My collection of his pics put together in a (quite poorly edited lol) slideshow

BoA’s Key of heart MV, also featuring SJ’s Donghae (fandoms clash yay~)

Acoustic D ‘사랑이흐려져도’ MV. I don’t really get the meaning of this MV, but it’s hauntingly artistic. I’ve just figured that Joohwan’s crying face looks really painful… You just can’t help but feel sad for/ with him.

He made a cameo in the famous Boys Over Flower as Kim Bum’s older brother in episode 17 (which I came across, and that led to me watching BOF lol) – from 8:30 in this video.

Episode 1 of his latest drama What’s up, with English subs. I recommended this if you want something refreshing and have free time to follow lol. Warning: you might get addicted! Almost everyone in this drama is loveable, it’s worth watching even if you’re not a fan of Joohwan. Or Daesung. Find the rest of the series (unfinished) on the channel

Tamra the island, which I’ve started to follow!!!

His photoshoot for ELLE KOREA in Japan, 2009. Find other parts at the channels.

Last but not least, his stunning breathtaking exquisite performance in episode 10 of Auction House. “I am stunned” is an understatement; because I almost forgot how to properly breathe when it reached its climax. Kudos for Joohwan, this is probably one of his best performances, like his Wiki article stated (I strongly recommend watching first, spoilers are no fun!!)

Auction House Episode 10 part 1/4

Edited: youtube link

credit: KLover930603, METAOLOZkorea, KoreanGirl209, rosalynwu, xxtoothless, froggy20, pupa386, weloveimjuhwan, rossi83ms @youtube; mysoju.com

Let me not talk about my ultimate bias Mr Kim today, as I plan to have another post for him, and focus on the less known Im Joohwan. He started his career as a model, which was understandable considering that face and that height of his. I don’t know much about this period because frankly, I could care less about models. I first learned about him in 2008 through the drama “Snow Queen”, with Hyunbin and Sung Yuri as the protagonists. Although these two were more famous and they did a good job, it was Im Joohwan that caught my attention. His character was decent, the oh-so-kind guy who was willing to sacrifice for his beloved, though his love was unrequited; the type that usually bores me to death after one or two episodes. But there was something appealing about this actor. Not really the look (he was as thin as a stick back then, not breathtaking handsome either; although I gotta admit his smile shone XD) but the aura he had. His body language was a bit awkward, but the facial expression and everything else was natural. I felt for his character, and in the end I fell for him

He was, of course, unpopular back then (and until now it seems that SK has yet to give him enough credit either), just like Ryeowook. My biases are never those who are in the mainstream, but those whose talents and willpower I admire, whose potentials I see and anticipate. It’s inspiring to watch them grow up from caterpillars to beautiful butterflies. Ryeowook has spread his wings, though he still have lots to show us; and Joohwan has taken the first few steps on the stairs to fame as well. I have yet to watch Tamra the island (planning to catch up asap) but I heard he was fabulous in it, and gained a lot of fans. The project that puts me on a Joohwan high is his latest drama Whats up, in which there is also Big Bang’s Daesung. I absolutely love the character Jang Jaehun; and gosh, I am stunned by Im Joohwan’s performance!!! He makes me feel for the Jaehun who loves his mother so much but can never show his feelings properly; Jaehun who appears tough on the outside but somewhat insecure inside; Jaehun who genuinely cares for his friends and does his best to protect them; Jaehun who loves sincerely but has to suffer from that love. When he acts funny I laugh, when he smiles I smile; and when tears fall from his eyes, I cried with him too. All in all, the drama is wonderful (I may or may not post about it later LOL haven’t been so interested in something for quite some time); but Joohwan’s acting impresses me the most. I knew he was potential, but this is way better than I ever expected. He was smart to choose roles which fit him well and allow him to chow off his ability. His skill may not be the best, but he’s a natural actor, whom I prefer to a skilled one any day. I have just finished Episode 10 of Auction House with him in it, and man, the guy’s got some serious talent!!! It is a must watch for anyone who wanna know more about him but don’t know where to start, or don’t have time to watch series like Tamra or What’s up rightaway.

