Dear My Star, Jang Geun Seok

[Fan Account] Visiting JKS at MSOAN filming set

Reposted from jangkeunsukforever's blog
Original Chinese Text & Photos Credits: PandaEye@KeunSukChina
Translation: Aphrael77
Please repost with proper credit

————— Fan Account by PandaEye —————-

Sorry for the long wait for this account ~ wishing everyone a belated Happy New Year!
I don’t like to write since young, and this being my first time writing a fan account, if I don’t make sense, please forgive me.

Once the set-visiting news was out, I was so excited! Immediately I applied to my mother for approval and didn’t expect her to be supportive, which fulfilled my wish. Here, I must thank my kind and understanding parents. When the confirmed list was announced, no words could describe my emotionally overwhelmed feelings~~ this is simply like a dream!

Then Xue briefed us on what we needed to do and things we needed to prepare. Each person was responsible for the purchase of 4 to 5 kinds of snacks. During the preparation time, my home resembled a warehouse with big boxes containing a variety of snacks. The snacks were purchased by us in China and lugged all the way to Korea by the three of us. Facing the risk of having to pay a penalty for luggage excess, we flew to Seoul lugging tons and tons of stuff. To save packing our clothes, we wore them all and almost perspired to death at the Chinese airport. I think it’s hard for you all to imagine that situation we were in… I don’t even want to recall it…. But out of our passion to show our support for JKS, we overcame all the obstacles. Whatever hardship and exhaustion was nothing.

18 Dec: Setting off
Lucky that my parents sent me to the airport. I reached Seoul at night and after getting off the airport shuttle bus, I felt like dying. How do I carry so many things? Luckily, I met many kind-hearted people along the way, who helped me to call a cab and carry my stuff to the hotel. If not, I really would not know what to do. Thanks once again to those Korean uncles for their kind-hearted assistance!

I met 2 Chinese girls at the hotel and asked for directions to Myeong-dong. Based on my good sense of direction, I reached Myeong-dong Cathedral to meet up with Xue, TT and Lala. I was so emotional when I saw them – I enveloped Lala in a fierce hug. Hahaha! It was such a miraculous feeling – we seemed like friends who had not seen one another for a long time, and we got to know one another well quickly. I believe that many eels have experienced this feeling before…

Just like that~~ I had started on my journey in search of Suk.

19 Dec: Performance

Pic 1: The café where Mae-ri’s Dad spied on Mu-gyul and Mae-ri

We went to Hongdae early and met a very cute girl, Momo, who led us in the search for the filming venue of M3 outdoor concert, as well as bringing us on a tour of Hongdae. She showed us many famous filming scenes, such as those from the “Coffee Prince”.

Pic 2: If you don’t remember this place, please go knock your head against some beancurd. Famous scene that has appeared countless times in M3.

Grand rubbish

Pic 3 is where Kang Mu-gyul and his mother were buying ice cream when his mother abandoned him. Poor Mu-gyul~~ T^T

Hongdae deserves its name as an arts university – there were many students carrying guitars on their back~ of course, the most handsome one is still Mu-gyul~~ >_<

It took up much time to look for the filming venue. After much difficulty, Momo finally got in touch with the manager and found out exactly where the venue was. We ran hard all the way, worrying that there might be no vacancy left. We finally made it, and I was already number 109.

The manager and crew there heard we were from China and were especially helpful and kind.

I didn’t even think that I’d get a chance to attend the outdoor concert filming. I was really lucky to have this chance on my 2nd day in Seoul – felt so emotional. I took many photographs of manager Kim. Comrade Kim was the first person to reach the set. He was so close to us. Thinking of my good friend who likes Kim, I took many photographs, and each one was so clear!

A pity when it came to photographing JKS, perhaps it was to due to my emotionally-charged feelings, nervousness and a fear of being discovered, the photographs were blurred due to some shaking. Nevertheless, I still got some good photographs – JKS was simply a fantastic model who looked good however he stood~ As for the contents of the filming, I believe you all would have seen other accounts and videos and so I shall not go into detail.

Of course, when the perfect actor Jang stood on the stage, we were all revitalized. Opening our eyes wide, standing on tiptoe and craning our necks, we feasted our eyes on this bewitching guy with so much stage presence. Don’t know whether it was due to the stage lights or what, when he was singing on stage, his eyes were so bright and captivating. It’s a pity that the photos can’t capture his eyes.

