Hopes and Connections

Hi hi .... sigh, I had another problem with Blogger lately which prevented me from publishing post, glad that it's resolved now, phew! This is late news, for those who want to follow up on how Yong Joon's generous donation of 1 billion won for the Japanese disaster relief is being put to use, I received this heartwarming piece of writeup translated by our diligent cloudnine, thank you so much :)

"I'm attaching the translation of the writing about BYJ's medical aid cars sent for the victims of earthquake and tsunami. It was witten by an actress-turned nurse and healthcare counselor, Mitsuko Ishii and posted in Yomiuri Newspapaer blog - yomiDr. http://www.ishiimitsuko.net/ " - Thanks cloudnine!

BYJ’s cars run in Fukushima

Cars donated by Mr. Bae Yong Joon are now running around Fukushima. (Three cars have left Tokyo.)
　
I think I wrote before that my thesis adviser at the graduate school was from Fukushima, and one day this professor said, “An foreign actor is going to donate three medical aid cars to our NPO” I found out later that it was a Korean wave star Mr. Bae Yong Joon.

It was shortly after the earthquake that Mr. Bae proposed to make a monetary donation of 75,000,000 yen to Cabinet Office for the blankets and three cars.

Then it was officially announced that the cars would be sent to the NPO, for which the professor takes on the position of the chairman. It took a while for the cars to complete its interior renovation as well as the exterior work that includes the name of St. Luke’s College of Nursing, names of volunteers, and its project name of ‘Hopes and Connections’, but on May 8th all three cars were delivered to the headquarter of the NPO.

I drove one of those cars to Soma City’s health center in Fukushima and left it to the nurses of the mental care team. We had a press conference there and told that as one of St. Luke’s College of Nursing projects, using this car ‘Hopes and Connections’ project will continue through next March to support mental care of Fukushima people. Areas to be covered are Iwaki City, Soma City, and Koriyama City. Each city has its car. Whenever it was necessary, based on administrative directions, the cars should be used for any medical aid purposes.

Looking back on the past days when I was terribly worried over how we could provide medical support in a long run and also how we should design the contents of medical aid with cars, I remember visiting my alma mater, St. Luke’s College of Nursing. It was a day toward the end of March.

When I actually saw those three cars, not the ones on design paper, they were just splendor and my hearts was full of deep emotion. I was really surprised to see BYJ’s fans who came over to see us off on the day of our departure. His popularity is great indeed.

We have created the official site of ‘Hopes and Connections’. We’ll have to start fund raising. We are planning to post the video clips of running cars, so please visit our site ‘Hopes and Connections’ - URL http://kiboutokizuna.jp/index.html

Zen ...

Hi hi ..... read from his staff blog that Yong Joon is currently doing "Indian Yoga" to help with his rehabilitation. Hmmmm ..... I don't know much about Yoga even though over 50% of the women around me swear by it! Could it be something like this??

A holistic setting,
a relaxed posture,
a focused mind,
and a flexible body.
Ready? Now turn and bend ....
lower ...
even lower (Help!) ...
CLUCK!! (sound of bone cracking)

Master, I think you've just cured my shoulder pain :)
original from cafe.daum.net/byjgallery by 권오경 (from his 'Beauty of Korea' documentary)

Sakura 2011

Hi hi sisters ...... Amid all the grim news in the past weeks, cloudnine reminded me that Sakura is in full bloom in Tokyo. Thanks cloudnine for sending me this picture :)

I'll add a few more here .... BEWARE, looking at Sakura can become addictive! (hehe, pretty much like looking at our handsome prince :) pictures are reposted from leotamaki.com, forenglishfans.blogspot.com, thebeehive.net respectively, hope you enjoy :)

Light up for Japan

To show solidarity with Japan as it faces the monumental ordeal of earthquakes/tsunami/nuclear radiation, 10 iconic towers in 7 different countries are lit up to show support and encouragement to Japan's relief effort. Starting from April 4 Monday at sunset, these skyscrapers are illuminated in the midst of the city's skyline in red and white, the color of Japan's national flag. Participating cities are hoping that the prominent visual spectacle would remind their residents of the disaster and encourage donation to the relief fund. Sorry I cannot find the red and white illuminations for some of the towers. I will post more once I find the pictures, please add your imagination @@

CANADA - CN Tower, Toronto CANADA - Olympic Tower, Montreal USA - Empire State Building, New York USA - Space Needle, Seattle USA - John Hancock Observatory, Chicago KOREA - North Tower, Seoul MALAYSIA - Menara KL, Kuala Lumpur CHINA - Macau Tower, Macau UK - Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth NEW ZEALAND - Sky Tower, Auckland

Ganbare Nippon!