I was originally attracted by his acting; but when I know more about him, he gains my respects as an admirable individual and not just an idol. In the videos they shot during his stay in Japan for ELLE KOREA photoshoot (2009), he showed a surprisingly good manner. He didn’t talk much, but wasn’t at all distant or arrogant; showing both professionalism and friendliness (you don’t see that in models every day kkk) When I read this article, once again I am amazed. He sounds sincerely modest and hardworking; and shows a really good attitude towards acting. He wants to be a real actor and not a pretty boy playing decent characters in decent products: “Also, rather than doing a lot of films, I’d like to do projects where I can act well, even if it’s just one a year. “. Look at his description of the villain he wants to portray: “I want to try a character that makes you feel annoyed just by looking at me.”, it shows how thoughtful and serious he is about it. He’s clear about what he aims at, and I believe he will achieve it, sooner or later.

However, we’ll have to wait for yet another year before we see something new from him; as he’s currently doing his military service. I really wish he can get rid of is jinx next time he makes a comeback. His projects, excellent as they are (Tamra and What’s up are both different from the usual Kdramas, both have good storyline as well as good characterization); are not commercially successful. Tamra’s rating was so bad that it was cut from 21 episodes to 16; and as far as I’m concerned What’s up is not doing very well either, despite having Daesung (or it it due to having Daesung now?) He has a good taste, without a doubt, but it seems SK does not have the same taste, unfortunately. Pioneers are not always successful anyway, I hope he keeps up his attitude and doesn’t give in to please the majority

The best of luck for you, Im Joohwan.

P.S. Gonna make a pimp post after this kkk

Sorry Sorry Answer is pure awesomeness, definitely my most favorite and most played track ever. But I would love that concept for KRY other than SuJu, because although you see all of them sing in the MV, it’s basically a KRY song with Euhyuk and Donghae’s rap. The best concept for SuJu imo is It’s you era. The song itself, the choreography, the MV, the distribution of lines among members (the most equal by far, and twelve is my magic number for SJ btw); everything is perfect. Sorry Sorry is epic but the overuse of “SJ funky” makes me tired… I’d rather see them come back to the Don’t Don/ Twins (Knock Out) image tbh.

SuJu are not totally talentless like some people love to criticize them, but they’re stuck with crappy music SME give. The company never really took them serious before, but the situation gets worse now; and from what I notice about their 5thjib SM only want to make as much money out of these boys as they can. I don’t think it’s a bad album, but even compared to the lackluster that is 4thjib, I am under-impressed by it. Also, A Cha MV and its two so-called “dance versions” are rubbish. I’d rather they not have been filmed.

The subgroup I want to create from SJ members? KRE = Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Eunhyuk. I love KRY to the max, but Yesung’s age is a hindrance; he’ll have to enlist by the end of next year; so I have to leave him out of the picture. So, why those three? First, Ryeowook because he’s my ultimate bias and hadn’t it been for him, I’d never have been involved with SJ or Kpop in general. He’s not necessarily good at dancing (although he shows some improvement in his solos for Super Shows), but no one can EVER deny the fact that he’s a fabulous singer. He has a unique crystal-like voice, but it’s the type that people either love or hate, not pleasant-to-everyone like Kyuhyun’s and Yesung’s; it’s sad the majority hardly give him enough credit for his contribution to Super Junior songs. Do you even know he did the background vocal for KyuSung’s duet “Your eyes” in 4thjib? And he’s never been missing in SJ’s live performances. On stage, he has the best singing technique among KRY, controls his voice better than Yesung most of the time and sometimes expresses his emotions better than Kyuhyun. However, I’d rather see him a smaller group focused on vocals than his solo career; the fact that it took like 5 years for people to properly acknowledge him means a lot. I throw Kyuhyun in because he has a beautiful voice that is loved by everyone, and that blends wonderfully well with Ryeowook’s. I am so insanely obsessed over their harmonization that I don’t think it’s appropriate to express it here; so all I can say is if there is anything I love more than Ryeowook’s voice individually, it must be their voices together. Eunhyuk’s raps would enable the duo to do more charismatic R’nB; I love Hyuk’s rap and on stage he’s on fire, cannot take my eyes off him. Songs like Sorry Sorry Answer, Monsters, Heartquake, or the Haru’s OST Angel would fit them well. But again, with that image they’re a totally NEW group and not another extract from Super Junior.

I gotta express my disagreement on the Yesung comment, though. In fact, each of them contribute something to Super Junior and for me no one is replaceable, but even if I have to exclude some; Yesung will stay. He’s one of the three lead vocalists, and even though on stage he’s not as stable as the other two, he’s still great. Plus he’s the best in expressing his emotions while singing. Not a fan of his personality, still, lol.

