understand is that ELF is no different from other fandoms. We are as passionate as anyone else when it comes to our boys; but while we are always so competitive, we are quite lax with things about our fandom. I mean, we don't care about the glory if it's gonna be directly about us. And this Billboard thing is one perfect example. This does not actually gives honor to SJ directly. Should we win, it will recognize us, ELF. And we just don't care about it.

But why are we stressing to win?

This is my personal opinion: We know Siwon and Donghae enough to understand what those posts mean. The tweet and the Weibo post? It was a challenge. They were challenging us again.

Those fuckers.

No, most of us do not care at all about those haters who keep throwing shades on us. We want to win because we really want to prove Donghae and Siwon, and the rest of Super Junior members that we can. It's as simple as that.

Plus, here's the most important fact: SJ wants us to win. And whatever they want, we serve. Because after all, that is what they do in return.

I'm not being an ass to others. The Stylers are working hard right now and I swear, they're all so sweet and I really love the clean rivalry. But I hope people will understand that this is more like a battle between ELF and SJ. Really.

I don't want to be complacent, at all. It's just that I want to let others know what some old fans like us think about this bracket. And I want to reiterate that this is my opinion. And I know I'm sharing this with many others.

So I hope people don't badmouth our fandom ever again. Because winning is not always about proving a point to others. For us ELF, it's about slapping the boys' faces with the truth that we are still alive, and of course... giving in to their spoiled asses' wishes.

Homecoming

Photo from SM Entertainment

The year 2013 was the last time Super Junior set foot in the Philippines to hold a solo concert. It was a long-wait, and admittedly, most have outgrown the group. Many left the fandom for their education, career, relationships and families; and it’s an inevitable choice that people sometimes have to make: priorities.

Five years later, who would have known that these people who thought they’ve already graduated from this kind of phase in their lives, will suddenly realize that in just a little more than a month, it’s time to come home again.

I have to admit. There were no expectations or whatsoever about this concert. I honestly promised myself that I would just come there and enjoy, and then leave afterwards, since I need to focus on my work, business, and some other projects I am currently working on. You see, I thought Super Junior has already turned into a mere entertainment, distraction from my real life. Like all others, I thought I am way past my eighteen-year-old self already. I thought of just selling my ticket, to be honest. At 29, I thought my priorities had changed; and this is just nothing more like a trip down the memory lane.

But for the nth time, Super Junior had proven me wrong.

On the eve of the concert, I couldn’t sleep. Friends from Indonesia and Davao were flying in to Manila and I dwelled on the idea that I just wanted to keep track on them. But later on, I unexpectedly realized that the excitement means more. You know that feeling during the eve of your elementary field trip, a family outing, or your birthday party? That was basically how I felt that night. In the midst of believing that excitement is now how we feel when we’re off to travel, or we’re going on dates, or it’s already a few minutes before you clock out from work, that night brought me to a child’s definition of excitement. It was unexpectedly precious.

The sun rose and I went to Manila early because I had to do some sort of tour guide duties for my Indonesian friend. As we go around Intramuros, I felt so nostalgic not because I used to study there, but because never in my whole life did I see myself walking around the city with foreigners I met through Twitter on 2009. I mean, talking about Asian history and Philippine and Indonesian laws is what adults do, right? But we did that while waiting for the time when we would have to go to the venue for the concert. 

When we arrived at the concert hall, the first thing I did was meet up with my old friends from Davao and Laguna. And then I went to where TeukAngels were and then, the more I was brought to deeper realizations.

Talking to Aya, Jen, and Shane while distributing flyers for Teuk’s birthday was like the biggest reality check for me. The reminiscing was real. All the stories from the past, all the people we met, and all the new fans who introduced themselves to us that day, convinced me that God didn’t just bring me there to watch a concert. I was brought there to remind myself to live and love again.

Remembering everything I told Shane and Aya that afternoon, I can’t help but feel proud of myself. I can’t help but realize how matured we became, talking about things like depression, anxiety, and relationships. These seemed too simple; but back in the days, we wouldn’t even know what to say when things like this come up. We used to care only for ourselves and how we can create a mark on Jungsu and Super Junior. Suddenly, we understood people more. Now, it’s all about caring for each other; and rather than competing for the boys to believe that we are the best fans ever, we were now more focused on convincing them that even after a long time of absence, they still have a strong fan base in the Philippines.

