A guest appearance

Hi Hi sisters ..... Are your eyes well-fed already tonight with HRH's royal presence in Manager's wedding? Some say Yong Joon has lost some weight, more like 10 kgs! I personally don't really notice, just thought that he's more tanned than when he went to Morioka this March. It was reported that he was in the beauty salon around 3pm, apparently Manager Yang and his bride were also there. The wedding started at 6:30pm at Lotte Hotel in MyeongDong, Seoul. For sisters who've been to Seoul, you know how bustling that area is with all the shopping and restaurants. A lot of fans had been waiting/sitting in the lobby already, wonder if they are from the DA tour group. I guess Korean weddings must be really short, just ceremony and banquet, no dancing. Yong Joon left around 8pm, reportedly both cheeks blushing, hehe is it too hot or too much good wine?

From the posted pictures, you can tell he is trying to be low-key with his basic black suit, brisk walk and expression-less face. But a superstar is a superstar, that air! that aura! No no, he looks more like a King, I am lost in words to describe him already! Btw, have you thought about this could very well be the last time he appeared publicly in long hair? I don't have any insider info, but he might greet us with his new image in the Tokyo events next month, right? So let's enjoy these pictures together .........

the moment he stepped out of the car, pretty somber eh? Not the same glamourous glowing smile as in Jumoochi's wedding
He probably exclaimed to himself, "yikes, all the attention descends on me again!"
He must be forcing himself not to wave back at his fans and caused more commotion
striding directly towards the wedding hall
you think he's nervous or just trying to stick his sleeves back in the jacket? My gosh, what a stride! As if he owns the world, oops, he DOES, at least our world! :)


Hehe, just like to show Yong Joon and E Jiah with the same backdrop
I really like EJA's sense of style, so her own. Of course, like Yong Joon, she has the height and body to carry it, a born movie star @@ Hehe, don't tell me you don't notice his see-through top, huh? Especially you chinggu, you are sticking your nose too close to the monitor! :)
Hehe, you can almost see the belt buckle, he really knows how to drive us crazy!
One of my favourite shots

His mind seemed to be somewhere faraway here, what are you thinking of, Yong Joon?
Thanks to the sisters in byjgallery, baidu, soompi and quilt for posting these pictures.

Any stag party?

Hi hi sisters ..... It's the night before Manager Yang's BIG day, what do u think our Yong Joon is doing right now in Seoul? Ok ok, it's not his own wedding, but still, is his buddy/brother/associate. You think they have having a wild stag party for the groom? or just a close knit Korean family gathering? or my guess is : Yong Joon is in his own home, as disciplined as he is, probably getting ready to have his beauty sleep for tomorrow. In his mind, he wishes happiness for his close friend, but also feeling a touch melancholic about his 'lonely at the top' status? Dear Yong Joon-ah, how we hope you will find your true love soon! Anyway, I am too nosy. See you tomorrow, sweet dreams :)

Original from Byjgallery by maron

Back to school reflections

Hi dear sisters ...... It's quiet and empty in the house now as my son has gone back to school. After hanging out together every day for the entire summer holidays, I confess that I do experience a slight sense of loneliness. During the past 2 months, I have been his writing critic, math tutor, Japanese study pal, travel companion and most importantly, his confidante. I treasure these precious times that we have together, as we all know how fast a child grows up these days. Even though he is much taller and bigger than I am, and probably more capable and sensible in handling situations than I think; but as mothers, we will never stop worrying and hoping that they will blossom and be happy in pursuing their dreams. So, on the first day of school, I wonder .......

will he be as awkward and nervous like Junsang?

or as lonely and helpless like Yeosuk?

or as determined and studious like Chanwoo?

or as confident and mature as Jaeho?

I think he's more easygoing and accomodating like Seojuk (Sunny Place of the Young),

I do hope his school life will be as cheerful and rewarding as Yungmin's (Love Greetings :)

Maybe parents can place more confidence in their children, afterall, they have seen how we live our lives and model after us. If we lead by example of living with sincerity and integrity, hopefully it's imprinted in their minds and they will follow the same path. Sorry sisters, I am not qualified to preach about parenthood, just trying to express something to soothe my own feelings.