I first started to like Ryeowook since August 2008, and then Kyuhyun and SuJu as a whole in early 2009. Means almost three years now. 09 was heavenly until Kangin’s DUI’s incident and then Hangeng’s leave toward the end of the year. First half of ’10 wasn’t really good, plus I was busy studying; but the second half was wonderful. But 2011 has been a bad year for me as a fangirl. Seriously too many things happened that have slowly turned me off. Started with otp fandom, an incident I don’t EVER want to think of, so long story short I’ll just say I’m glad it’s over. (it wasn’t over until the first day of my nineteen actually) Then came the album. I’ve talked about it in the other post that it was better than what I had expected, and it’s not a bad album; but still it hurts to face the truth that SME simply dagf about giving SuJu good stuff anymore. Fans complain about the album, but still buy it; because they cannot boycott something the boys had to work hard for, and esp because the boys made it clear that they wanted it to sell well. It’s a dilemma that most of the fans would end up choosing the easy way – to buy it, cos it’s their last one anyway. Sometimes I feel really frustrated as I can do nothing, and cannot even show my support fully. Let’s face it, I’m a nobody without money, without power, without anything but simple adoration for them.

Another sad thing is that, as much as I want to, I cannot love them the way I do two years ago anymore. Although to be honest even from the start I mostly care about Ryeowook and Kyuhyun, I still keep up with the group activities and everything, but now it’s getting harder. It’s impossible to keep up with Ryeowook news alone now, sometimes I feel bad as a Kyuhyun’s fan coz I hardly know what he’s doing anymore unless Tlist tweet about it. I guess it’s not only my problem. Sapphirepearl which I used to rely on for updates is not active anymore. Princekyu, my favorite Kyu channel, is not active anymore. The stans on Omona whose comments I used to love reading are not around anymore. The members I considered as my sisters on the used-to-be second family of mine – KyuWook community are not around anymore. Things are all changing, new people with completely foreign ways of thinking outnumber those who share the same ideas and interest with me now; and I am not adapting very well with this change.

Yesterday when I went online, I was greeted with the drama about SJ and K-ELFs. Wasn’t a pleasant thing to witness, esp when I know it through Omona, an used-to-be neutral community now full of SJ haters (who I don’t even know why hate the boys so much) It’s frustrating to see the boys venting out on their Twitter, esp Siwon who I thought will remain calm whatever happens; because I am aware that wouldn’t do them good. The fans added oil to the fire with their reaction, and all of a sudden we became a group of pathetic fangirls mourning as pathetic oppas whined about nothingness. I AM SURE IT WAS NOT NOTHINGNESS, and the boys were human beings, they of course have moments when they cannot think rationally; so I just want to ask those so spitefully criticized SJ and the fans, what if it happened to their biases? Would they remain calm mocking others like they’re doing now? There is no absolute right and wrong, why are people loving to judge others like that? We just sit behind a computer screen, it’s so easy for us to say “Well it’s not a big deal”, but it’s not so easy for them. I remember reading about fans of a group cannot/ should not cheer for others in music shows in Korea, a totally wtf thing to think of as an outsider, but that’s just how it works there. So frustrating, seriously.

Kyu’s mama spilled the beans about the upcoming KRY album, and I’m pretty sure SJM will be active next year, so I have hope for my 2012 to be better. It’ll really have a lot to do with the album that I’ve been waiting since 2009, so it better not disappoint (Seriously the last time I spazzed my heart out about a KRY song was end of 2009 with Sorry Sorry Answer). Also, SME should release an official announcement because I still feel insecure for now. All the best for KRY, and everyone else too, esp Teuk who will soon leave for his duty.

Oh and 2012 would be a good year too if N-train release a full album. They deserve more attention because their vocals are exceptional, but they also need good music that can praise their voices. Infinite also have attracted my attention this year, hope they’ll be doing well too. (Still, Sangwoo’s voice does not impress me like Ryeowook’s did – it totally changed my attitude towards KPOP; and Sungjong, although very pretty, cannot be compared with him haha)

Hoping for the better in 2012… Happy New Year~~~

“It’s not easy for us
We can’t help it
I’m afraid time will pass too quickly
Not enough time to see your face clearly enough”

Ryeowook wakes up to the brilliant sunlight of an autumn morning, for a moment dazed by the unfamiliar window view: white sand and blue sky and blue sea he doesn’t recall seeing before.

He takes a glance around the room that is definitely not his. The wall is white, curtains are white, the sheet he’s lying upon is white, the blanket draped over him is white. So cold and foreign it scares him, and Ryeowook tries to shut his eyes thinking this is just a dream.

“Is everything okay, love? Are you hurt?”

