Best of 2013 ― A Year in the Fandom

As 2013 comes to an end, we take a look at what's happened across the entire year in this fandom. It's been a long and exciting ride, with numerous new opportunities and challenges given to them. There were twists and turns, there were moving moments, there was joy and happiness; there is always a time for everything. As we soon approach 2014 in the blink of an eye, I would like to wish everybody a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014! 


To all our members, and you the reader, 

Here's to the blissful 2013!

A more exciting and enriching 2014 to come!

Best Top 10 Moments of the Year in the Fandom...
*in no particular order


1. The group's 1st official public gathering/friendly appearance on stage as singers (Oct)


2. Heo Young Saeng military enlistment (Oct)


 3. ACTOR KIM HYUN JOONG: Finally begins first action drama "감격시대 Inspiring Generation" with success


4. SINGER KIM HYUN JOONG: "UNLIMITED" Tour in Japan across 10 cities / 3rd Japanese Single "Tonight" (Jun) / 3rd Korean mini album "ROUND 3" (Jul)


5. KIM HYUN JOONG THE WAY HE IS: First variety show "맨발의 친구들 Barefoot Friends" as a regular fixed member (April~Nov)


6. Kim Hyun Joong's 5th consecutive win at Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards 2013 / Best M/V Actor Award at 5th Okinawa International Movie Festival (Creators' Factory Awarding Ceremony) / Best Solo Male Artist at Korean Entertainment 10th Anniversary Awards in Japan


7. ACTOR HEO YOUNG SAENG: Musical "Summer Snow" (April)


8. SINGER HEO YOUNG SAENG: 3rd Korean mini album "LIFE" (Mar) / Special Korean mini album "SHE" (Oct) / 2nd Japanese album "思い出を君に Memories to You" (Jul) / First Latin America fanmeeting concert tour (Aug)


9. ACTOR KIM HYUNG JUN: 2 dramas, 1 movie (Apr 금나와라뚝딱, Oct 배우는 배우다, Nov 사랑은 노래를 타고)


10. ACTOR and SINGER PARK JUNG MIN: Musical "Summer Snow" (Dec), First Latin America fanmeeting concert tour (Aug)





By Month (Significant only)

JAN

• Kim Hyun Joong, Japan Tour 2013 "UNLIMITED" (~Mar)

FEB

• Kim Hyun Joong, 2K13 FEEL KOREA Concert in Brazil / First fanmeeting in Peru 
• Kim Hyun Joong, Lotte Fanmeeting in Seoul 2013
• Park Jung Min, Valentine Fanmeeting in Shibuya

MAR

• Kim Hyun Joong, Lotte Hotel Busan Commemoration Fanmeeting in Seoul 
• Kim Hyun Joong, 5th Okinawa International Movie Festival (Creators' Factory Awarding Ceremony): Best M/V Actor
• Heo Young Saeng, 3rd Korean mini album "LIFE" Release & Comeback 
• Park Jung Min, Zepp Japan Tour 2013 
• Kim Hyung Jun, Solo Debut 2nd Anniversary & 1st Special Live 2013 Concert "THE FIRST"

APR

• Kim Hyung Jun, Drama "금나와라뚝딱 Gold Appear" Premieres 
• Kim Hyun Joong, Variety Show "맨발의 친구들 Barefoot Friends" Premieres & Overseas shooting in Asia
• Heo Young Saeng, Musical "Summer Snow" starts in Japan

MAY

• Kim Hyung Jun, Japan Concert Tour "WHO AM I"
• Heo Young Saeng, Photobook Commemoration Fanmeeting in Seoul
• Park Jung Min, Fanclub Tour in Tsumagoi

JUNE

• Kim Hyun Joong, 3rd Japanese single "Tonight"
• Kim Hyun Joong, Korean digital single "나 살아있는 건 The Reason I Live"
• Kim Hyun Joong, Birthday Party cum Concert Fanmeeting "KHJ SHOW 'Party People'"

JULY

• Kim Hyun Joong, 3rd Korean mini album "ROUND 3" Release & Comeback
• Kim Hyun Joong, 제1회 김천 마스터즈 대회 (1st Kimcheon Masters Diving Competition) as part of variety show "맨발의 친구들 Barefoot Friends"
• Heo Young Saeng, 2nd Japanese album "思い出を君に Memories to You" Release 