Oh Oh, back to our main man, something wonderful to look forward to tomorrow! Remember? It's manager Yang's wedding day and Yong Joon is supposed to be present :) We can expect tons of his gorgeous pictures @@ Have a wonderful day!

O genki desu ka

Hi hi sisters ... sorry for the quiet week, o genki desu ka (are you doing fine?) Thank you so much for all your warm comments in my last 2 posts, am very very busy with family affairs, I promise to get to them soon. I am puzzling what sort of pictures should I post about him tonight? Haha lucky lucky, some new pictures from his Bassini fall collection are out and they are quite cheerful, not the good old black fedora and Indian Jones coat anymore :) Hehe, can we predict a colorful fall from HRH?

original from byjgallery by 권오경

Coincidentally, I also bought this lilac (lavender? mauve? sigh, I am confused!) bathrobe for fall. Just fell in love with the pretty color and scallop trims, chuao? Nighty nite :)

Impressed

Hi dear sisters ..... we're back from Singapore today, have been sleeping the whole day - so exhausted (^:^) Hehe, how we do feel about princess' kingdom? 1 word : IMPRESSED :) When I gain my energy back, I'll share the wonderful places we have visited, ok?

Thank you so much my dear sisters for your kind concerns for the safety of our Japanese sisters. You are all so caring and sweet, I am truly grateful. Read that there were more hits on Aug 10 and 11 after I left Monday. Fortunately it didn't cause too much disruptions to the functioning of the city. Tokyo really works like a well-oiled machine, everyone is so calm and matter-of-fact. Guess only us foreigners freak out abit, as Japanese have always been educated to prepare for earthquake emergency. Hope you all a nice weekend ahead :)

A scary one!

Dear sisters ......... We just experienced a strong earthquake in Tokyo. I think the epicenter was under the Pacific Ocean south of the Japan main island (Honshu). The magnitude was 6.9 - detrimental. The entire country of Japan felt the shock but I think Kanto region (including Tokyo) recorded the strong 4.0 magnitude.

Our 'earthquake resistant' highrise building was swaying and I could feel the floor thumping under my feet! Whenever there is a tremor, I usually look at the light in my dining area as that is my best indicator of how serious an earthquake is. This time, the crystal ball was swinging widely back and forth like a pendulum! Trust me at that moment, my legs and arms felt so weak and I bet my face must have turned pale too! My instinct was to kneel down and pray to God and let this one pass us without any harm. I heard the early report is no serious injury or damage. I hope all our Japanese sisters and their families are safe. Peace!

Man of Style - black & white

Hi Hi sisters ...... Hot out of the oven! Just compiled this batch of super hot pictures of our man. Really sleepy now, better go to lala-land and dream about the handsome prince zzzzzzz....... :) Hope you enjoy!

Already looking like a superstar (or hip hop star?) in this youthful street fashion @@

Hehe, will you resist arrest from this gorgeous police officer?

I just can't get over how stunning he was in this wedding!

But then his eyes, his hands and his CHEST drove me absolutely crazy here! Hehe, I remember dear gosijo also has some thoughts on this pose too :)

I don't think I can ever find any man as elegant as him @@

The pattern of the shoji screen, the scarf and his dreamy eyes, brilliant combination!
Just love this deep V-neck sweater, his toned body even makes a woman envious @@

The famous 'painted' crutches and its gorgeous owner

2008 TWSSG event - the beginning of his 'fedora' era :)

and him reverted back to basic B&W dressing. I wonder how he keeps his sneakers so clean, does he throw it away every time?!
Walking like a model on the catwalk @@
Hehe, after I stuck my nose 1cm from this Face Shop poster and thoroughly examined it, my unbiased conclusion is : YES, this man IS perfect! (*o*)
Have a wonderful weekend!

Journey in search of Beauty of Korea

Hi Hi ..... As I was scanning through our handsome prince's pictures for my next post on 'Man of Style', I kept hearing these thunderous sparks outside my balcony. From the corner of my eyes, I even noticed the dark night was lit up in a rainbow of colors and sounds of helicopters circling the sky! Hehe no no, it's not World War III, it's the Jingu-Gaien Hanabi 神宫外苑花火大会 (outer shrine fireworks display) .