He however knows this voice all too well, warm as tropical sunshine and smooth as velvet; he loves it and its owner too much it hurts. It hurts because his mind tells him he should let Kyuhyun go but his heart does not allow him.

Why does it not though, while it’s too weak to take any pressure, much less something as tiring as love? While it is the reason why Ryeowook is staying here?

He remembers now; how he eavesdropped on Kyuhyun asking his doctor about his condition and the man in white blouse simply shook his head with a sigh; how Kyuhyun then dropped on his knees, his back faced Ryeowook but the way his shoulders shivered said it all, he was crying.

And Ryeowook, poor Ryeowook, didn’t even shed a tear.

Kyuhyun’s now towering him, smiling as Ryeowook shakes his head in a wordless “No, I’m fine”, yet the smile looks anything but blissful.

Ryeowook’s heart aches.

2.

“For you I am willing
I have to watch you even if I can’t move
Until I feel that your hairline
Have hints of snow white color”

Kyuhyun’s singing it to him that song they sang together during their Chinese class’ gathering at a karaoke box, when Ryeowook was surprised by how good Kyuhyun was at singing (and everything for that matter, he had always admired this lanky guy who sat right behind him in the class). Ryeowook smiled shyly at him when they finished, held out a hand for Kyuhyun to shake and joked about how they should do more duets in the future; only to feel Kyuhyun’s hold tighten, his eyes behind the black rimmed glass glowered and his lips parted in the most dazzling smile ever, “Sure we should.”

“Will I ever be able to see your hairline having hints of snow white color?” Ryeowook murmurs to Kyuhyun’s chest as the other carries him to his bed, voice so soft but it pierces through Kyuhyun’s heart. A light peck was placed on Ryeowook’s forehead as his back meets the white mattress, “Don’t be silly, I’ll be with you until my hair so white and skin so wrinkled that you’re tired of the ugly me and kick me out.”

He tries to make his tone light and perky, and is relieved that Ryeowook’s smiling, though weakly, upon replying. “You’ll still be the most handsome man in this world even if your hair is white and face wrinkled. And I’ll never kick you out; unless you want to be kicked that is.”

If only I would ever have the chance to ruffle your white hair and kiss your wrinkled face, if only…

3.

“If I can give up the whole world
At least there is still you for me to treasure
And you are here
That is the miracle of life”

In his sleep, Ryeowook’s expression is the most serene, the most peaceful, and Kyuhyun treasures every minute he can still watch Ryeowook when the furrow between his brows when he’s in pain eases to nothingness, the sorrowful look in his eyes is hidden behind those lids framed with thick lashes.

Kyuhyun chose this room because from its window Ryeowook can see the sea at its most beautiful when the sun rises. Ryeowook loves the sight of dawn breaking; so if Kyuhyun can do nothing to make him stay longer in this world at least he can make Ryeowook’s last days better waking up to something he loves.

Everything he does, he does it for Ryeowook. Because Kyuhyun himself hates to see dawn approaching. It means he has one less day with Ryeowook beside him, breathing and smiling and saying good morning, love, just the thought of never seeing that again is too painful and Kyuhyun does not know what it would be like when he has to face the reality.

Kyuhyun would give up the whole world if it was of any help but he cannot so instead, he thinks of Ryeowook’s being as a miracle of life, the one and only chance fortune’s given Kyuhyun to show Ryeowook how much he loves him, how happy Ryeowook’s smile make him.

The pain of losing Ryeowook is for himself to endure alone.

4.

“I’m afraid there won’t be enough time,
I want to hold you
Until I feel your wrinkles
Have signs of aging”

Kyuhyun never forgets the first time he saw Ryeowook’s bare back in the morning after one of the most memorable days in his life, right next to his, skin smooth and warm, some bruises here and there reminded him of what had happened which made his cheeks flush in shyness and in bliss.

He’s facing Ryeowook’s bare back again, scrubbing it while Ryeowook’s playing with the hot water in the bath tub, Kyuhyun’s heart sinks when he notice that his skin is paler and the ribs are more prominent every day. He would still kiss it if allowed because he loves Ryeowook and his everything no less than before, it just…

hurts.

Ryeowook barely makes it pass the bathroom so Kyuhyun helps him stand with one hand gripping on the rim of the sink and another on his shoulder while he’s drying him off, as gently and carefully as possible, then wraps him in the towel and carries him to bed to get dressed. At first Ryeowook protested to this and insisted on doing it himself, but Kyuhyun won the battle of who’s more stubborn anyway. Ryeowook doesn’t have so much in him to fight now so he simply gives in; he knows Kyuhyun’s doing all of this not because he’s pitying Ryeowook, but because he loves him.