AUG

• Kim Hyung Jun, Summer special Korean digital single "우리둘이 Two of Us" 
• Heo Young Saeng & Park Jung Min, Latin America Concert Tours
• Park Jung Min, Fanmeeting in Daegu

SEP

• Kim Hyun Joong, Fanmeeting in Busan with Lotte Hotel Busan
• Park Jung Min, Fanmeeting in Shonan

OCT

• Group's 1st official public gathering/friendly appearance on stage as singers 
• Kim Hyun Joong, Korean Entertainment 10th Anniversary Awards in Japan: Best Solo Male Artist
• Kim Hyun Joong, Premium Live "TONIGHT" in Chiba 
• Heo Young Saeng, Military enlistment 
• Heo Young Saeng, Special Korean album "SHE" & Comeback
• Heo Young Saeng, Final Korea concert before military enlistment "0513 MY STORY"
• Kim Hyung Jun, Japanese single "Always Love You" Release 
• Kim Hyung Jun, First movie "배우는 배우다(Actors are Actors)" Korea Theatrical Release
• Kim Hyung Jun, Busan International Film Festival 2013: Attendance and Promotion for movie "Actors are Actors 배우는 배우다"

NOV

• Kim Hyung Jun, 4th drama "Melody of Love 사랑은 노래를 타고" Premieres
• Park Jung Min, Fanmeeting in Seoul

DEC

• Kim Hyun Joong, "감격시대 Inspiring Generation" Showcase & Overseas shooting in China starts
• Park Jung Min, "Summer Snow" starts in Japan
• Park Jung Min, Christmas Fanclub Tour in Kobe
• Park Jung Min, Christmas Live in Tokyo 
• Park Jung Min, DSP Festival Live 2013

By Individual:


KIM HYUN JOONG

• First action drama "감격시대 Inspiring Generation" confirmed
• First variety show as fixed member "맨발의 친구들 Barefoot Friends"
• 1 Japan Concert Tour "UNLIMITED"
• Many fanmeetings in Korea and Japan
• Overseas performances during events and festivals
• 1 Japanese single "Tonight"
• 1 Korean digital single "나 살아있는 건 The Reason I Live"
• 1 Korean mini album "ROUND 3"
• 5th Okinawa International Movie Festival: Creators' Factory Awarding Ceremony - Best M/V Actor 
• Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards 2013 - 5th consecutive win 
• Korean Entertainment 10th Anniversary Awards in Japan - Best Solo Male Artist

HEO YOUNG SAENG

• 2 Korean mini albums "LIFE", "SHE"
• 1 Japanese album "思い出を君に Memories to You"
• Actor, Musical "Summer Snow" in Japan
• 1 Concert in Japan 
• 1 Concert in Korea
• Military enlistment in Oct

PARK JUNG MIN

• Many fanmeeting concert tours across Korea and mostly Japan
• Actor, Musical "Summer Snow" in Japan

KIM HYUNG JUN

• Actor, 2 dramas (금나와라뚝딱 Gold Appear / 사랑은 노래를 타고 Melody of Love), 1 movie (배우는 배우다 Actors are Actors)
• 1 Japan Concert Tour "WHO AM I" 
• 1 Korea Concert "THE FIRST" 
• 1 Korean digital single "우리둘이 Two of Us"
• 1 Japanese single "Always Love You"

[Wrap Up] 5/19, Sunday ： This Week (5/13~5/19) Important Events

This week's important happenings.


Sat, May 18 - Sun, May 19:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 #13, #14

Sun, May 19:

• [Hyun Joong] SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』 #5

[Wrap Up] 5/12, Sunday ： This Week (5/6~5/12) Important Events

This week's happenings.