Photography was forbidden at the set, but so many fans around me were taking photos with their mobile phone, so I plucked up my courage and took some photos nervously. Unfortunately, many came out blurred. Lala said JKS saw me taking photos, I was so nervous, T^T will JKS hold a grudge against me for doing that?

After the concert filming ended, everyone lined up in two rows orderly, as if like reception ladies. When JKS passed us, we shouted, “JKS, you are great!” He seemed a little stunned by it, and after a few seconds, looked back at us and said, “I am great!” (His Chinese pronunciation was accurate!) I totally cannot recall my reaction at that time. I was so emotional and I’ll never ever forget that moment. Jang Keun Suk, you’re the best!!!~

After the filming, everyone thought he went to have dinner. We were still thinking that we would have our dinner after he had his. In the end, he went to a hairsalon. JKS is really wacky. As he went up in the elevator, he pressed his lips against the elevator’s glass door… leave it to your imagination…

The hairsalon.

We continued to wait for him. When he came out again, his hair was down and he had changed his clothes. There were very few people around then, except for a few overseas fans – it was so hard for us to see him that we couldn’t bear to leave, and so we waited until the end. We saw him walk over to greet the manager, and he was eating some food that the crew had prepared, and he also gestured at us to eat. He even got the manager to give us the food. Actually, we were all so full that we couldn’t eat any more, but it was given by JKS, so we took it anyway. (In the end, these food were left behind in the hotel room’s refrigerator)

The supper for the mass audience actors – spicy new year cake.
The mass audience actors

20 Dec: Moving house

We started to move early in the morning. The hotel helped us to get an 8-seater van to accommodate all our luggage. The driver was almost fazed helping us to move all the luggage. The move from the super mini Hotbiz to another motel near Korea University was to facilitate our liaison with Xue, which also improved our living conditions and most importantly, because of the grilled beef. Hee hee…

The driver went off after leaving our luggage on the ground. We had no choice but to wait for Xue beside the road. Passers-by threw us odd glances. Ok, I know the pile of luggage looked formidable. We are all female Hercules~~ @…@

Insadong– Angels’ letters, Angel’s smile

Angel’s smile – it’s perfect!

A pity Suk’s posters were already gone. Luckily, they still have Angel’s Letters, a very thick and heavy notebook.

That day, we carried many books back. TT’s new bag was even worn out in the process. Now this notebook is out of stock.

21 December

We went to Jamsil Lotte. Everyone knows, there is a JKS products counter there, amidst the other Korean stars’ official products. JKS’ counter is one of the most eye-catching. The other stars are all ignored by us, haha~

Please take note this is “You are Beautiful” 2011 desk calendar! This just goes to show how popular YAB still is!

24 December

On Christmas eve, the three of us sat on the floor, working non-stop to package the snacks and lamb’s wool socks. We seemed like factory girls – it felt comic! You can imagine how tired we felt – you all have seen that picture where we fell asleep.

Package full of love~~~
After packing, the lamb’s wool socks looked full of Christmas cheer.

Our hearts swelled with a sense of achievement after looking at the beautiful packaging that we had done.

The 100 goodie bags in support of the drama filming crew were completed.

25 December

On Christmas day, we went to buy gifts for the manager, hairstylist and other main staff.

To the three ladies, JKS’ style consultants, we gave cute Swarovski’s Christmas crystal pendants. Forgot to take close-up pics of them.

We bought Kiehl’s skincare products for manager Kim and two of JKS’ male colleagues, because JKS loves the brand~ The salesgirl knew a bit of Chinese and was very helpful. I asked her if I could take a picture of the gift and she agreed. While taking the picture, she asked (in foreign-accented Chinese) whether the gifts were for our men. It tickled my humour, and I didn’t know how to answer her. These were for those three managers from Tree-J…. Ok, if they were our men, I don’t mind accepting them …. Hahaha~~

Another minor episode happened here. On the next day, TT found a very heavy box in her bag. She seemed to recall that she had taken it while we were at Kiehl’s – she thought it was a free gift cup given by them. We shook the box and it seemed to be full of money! We were thinking that it couldn’t be possible that they had given us a box of money as a gift. We realized that TT had taken their small change money box!!! So in the afternoon, we went back to return the money box to Kiehl’s. Lala and I were looking on from outside while TT and Xue went to return the money. The salesgirl looked like she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

While shopping for gifts, we saw this – the bag from M3.