There is never enough time, and he’s running out of it. Isn’t it better to just hold on to the one he loves when he still has time?

5.

“Maybe I can forget the whole world
But I won’t be willing to lose news about you
The mole on your palm
I always remember it is there”

Ryeowook takes hold of Kyuhyun’s hand which is gently brushing on his hair, “Stop playing with my hair.”

Kyuhyun smiles at him softly, “You’ve always loved it when I do that.”

“I still do”, Ryeowook smiles back. But I do not want anything to block my view of you, even if it’s your hand. He brings Kyuhyun’s hand to his lips and kiss it lightly with his eyes close, caving into his mind the feel of the skin on his lips, the image of that mole on the palm. He feels Kyuhyun’s muscles tense up and opens his eyes to meet Kyuhyun’s gaze before smiling again. “What’s up, love?”

“Nothing.” Kyuhyun murmurs, though the sadness in his eyes and voice cannot be hidden. Ryeowook looks at him, hands reaching to cup his face between them, trying to memorize the curve of his brows, the rim under those brown eyes, the pimples that make Kyuhyun no less beautiful to Ryeowook…

Everything.

He could forget the whole world, but these things would linger in his mind until the day his heart stops beating. Or, they would haunt him even when he’s become a spirit with no body, because he loves them too much.

He loves him too much.

6.

“I’m afraid time will pass too slowly
Always worried that I’ll lose you
Rather have white hair overnight
That way we’ll never part”

Kyuhyun’s been either wide awake or half asleep these days as Ryeowook more frequently winces in pain even in his slumber, sometimes he wakes up in the middle of the night sweating all over and then collapses on his bed and Kyuhyun almost screams at the doctor to find a way to fix it, to at least let Ryeowook sleep in peace.

Time passes too slowly when he’s watching the doctor discuss about Ryeowook’s condition, and passes too quickly after Kyuhyun is informed about how much time is left for his beloved. He’s growing afraid of the dawn now, afraid that he might wake up seeing Ryeowook’s lifeless form with his very eyes and can do nothing about it.

Once or twice he looks at his reflection in the mirror of the bathroom thinking he himself resembles a patient as well, black rims so conspicuous under his eyes and skin as pale as a vampire, if that creature does exist. Perhaps one day he might see himself with white hair from all the stress that he’s going through, Kyuhyun doesn’t know.

One thing though, the end of this means only one thing he does not want to face. At all.

7.

“Until my eyesight becomes blurry
Until I cannot breathe
Let us never part”

They’re sitting on the beach watching the sunrise because Ryeowook cannot go back to sleep after he woke up from a nightmare; Kyuhyun’s arm keeps hold of Ryeowook firmly as the other leans against him, head on his shoulder. Ryeowook’s breathing is getting weak, but his mind is at ease. “Don’t forget me after I’m gone okay, love? But do not cry over my death for too long. Live your life… find someone you love…”

Kyuhyun tries to keep his voice from shaking. “Don’t say such things, you’re going to live…”

“Until I die, yes.” Ryeowook smiles. “So Kyuhyun, do me a favor.”

“Anything.”

“Kiss me.”, he demands. Kyuhyun hesitates for a second considering whether it would do anything harm, but obeys anyway as Ryeowook’s pulling at his sleeve. Their lips meet, slowly and without desire; Kyuhyun’s hand soon finds its home in Ryeowook’s soft hair and hold him, but Ryeowook’s arm is too weak to do the same so he grips at the hem of Kyuhyun’s shirt instead.

Soon enough Ryeowook has to let go, much as he doesn’t want it, because it’s getting harder to breathe. His cheeks are wet, though his eyes dry. He leans against Kyuhyun’s shoulder again. “Don’t cry, love.”

Kyuhyun’s been holding these tears back because he doesn’t want to make Ryeowook any sadder, cannot bother now as he feels that time’s approaching closer than ever. “I love you, I will always do. Until my last breath.”

“I, too, will always love you.” He murmurs. Even when I cannot breathe.

Usually, he met his clients in another room, usually with one or two other kisaengs. Those he was to meet on his own must be special customers, namely powerful men on top of the local government or those wealthy noblemen who were willing to throw away a fortune just to see the one and only male kisaeng in town. They would then go around boasting about it, sometimes added details that existed in their own imagination only; and from one to ten, tens to hundreds, truth and lies became something that built up Ryeowook’s reputation. The more reputable he was, the more people would spend money to meet him; and Ryeowook was in no position to complain because he owed Mama Han so much he could spend his whole life to pay her.