Tues, May 7 - Thurs, May 9: 

• [Jung Min] In Taiwan for work

Sat, May 11 - Sun, May 12:

• [Jung Min] Official Tour with Japan Fanclub Vol.5 - in Tsumagoi, Japan

Fri, May 10 - Sat, May 11: 

• [Young Saeng] Records KBS 'Golden Camera', and, KBS2 'Happy Together' Season 3

Sat, May 11 - Sun, May 12:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 #11, #12

Sun, May 12: 

• [Young Saeng] SBS '도전1000곡 (1000 Songs Challenge)' Broadcast

Sun, May 12:

• [Hyun Joong] SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』 #4

[Wrap Up] 5/5, Sunday ： This Week (4/29~5/5) Important Events

Tues, Apr 30: 

• [Hyun Joong] Returns from Indonesia, Jogja for shooting of SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』

Thurs, May 2:

• [Hyung Jun] Public Hearing Session on Public Culture and Development of the Arts

Fri, May 3: 

• [Young Saeng] Korea-China Friendship 31st Anniversary Concert

Sat, May 4 - Sun, May 5:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 #9, #10

Sun, May 5:

• [Hyun Joong] SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』 #3

[Wrap Up] 4/28, Sunday ： This Week (4/22~4/28) Important Events

Keep moving ahead, slowly.



Tues, Apr 23 - Wed, Apr 24: 

• [Young Saeng] Arirang Radio and TV Live - 'Star Date', 'After School Club'

Fri, Apr 26:

• [Hyun Joong] Departs for Indonesia, Jogja for shooting of SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』 for 4D3N 

Sat, Apr 27 - Sun, Apr 28:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 #7, #8

Sun, Apr 28:

• [Hyun Joong] SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』 #2

[Wrap Up] 4/21, Sunday ： This Week (4/15~4/21) Important Events

Keep going ahead.



Thurs, Apr 18 - Fri, Apr 19: 

• [Young Saeng] Musical 『Summer Snow』 in Kansai (Osaka) - Final in Osaka on 19th

Sat, Apr 20 - Sun, Apr 21:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 #5, #6

Sun, Apr 21:

• [Hyun Joong] SBS 『맨발의 친구들(Barefoot Friends)』 Pilot Premiere

[Wrap Up] 4/14, Sunday ： This Week (4/8~4/14) Important Events

It is mainly more recordings this week for a later broadcast date. 
For Young Saeng, Musical 『Summer Snow』 has also begun!


Mon, Apr 8 and Wed, Apr 10: 

• [Young Saeng] Variety Programmes Recording
  
  - Final 『작업의 정석(The Art of Seduction)』 Comeback Activity Recording:
  SBS 『도전 1000 곡 (1000 Songs Challenge)』
  
  - Friendly Appearance:
  MBC 『우리 결혼했어요 - 글로벌 - 이홍기 편 (We Got Married - Global - Lee Hong Ki Story)』
  

Sat, Apr 13:

• [Young Saeng] KBS Cool FM Radio 『슈키라 (Super Junior's Kiss The Radio)』

Sat, Apr 13 - Sun, Apr 14:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 #3, #4

Sun, Apr 14:

• [Hyung Jun] ★ Music High 4th Anniversary ★

Sun, Apr 14:

• [Young Saeng] Musical 『Summer Snow』 in Kansai (Osaka) - 2 sessions - his first time appearance!

[Wrap Up] 4/7, Sunday ： This Week (4/1~4/7) Important Events

There was a variety of activities conducted this week, mainly new and upcoming broadcasts related. 
Here's to many new challenges ahead! Fight!



Tues, Apr 2 - Sun, Apr 7: 

• [Young Saeng] 『작업의 정석(The Art of Seduction)』 performances on music programmes
  
  - Simply K-Pop, Show Champion, M! Countdown, Music Bank, Music Core, Inkigayo
  

Wed, Apr 3:

• [Jung Min] Happy Birthday!

Thurs, Apr 4 - Sun, Apr 7:

• [Hyun Joong] Departure to Vietnam for shooting of SBS new variety 『맨발의 친구들 (Barefoot Friends)』 for 4D3N

Sat, Apr 6 - Sun, Apr 7:

• [Hyung Jun] MBC new weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱! (Gold Appear)』 Pilot Premiere

[Wrap Up] 3/31, Sunday ： This Week (3/25~3/31) Important Events

This week has been a week of live performances and interactive opportunities as well ^_^.