The concert started a bit late, making me feel anxious and a little disheartened. But when I finally got to enter the venue with Regene, the very friend who was with me on Super Show 2 in 2010, my emotions were all over the place. I saw myself just staring in awe at the people around me, hearing their deafening cheers and watching them wave their blue light sticks. It was a scene I never thought I have missed so much.

And then that’s when I realized that finally, I am home.

After the concert, it was a pandemonium inside me. Two and half hours passed by so quickly that I felt like it didn’t happen. But I know it did because my heart felt so full.

I went out of the venue in a trance. If not for Aya screaming my name, I wouldn’t have known where to go. I just knew I had to bring Sai and Asha back to their hotel but I didn’t really know how. My mind was blank, as if it wouldn’t process anything that involves the fact that I have to leave the venue.

Now that I think about it, the difficulty to book a taxi is perhaps a blessing; because while waiting for the Grab app to work, I had my most favourite post-concert moment with Aya.

While watching people in a rush and while staring at the moonlit sky above, Aya and I were just sitting on the stair steps in front of the venue entrance when I suddenly heard myself telling her that I don’t want to leave the place yet. I said I wanted to savour the moment that I’m there while the boys are still inside and my friends are everywhere. Because during the whole time I was there, I felt infinitely safe, like nothing hurts. I felt like finally, after so many years, I’ve come home to where I really belong.

And for the first time in five years, I can confidently say that I am okay.

When I was younger, I ran this blog with articles saying how much impact Super Junior has made in my life. I kept on talking about how they are like miracles and blessings, and all good things to me; and I thought I have experienced everything they can give. But Super Show 7 in Manila convinced me that like how they are in everything else, they will consistently exceed my expectations.

Because this time, they do not just provide me with an escape. They have indeed molded my world into something I can totally be proud of; and I have just noticed that during the concert. 

Starting from when I reunited with my friends, it was already a proof of how these boys contributed immensely to my life. Because of Super Junior, we broke the stigma towards the internet, saying that no authentic relationship will ever bud out from it. But look what we have now? A family.

And as I watch the concert with them, I can't help but be more emotional. Because if you're there, you will also feel that it wasn't just a show. It was a sincere homecoming for everyone.

Right now, my heart is still full. Looking back at the years spent with and without Super Junior, I sincerely wish that every new fan today will get to experience the miracle brought by these boys. I hope that whatever blessing we have received by loving them unconditionally be given to you too. Because even though a lot of people would say that we’re weird for loving guys who wouldn’t even know who we are, trust us when we say that it doesn’t really matter because our love for each other will always be stronger, and enough to hold us tight together.

And then when another set of years pass by, it will be your turn to realize how Super Junior and this fandom will always be ready to welcome you home. 

When a Disloyal ELF Talks about Loyalty to Super Junior...

Lately, I've been feeling so out of the loop. Since the time two other groups both decided to enclose and indulge me into a dimension of pure awesome, I forgot about Super Junior. As how I always say, it was like the spark was gone. Suddenly, everything felt unfamiliar and it was as if I just don't care anymore.

But I guess that's just gonna remain as an 'as if' because I just realized that there are still some things that will never ever change: I LOVE SUPER JUNIOR and I AM AN ELF.

Just like what Ate Chi said, Super Junior is like rice. It's like a staple food, necessary for our existence. We can never live without it, but we would need a variety of viands to eat it with. Otherwise, it'll be bland for our liking and definitely unappetizing. We need side dishes. We need other tastes.

Basically, we need diversions.

Being an ELF is tiring. That's one sure thing. For the years that I've been in this fandom, I have encountered a lot of things already that drove me to thinking that maybe it's really time to leave - delusional fans, warfreak individuals, mandating and know-it-all seniors, people taking advantage - there are a lot of those people here; and they stain the fandom's reputation.

But then, is there any perfect fandom in the world?

I guess the answer to the question is what convinces me to stay. The fact that we're still a work in progress despite being in existence for several years already make me feel like I have to stick around; because I want to see what we would all become in the future. I want to see the endpoint of these all, if there's even any.

Honestly, I believe in the potential of this fandom. I believe that we still got a lot more to offer even after a long time of proving things, and doing things together with and for Super Junior. I believe in our capacity to turn the tides and create more histories this industry would never have imagined.

But we can never move to a better place without being distracted. And that's okay! Getting attracted to other groups and forgetting about Super Junior for a while is normal. That just mean we're still capable of living our own respective lives. We're still sane because we still notice others.

