My Opinion on The TVXQ PAUSE ~ why I think it is a positive thing .....
Hello everyone,
I have read journals & chat with several close friends who are great fans of TVXQ. It breaks my heart how much they hurt, fear and yet try to be strong after the news. I have always thought of writing down my opinions on the repercussions brought about by the lawsuits, and how the situation could have been looked at positively and not as a doomsday waiting to happen. And then the recent news of the `PAUSE' was announced.... I too cried for a couple of days.... but suddenly it struck me - that I should journal down my thoughts.
As an ardent fan, TVXQ changed my life - to a better one...its amazing. I share here my exploration of thoughts on how this all could be a blessing in disguise. So please indulge with me..... hopefully my long rambling thoughts can help make you feel better and find your own positive perspective to things that are happening with our boys right now.........
THE PAUSE ~ is GOOD !!
Like everyone else, I too was shocked and felt shattered by the news. Who isn't right? Its ok to cry and feel afraid. What we fear is real - a disbandment could happen. I feel my heart being ripped off my chest and my whole body weak, just thinking of that possibility.
But hey....If we ourselves paused, and gave it a thought realistically....change IS a part of life isn't it? I told myself it would be hard to accept TVXQ changing.....We love them so much. They have extra-ordinary talents....kind, sincere, different from any other groups - They are one of a kind. We value them, we want them to stay together forever because they mean so much to us. We can't imagine living without them. But the truth is change in TVXQ will happen eventually. If not now, somewhere in the future.
Realistically speaking....even without the lawsuit, the boys will grow, mature & venture new paths in their career. TVXQ is a hardworking group. They constantly challenge themselves to achieve new heights. It's the only way for them to expand their talents & become greater. Prevent themselves from being stale. So even without the lawsuit, it is inevitable that our beloved boys would explore their solo careers. Be apart from each other in one way or another to do that. While on the personal side, they will mature as great men - eventually living on their own - outside the DONG BANG HALL. Making new friends and venture with new people.
But what stays unchanged is the BOND - the spirit of 5. That they will always be together, in mind body & spirit, despite what they do or where they are. They are brothers - tight - united - unshaken. They have fought battles that brought them to hell and back. They have gone through so much and worked so hard together to be where they are. They shared numerous priceless experiences that filled their hearts with unspeakable joy & happiness, as well as sadness that left scars to remind forever too. Through it all, our boys have created a relationship that is extra-ordinary. It is in the nature of men - when they have shared something like THAT with their buddies, they will stick to each other for life. Sometimes even willing to die for one another. That is how strong their kinship is. So I start telling myself.....
That is where I should ALWAYS KEEP MY FAITH
Never to doubt that the SPIRIT OF 5 - the bond of friendship will
NEVER BE SHAKEN..
So my dearest friends, I started to think positive about the `PAUSE'. Its part of life's plan, that is good for them. A `PAUSE' that is not towards their friendship, their bond or their love for one another - but a `PAUSE' towards their activities together, as a group = its just their work. Besides, TVXQ has reached the peak, the highest in Korea as well as in Japan. They have made the world who do not understand Japanese or Korean noticed them, emulate or even copied them. They have appeared on foreign language news for creating a TVXQ phenomenon in countries they never heard of. TVXQ is a force to be reckon with - they are GODS!!. They have fans from every corner of the world !! They have done THE MOST - no other band could or had ever done.
If there wasn't a lawsuit....
If TVXQ was still in their hectic schedule the way they always were, year in year out - somewhere this time of the year, they would be coming up with yet another concept for a comeback wouldn't they ?? They would be expected to make another hit album. The pressure would be so great. And if they failed, or in the slightest bit achieved less perfect than they did before - OH GODD, OMG... the media and anti-fans would be merciless. It would definitely break the boys' spirits & make them sad. I remembered how worried they were during Mirotic. They were slowly beginning to doubt their staying power. Not confident if fans would accept the album concept and their new image. But of course for us fans, we said they were worried for nothing. `Sexy' image is good - it sells!!
In the past years - TVXQ have tried all styles and concept approached to their albums and singles. But think about it... if they were to produce another Korean comeback album this year...and If their activities were not hindered & situations were not disrupted by the lawsuit...How else could they impress us? They can't stay the same. There are so many new and fresh groups around. The competition is tough.
It IS scary - coz when you are so good and at the top, the worst enemy and competitor is yourself. How well can you keep staying up there, keep being the best? Because if you slipped, the public is quick to accuse that you are not good anymore - showing traits of failing, falling down from your throne.
I don't think TVXQ would venture into the english or international market like the Wonder Girls . The boys know, they are not ready - YET!! Besides, right now, they already have broken into the international market just being what they are, doing what they already done. They had been so busy all this while - no time to be proficient at singing WELL in english and speaking fluently. IF TVXQ were to venture the International english market, their target is not to compete with other asian aritstes who made it internationally or the likes of Wonder Girls, but to challenge the international bands & artistes. They have to do good, if not very well on the Billboard charts. It IS expected of them - that is the pressure.