Hi Hi .... Have you ever seen a Taiko drum performance? It's one of the most mesmerizing experience for one's ears and soul. Like Odori (dance), this art form can be seen throughout Japan in most festivals and events. Its thunderous sound and accelerated beats can pound right into your heart and open up all your senses. Taiko drums consists of groupings of drums in different sizes and shapes, complemented by other melodic instruments like koto and shamisen. I find the attraction of Taiko drum performance lies not only with the rhythmical skills of the drummers, but their 'martial-art like' choreography and unique ethnic costumes.

Nagata Shachu is a taiko performing troupe based in Toronto, they tour widely throughout Canada, US and Europe. They will appear in 2 fundraising concerts for Japan earthquake relief . The first one is in Guelph, Ontario :

The next one will be in the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center in Toronto. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Taiko performance while supporting a cause close to heart :)

Open your hearts

Hi hi sisters ...... it's almost 2 weeks since the 9.0 earthquake struck Japan, the news time that TV networks devote to the coverage of the series of disasters is beginning to wane. Occasionally, we hear reports on the radiation scare and food/water contamination reminding us of the on-going rescue/relief effort still happening over there. The Japanese government estimated the cost to rebuild after the disaster to be over $300 billion. This is quite an astronomical figure for any average folk to comprehend, but we can see from the video footages and pictures how catastrophic the damage this disaster has left behind. People have lost their homes, personal belongings, means of livelihood; and escaped with only the clothes on their backs. The emotional pain of losing their families, loved ones and their communities is just unimaginable.

Since the disaster struck, I have read/heard comments like "Oh, Japan is a wealthy country, they don't need our help". Yes, we are impressed with how civilized and resilient the Japanese people are, revealing their 'respect for others and properties' even in emergency situations. We also know the strong bonding among the Japanese people and the determination they have to rebuild their communities. True, we cannot replace their family treasures or momentos from the past, part of that history is wiped out with the tsunami. But we can help by instilling hope to mend their broken hearts and restore their confidence. We can spread our love to let them know there are people out there who care and support them.


We have seen Yong Joon's lead with his 1 bilion won donation and the generous show of hearts from the Malaysian BYJ Family. I am encouraged by flowerbossa's posts on the many fundraising events in/outside of Japan and how wonderful these artists use their talents for good causes. There are many channels that we can help the Japanese victims as listed on the homepage of xiaoyi's blog, and also bb's mention of DATV Hohoemi project on JustGivingJapan.

If you prefer something more personalized, there are always the local Japanese communities' fundraising drives. In Toronto, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center is organizing the Taiko drums flash mob tomorrow, and also the grand Sakura Ball which parts of the proceeds will go to help the relief efforts. The Toronto School Board also participates in teaching Elementary to High School students to fold 1000 paper cranes and send to the Japanese school children, as a way to show they are in our thoughts. Many victims are still suffering from the cold, hunger and loneliness, please open your hearts and help however you can. Love always ......

BYJ's message to Japan

Hi sisters ...... As you expect, this massive Japan disaster hit Yong Joon close to heart. The Japanese family always support him and he holds a special love for them. Yong Joon has taken swift action and donated 1 billion won to the Japanese government for relief effort - food, water, clothing and shelter for the victims.


Furthermore, he wrote a comfort message for the Japanese family in JOB and thanks to cloudnine for translating it for us.

"To the victims of Tohoku Taiheiyo Coast earthquake :

Today I hesitate to start with the regular greetings such as ‘Hello, this is Bae Yong Joon’. Watching the news about the earthquake on 11th, I can’t take my eyes off the television. Because I’m very much worried about not only you, my family, but also all the victims of the earthquake.