That is why I find it very hilarious when people would easily talk about loyalty. Because of this, we even started a group and call ourselves 'disloyals'. But then, that's just for fun. Behind it is a deep and controversial question: Do we really have measure loyalty? We can't even define it properly, how much more measure it? What are the gauge?

To me, loyalty is such a sensitive aspect to thrive on. It is a very broad subject which will take forever to condense. It is something we cannot just integrate on all fandom-related matters, just so we can prove our love to a group we stan. Because at the end of the day, love and loyalty are not always synonymous.

I am not loyal to Super Junior, I can openly say that. I am actually loyal to myself, and my drive of emotions. But that does that remove my right from loving them? Just because I claim to be a disloyal one, does that mean I don't love them anymore? Hell no.


Super Junior had molded me to what I am right now. Seriously. If not for their motivation, I wouldn't have known what I really want to do and I wouldn't have taken the first steps to realize my dreams. Super Junior had been my life for several years, and that truth won't change anytime soon...

But I think we have to accept the fact that they have some companies in my heart at the moment.

Times passes by, and as we go along the way, we get to meet new people who will influence our lives the way these 15-member group did and is currently doing. To extend our horizon as a human being, we need to entertain new acquaintances, new idols, and new beginnings. But that doesn't mean we have to throw away what we had. Our heart is as big as a universe. We could always fit everything there.

Furthermore, as we grow old, the less important this fandom would be. Greater real-life priorities will come first. But for me, I will never forget that I was, I am and I'll forever be a part of the Sapphire Blue World...

Now, I'm not defying the possibilities though. I know that this might lead to total isolation; but goodbyes are definitely unnecessary. Even if I decide to leave, I know I'll always come back because I know I'll always be welcome.

After all, this is my home... and forever, it will be.

HONESTY HOUR.

I wanted to leave the fandom. I wanted to stay away from the immature and bratty fans that are now overtaking our world. I wanted to just lock up myself and be deprived of everything. I wanted to find myself. I wanted to be someone else that does not concern Super Junior and its fans. I wanted to be someone ordinary...

...I wanted.


PAST TENSE.

credit as tagged

True, I found another group to stan that's why I felt like I'm drifting away from the boys. But as I saw the picture above, I was brought back to my senses. I realized that whatever happens, these boys will always be my babies and this Sapphire Blue World will always be where I belong. To hell with the people who keep on ruining the name of this fandom.

On Feb. 16, we'll be flying to Singapore to watch Super Show 4 there on the 18th. No, I'm not boasting. But I just want to let everyone know that I'm on my way back home...

See you, Super Junior.

I missed you a lot.

Rain Gods' Destinies

As expected SUPER SHOW with Rain! - @siwon407

You know what?

I think it's not a secret anymore that in most of their concerts overseas, it rains. Hence, their tag as 'RAIN GODS'. I don't know why. Sometimes, I wanna kick them all to Africa or where there is intense drought. Often, I laugh it all off saying such things happen by chance... But come to think of it, I think everything's happening for a reason.

Maybe I'm just being superstitious and I guess it comes along with being a Filipino... But you see, rain symbolizes blessings. In my country, even if we end up being flooded all the time, people believe that rain means blessing. I think we're not the only race believing on that.

So yes, it just fortifies my belief that Super Junior's popularity is fated. It's not just by chance that they are on top, and I mean it. They are destined to be the number 1 group in the world, and the years of ups and downs which we've spent together with them are enough proofs for that claim.

It's not that I'm being biased and all. Honestly, I have another group I fell in love with and I'm kinda missing a lot on Super Junior-related issues nowadays; but I guess, this belief of mine is one thing that will never change. Even though a lot of groups debut and decide to overthrow Super Junior in my heart, I will forever believe that this fifteen men (YES, FIFTEEN.) are still and will always be the number one.

:>

THANK YOU LEI!

I have just received it the other day and I was so thrilled because it's my first time receiving a snail mail from the US, and most importantly, it came from you. *v*

We may no longer be talking to each other that much but I know that you know that I'm just here, whenever you need someone to talk to about this fandom and just about anything, I'm still a tweet away. ^^

You know what? You are one of the many people who make me hold on. As there are times that I just want to drift away from this fandom because I'm getting dizzy with all the rollercoaster rides, it pays to think that I'm riding it with people I call friends - people like you.