His client tonight was someone under the name of Mr Kang, the son of a rice trader in a town faraway whose name Ryeowook had forgotten because probably he didn’t even exist. A made-up name, a fake identity, borrowed costumes turned his clients into someone who were not their true selves. They were all rich and the kisaengs lived upon the money they spent on them, but hardly were their promises worth a cent. This was the world of Ryeowook and his sisters, The world of fake smiles, fake tears, empty promises and confessions, in which the rules was neither to question nor to believe.

Ryeowook pressed his lips together as he was done with the make-up and smiled at his reflection; neither cold nor warm, just gorgeously enough to capture the attention of anyone who got to see him even for once. To think of it, perhaps the first lesson he learned was how to smile; and all these years of practicing had perfected it; just like So Ah and the other kisaengs. Ryeowook stood out amongst them as the one wearing dark colored hanboks instead of the bright ones, the one with hair braided neatly backwards instead of heavy wigs, the one who mastered the skill of singing and outdid everyone else in gayageum playing but who never danced. Now and then there would be clients who complained about it, but the Mr Kang tonight wouldn’t. Ryeowook had met him three times within a month, and he seemed a nice man, albeit unfathomed.

When Ryeowook entered the room, the man had already been there with a cup of jasmine tea in his hands, attentively eyed the green liquid and seemingly didn’t pay attention to him at all. The kisaeng took the chance to take a better look at his client, a handsome young man, maybe in his mid twenties though he looked younger, with a chiseled nose and beautiful dark eyes… which were now looking straight in Ryeowook’s. His stare was so cold it petrified Ryeowook. “How long are you going to stand there?”

“I am sorry, sir.” Finally Ryeowook found his voice again. Mr Kang’s look was now on his tea cup again as Ryeowook began to play the instrument. His fingers ran on the 12 strings skillfully, his eyes focused, but Ryeowook’s mind drifted away from the music.

Who was this mysterious client?

At the 1st listen, Mr Simple was a total let down to me. I already knew that I shouldn’t expect much when I saw SJ FUNKY in its description, but I still had some faint hope about it being different. Which completely disappeared then LOL. This morning when I played it again, though, I actually started to feel it. Still it sounds like Lucifer and Bonamana, my friend said it better than I do: “it’s like sorry sorry and bonamana had a baby and that baby grew up and had a baby with lucifer, that baby is mr simple. lol” A bit messy for me, it like some parts do not belong to the same song. The break is awesome though, and it’s the only part which I can imagine how the choreo will look like LOL. The song is REALLY fast, the choreo must be very intense, I’m looking forward to the MV right now to see how they’ll handle it In my opinion, it’s slightly better than Bonamana, so let’s hope it’ll do better than the latter

Not even gonna lie, I had high hope for track no.2 in the album, namely Opera. Why I like you and especially Boom Boom were seriously awesome, and at some points I even thought that Boom Boom should be promoted instead of Bonamana. So I’m somewhat disappointed about Opera, because it resembles Perfection, esp the beat. I wouldn’t say it’s bad but definitely not my fav of the album. Some say it’s not much different from Mr Simple, while some, on the other hand, insist that it should be replaced to be the title track? Interesting how opposite people’s reaction could be.

I’m still laughing at the fact that I like Lalalala (Be my girl) so much. The song’s from Goodwill, I guess it’s the famous Gotcha Numba with a different name? It sounds very Western, reminds me of Britney’s songs (If you seek Amy? I think) It’s my fav among the upbeat songs of the album anyway.

Walkin’ is a nice track, and it’s very SUPER JUNIOR. They pull this kind of song very well, mostly because they have many members and each of them has a distinctive voice, it’s like a pictures with many colors? Sounds a bit lulzy but well that’s the only thing that comes into my mind right now. It’s meaningful too, and is amongst the better songs of this album in my opinion.

Storm is so-so, like a typical K-ballad but nothing really remarkable, and harmonization is just okay for me. It lacks a climax… where the boys can show off their exceptional vocals. I’m a ballad fan so I’m usually attracted to ballads more at first, but that’s not the case with 5thjib.

