From 30th January to 1st February in 2015, Japanese fans of Junsu Kim went on a special trip to meet Junsu in Toscana Hotel in Jeju. The trip satisfied the hearts of fans in every way. The two nights and three days event was like seeing a beautifully romantic movie where I was a heroine. 

Sentimentally Satisfied

January 30th, ‘Sentimental Trip with Junsu’ already started in the airport. Jeju Internation Airport was crowded with his fans from early in the morning. They were waiting for the bus to Toscana Hotel in good order. Some fans were talking about something in thrilled tone, and some of others were listening to music with a great expectancy in their faces. All of them seemed excited as if they would meet someone they really love.  We arrived at Toscana Hotel in Jeju Gang-jung Village after one hour-long bus ride. It has been said that Jeju is abundant with wind, stones and women, so it is called Sam-Da-Do, which means ‘an island copious with the three things.’ That day, there was much ‘wind.’ A chill breeze of the early spring kept blowing, and we kept turning up our collars against the wind. However the strong wind was no problem for the fans. They were already warm spring as if some flowers flourished in their heart in the expectation of meeting Junsu. 

Toscana Hotel was perfectly prepared for receiving the guests. Toscana Hotel has been a big issue nationally and internationally. It was built by Junsu Kim spending 2,636 million dollar, and the building site, 21,026㎡. It is located in Gang-jung dong, Seogwipo-si. The hotel surrounded by the grand and beautiful nature was eye-catching.

The hotel was restfully surrounded by Halla Mountain which were softly capped with permanent snow. Looking over the beautiful green zone and tangerine orchards around the hotel and the clear-blue Gang-jung sea made us feel so refreshing. It was surely the place for healing. 

Toscana Hotel used Toscana in Italy as the design motive. The hotel designed so carefully as if the detailed touch of Junsu seemed to affect every designs of the hotel. The building has the first basement level, and the four-story building has 61 rooms. There are four complexes of villa. The hotel also has comfortable hospitality facilities with individual pools in order for the guests to make special memory without any bothering from other guests. Outer design and the color of the outside wall were designed in European style. The hotel was the finest in every way. Around 40,000$~50,000$ was spent on designing and decorating each room.  

The night view seen from the whole glass of the hotel made me feel as if I was in the resort in foreign country. The palm trees which Junsu really loves beautified the hotel more. The road leading to the villas was lit by the five colors of lamps, and there was peaceful music around the pools with the sound of softly waving pool water.    

The meal served in the hotel was so nice that it was the quintessence of hotel meal. The dinner on the first day was buffet. Fresh vegetable, various seafood and several kinds of sweet fruits were all Jeju clean organic food materials. The meal was made by the chef from five-star hotel, and every food was so delicate, delicious and healthy.

The late-night snack was another relishing experience. Fried chicken, beverages, vegetable, seafood, pancake, five-colored fish cake soup, French fries, fruits and so on were waiting for us. The brunch meal harmonized with Omeagi rice cake, the special local food of Jeju, also looked delicious. After the meal, the fans had a chat with one another in the coffee shop opposite side of the cafeteria. 

Sharing Emotions 

‘The Sentimental Trip’ reminded us ‘a fan fair.’ The exciting trip started as soon as we got into the hotel. There was the gorgeous picture of Junsu waiting for us at the façade of the main building. If felt like he was actually there welcoming us. His fans loved the picture and kept taking pictures of it.

On every floor, the precious collection of Junsu was exhibited, and they attracted the attention of us. There was a big frame showing the journey of Junsu as a musical actor. We could feel his passionate sprit towards his musical performance. As following the pictures of him on the stage, his fans could have some precious time to retrospect and to share the wonderful moments in his life as a musical artist. 

There were enthralling pictures on the walls and on the windows. They were all taken by Junsu. The picture of waving flame grasses taken at Sae-Byeol Oreum was like an entrancing painting. As seeing the pictures, I also wanted to take some pictures of the places where Junsu took picture of. 

The picture of Junsu with his brother Mu-Young in the bedroom was just breathtaking. Mu-Young Kim is an actor and a lyric writer. The two have always been close to each other since their childhood. The picture of the two showed the especial love of Junsu towards his brother. It felt like everything in the hotel was so meaningful for his fans. 

In the middle of the second floor lobby, there was the life-size of Iron Man from the movie <Iron Man> which had already been famous through SNS and media. The figure was one of the private collections of Junsu, and he really loves the figure which had been in his room for a long time. Beside the Iron Man, there were also other animation character figures which Junsu had collected. His childhood pictures also cannot be missed, and the life-size picture of Junsu when he was a model for an apparel company was welcoming his fans. 

There was also the shop where his fans could get various MD items such as crystal key chains, bottles, folding fans, dolls, mugs, calendars and so on. Everything was must-get items. His fans looked so happy waiting in line to buy the items that they have wanted to have for a long time. The fans who could buy the goods that they wanted before being sold out got really excited. The moment when the fans could get the items they have been meaning to buy became special and precious memory of the trip. ‘The sentimental Trip’ endowed very special memories to the fans.