This may just be a simple gift but rest assured that it will be kept in my heart for the rest of our lives. ^^

And yes, I saw Leeteuk in it. hehe. ^^

SJ, Number 1.

Not many paid attention but there are some people who noticed that I actually closed this blog. It was an impulsive decision triggered by something that hurt my ego as a fan. I wouldn’t want to dwell on it anymore since it’s done and I’m finally being convinced of the possible excuses why it happened; so once again, here I am, enjoying the space I have especially intended for me and my angels.

It is not a secret that Super Junior had won the Disk Daesang in the recently concluded Golden Disk Awards in Osaka; and this is something that we’ve all been praying for. I’ve seen how each one of us exerted effort to buy the albums, vote on polls, and campaign for this group’s popularity. Well, obviously it paid off. We won.

Yes, I used the term ‘we’ because this is a combined effort of Super Junior and ELF. As we usually say, it is only on each other that we depend on, and I think we have once again proven the world that as long as we have each other, we can conquer everything.

There were no livestreaming and my internet was fucked up that night so I couldn’t properly spazz but I think it will be underrated to say that I trembled, I got anxious, I got nervous, and I got excited about the results. Although I was kinda confident that they will win, I couldn’t remove the possibility of result manipulations again. We all know the story, and before you accuse me of bashing other groups, I am telling you that I am merely stating the truth.

When I knew that they won, I suddenly remembered myself last year. I was crying, mumbling sorry to myself, hoping that the wind would deliver my sincere apologies to Super Junior members who I know were terribly disappointed. That night, I looked for someone to blame and I ended up blaming myself and the others for not trying hard enough. It was absurd, of course, but I took this fandom in a very serious manner – so serious that their disappointments have become my disappointments too. Even double.

Then I wrote an article entitled Sorry, SJ, Sorry. An excerpt from it circulated around the internet and this is what it said:

Jungsoo wanted to be congratulated by the end of the year.

This is Heechul’s birthday wish.

It could’ve been a good compensation when Yesung didn’t win a Digital Bonsang.

And yes guys, this could have been the best keepsake we can give Jungsu and Heechul before they enter the army.

But we couldn’t.

And you know what makes me cry harder?

It’s the fact that this would be the best news to give Kangin.

This could’ve been the best gift to welcome Kibum back.

And this could be the best reason to make Hangeng come back.

But now, as I reread it, I felt accomplished. I know that the Disk Daesang for 2010 was ours. It was returned to us, actually, in a form of a simple award-giving ceremony held on early 2011. But still, it felt different since our boys were announced as winners on the exact date that the awards were given.

And you know what I’m thinking?

Jungsu can now enter the army without any regrets.

This is something that could make Heenim prouder even when in service.

This is the best gift to welcome Kangin back home with.

This is the greatest reminder that Super Junior – along with Kibum and Hangeng – still exists.

And yes, this is the strongest proof that Super Junior, who are continuously being dragged down by different forces, is still standing strong.

Because at the end of the day, Super Junior will always be the group that conquered the world.

On his tweet, the leader said that if there is one thing that they do not know, it is ‘breaking up’; and ELF do not know it as well…

…Because we, together, define forever.

Beyond Whatever for the Love of Super Junior

I've got to be honest. I wasn't expecting anything but I was terribly annoyed when Super Junior didn't even come out in the list of the nominees for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year. Fine, don't give the boys the award but scratching them off the list when everybody knows that they should be there is just damn beyond annoying, infuriating, and insulting.

But when they got the Album of the Year, I knew that I have to let this pass - no matter how difficult it is.

And yes, it was Jungsu's speech that made me calm down.

"Even when nobody acknowledges us; even when nobody wants to give us a hand... To the ones that made us the best, the world's very best fan club, ELF."

TRANS: MinnieBlues

When he said that, I was brought back to my senses. And I realized that at the end of each day, it's not these Mnet, GDA, MelOn, or any award-giving body that would determine the kind of artist Super Junior is. Ate Yan was right when she said that time will come that these trophies and recognition will become irrelevant; and the one that managed to change the lives of so many people will prevail.

"Hi Singapore, we've lived through our 20's with everyone, thank you. With many difficulties, with so many things happening, the members depended on each other; also the members who are not with us - the ones watching TV right now, and the ones far away from us, I love you guys. When no one acknowledge us, no one knew us, the best fanclub who made us the best; as fans, letting us feel the 'mightiness', ELF all over the world - I thank you again. 