26 Dec: The Last Preparation

After shopping for half a day, we couldn’t think of any other idea, so we decided that healthcare products for the drama director and scriptwriter was the best choice.

This is the red ginseng gift package for JKS’ father.

We must admit that the standard of customer service in Korea is much higher than in China. They provide free gift-wrapping service and a small card, which is a nice touch. Even if one doesn’t buy anything, the salesperson can still send you off with a greeting and a smile. It was a pleasant shopping experience.

The gifts we had brought over from China had substance but not packaging. The hand-warmer we had couriered from China had arrived with such tattered packaging that we had to re-package it.

Bird’s nest for JKS’ mother, Godiva chocolates for manager Kim, Moon Geun Young and Kim Hyo Jin

We were all exclaiming in wonder at the salesgirl’s skill in wrapping the gifts – it’s too beautiful.

The dark-blue present in the bottom right-hand corner of the left picture was the red wine which we were afraid of shaking.

Our saliva was ‘dripping’ over the super luxurious limited edition Godiva chocolates for JKS

The goodies bags for the 100-member drama crew team were finally completed. What was left was to wait for the confirmation. We knew that everyone back in China was waiting for our news. As KSC representatives, we were also under tremendous pressure during those few days in Korea. Endless waiting … The three of us slept at 2 am every day, and woke up at 10 am. It was too stressful. In addition, Korean food was too heavy in flavouring, and my ulcers tormented me. I couldn’t eat well and sleep well, and on top of it had to worry about my upcoming examinations and when I could return to China. Those days were quite tough to endure, but whenever I thought of JKS, whatever hardship, pain and exhaustion became nothing. Jang Keun Suk is my mental support.

Back to the topic.

This was already 26 Dec. I had to return to China on 29 Dec to take my exams, otherwise I would fail my course. The price would be too heavy to pay. But the only news we got for visiting the filming set was …. to wait. We were already prepared for the worst.

27 December

The last episode of “Marry me Mary” would air on 28 Dec; we thought the latest date we could visit the set was 27 Dec. Again, we slept in the wee hours but didn’t dare to wake up late. Upon waking, the first thing we did was to call Xue to ask for the latest update, but the answer that Tree-J gave us was still, to wait. In great disappointment, I went to shower. Feeling depressed, I heard TT, who was outside, making a phone call. Then she yelled at me emotionally, “PandaEye!!! 10 pm tonight! And they want 50 more goodie bags!!!”

At this news confirmation, Lala, who was lazing on the bed, immediately revived. We became busy again. Immediately we set off for the supermarket to purchase enough snacks for 50 people. Xue was liaising to charter a vehicle for tonight.

We busied ourselves emptying shelves in the supermarket – quantities for 50 people! The leftover leopard cat stickers we had were not enough, so we could only buy normal gift-wrapping paper.

During the packaging process, we had to use the motel corridor to put our stuff, and the staff ahjumma were curious and kept asking us what we were doing~

These were the socks we added. Although it wasn’t as good as the original ones we got, it was the best we could come up with. Who asked the filming crew to put in a last-minute request?

We took many trips to move all these boxes of goodie bags and support resources downstairs ~~ four female Hercules ~~

We set off on the journey… but the road was really very eerie. Why was it so deserted? The weather was not very good too…

We reached the destination, and were shocked. We were 30 minutes early, but this place was so deserted. Pitch darkness… and where were the people? It started snowing heavily.

Xue made a phone call hastily. The filming crew were delayed with work elsewhere. We had arranged to meet the filming crew here… was this counted as an appointment?

In this deserted place, the four of us and the bus driver started to pull out the banner in preparation. The driver even helped us to make strategies. After the banner was in place, he closed the door to allow us to take a picture.

Back on the bus, it was waiting time again. The driver hadn’t even had his dinner when he came on this job. We gave the driver the excess snacks we had, and Lala asked him whether it was nice. He said it was, and we felt better.

We were on the bus waiting for JKS to arrive. When we saw the first car from the filming crew arriving, we kept staring at it, full of expectation. Xue reminded us repeatedly to keep calm and not scream at the sight of JKS. Actually, we were quite calm on the surface, but our hearts pounded like mad….

More cars arrived, but it wasn’t JKS’ car. Many filming crewmembers were looking at our banner on the bus. Written on the banner was “Mary – big success”. The driver thought that this was the name of the drama and after he chatted with the crewmembers, he came back to tell us especially that it was “Mary Stayed Out All Night”. The driver didn’t get our message.

