Yunho for Road for Hope

I have been meaning to blog about this but somehow missed the opportunity. Since today is the 1st anniversary of Yunho's volunteer work at Ghana, Africa for the programme Road For Hope, I shall procrastinate no more.

First, I would like to say how inspiring Yunho has been, for me. If Changmin is my soulmate (more about that in another post, maybe), then Yunho is definitely someone I look to for strength. When I feel like I'm so exhausted I could go no further, I would utter his name. It might seem laughable to you, but it works. He is also the perfect role model for the kids. There are plenty of Yunho anecdotes to tell the kids, to spur them on.

Make no mistakes, both boys are role models in my life. Changmin will forever be someone I can 'turn to' when I am confused. Reading and thinking about him gives me clarity and solidarity, mainly because we are so so so alike. More alike that I could ever imagine. Both boys are so exemplary to be honest. Changmin though, unlike Yunho, is more quiet when it comes to showing his goodness. It all boils down to their different personalities.

Back to Yunho. Yunho, the one with a heart as big as the universe. We all know this volunteering opportunity means a lot to him and it is my wish that he will be able to inspire all you readers, at least to think about our life's privileges and value it more. And to be more willing to reach out a hand to others in need.

The video is english subbed, no worries. Just prepare tissue paper aplenty.


I let the kids watch this. They were too young to really grasp the kind of poverty and harsh conditions these Ghana children live in. Nevertheless, it's a good platform to discuss about how fortunate we are, how we should appreciate privileges more and how we could be more empathetic.

Some members of the OH TVXQ thread translated this article from 기아대책 @hungersaver webzin . Many thanks. Let me share it here with you.

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FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY 12, Vol. 255 December 2013
 

The children of Ghana should be loved

The voluntary work of TVXQ' Jung Yunho

Ghana, which is located in west Africa, has many hidden chances because of its natural resources. Because of that it's also called 'the black pearl of the world' (1). On one hand, Ghana is making a fascinating development as an emerging nation, but on the other hand the children are suffering. On the 22nd of September, Jung Yunho, the singer and actor, went for one week to Ghana with KBS' Road For Hope to do volunteer work.

The distant Ghana

I'm in Ghana for the first time in my life. My heart is excited, but the road of challenges already started back in Korea. It should take us 20 hours to travel from Korea to Bangkok/Thailand and then to Nairobi/Kenya, and from there to the capital of Ghana (Akkra). However, we faced problems in Bangkok. A typhoon delayed our flight there for 8 hours (2). Furthermore, after we arrived in Nairobi, there were terrorist attacks at a big mall. We decided to stay at our hotel for safety reasons (3). So, in the end, it took us 52 hours to get to Akkra, Ghana.

The children who have never eaten chocolate

Ghana is the second biggest cocoa producer for chocolate in the world. Most of the 6-12 year old children do the hard job of climbing the trees, plucking the cocoa fruits and cleaning and drying the beans. This is why, in harvest time during September-November, the children don't go to school but work on the cocoa fields. When we arrived at the fields, we were told there were many children plucking the fruits from the trees.

We met a 14 year old boy called Luke there. Luke helps on the cocoa farm while his aunt’s family raises him. His family had abandoned him. Even though his job was hard, he tells us his aunt can send him to school if he makes enough money. He works because of this. He parts the fruits efficiently and quickly, I tried to copy him but it's not as easy as it looks.

You can buy a chocolate bar at the supermarket here with the money a child worked for the whole day. My heart hurt when the children told me they've never had eaten chocolate in their lives.

We held a little 'sports event' for Luke and the children who had lost their smiles. We played football, team rope jumping and mixed relay. The football ball was wrapped in the material of old socks. After the game we distributed new soccer balls, stationery and snacks. I can still see the happy jumps of the kids in front of my eyes (and I miss them). I was overwhelmed by their innocence and the time we spent with them. I regret that we had such little time to help them, because, as there was so much to do, it wasn't enough. I at least hope the time we shared with them can remain a treasured memory.

 

The children who go to school with the money they earned at the beach all day

On our last stop, we visited a port village near the beach called 'Choco' and met 11 year old Joshua. Since he lost his parents 5 years ago, he's been living with his grandmother and his cousins. Joshua told us that he's been working at the beach since he's 8 years old. He carries fish boxes and delivers firewood all day long. This way he makes 1,5-2 cedi per day, approx. 1000 won in our currency. He tells us that with the money he saves he buys his school things and lunch.