Mon, Mar 25: 

• [Hyun Joong] Kim Hyun Joong Japan Tour 2013 "UNLIMITED" in 広島(Hiroshima) (DAY 2 of 2)
  
  *end of Japan Tour "UNLIMITED" 2013*

Wed, Mar 27 - Sun, Mar 31:

• [Young Saeng] 『작업의 정석(The Art of Seduction)』 performances on music programmes
  
  - Show Champion, Music Bank, Inkigayo

Thurs, Mar 28:

• [Hyun Joong] 5th Okinawa International Movie Festival - Creator's Factory Competition Awarding Ceremony with 'Best Actor' (『Lucky Guy』 Music Video)

• [Hyun Joong] 5th Okinawa International Movie Festival - Beach Stage Special Live

Sat, Mar 30:

• [Hyun Joong] Lotte Hotel Busan Model Commemoration Fanmeeting in Seoul
  『さくらの約束～ Promise of the cherry ～』

[Wrap Up] 3/24, Sunday ： This Week (3/18~3/24) Important Events

This week has been a week of live performances. 
From S.Korea, to Japan (Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima).


Tues, Mar 19 - Sat, Mar 23: 

• [Jung Min] Zepp Theatrical Japan Tour 2013 in Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya
  
  - ACT 1 (PJM), ACT 2 (ROMEO)

Thurs, Mar 21 - Sun, Mar 24: 

• [Young Saeng] 『작업의 정석(The Art of Seduction)』 performances on music programmes
  
  - Simply K-Pop, Show Champion, M! Countdown, Music Bank, Inkigayo

Fri, Mar 22:

• [Hyung Jun] News of casting in new MBC weekend drama 『금나와라, 뚝딱!』

Sun, Mar 24: 

• [Hyun Joong] Kim Hyun Joong Japan Tour 2013 "UNLIMITED" in 広島(Hiroshima) (DAY 1 of 2)

★ 2012 Round-Up Summary ★

드디어! 2012년도 마무리했습니다. 그럼 조금 생각해보시려면 올해는 어떠셨어요? 좋은 한 해였나요!?
2012 has eventually came to an end... So, let us think, what kind of year was 2012...? Has it been a great year!?

• All members released own albums (be it Japanese or Korean), and took new challenges

• Friendship beyond the sky:
  -All members took time out to congregate for Kim Kyu Jong's final Fanmeeting in 2 years
  -Support shown at Kim Hyung Jun's 2nd Korean mini-album showcase

• All been very active in sports (hobbies/interests/recreation): Basketball, Football, Baseball, Scuba Dive

All had a successful record of solo career:

• Hyung Jun:
  - Held 1st Story and 2nd Story Nationwide Tours across Japan! 2nd Story Tour was done in less than a month!
  
  - Released 2nd Korean mini-album 『ESCAPE』 and 2nd (half) Japanese mini-album 『ESCAPE』.
  
  - Got invited to quite many significant market shows, events, ceremonies, festivals, as VIP Guest/Sole Performer (eg, KNTV Japan Drama Parade 2012, Busan International Film Festival 2012, K-Drama Star Awards 2012, Malaysia Model Festival 2012, Thailand-Korea Friendship Festival 2012)
  
  - Got recognised as actor with 2 dramas as a protagonist in one (『Sunshine Girl』) and an important role in the other (『I Love You』)!
  
  - Got the 'newbie' award with his 1st solo drama 『Sunshine Girl』 ever, and is seen to be the new rising star!
  
  - Got casted in famous director's new movie 『Actors are Actors』 and stars alongside veteran actors!
  
  - Had many many opportunities to meet with fans through fanmeets, fansigns, events (with ESCAPE in Korea and Japan, Sunshine Girl, I Love You, Concert Tours, Festivals, etc)
  
  
  Conclusion: Only a newbie in the acting industry, and he can already be achieving such achievements. It really shows his hard work being acknowledged in the eyes of many professionals. His individual name is starting to really shine. It's a really proud thing to see.

•  Jung Min:
  - Taiwan Drama 『Fondant Garden』 marked his 1st foreign drama where he was the protagonist and the role specially tailored for him.
  
  - Released 2nd Korean mini-album 『Beautiful』, and 2 Japan Singles under ROMEO 『Give Me Your Heart』, 『Tonight's the Night』, and 1 Album under ROMEO 『Midnight Theatre』
  
  - Debuted in Japan as ROMEO with 3 live shows. Despite speechless throughout the show, there was no lack of passion and enthusiasm. ROMEO was well-received. It is a fresh try.
  