Now so what, there are hanabi every summer week in Tokyo, but but this one was VERY special. Our handsome prince actually appeared in a one minute video prior to the hanabi in front of thousands of audience introducing his book, Winter Sonata anime and his September visit to Japan @@

his video message - original : free from byjfan
Japanese to Chinese : 青衿女/baidu

Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Jingu-Gaien Hanabi. I heard that every year there is a large audience to view this hanabi. I also hope someday I can attend this with everyone.

At the present moment, I am writing a book introducing Korean traditional culture. In September, I plan to bring this book and the anime 'Winter Sonata' to visit Japan. I hope to meet everyone again with healthy image.

Please enjoy the hanabi today. Hope everyone will be as joyous as this hanabi, thank you very much!

Just a bit of latest info about this book order :
- It is officially called 韩国の美をたどる旅, I guess translating to 'Journey in search of Beauty of Korea'
- It is on order now in BOFi (www.BOFi.jp) and Nikkan Sports site (www.nikkansports.com)
- The book costs 2835 yen and will be delivered on 09/28

There is still no published pictures of the book or its cover. So there is a lot of questions on when the other language versions will be out (if any?), will the making DVD and pictures going to follow? Hehe in fact, I think I am more eager to see the process of our handsome prince creating the book than the travel book itself :) Hope there will be more info out soon.

Zojoji Bonodori

Hi Hi sisters ...... I have been buzzing like a busy bee 'again', guess doctors can only advise so much. Even though some expatriates prefer to return to their home countries to escape from the scorching heat, but summer in Tokyo is where all the actions are! There are matsuri (summer festivals), hanabi (fireworks), awaodori and bonodori (folk dance).

I still remember last year we passed by a neighborhood Bonodori. As we watched families dressed in beautiful yukata and happily danced to Japanese folk songs and Taiko drums, how I wish I could imitate those beautiful dance movements! But where to begin for a foreigner who knew nothing about this Japanese tradition? So I just kept this little wish quietly at the bottom of my heart. Life is really full of hopes and miracles, through a very kind Japanese sister E, I happened to watch a dance performance by my present Nihon Buyo sensei (Japanese dance teacher). As they say, the rest is history ......

This past weekend, I finally made my ‘debut’ in a Bonodori – I mean actually wearing a yukata and do the Bon dance! Yes, it’s not a big deal to others as hundreds of people are dancing too, but it’s a dream come true for me. Well, my sensei has been patiently teaching sister E & myself the 6 popular dances ahead of time. On the day of the Bonodori, sensei’s own kimono lady even came to her house to dress us and do our hair, so kind :) My long hair is tied so tight into a bun, hehe like my yukata?


This Bonodori was held in Zojoji (増上寺), at the foot of Tokyo Tower. Zojoji was the Tokugawa Shogunate family's temple during the Edo period (1590).

The front gate

The side halls

The quiet bamboo corridor - very zen

The Yagura (central dance platform) was set up in the main temple ground
This has got to be the classiest matsuri food stalls ever - hotel chefs in white uniforms with silver serving trays! Kids fishing game
Usually the summer heat is so unbearable that you can’t even stay out for 5 minutes, miraculously the weather really co-operated that day. The rainy forecast never materialized, it was cool and breezy like a spring night. My sensei told me it has always been the case, it's because one of our dance is dedicated to Ojijo-sama (the God of Land). The dance started right before dusk, went well into the night. The dance sensei would go up the Yagura and led the dance, and the rest of us danced around the Yagura in circles.


Some kindergarten classes were invited and these cute little kids were all dancing around us :)

As the night went on, more and more people arrived and joined in.

I took a glance at hubby and he was tirelessly following me in circles, trying to capture this precious moment for me.
As I admired the stunningly beautiful night view of Zojoji and Tokyo Tower, I couldn’t help but be very grateful for what I was experiencing. The little secret wish that I dare not think too much about had now become a reality. I turned around and thanked the caring sister E, my heart was filled with joy but my eyes were swelled with tears.

Thanks for reading :)