More and more damages are being reported and I am deeply troubled by the news of continuous aftershocks, too. All I can do is to watch the news and I feel helpless. Whatever I do, I don’t think I can heal wounds and pains, but I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the earthquake and tsunami victims. I really wish that the secondary disasters and accidents will not occur any more.

Having been in such troubles even in the past, I understand that you have overcome quickly and calmly. With the great interest and support from all over the world, I truly wish that you will live through this difficult situation to restore peaceful days as soon as possible. At the same time I am currently considering the best course I can do.
Offering fervent prayers I and my Korean family hope to see you again in good spirits.

Bae Yong Joon"

元気な姿でまたお会いできることを私も韓国の家族も一心でお祈りしております。
ペ・ヨンジュン

The BIG one!

Dear sisters ..... it's the morning after in Japan now. When the people in Japan wake up (for most, maybe they never slept) after one of the most horrifying days in their lives. March 11 at 2:45 pm will forever be remembered, as the most devastated earthquake in Japan history, of 8.9 magnitude, hit near the coast of Sendai triggering a massive tsunami.


I was awakened unusually early this morning, had an uneasy feelings of some sort. Just happened that our pre-historic 'dinosaur-sized' TV in the bedroom, which had been serving us dutifully for the past many years, had finally succummed to its old age. So I half-sleepily switched on my laptop, customarily checking my mail and Yong Joon news. BAM! This headline struck me : 'Record 8.9 earthquake hit Japan'! Chill literally spread from my head, spine, body to my limbs, my worst nightmare really came true!


You know how attached I am to Japan, the places, the people, the culture, everything. But I have to admit while I was living there, the threat of 'the BIG one' did exist in the back of my mind. Besides educating ourselves with earthquake emergency procedures, I know we cannot live our lives in constant fear of natural disasters that are beyond our control. Still, as images of the devastation flooded the internet and TV news channels, tears just uncontrollably streamed down my face. Even though I am thousands of miles away, there is little comfort to know that my dear sisters over there are shaken up and suffering.

Thanks cloudnine for checking up on other sisters and letting me know that they are unhurt. I am so relieved when I could get in touch with you and Olivia this morning. I hope you can all re-unite with your families very soon when the transportation network is resumed. Pray for the people in Japan that there will be no more destruction of any sorts, please take care sis ^^

maybe later ....

Dear sisters ..... I have to admit I do feel a bit down today. To think that I could have been strolling on the bustling streets in Shibuya right now, chatting with my dear Japanese sisters and slurping up my favourite ramen, yes yes believe it or not, I really feel pumped up by the rush, the noise and the crowds in Tokyo :) Instead I am stuck in frigid cold wilderness, unpacking my lugguage and emailing my dear sisters that we had to wait a little longer to see each other again. Yes, I am talking about cancelling my return trip to Japan at the last minute, quite a disappointment (let alone wasting all the planning efforts!)

Normally, I am not a big travelling enthusiast (I am still amazed at how our old bones could survive those 7 side trips to neighbouring countries during our 2 1/2 years stay in Japan!), but going to Japan is like 'going home' to me. I miss the sight, the sound, the taste, the feel of Japan and most of all, the dear friends I've made there. Well, maybe later .....

pictures from xiaoyi's blog, original from posoku in posoku's blog

Dream High special concert

Hi sisters .... you know there was this special concert held in Seoul to commemorate the ending of the drama 'Dream High'. Btw, have you been following it? What do you think of Yong Joon's 'baby' - hehe, I mean the drama :)

All the young idols who played the main characters took part in the special concert. Undoubtedly, this was a hot ticket in town as each idol is already popular in his/her own right.

Who are you cheering for? Haemi, Jinguk, Samdong, Baekhee, Jason or Pilsuk? For me, I really like the 'Milky Couple' - Jason & Pilsuk, they are just sooooo adorable together @@

Anyway, what I am trying to say is - what a wonderful idea to have this special concert for the fans of the drama. Too bad our Yong Joon was not able to attend. DO check out the the footage of the concert in Xiaoyi's blog (thanks Xiaoyi!), especially Part 1 from minute 11:20 when Jason, OK Taecyon and JYP danced to MC Hammer's 'Too Legit to Quit'. Those trio are just super amazing dancers!
Pictures shown are from Innolife

Closing of Gosireh

Dear sisters ..... How's your winter so far? I read that Korea has got more than its fair share of snowfall, plus the close to 'zero' news from Yong Joon - make this winter quite uneventful in the Bae world, huh?