Most of the children of our country get the love of their family as a matter of course, and they can go to school securely and play with their friends. My heart breaks when, compared to our children, on the other side of the world this child has to carry such a great burden on his shoulders. I hope that these kids who have the same clear eyes and innocent smiles never have to be lonely again and can feel loved.

The truth I have learned is, that every child has the right to be loved, and if they feel loved they will also give back that love to the world. I hope the day will come that the children here in Ghana can also realise this.

 

author: TVXQ' Jung Yunho, singer and actor
photos: Kim Daegyun (staff, PR team)

notes from translator:
(1) black pearls are extremely rare and expensive
(2) Typhoon Usagi, more than 50 dead, see news from 130922
(3) Westgate mall attack, 67 dead at in Nairobi, see news from 130923

sources:
기아대책 @hungersaver webzin
pdf file on website:http://www.kfhi.or.k...ebzineYear=2013
click:http://www.kfhi.or.k...alog.asp?Dir=95
via 2par via Nindy

translation: provided by tigerandbambi@onehallyu and @TVXQ!Express, all mistakes mine
Via OH! TVXQ thread
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Hope you enjoyed watching and reading!

Boy's Day - Chang-Minah

Or sometimes affectionately called Jangmi. Presenting Miss Korea 2014!

 

Here's a, erm, family portrait. 



 

If you are a fan of TVXQ, Suju, Shinee or Exo, you would probably have seen these glorious Boy's Day 'ladies' by now. You haven't? Here's one fancam. (There are lots. Just search Youtube!)

 

 

When I first saw Jangmi, I was on a very crowded bus, on the way to kids' swimming class. I couldn't help but kept scrolling for more pictures. The whole forum was going berserk. And I was trying my best to stifle my laughter on the bus. I did guffaw out loud a couple of times.

 

Once swimming class started, I watched and re-watched the fancams and chortled to my heart's content. At the poolside yes. Hubby was beside me. In fact, I showed him one picture of Jangmi and he said "Hmmm. Quite pretty. Who is she?" LOL.

 

 

Honestly, Jangmi's beauty is no joke! I was truly mesmerised. And look at his moves? I dare say he was even alluring. Alrightey, pic spam time! They are all tagged I think. So you know the credits. :)



Now now, isn't she a beauty? :p

Yunho in 'Journal of a NIght Watchman'

Yunho's new drama. YESH! I know it's been out for a while. I haven't watched it. Truth be told, I didn't have high hopes for it because I don't know the female leads at all and I couldn't (still can't) wrap my head around this horror romantic investigative drama genre. Hmmm?

And Yunho in saguek... I wasn't too sure about that.

Once the shots came out though, I was sold. I mean, just look at how fine the man is in his gorgeous gorgeous saguek costumes! *screams* A+ for the stylist!

   

For this drama, Yunho has to keep his hair longish and black. I must say he looks delicious in the current hairdo. Wait till you see the absolutely swoon-worthy SmTown pictures. And Chang-Minah.... OMG.... But that's for the next post. 

Yunho in black hair and in suit at the drama presscon. *gasp*

       

I am Changmin biased but seriously... this man be fineeeeee.

Ok, gonna spam some Moo Suk (Yun's character in the drama) pictures. 

     

                     

Credit as tagged

Besides looking good, which is *ahem* very important, he is also getting good feedback for his acting. Just read this article below:

[trans] "Night Watchman" Completely Transformed Jung Yunho, Dispelling Doubts over his Acting Ability

-Please note: There are spoilers in this article. I could not leave them out, as the spoilers are integral to understanding the article's analysis of Yunho's acting.-

Jung Yunho has completely changed. In the drama "Journal of Night Watchmen", as if he is dressed in a custom-made outfit in the role of loyal Court officer, Moo Seok, Jung Yunho is currently soaring. He has gotten rid and escaped from the harsh tests ever since he stood up to the challenge of acting, and has taken strides forward to stem the public's doubts over his acting.

Jung Yunho is currently taking on the role of Moo Seok, who presents a confidante-like presense to Gisangun (Kim Heung Soo) in MBC Monday-Tuesday drama "Journal of Night Watchmen". Moo Seok is a military officer who is determined and who is full of loyalty towards Gisangun.