  - Had many many opportunities to meet with fans through fanmeets, fansigns, tours, events
  
  
  Conclusion: There were several unpleasant happenings this year as well, but which will only make him even stronger. It has been a year of reflection and progress for him. 

• Young Saeng:
  - 1st official acting in comedy 『I Need a Fairy』.
  
  - Released 2nd Korean mini-album 『SOLO』, and his 1st Japan Album 『Overjoyed』.
  
  - Held his 1st solo concert ever - but in Japan! He was able to wrap all that many audiences.
  - Had many opportunities to meet with fans through fansigns, concert
  
  
  Conclusion: It was a year of rest and continuous improvement for him, as we saw him doing recreation (sports) most of his leisure time. He is topping up energy and inspiration to do even better next year.

• Kyu Jong:
  - 1st official drama 『Save Ahjumma Go Bong Shil』 where he showed solid acting chops
  
  - Released 2nd Korean mini-album 『Meet Me Again』
  
  - Held first solo fanmeeting in Taiwan, Bangkok, Japan
  
  - Held a final touching and emotional fanmeeting in Korea with all his fans, supporters and most importantly, 4 other brothers who turned up amidst busy schedule to support and encourage
  
  - Had many opportunities to meet with fans through fanmeets
  
  - Entered mandatory military and started his 2-year path to maturity as a man
  
  
  Conclusion: As he is slowly treading his way to a better future with the price of 2 years, he did not forget about others who cares for him and whom he cares.

• Hyun Joong:
  - Made his first solo debut in Japan at the beginning of the year, and scored such good results with 3 Japan discographies (2 Singles - January 2012 『Kiss Kiss/Lucky Guy』, July 2012 『HEAT』) (1 Album - December 2012 『UNLIMITED』) all getting No.1 on the significant Oricon Charts at Daily, Weekly, even Monthly. It also includes other music charts like Tower Records Charts, HMV charts, Tsutaya Charts, etc.
  
  - He created several history with the title of a foreign solo artiste/Korean solo artiste with his sole name. With his 3 Japan discographies, he even topped the top few ranks for half-year and year count.
  
  - Is the highest sales amongst Kpop Solo+Group singers who have had released Japan Singles in 2012 - with 『HEAT』! To which it also achieved the Gold status.
  
  - Came in top in the few music categories related to his 3 Japan discographies upon immediate release (ie, Ringtone, Caller Ring, MV viewcounts, Realtime Searches on music and news portals, etc)
  
  - Came in top on Oricon Charts under the 'DVD' category with 『First Impact』
  
  - Got invited to quite many significant market shows, events, ceremonies, festivals as one of the top and VIP performer
  
  - Successfully completed 1 Asia Fanmeeting Tour across 3 months (May-July) in 8 countries/cities!
  
  - Held many many fanmeetings and fansigns (ie, with Kiss Kiss/Lucky Guy, HEAT, UNLIMITED, City Conquest, Lotte Duty Free, The Face Shop, Centerpole, Hangten)
  
  - Invited for the first time on China's most popular variety programme 『Happy Camp』 and achieved highest ratings amongst all other top Korean artistes who have had appeared on the same show before!
  
  - Got many many awards (Korea's Asia Song Festival, China's Miguhui Music Ceremony, Hong Kong's Yahoo Buzz Asia Awards). Amongst which, he received 4 trophies altogether ('Most Popular of the Decade', 'Hong Kong, Taiwan, Asia's Most Popular Korean Artiste'). This proves he is been internationally and massively acknowledged.
  
  - Confirmed his 3rd Drama to be an action melo-drama 『City Conquest』 where he is the protagonist.
  
  
  Conclusion: He focused on lots of opportunities to interacted with fans. This was an extremely helpful opportunity that help displayed his most honest, sincere and down-to-earth personality to his fans. And that is why his positive power just keeps influencing across Asia, and is slowly making its way towards the world!
  It was mainly his Japan activities and the Asia Fanmeeting Tour. This couldn't have been possible if there was not enough enthusiasm from the market. It is great!!

Final Summary of 2012::

It was such a self-developing and fulfilling year for all of them.

In 2013, their career paths will only start to shine even brighter and twinkle like the Orion star in the dark and unfathomable sky.

Let us await to see even bigger surprises!!

2013 Fighting!!!