Cloudnine reminded me that today is the last day for Gosireh in Shirokane, Tokyo. This famed, Yong Joon restaurant was opened in August 2006, an introduction of Korean palace cuisine to Japan. Gosireh was loved by BYJ fans since its opening, numerous fan gatherings were held there in support of Yong Joon. Many overseas sisters made Gosireh one of their main Yonsama destination during their visits to Tokyo. I myself, of course have many wonderful memories there, even my farewell gathering was held there last year, sob sob :(


Cloudnine told me that today is full house at Gosireh, both lunch and dinner time. I can imagine how touching one felt to be greeted by the staff at the elegant entrance for the last time, how bittersweet it was to taste the fine delicacy one last time, how heartbreaking to have one last look at that stunning dining room in which so many friendships and happy memories were made. This is indeed the end of an era. As cloudnine described the mood so eloquently - (It was very cold and rainy in Tokyo. We have a phrase in Japanese 'Rain of tears', heaven also felt sad and sorry for the closure of Gosireh so it brought the rain.) All the best to the former staffs of Gosireh, thank you for your kind service.

Ruptured cervical disc

Hi hi sisters ..... hope you had a nice weekend. The fact that Yong Joon's health seems to stick to the back of my mind even though I am busy with other 'stuffs' triggered me to dig up more about 'ruptured cervical disc'. What exactly is it and how does the 5th, 6th and 7th disc affect the patient's health? If you are also curious like 'moi', you are welcome to read on. It's a bit lengthy but quite easy to understand .....


Extracted from the Spinal Columns Network, Laser Spine Institute :
************
The 'cervical spinal disc' has one main function and that is to act as a shock absorbing device for the bones in your spine called vertebra. The cervical disc is comprised of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus but often referred to as the capsule. Inside the capsule is a soft gel like material called the nucleus pulposus. A healthy cervical disc will act as a shock absorber and lend flexibility to the spine. As we age the outer capsule of the cervical disc begins to weaken and eventually through this break down the inner material may sometimes push through causing a ruptured cervical disc.

When considering the pain caused by a ruptured cervical disc you would not imagine that it would affect your extremities. The problem with a ruptured disc in your neck is that the ruptured disc itself is not painful. The pain comes from the inner gel like material pressing on your nerve roots or your spinal cord itself, sending painful signals to the area in relation to the nerve affected. Some of the most common ruptured disc in neck symptoms will include a numbness or a tingling sensation that is felt in the arms, as well as pain that radiates down the arm and into the hand or fingers. Like most other spine conditions, certain positions and movement will prove to intensify the pain felt by a ruptured cervical disc.

The cervical discs in your back are labeled and identified through the letter “C” and a corresponding number. Ruptured C5 C6 disc and ruptured C6 C7 disc is the most common diagnosed cervical disc problem. Ruptured discs can have anywhere else in the cervical spine but very rarely will one occure at the C7 T1 Level.

A cervical ruptured disc usually creates pain by affecting one of the nerve roots at the spinal level. In the case of a C6 C7 ruptured disc the C7 nerve root is affected causing pain patterns and neurological deficits. Listed below are some problems associated to the nerve root being affected:

•C5 nerve root compression (C4 C5 ruptured disc) - This may often cause weakness in the upper arms deltoid muscle. C5 nerve root compression will most often no cause tingling or numbing sensations but may cause shoulder pain.

•C6 nerve root compression (C5 C6 ruptured disc) - This form of nerve compression can cause weakness in the biceps located in the front of the upper arm. Along with weakness, numbness and a tingling sensation accompanied by radiating pain can be felt in the thumb side of the hand.

•C7 nerve root compression (C6 C7 ruptured disc) - This compression may cause weakness in your triceps as well as your finger extensor muscles. You may feel numbness or a tingling sensation going down your arm through the triceps and into the middle finger. This may as well be accompanied with radiating pain. C6 C7 ruptured disc is one of the more commonly diagnosed ruptured discs.

•C8 nerve root compression (C7 T1 ruptured disc) - Patients who suffer from this very uncommon ruptured disc will feel weakness in their handgrip accompanied with numbness, tingling sensations and radiating pain starting from the top of the arm and ending in the little finger side of the hand.