We, Super Junior are ugly ducklings, until the day we became swans...

...This award could be the last we receive before enlistment, it's an unforgettable awards ceremony; we will continue being a hardworking Super Junior. Thank you everybody."

- Leeteuk

TRANS: Psycho蝉儿

Then when I read Jungsu's full speech, I remembered this post in KPOPSecrets on Tumblr where the fandoms were compared. While everybody was fighting for the top spot, there is Triple S who are contented with what SS501 gives them. Through that, I was reminded of my previous posts. I was one of those people who were trying so hard to unite everyone (although to no avail) and yet, I went off-track just because Super Junior didn't win two out of five awards. (SJ's nomination is still an issue to me!)

Actually, it is difficult to accept that attempts to humiliate Super Junior are rampant. I'm not exaggerating when I said 'humiliating' because that is what I see. Many try to bring them down in order to put others on top; and I am not saying this just because I am a devoted fan. I just want to be fair.

I know I can't be like my Triple S friends who can keep calm despite everything. For a fandom that is always placed under the scorching criticisms of the world and for an idol-fans relationship that is always tested by fate, what they're doing is quite difficult to do. It's terribly distracting when it's us against the world, most of the time.

But the great compensation lies on the fact that we are battling against all these heartaches and frustrations... together. I can never be sure but when Siwon said that they're gonna give the best to us, ELF, because we deserve only the bests; I knew right then and there that we can move mountains together.

Their tears are as precious as their smiles to me. That's why when they got emotional on stage, I melted on my seat and told myself that with the remaining time I have with them, I would stop thinking of things that would just pain us all. If 'magic' would occur once again and we will be deprived of things we deserve, I'll just whine a little and probably let karma take control. Because I want to convince myself and others - as well - that since we do not know anymore what is going to happen next, then we might as well have to figure out how to make the most out of everything we have left.

"If the tears we shed when we received newcomer award were tears of grief after rising from trainees, today's tears are tears of happiness that we will be able to do better in the future."

- Leeteuk

TRANS: Heequeenting

People, life becomes more unfair when people attempt to treat everyone equally. But it is the attitude of those who are weakened that matters most. We all may have felt that Super Junior deserved those awards. But for Blackjacks, 2ne1 deserved that too. That's the course of life which I think we all forgot for a moment. Thank God for our boys that I managed to revive myself again.

What is important is that Super Junior bagged three awards: Singapore Popularity Award, Best Male Group Award, and Best Album of the Year. As some people have said, the Album of the Year is the highest award (since it's the last given) because no album would be great if the single and the artist isn't. I guess, we all just have to struggle among ourselves to accept that fact.

At the end of the day, awards wouldn't matter. So long as the boys owned the night and as long as we continuously believe in them - DESPITE EVERYTHING ELSE, it's still ours.

Post-SJ Anniversary Message: For My ELF Friends

In KPOP, there is this what we call the 5-year mark. We, as fans, consider it as the most crucial stage for our favorite group; because most of the time, groups disband after five years of being together.

I used to fear that especially that my boys are leaving or going on hiatus one by one. But as the clock stroke 12MN on the eve of November 6th, I knew we made it.

Because Super Junior has just celebrated their 6th anniversary.

On this celebration, I would not dwell on the fact that we're 4 members less. Because even if there's only one left, Super Junior will continuously stay alive.

Right now, I am still contemplating on the ups and downs of the past 6 years. A lot has happened which could have easily driven us all crazy - if not for the incessant strength and inspiration these boys are giving us. It was a roller coaster ride we are in. It is also a slipper and dangerous mountain which we're climbing, and yes... we're almost at the top.

Almost... because I don't want to say that we're at the top. There are still a lot more we should share together. I don't want to reach the peak yet just like as how I don't want to reach the horizon yet. Because if that happens, it's the end.

I just want to firmly believe that we're leading, that we're staying strong, and that we're continuing to push to the top. We should stay together for more years... until forever ends. After all, even if I wasn't there when it started, I can promise that I'll be here until the end.

On their anniversary, I just want to let the world know that in this fandom, I never felt like I do not belong. Super Junior - without fail - managed to make me realize that I am part of the family; and even if I couldn't be with them, personally, they - and of course, God - gave me people to share everything with...

People they call ELF... People I call friends.