But now that I think about “Mary Stayed Out All Night”, it was a big irony. Anyway, Mu-gyul was still a success~ he has been given a soul by actor Jang and made many more people fall in love with him. Of course, there are people who don’t love him, but that’s life. It is not possible for one person to be liked by everyone. We only need to protect the person we love. We don’t have to care about what others say.

While waiting, the driver switched on the television. We managed to watch episode 15 of “Mary Stayed Out All Night” – what a heart-breaking episode.

It was snowing heavily – the car in front was JKS’ car. He was the latest to arrive at around 2 am in the morning; we were there at 9.30 pm.

The other actors’ cars were there when JKS’ black car drove past us and stopped at the entrance to the studio – we seemed to see his sexy skinny leg sticking out of the car…

The car stopped at the entrance for a very long time. While on the way to the restroom, we tried to sneak glances inside the studio, but only saw props and sets. We were impressed by the massive scale of the post production of Korean drama. It was really tough on the actors and filming crew to work overnight in such freezing weather… it was really not easy…

On the left are the props used for the 19 Dec outdoor concert stage, and the drums set for the band.

Soon our little bus became a snow bus

Xue got into contact with a Tree-J staff. He was really a kind person. When he saw our bus loaded with stuff, he got the bus to move closer to the entrance and even helped us to carry the boxes in despite the snow.

After that, we told him which goodies bags were to be distributed to whom. Then he was concerned about whether we could take the severe cold. He expressed thanks for our support resources and goodie bags, and asked us to go back earlier to take a rest, because JKS would be filming the whole night, and it would be too tough for us.

Xue explained to him that we had come specially from China. It wasn’t easy for us, so we wanted to wait for JKS and pass our presents to him personally.

The Tree-J staff explained that JKS had to work overnight. We might have to wait till morning and that we needed our sleep. He even made a sleeping gesture. We said it was all right, we were determined to wait. So he didn’t press the issue further. He told us to return to the bus first to rest, and reminded us to hold on to our presents so that we could give them to JKS personally later.

The next few hours was an interminably long wait. TT’s mobile phone was out of battery, and mine was about to run out, but I needed to conserve the battery for use the next day when I returned to China.

The heater on the bus wasn’t working well. It was very hot when turned on, but once turned off, it would be very cold, so we alternated between the extreme temperatures for a long time ….

The driver had turned off the heater and gone to look at the filming crew. We were so cold that we huddled inside the bus, and used up whatever warmers we had. We had also run out of food. When we saw the driver coming back, we waved frantically at him to come and save us from the cold. If he didn’t come back in time, we would have frozen to death… T^T

When he came back, he laughed at us for saying it was too hot just now, so he had turned it off. Uncle, are you playing with us? It was tough on the driver too; he didn’t have dinner and he had to wait with us in the snow… At least, we still had our source of mental support ….

So in this situation where we had no water, no food and no internet connection, we passed a freezing cold but sweet night….

Time passed quickly. From 27 Dec 9.30 pm at night to 6 am on 28 Dec…. with the hope of seeing JKS, we waited patiently, accompanying JKS on the last stretch of filming for the last episode of “Mary Stayed Out All Night”….

The sky had lightened when I opened my eyes. The blanket of white snow outside was glaring to the eyes… The bus belonging to the filming crew…

At this time, we were utterly exhausted but remained passionately hopeful. These few days, my health had taken a turn for the worse and with keeping irregular hours, my throat was so parched that I couldn’t say a word.

At around 7 am, JKS’ car drove in the direction opposite of our car and had stopped. We immediately stood up and watched in anxiety. This time round, his car really stopped in front of our bus. At this time, Xue’s mobile phone rang. We saw that kind Tree-J staff walking towards us and talking on his phone. Then the door of JKS’ car opened. My God! JKS was inside the car!! My heart leapt. I can’t describe that feeling, but it sure wasn’t being too emotional.

The moment that JKS opened the door, I was in a daze. Against the bright light reflected from the snow and from hours of filming overnight, his face was very pale, but his skin complexion was still very good, unlike us with dark eye bags and dark-looking skin.

We followed Xue’s lead, got down from the bus and walked towards JKS. He didn’t come down from his car… (we learnt later that he didn’t have shoes on, we were all so busy looking at his face that we didn’t notice his feet) When JKS saw us, he smiled and greeted us. When he saw Xue, he greeted her with more warmth and said he hadn’t seen her for a long time (I was envious!).