Because the genetic composition of people is not identical it is quite possible that the pain patterns listed above will not always be a perfect match to the individual. Because of this fact some people may rarely be affected differently then the majority.
************

This is just a general description of the condition and it may not be exactly what Yong Joon is experiencing, therefore I would not include any recommended therapy or treatment here so as not to confuse things more. I believe he is definitely under the care of the most proficient medical staffs and the most advanced technological solutions. Most of all, he has the blessings and prayers from the family who love him so much. So be strong and have faith huh, Yong Joon ssi!

Get well soon

Hi hi sisters ..... I think most of us are worried sick right now knowing that Yong Joon is in the hospital again. Apparently he was taken to the hosiptal by ambulance on the 4th due to pain caused from his previous neck injuries. I must admit that this has taken me by surprise. Even though I have not been blogging as frequent lately, I still pay close attention to what our handsome prince is up to @@ Of course that includes watching Director Jeong flexing his fingers muscles on the baby grand :)

As his fan family, besides supporting him and wishing him the best, my mind just crowds over by worries ..... How long has he been suffering from this pain? (since TWSSG, THAT LONG!) What is the extent of his injuries? What length did he go and hide so as not to cause us worry about his health? Gosh, I am so ashamed of myself that lately in my heart I was quietly wondering where Yong Joon is heading??

Little do I realize that our Yong Joon has carved out many opportunities in the last few years for us to see him (in events, drama, book and documentary) despite his ongoing health concerns! He always wants to reveal his best side to his family and never wants us to worry about him. Yong Joon, thank you for being so kind and considerate, now please take good care of yourself and don't come out until you're 100% recovered, ok :)

On marriage rumours

Hi hi sisters ...... after the event, Yong Joon gave an interview in the backstage. he changed from his formal black suit to this very cozy 'teddy bear' sweater (remember it has all kinds of tails dangling from the collar?) He just looked so cute and adorable here :) Anyway, I am particularly interested in him bringing up Lee Ji Ah and Lee Na Young - the 2 actresses whom many wonder if they have ever been his 'underground' lovers? Now he clarifies it :


[Money Today Star News Tokyo (Japan) = Reporter Kim Hyun Rok]
Interview extracted from suehan's blog, thanks!

R : There was a rumor that you purchased the house to marry someone in 2011.
B : That’s why I told you before. (Bae Yong Joon said to his fans, “Please introduce a girl to me.) I rarely go out, so I don’t have opportunities. But the marriage rumors kept floating around. Maybe, it is the time to get married. If I marry, then I’ll release the story.

R : Your sister is already married and you have a nephew.
B : I like children and enjoy playing with them. I want to marry, but it’s not my choice.

R : Are you close to Lee Na Young? There was marriage rumor from the stock market.
B : Na Young appeared in the drama, “Have we really loved?” as my younger sister. I wonder where those rumors are coming from. It’s really weird. Before, I had wine with a make-up artist and Song Hye Kyo. But there was an article saying that I met Lee Ji Ah instead at night. So I said, “Apparently, you don't really exist, Hye Kyo.” (laugh).

picture original from Naver - Starnews
reposted from xiaoyi's blog, thanks!

Hohoemi Event - detailed account

Dear sisters ...... we are always so lucky to have kind sisters like cloudnine. I know she is excited and also tired from the last few days, but she still selflessly sacrificed her rest time to translate a detailed account of the Hohoemi event for us. Cloudnine, for those of us who cannot attend the event, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

original : Daily Yonsama Mail by Kei san - Dec 15
translated from Japanese to English : cloudnine

First there was a video footage shot when BYJ visited Children’s Medical Center (Kanagawa Pref.) Beside the scenes previously aired, there were some unreleased scenes. We saw several scenes in which he visited hospitalized children and their parents and one of them was a baby who was born four months earlier. Patting gently the baby BYJ said to her mother, “This baby wanted to see her mother sooner” I was really moved by this.