Good friends is my 2nd most favorite track until now. I love its jazzy sounds, and the folksong impression it gives out. The instrumental is extremely remarkable! It’s really different from the SJ songs I’ve ever listened to, and that’s why it’s so special. the song makes me touched even before I understand its lyrics, and now when I’ve read the translation, I feel like crying. It’s about them, the Super Junior we know and love. Really nice.

Feels good is the song which my friends love the least lol, but I’m actually fine with it? A bit too repetitive and it too sounds oddly familiar, but rather than that it’s okay for me. It kind of breaks the flow of the album though, as it’s a dance track but is after a folksy song and followed by a ballad?

I definitely like Memories better than Storm, but still not as the other ballads sung by Super Junior before. It will grow on me though, I know LOL I’m easy like that. I try to find something remarkable about it to talk about, but fail miserably because it is, again, too typical. Sounds like every other K-drama OST, I think.

Sunflower is my most fav in the album (I still prefer to call it Haebalagi LOL, sounds so cute) It somehow reminds me of Good person, as in it makes me happy just by listening to it. Good person has always cheered me up despite the fact that it’s a song about unrequited love (oh and secretly it’s because of the KyuWook moment at Sketchbook last year too >< I am that biased kkk); and Haebalagi will have the same effect on me. I'm already grinning widely now as it's being played XD

White Christmas is another Super Junior song, very cheerful. It makes me think of the ever-so-happy Miracle, life couldn't get better~; and oh Here we go too! Singing about White Christmas in the middle of summer? That is so SuJu lol, dorky~

Y is nice. Hae surprises me with his composing ability, first is Just like now and now this. The most memorable thing for me is their rap part, though. It's been quite sometime since EunHae last did the rapping, no? (the last time, if I remember correctly, is in Sorry Sorry Answer) Their collabs are always awesome, I'll never forget the first time I listened to Mirror on MAA 2008, the rap part is addictive!

I am heavily KRY biased. Maybe less than my Ryeowook and KyuWook bias only, so logically I set very high standard for them. My love My kiss My heart (title too long LOL) has qualified, but I have to say I'm not digging it like I thought I would. usually I spazz over KRY like there's no tomorrow, but this time it's just "This song is good." (see, don't even put a note of exclamation here lol) They're KRY so, excuse my bias, of course they sing it better; but compared to Heartquake, or, say, Sorry Sorry Answer, this is like plain/ generic. But whatever, it's still a good song and catchy enough to put on loop and sing along Hae sings a lot in 5thjib by the way, more than he ever did. Less KRY than usual, but I'm still pleased because Ryeowook stands out in this. He has always done in SJ albums, but this time it's even more remarkable. I'm so happy to see him improve every time we see something new from the boys, seriously <3

I skip Perfection every time I play the whole album, kinda tired of it already. Plus this is Korean version which is not very pleasant to my ear. I don't get the point of putting it in an SJ album as this is SJM? Wouldn't say anything inappropriate, although I kinda have a theory in my mind.

So overall, if you ask me do I prefer this to 4thjib, I would say no. Which means it can never top Sorry Sorry, which is like the peak of SJ since the album is very solid (I wouldn't argue with anyone though, opinions differ). But if we're talking about SUPER JUNIOR as a whole group, this may be the best album of them. 3rdjib was too heavily KRY biased and 4thjib wasn't very much better, and I know some of the ballads sounds boring to a lot of people, many dislike Bonamana as well. In 5thjib, it's not only about KRY but everyone gets to sing (even Shindong and Hyuk, what a pleasant surprise) and we can see how much they've improved since Don't Don era. The song types are varied which is an advantage and also a disadvantage, as it might please more people but the album itself is not solid. Still, it's a good album that is worth listening to, or at least being given a try

reality knows no eternity, and happily-ever-after is something that exists only in old-time fairy tales; in which both Kyuhyun and Ryeowook hardly believe anymore. they don’t vow to love each other forever, since human’s hearts change and one’s feelings never remain the same as time passes by. even if one day their way parts, they don’t wanna lie to each other.

and thus they say those three words on a daily basis. it can be whispered by Ryeowook to Kyuhyun’s ear before they turn in, but most of the time words aren’t needed. rather, it is expressed through Kyuhyun’s tight hug from the back when Ryeowook is preparing dinner, or Ryeowook’s light touch when they’re lying in the sofa watching night shows, Kyuhyun’s gentle hold on Ryeowook’s wrist before they go on stage, or Ryeowook’s quick peck on his cheek as he leaves early for the Taiwan flight… several times they’ve fallen out, some of those fights even resulted in their habit broken for weeks, but in the end they always make up and, somehow, fall in love even deeper.