Putting a `PAUSE' when you've reached the TOP...
is a smart move..
Being the King and the BEST IN ASIA, they have blazed and conquered. Right now, they hold the record at almost everything !! Record sales, number one hits, concert turnouts, impeccable image, work attitude, character, and the largest number of fans....EVERYTHING!!! In Japan, they even broke records made by international artistes - and hey, these are Elton John, Bon Jovi & Michael Jackson - who are not recent artistes but people who have been in the industry for years. Which proved no other artistes after them in all these years - international or otherwise - have managed to break their achievements - EXCEPT TVXQ !!! How AWESOME is THAT !!!
The PAUSE on group activities allow TVXQ's Individual talents & strengths to shine. They could venture different things they never could have done together. Our boys are so popular, in whatever show they guest appeared in. People, fans or non fans alike, want to see them on TV - they are in high demand. Everyone knows who is TVXQ, recognize them as a group and individually too. How many times can you remember each member of any band group, other than from the lead singer or the prominent ones? Each TVXQ member's personality is equally popular as their united group personality. I think that is so amazing really.
TVXQ's fanbase's age group has grown wider too. Pre-schoolers to granmas. Male and female alike. An entire family can be a TVXQ fan. But the most astounding & powerful characteristic of TVXQ fans is - they not only root for their favourite member, BUT would give support to efforts and works by other members as well. The band's `selfless & no jealousy' traits rubbed off to their fans too.
In view of all these, I think fans and the public can be more forgiving if their performance in these new areas of work are less perfect, or showed flaws. Strangely sometimes even the media is less harsh in their comments or criticism. They sometimes go to the extent of encouraging their efforts for trying even more. Because they are new - still green.
Solo activities keep them in the limelight
The stagnant situation on the lawsuit could work wonders for them. There are numerous groups in history that eventually fizzled and disappeared from the limelight when group activities are frozen due to disputes in lawsuits. Only 1 or 2 members would continue to shine. TVXQ's lawsuit is taking longer than expected. TVXQ can't keep quiet and not updating to fans on what is going on during all this waiting .....
I think it is brave of the boys and expected of the companies especially AVEX to announce the `PAUSE'. It acts as a marker, a go ahead towards individual activities officially. The long wait for the case to resolve could risk TVXQ members being forgotten when they are still at their prime. Each and everyone of them has their own strength, talent and attraction. Unique individually just as well as they were as a goup. Individual activities keep them busy - keep them in the industry. Always being seen, spoke of and reported by the media. THAT IS IMPORTANT for any artiste - ...... TO BE SEEN and not forgotten.... This way there will be fresh news about them all the time .... apart from the stale & tiring news on their snail paced lawsuit... I think it is amazing that each one of the TVXQ members is in high demand, doing things that individual members of other band groups could only dreamed of !!!
The only downside to the individual activities during this moment of lawsuit chaos is - it hindered TVXQ from showing their affection, care and support for one another. The boys have always been so encouraging towards each other - openly supporting and praising one another's efforts and achievements. THAT is what that makes their TVXQ's spirit unique. No bitterness or jealousy - just strength and encouragement. Sincere, selfless and unconditional love they have for each other. I MISS THAT. If there were no lawsuits - the boys would be singing praise on each other's activities. Joked and teased about it. Be seen present at their individual events. Speaking to cameras openly how much they are proud of what the other member did alone on his own. And we know how much those words of support & love meant to that member who is being praised, whether he succeed or did fairly well..... The lawsuit prevent this from happening freely. But I have faith that it still goes on regardless - behind closed doors. Because knowing our boys..... no hurdles will stop them from expressing their support for one another, privately.
So.....THE PAUSE ~ is not that Bad !!
Style, concepts, trademarks & strategies can become stagnant or stale very easily. And whenever that happens - anyone or anybody, no matter how good you are, can become BORING. There is this saying `Too much of a good thing is dangerous'. When you are still wanted - leave or stay away for awhile, ..... so that people will miss you. Always thinking of you. Comparing your greatest achievements to those after you, who still have not been able to topple you off your throne. Kept talking about you. Yearning & longing for your return. Then your comeback will be a powerful and a meaningful one, because while you were away, the anticipation builts up - waiting to explode when you return !!
Whenever that may be .......
TVXQ FIGHTING !!
We're undaunted, our faith will never change ~ forever, eternally !!
Instead of 1 activity to get excited over - Now we have 5 different ones !!
HOW AWESOME IS THAT !!
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A/N Comments are welcomed.... share with me your views, regardless if you agree or disagree. CHEERS :)