You see, the point of this article is not just to thank Super Junior for the wonderful six years. I think I did that already in my previous write-up. This blog entry is now dedicated to the ordinary people who have kept up with me through thick and thin. And even to those people who I have met along the way, this entry goes to all of you too.

I've met a lot of people through this fandom. I became someone better through this, too. That's why in this 6th year anniversary celebration, I would just like to let them know that with Super Junior and with each other, I wish we could all come together and cover the world with Sapphire Blue.

I wouldn't mention their names here. They all know who they are, anyway. :) Just this... Thank you.

우리는 엘프-오에요!

Saw this on Sungmin's blog...

Korea's Top 10 fanclubs by Korea.com

Super Junior's ELF came on top one.

Now this is daebak.

I don't know if this is the number of members because I don't think there's only 3,063 ELF in Korea. So allow me to feed my delusion and let me believe that this chart was measured by the kind of loyalty and dedication each fandom exerts.

There is no way I am belittling the others. I told you, every idol is perfect in the eyes of the fans; and as long as you love your idols, you are the best. It's just that I feel so proud of my chosen world. Whatever happens, ELF is ELF; and for forever, we will stand by Super Junior, and by each other.

Despite the differences, despite whatever.

credit as tagged

For an ELF like Me...

It's funny to realize that Super Junior is doing sooooo well yet they do not get enough recognition they deserve. And it's not just because I'm an ELF that's why I'm saying this. It's because I see the truth happening.

Maybe it just has something to do with my choice of people to follow on Twitter, but if I may claim it... Super Junior is one of the primary factors why people go to SM Town. Call this absurd since yes, they're technically part of the company... But think about it... How many of the thousands of people there are ELF?

I don't know huh. But really, seeing the boys do SO well... I just can't help to feel prouder... that despite everything, they're still at it.

REPOST: A Call to All ELF in the World.

It’s not always that one finds the drive to live and believe like there’s no tomorrow. It’s not everyday that one think it’s necessary to be positive. After all, life ain’t easy. But as some gives up, some strives harder – not for their own satisfaction  but for the people who are depending on them for joy.

Jungsoo, Kyuhyun and Heenim. They are all examples of people who, despite their painful past, are doing everything they can to continuously show the fans a good image and to show that they love us so much, they’d be willing to take all the risk to make us happy.

Their physical injuries are not secrets to us. We know what happened. They got involved in car accidents. Heenim’s leg was broken that he had to bed-rest for months, and just so he would still appear good on TV,

he had to bite his tongue until it bleed so as not to be unconscious. Jungsoo was showered with shattered pieces of glass requiring 170+ stitches on his back and face, and the worst of all, Kyuhyun, who had to spend three months at the ICU, with fractured bones and injured lungs, and couldn’t speak for weeks due to trauma.

What transpired on 2006 and 2007 were not pranks. Those were real accidents which almost took the lives of three of our precious boys.

After some years, look at them now. For the 4th album, Jungsoo tried hard to improve his body. Heenim is participating on all promotional activities, and Kyuhyun is with the dancing group now. All of them are working hard, disregarding their physical conditions.

I hope it’s not just me who’s seeing this but Jungsoo, Heenim, Kyuhyun and the rest of the 10 members are doing everything they can to fill the void left by Kangin, Kibum and Hangeng. They’re working hard for us not to think that there’s something missing.

I wish everyone would appreciate all the efforts the boys exert. Please. Let’s stop demanding for what isn’t there, but cherish what we still

have. I know that convincing ourselves that it’s easy is the most difficult thing ever, but we have to think about the boys. We flaunt and say we’re hurting and we want SJ back together, but have we ever thought about how the boys feel on this?

Sometimes, we become too selfish that we focus on our own welfare alone.

We become too insensitive that we fail to protect Super Junior. We forget that when we hurt about these issues, they’re hurting double.

Because it’s them who are real brothers. It’s them who have stuck together for so many years. It’s them who know each other so well. It’s them who are members of Super Junior.

I’m not trying to build a wall between ELF and Super Junior. I’m merely stating my opinions. My point here is that when we cry, they cry harder. But still they work hard to show us the positive side of things. All we have to do is look at it and appreciate.

This is a call. Now is the time when the boys need us the most. Ten left, and so what? They’re still Super Junior and they will forever be, no matter what.

Honestly, I get emotional everytime I see the three perform. I do not want their efforts to go to waste. I do not want to disappoint my boys because they never do that to me. Especially Jungsoo, who I believe shoulders on himself, all the burdens.. because he’s the leader.