Jung Yunho, who made his first appearance in the 3rd episode, cloaked himself with charisma amidst the fanciful action scenes. Following that, he faced off against Lee Rin and while showing his loyalty towards Gisangun, he also displayed the charismatic material elements possessed by the man called Moo Seok. The 5th episode broadcast on 18 August portrayed the story of Gisangun assigning the task of Lee Rin's guard escort to Moo Seok. During this process, Jung Yunho's acting was pretty memorable.

Moo Seok's acquaintance spoke up about his dissatisfaction with Gisangun's measures, saying "After waving his long sword at the border territories, won't His Majesty look foolish the people who will not be riled up?" Warrior Moo Seok, who is used to hiding his feelings through his lack of any expression all the time, contorted his facial expressions in an instant and said in a low voice, "Words which dishonour His Majesty, I will not forgive it even if it is you". Although he did not show his anger in a huge way, Moo Seok's each and every phrase was even more pointed than whatever type of anger.

Instead of using a tone filled with anger, Jung Yunho's sharp, pointed gaze expressed Moo Seok's loyalty, making it particularly effective. From his first appearance, Jung Yunho, who received anticipation through his acting using cold icy gazes while also leaving a visual impression through his skillful action scenes which can be said to be "actions of art", expressed the warrior Moo Seok in that way, showing everybody the side of him who is pretty adept at emotive control.

In addition, in the scene where he stood out to stop Gisangun after the latter had drawn his sword having developed a misunderstanding that Lee Rin had tried to kill him, Jung Yunho's emotive acting, which had become considerably skillful, stood out. Moo Seok, who had the realization that he could possibly be killed for his actions, stepped out to stop Gisangun. While pleading with Gisangun with these words, "I am stopping you for Your Majesty's sake. Your Majesty will become a good king. Your Majesty's reign cannot have any blemishes. I request that Your Majesty please withdraw your sword", he was also resolutely drawing his own sword. Moo Seok's expressions of loyalty towards Gisangun even in the midst of a precarious atmosphere, and his advice were scenes which could not be omitted from that day's broadcast.

In Moo Seok's facial expressions, the stern atmosphere as a military officer, and the immense loyalty towards Gisangun, were assimilated and evident. Thanks to that, one has come to predict that the scenes moving forward will portray Moo Seok experiencing immense inner conflict as he stands between Gisangun and Lee Rin, who stands face to face against the violent king Gisangun and who possesses a high possibility that he may become the new king. Jung Yunho's acting, which was a mix of resolute firmness while yet possessing intense emotions, made scenes like this which will become sub-plots have a sense of completeness. Although it is premature to pass hasty judgment because the drama is still in its first half, there is a high possibility that he will shake off the controversy regarding his acting abilities which has been plaguing him.

After making his debut as a member of TVXQ in 2004, Jung Yunho is red hot as an top idol domestically. After stepping out to take on a challenge in acting through "Heading to the Ground" in 2009, he made various fervent knocks at the door to the small screens through "Poseidon" (2001), "Queen of Ambition" (2013) and "Journal of Night Watchmen". Just like any idol, akin to a rite of passage, Jung Yunho is in the midst of receiving sharp critique on his acting. Watching the drama this time around till present, the possibility is high that this may be a turning point in his acting life where he can change criticism into praise.

This is because Jung Yunho, who had revealed, at the time of the production press conference of "Journal of Night Watchmen", his resolution to show everybody his hardworking side, has met with a warrior character with overflowing charisma which is suitable for himself and is towing the popularity of the drama through his acting, which has improved by yet another level. Digesting the emotive acting with ease to express the firm will of the character called Moo Seok, who is overflowing with suaveness with each and every one of his actions, we have come to develop anticipation for his acting of his internal conflict in the future.

http://news.naver.co...&aid=0002857167

cr:mug_ping, via OneHallyu TVXQ thread (kle)

So proud of actor Jung! We always knew he could do it! Looking forward to watching the drama! :)

Ti Amo. Duo pictures.

Here are the duo photos I missed out!

 Credit as tagged

I received my physical copy of Ti Amo 3 days ago! *squeals* It's soooooooo beautiful. And that DVD... The 2 were so adorable in it. I watched twice on the day I received it. Haha. Changmin totally looked like a lost puppy during the shoot. So endearing.

Would love to blog more about the DVD but I'm so tired from uploading so many pictures already. Another time. With any luck, the YT videos of the DVD will still be there. Not sure I can post the links here. Go do a search at YT ok? Or leave me a comment. :)