☊ falling for shinhwa ☊

Everything started with Super Junior's 2 episode guesting on Shinhwa Broadcast. Like most of Suju's epic variety appearances, I couldn't get enough of replaying Shinbang Ep 28 and 29 (most especially the coupling segment on Ep 29)! As always, I was overwhelmingly enamored by Suju's crazy variety antics… but with each re-run, I found myself getting drawn into the charms of Shinhwa members as well.

I've known Shinhwa as early as 2008 when I was just starting to get into this fandom. At that time, their Once in a Lifetime MV kept playing and there were several features on them on Arirang TV. When I came to Seoul for a Hallyu concert that fall, Lee Minwoo was even one of the performers as "M"! But my heart was so consumed with Suju back then that I can't hear, see nor love anyone else *aigoo* …




Earlier this year, Shinwa's comeback was such huge news that I can't help but get infected with the viral excitement! I found myself thoroughly enjoying their The Return album and even took time to watch some comeback performances. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE their ballad song "Hurts". But I left it at that and didn't pursue anything more. A couple of weeks ago, I had a long chat with a fellow ELF and Shinhwa Changjo on why she's so addicted to Shinhwa now. Reading her heartfelt thoughts on the group gave me goosebumps as it was like seeing myself talk about how much I love Suju…




And so I followed my friend's strong encouragement to check out earlier episodes of Shinbang. I've known for a while that she's a Hyesung fan so I took her intense recommendations with a grain of salt. I know all too well how biased opinions can be all too passionately inaccurate ㅋㅋ.

So with a slow pace, I began watching the first 4 episodes of Shinbang and they were such a delight! My Hyesung-fan friend mentioned that she got hooked on Shinhwa from episode 5 onwards. I didn't think much about that comment as I believed I was just enjoying some variety backtracking while off season with my kdramas. Ahhhh but I should have taken her words more seriously. Episode 5-6 were key milestones for me much like that EHB episode where they had a hidden camera for Hyuk and Wook. I was unexpectedly choked up with tears and then doubled up from laughter. I soon realized that I crossed the point of no return. I was becoming a new fan.









There was no way to stop from there on. I had to continue watching the other Shinbang episodes up to the new ones. And then I had to re-watch their Venus and Hurts performances from earlier in the year. Through these, I found their Must, Win Win, God of Victory, Beatles Code, Guerilla Date, and Radio Star appearances. I read up on their 14-year history leading to the establishment of the Shinhwa Company. This is why sometimes, the internet feels like a plague. Each click is like wildfire spreading like crazy and leading me to more addicting videos and articles and pictures and whatnots. Before I knew it, I was spending late work-nights and 2 full weekends totally, enthusiastically and unbelievably engrossed on Shinhwa.

At this point, I haven't even decided who my Shinhwa bias is ㅋㅋㅋ. Choosing is really too complicated. I was once again reminded of how it was almost impossible to single out Sungmin back then. But of course, as soon as I knew I have my Ming at heart, he was really all I could see.

The funny thing with Shinhwa is that it seemed like my Suju boys chose my bias for me! Sungmin, Eunhyuk and Ryeowook all went for Eric on Shinbang Ep 29. I thought Eric was so dashingly handsome at that time as well … but I was feeling quite charmed by the other members too. I thought Andy's shyness was really cute and endearing, Hyesung's pretty face and gorgeous voice were breathtaking while Dongwan was really funny with such a melting smile. Later on, I found out how Minwoo is really passionate and ridiculously funny too while Junjin has charms which never end. But after the MT Hidden Camera episode, my heart has been fixated with E.R.I.C.



What happens after a bias is established? INSANITY!

That feeling that I cannot get enough of him is all too familiar. Pictures, performances, drama cuts, CFs, and his English raps ~~~ it's suddenly a world of never ending Eric moments I have to catch up on. But even if he is the leader, he doesn't get much airtime in their group activities. Looking for his shadow-like figure at the sides and at the background is a skill I've honed from tracing Sungmin amongst his many members. Somehow I fell once more for someone who fears the limelight ㅋㅋㅋ.

Despite of all of my recent psychosis, I am still an ELF first before I am a Shinhwa Changjo. I get my major kicks out of RicSung moments but my heart is happiest when Suju-Shinhwa stories are revealed. Destiny is that feeling of elation upon learning how managers scold Suju for being much like Shinhwa! This is the first time that I'm loving another idol group after Suju so I'm not really sure how to go about it. But I believe that LOYALTY is SINCERITY ... 진심. So I'll continue to remain sapphire blue blooded because my foolish heart earnestly loves these crazy suju boys.

♪♫ My heart you got the key with a new start you set me free
You make me breathe; Make me believe that I'll do this again and you're all that I need
I was gone now you found me, I feel the love all around me
One thing I know baby I won't be alone that's why its all cuz of you when I'm on the road ♪♫