So let’s show much love to them. Promote the songs, introduce them to your friends, do trial listening (it’s confirmed to count on registered accounts), buy the albums, and watch their concerts. And mostly, believe in them.

Because these are the only things that we can do to make them feel appreciated. Let’s bring them again to number 1. Because that’s where they should be. Because that is their destiny.

Accepting the Truth

I know for a fact that sooner or later, Super Junior will come to an end. I know I always say that I believe in them and I promise to do so forever, but that does not stop the inevitable end from happening. The members have their own lives to lead, own paths to take – and it cannot be possible that we will be together for the rest of our lives.

But there is one thing which will keep all things alive even after years – the memories that serve as proofs that once in our lifetime, we walked paths together with 15 great individuals.

That is why we have to focus on the present. I am telling this myself continuously – because I always tend to be the first one to see beyond today. It’s quite difficult, but with a little practice and effort, we will all be able to handle it well.

What could happen is scary. I, personally, cannot picture myself living a life without these boys. I’ve gotten so used to smiling for/with/because of them for the past 4 years of my life. But as I’ve said, there are memories to rely on.

So what do we do? I suggest that we all unite. Enough of the sarcasm against everyone. Together, let’s start making memories in the best way possible. Let’s meet halfway. Let the newbies learn from the seniors. Let the seniors guide the newbies. Forget competition. Forget wars.

We should all accept that whether we like it or not, Super Junior will disband. So please, let us just come together and cherish what we have left. Appreciate the boys more, and appreciate each other.

So that when the time comes that we take separate ways, we could still find reasons to re-unite and stand proud as the people who created the Sapphire Blue World much more magical and perfect than it is. Then that way, we could face the boys with so much pride and joy that we managed to hold on through the memories they have left us with.

Just a Little Thought about ELF

Recently, I’ve been seeing, reading and hearing a lot of things said about ELF. Most are painful accusations saying we’re boastful, troublemakers, selfish and self-centered. Sometimes, I laugh it all off. But most of the time, I just can’t deny the fact that it gets to me and it hurts a lot.

I cannot say that it is not true of course. Even I can prove that some people in this fandom are really clueless about what they are here for. But in spite of the negative impression the world has towards the Everlasting Friends, it is and will always be one of the greatest fandoms in the world… and I will never ever turn my back on it.

The truth is: People just don’t see the good side of ELF. Just because of some things that happened in the past, the whole fandom gets downgraded each fucking time. It sucks, honestly, to realize that the whole fandom is being boxed in on a certain impression which does not apply on everybody.

Most of the time, I feel sorry for the ones put on hot water. Though I cannot say that these people are really innocent, I think it is fine to claim that their actions were just due to too much provocation from different things. You see, when the person you love the most gets hurt and gets criticized by people who actually knows nothing about them, it is hard not to lose patience. It’s hard to not erupt. Because you know that he doesn’t deserve those kinds of reception; and you see, it is more difficult if standing for him – against everyone else – is all you could do to offer protection.

Super Junior has gone through a lot. They were belittled, maliciously accused and misunderstood. ELF are the people who believed in them, because ELF paid attention and clearly saw what they have gone through.

As for the actions of ELF…

Others may call it immaturity but that word is too general to be used on ELF everytime something comes up. It is not always being selfish and self-centered when people become possessive of everything they know they deserve. It is not always troublemaking when people retaliate…

Sometimes, it – I BELIEVE – is dedication and love. 

I may not really live up to the name ‘ELF’ that is why I really can’t distinguish myself as one (and that fact makes this entire blog appear senseless). But as I give ‘being a fan’ no definition, I will still say that this is where I really belong. But this post? This post does not aim to defend the wrongdoings of some ELF. As the old saying goes, there will always be rotten tomatoes in a basket full of fresh ones. It’s just that I want to correct that wrong tags that are stuck on our foreheads, because I think of the new ELF who just want to be part of this fandom. I do not want them to be subjects of prejudice. That is why I wrote this crappy blog entry.

Here’s the truth: This fandom is not perfect. But it stands out on its own right. You know why? Because we love Super Junior and it is the boys which always come first for us.

And you know what? The same thing applies to everyone else – regardless of the fandom. You love your idols that’s why they stand out among everybody. That’s just how it is.

So no one deserves to be hated and no one has the right to generalize.