When asked about the premature babies he said, “ I was 4400 grams when I was born.”. (Jaime : hehe, he's a BIG BABY!) This caused the laughter from the audience. I guess BYJ family responded to the figure of 4400 and other fans responded to the large number. (￣▽￣)b

Right after the video was over, the stage was spotlighted and Yong Joon was there!
My eyes had been glued to the screen so I had no idea when he came up to the stage. (cloud nine: he came up from the lower level.)

Waving his hands he answered to Yong Joon calls from the audience. A Q and A session followed. . *The following dialogues are not exactly the same as Yong Joon said because I wrote according to my memory. I would like to ask you to just feel the atmosphere.

First of all his greeting.
“Everyone of my family, Good evening. I greet you after a long time. I’m very happy to be in such a significant place with you. …I have wanted to see you…”
A bit bashfully he said “Pogossipo sumnida – I wanted to see you”, which was very cute.

The talk show was supposed to be done with mc and BYJ sitting on chairs, however, when they were going to take chairs, fans in the block behind the stage shouted, “We can’t see …!” (laugh) Suddenly(!?) talk show was going to be done on the rotating stage.


Asked about this project he said, “When children were born and if they have no chance to live in this world, it is very sad I think. Because of the polluted air and bad environ-
ment, a lot of premature babies have been born. I think everyone is responsible for this.
I would like to ask your sufficient interest and cooperation. I would like to protect precious lives that make our future. “

What made you to join the project?
“I have a keen interest in the earth’s environment and I hope this project will create an opportunity that Asian children restore their smiles.”

What inspired you to start charity work?
“I was totally inspired by everyone of my family. As I always receive true love so I wish to react to the love. “

The item which will be put up for auction is the brown coat that he wore in WLS. Besides special wine will be given to those who set the high price.
”I gave this coat to my manger, but he has kept it in a good conditions for the day when it is used for a good purpose.”
“This is my favorite brand wine and I put the label of the book ‘Travel to search for the beauty of Korea’.”

Then he said to mc Hide, “Can I offer one more?” and started to take off his necktie quickly. As I had thought that the gesture of a man taking off his necktie was sexy, I was a bit excited with this petit live show of changing!?
This necktie was put up for auction.

Yong Joon also signed an autograph on the object (cloud nine: it’s a transparent globe every artist was asked to sign.) He wrote the Chinese character of ‘Love’ and signed his name below. When I saw the letter of Love I got slightly teary. (>_<) Then he fixed his collar (cloud nine: he didn’t tidy up his collar after he took his tie off and I myself felt uneasy, but he didn’t seem to care. Finally the interpreter suggested him to fix it.) Watching this mc Hide misunderstood that Yong Joon would take off his jacket and said, “I thought you would put your suit up for auction. If you keep taking off your clothes it will be Yakyu ken game.” (cloud nine: Yakyu ken is a game played with two people. They do rock-scissors-paper and the loser has to take of one’s clothes.) (-_-;)

Mc Hide suddenly asked Yong Joon about his marriage.
To answer the question, “Everyone of my family, please introduce someone to me.” said Yong Joon…I automatically wanted to raise my hand…but I only have sons. (￣▽￣;)
“When I find someone to marry, I would like to introduce her to you, my family first and foremost.”

Then he talked about ‘Dream High’ as his future activity. The images shown on the screens were all new to us and there we saw Yong Joon playing a role of the board chairman.
Today’s event in Tokyo Dome was being shot to use as a part of Dream High. He said finally, “I will make an effort to produce a good drama.”


The time was up. MC Hide asked him for the last message…”It’ll come to an end so soon…”, he looked unsatisfied.
((´-ω-`) Kei tweets: Hide, say something ad- lib..)

“The time I share with my family goes so quickly. I’m always grateful to you and I feel sorry too. I’ll try to do more activities in 2011. While listening to the theme song I thought that no matter how hard and difficult things we might encounter, we will strive for a big dream taking each other’s hands and comforting each other.”
“ (In Japanese) I love you my family.”

Kei’s comments:
He looked so cool when he run up the stairs. Yong Joon’s appearance in this event was not much, but how come I have a sense of satisfaction? Are we happy just to see attractive Yong Joon? I am happy to join this significant event.
Auction will begin from today on Rakuten’s auction site. On my way home I met up with Fuyuka and some other sisters and we said each other, “Yong Joon was so cool~.”
I guess every sister also shared her excitement with others here and there.
桂(^-^)(__)