so maybe, just maybe, eternal love does exist. but to them, the most important thing is to treasure every moment together now. forever, they still have the rest of their lives to figure.

desire

what you desire is what you don’t have. when you already have, you don’t desire.

nonetheless, that doesn’t apply to Kyuhyun’s case. in this way or other, he’s already had Ryeowook with him; yet he never stop desire for more.

it is not weaker, if not stronger, than the sexual desire that people usually talk about, and that he himself has already experienced, the desire to possess. to have his full attention. to hold him and never let go. flames of desire burns him up sometimes, but Ryeowook’s mind is like the water of a lotus pond in a faraway court garden, cool and calm it settles him down. most of the time. there are, of course, days when fire takes over them both; when fleeting kissed turn lingering, and delicate holds become strong grips that leave crescent marks on smooth skins.. later it might hurt, the marks might take a while to fade away; that’s the price they have to pay, and indeed, never mind paying

nostalgia

Ryeowook wakes up to Kyuhyun clinging to him, head resting on his chest and legs tangled with his. although it’s a bit hot in early summer nights like this, and the loose T-shirt he wears to sleep is getting damped with sweats, Ryeowook finds himself smiling contentedly. this just feels good, like the old days when Kyuhyun just joined the group and sometimes they shared a bed like this. he was the one to comfort the new member for Ryeowook used to be in the same situation, feeling out of the place among other members who had long been friends. once, a drunken Kyuhyun went to him crying because he feared that the leader hated him; and Ryeowook remembered patting his back, silly kid, how could he hate you, just give him time to get used to the situation…

look at how that shy and gawky teenboy has grown into. a shining star loved by so many people, respected by juniors and praised by elders, prince charming of thousands of fangirl out there. Kyuhyun has matured, looks tougher and acts like an experienced man; so now and then Ryeowook feels sad about the distance between them, the awkward silence when they run out of topic to talk about, the ups and downs of their complex relationship.

it’s tiring and he has thought, not only once, about quitting. but it’s hard, almost impossible to let go of something, someone he cherishes so much.

Kyuhyun stirs half-awake and rolls out of his light hold, dark locks sticking to his forehead which Ryeowook gently brushes aside to place a tender kiss here.

good night, beloved.

chastity

Kyuhyun loves the feeling of Ryeowook’s thin wrist in his hand, the jolt of joy that runs in his veins when his fingertips meet the velvety skin; the sensation that drives him insane when he kisses that inner wrist, the vague worry that he might accidentally break it with his grip because it looks so fragile and breakable… all are his guilty pleasure just like how being with Ryeowook is his pleasure, guilty or not.

in such situation when they’re surrounded by thousands of people at the night market, fans and non-fans, reporters and mere passers-by; Kyuhyun never feels as comfortable as his facial expression tells. the heat, the scream, the jostling and the lack of oxygen do him no good. however, the moment he catches Ryeowook’s wrist, quietly and secretly, suddenly he’s thankful that the crowd are so focus on the filming that they miss it; and he’s happy as in this sea of thousands of people, they’re still linked to each other, intimately.

his hold must subconsciously be tightened because, oh, Ryeowook is facing him, frowning a little but Kyuhyun can see that grin mirroring the one on his face, the other’s eyes are glittering in the lights of the market at night.

wo ai ni, Kyuhyun mumbles soundlessly

Ryeowook’s wrist slides off his hold, fingers then intertwine with his, wo ye ai ni

serendipity

Ryeowook’s enjoying his shower without having to tell Henry to turn down the TV in their shared room surprises him. usually he expects Siwon to knock at his door, complain about how his prayer is interrupted, and he will have to bow to apologize while giving Henry a dead glare that lock up the excuses he’s going to spit out.

it’s quiet tonight. is Henry too tired? of has he hanged out with Sungmin or Donghae or… never mind. Ryeowook hums happily, letting out squeaks of joy as hot water splash against his body.

the moment he steps out of the bathroom, all the lights go off. before Ryeowook gets to scream, a big hand flies to his mouth, a low voice was heard, hello beloved

‘the hell are you doing here, Kyu?’ he hisses through his gritted teeth.

‘we had a bet. just my bad luck that Donghae won and he’ll room with Henry instead of me tonight.’

Ryeowook raises his eyebrows, ‘your bad luck?’

‘oops, my luck’ – the younger laughs, and Ryeowook’s ‘you know you had it planned’ is immediately silenced by Kyuhyun.

okay, maybe my serendipity