Pulling a box of presents over, we told him that bird’s nest was for his mother. His mouth opened wide in a big happy smile and he nodded in thanks. We passed to him the present for his father and for him. He was smiling so happily. We specially took out the red wine and told him that its year was the same as the year of his birth. Lala was so overwhelmed that she said the numbers wrongly, ha, and JKS corrected her in English by saying it’s 1987. Besides presenting KSC’s gift to him, another skilful eel had hand-made 4 stuffed toys resembling the four main characters in “Mary Stayed Out All Night”. He laughed so happily when he saw that, and took the stuffed toy resembling him and placed it next to his car seat.

At the risk of incurring JKS’ displeasure and possible grudge against me, I secretly took a few photographs of JKS, but my hands were trembling and the photos were blurred. That Tree-J staff behind me saw it but didn’t say anything. Please do not re-post these photos at all! [not posted here] After all, these were taken during his private time and in a relaxed state. I don’t think he wants people to see such photographs. Actually I regretted taking these photos. JKS discovered it, and asked me not to take any more. I’m done for! I will be written inside his blacklist…

While autographing, he chatted with us. I forgot about the cold, forgot about the long wait, time had seemed to stand still at this moment. I was hesitating over whether to give JKS my hand-drawn portrait of him. TT was encouraging me to hand it to him. I ran back to the bus and took out the portrait. I gave it abashedly to JKS. He was a little surprised when he saw it and asked me in English whether I drew that. I said yes, and felt as if a burden had lifted from my heart.

I took out my Angel’s Letters notebook for JKS to sign. He asked for my name, and I gave him the English initial letters of my name (my Chinese name would be too hard for him to write). This is my first JKS autograph, I am very contented.

At this time, the other cars were revving off and were all waiting for JKS to rush to the next filming scene – everything was in a haste as the final episode would be airing that very night. JKS pretended to be angry and shouted “quick quick quick”. In such a rushed situation, we finally accomplished our mission to visit JKS on the filming set, had done everything we wanted to do and said everything we wanted to say. We said goodbye to JKS and got on our bus, preparing to head back to the city. We saw JKS’ car and all the other cars leave the place. We were the first to reach here, and now the last to leave. On our way back, we kept talking about what had happened just now. The feeling was indescribable and wonderful. We guessed that JKS could be going to Hongdae for filming and we were wondering whether we should follow, but we abandoned the idea. We wanted to leave a good impression, and I also needed to pack my luggage and rush to catch my flight.

It is a regret not to be able to stay behind and watch KBS Drama Awards. With this small regret, I left Seoul, and ended my 10-day journey in search of Suk.

The portrait that I had drawn of JKS. When I drew it, I had no idea that I would ever have a chance to give it personally to JKS.

Thanks to KeunSukChina for giving me this chance, and my grateful thanks to every eel who has been involved in this in one way or another.

“Mary Stayed Out All Night” was a flop. It was very tough on the actors, on the filming crew and on us who were visiting the set. Hope that actor Jang can get a good script in future and demonstrate his acting skill. Wishing him a big success in 2011!

Apologies for this very delayed fan account. Every day, I wanted to write this but I couldn’t write much before being distracted by something else that needs doing. So I had to owe this script until now. My writing skill is limited, seek everyone’s understanding~~

- By PandaEye –From Aphrael77:Reading this fan account literally made my jaw drop at all the efforts the KSC eels have taken in order to visit Jang Keun Suk on the set of “Mary Stayed Out All Night” in December 2010. I have nothing but utmost admiration for all the things they have done, setting such utterly high standards that I know I’ll be totally embarrassed if I ever get to visit JKS on set without anything in my hands (hey, at least I should prepare a hand-written declaration of undying support which is priceless, right? Ha~).

I’m really happy for JKS that he has such devoted eels who love him totally. Hey ladies, to borrow JKS and the Koreans’ favourite phrase, let’s keep on fighting, for ourselves and our beloved Keun-suk oppa!!!

Dear My Star, Jang Geun Seok

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Jang Keun Suk arrived Kimpo airport Feb 20, 2011

You're Beautiful won another award. Congratulation A.N.Jell !!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Jang Keun Suk Asia & Japan Tour 2011 Schedule

[Mary] MSOAN Fan account