On the third floor, there was a grand piano, a guitar and some music scores. It seemed like there was still the warm touch of Junsu somewhere on the keyboard. Seeing the trophies of ‘2013 Interpark Golden Ticket Awards Audience Poll Popularity Awards’, ‘2014 22nd Korea Culture-Entertainment Awards, 1st place in Han-ryu’ and so on was also precious time to journey back the splendid moments of his life. 

We could see the history of Junsu through his albums and pictorials, the magazines on the shelf. Junsu is also a soccer mania and the leader of FC MEN soccer team of Korean entertainers. There were the pictures of him playing soccer and his soccer shoes. 

On the fifth floor (there is no 4th floor in Toscana hotel), the scripts and DVDs of <Mozart>, <Tears of Heaven>, <Elizabeth>, <Dracula> were exhibited. It was also an enjoyable moment to look at the presents from his fans such as the fan letters, caricatures of him, pictures, dolls and so on. 

Above all, it was a great pleasure to see the stage costumes which Junsu wore in his performances and events, and his fashion items such as his favorite every day dress, sleep gowns, sunglasses, shoes, caps and so on. As seeing the diverse items of Junsu, one of the fans laughed and said that “This is the first time in my life that I envy the mannequins which wear the items of Junsu.”    

We sat on the sofa and looked around. It felt as if we were actually in his room, and as if we saw his daily life. Staying in Toscana Hotel was really meaningful experience for his fans. Every detail of the hotel reminded us of Junsu. All the precious memories which ‘The Sentimental Trip’ presented us were such a privilege of those who participate in the trip. The first night in the Toscana Hotel already grew late. 

Overwhelming Moment

The tour of Jeju started next day. The tour was arranged with the famous tourist spots in Jeju such as Yeo-mi-ji botanical garden, meaning ‘a beautiful ground.’ The weather was quite chilly, but it was a perfect day to enjoy the beauty of Jeju.  

The highlight of the tour was the tracking of Olle Trail. Spring breeze kept blowing during the whole time walking there. It was the time to enjoy the beautiful clean nature of Jeju. We could realize the reason why Jeju is one of the most attractive vacation spots for people. At the end of the road, there would be ‘him’ welcoming the fans, ‘him’ who the fans deeply love.

The fans waited for him like buds about to burst. Their smile looked so pure, and their hands waved for him like a passionate roses waving by the wind. 

The black van finally arrived. His fans waited for the door of the van to open. It was just for one minute, but quite a tense situation. The door opened and he got off the van. He wore dark grey checkered pants, a black T-shirt and a blue trench coat carrying a blue leather patterned backpack. His hair was beautiful blonde. He looked like a prince in a fairy tale, or a university freshman. 

He shyly, brightly smiled for his fans. He waved at his fans with his smile shining in the sunshine. The whole time he walked to the shooting place seemed like he was walking the red carpet. Someone said that he looked like walking on the runway. They were all right. 

It was the great time for the fans to take pictures together with Junsu with the nature of Jeju background. Junsu was so sensible that he kindly moved to the right and left, here and there to take pictures with his fans. He tried to present the most memorable time and memory to his fans. The fans who were waiting for their turn to take pictures with him looked so excited and happy.   

They could have the most thrilling time standing beside him. When he kept eye contact with his fans, he friendly asked them about where they came from. When some fans told a joke, he laughed like he was talking to his friends. When he moved, his golden blonde beautifully flew, shining in the light. When he went back to his van, I thought that ‘he was clearly the honorary ambassador for Jeju.’ 

Touching Stage 

In the afternoon, the talk show was scheduled in Kensington Resort at Jungmun Tourist Complex. There was the wish tree where the pieces of paper containing wishes of fans were hanging on. The event was that Junsu does his fans favors for the unexpected requests and wishes of them. The event was like the special event ‘Jenie Time’ in his concert. It could be embarrassing for Junsu, but it would be the most precious moment for his fans. It was the thrilling presents which only he could do for his fans, and it was a sort of intimate communication between him and his fans. 

Grand Ball Room in Kensington resort was crowded with his fans. After the introductory comment of the MC, Junsu appeared on the stage. The fans cheered and gave a shout of joy towards him. The hall soon got hot with a huge excitement.  

The talk show was the time to listen to how he had been. He calmly talked about himself and his emotions to his fans as if he talked to his friends about his innermost feelings. For his fans, it felt like that he got much closer to them. He told us about the unknown anecdote of him, the story behind the stage, his life and his music and his mind towards musical and his performances. I could feel his seriousness and sincerity for his life and his career. 

The hot topic of the talk was the JYJ concert held in Japan last December. Especially, the finale performance of the Dome Tour of JYJ, the Christmas Eve concert on 24th December in Yahoo Oku Dome in Fukuoka, was the central issue. In the concert, Junsu became a snowman, Yuchun Park, a tree, and Jaejoong Kim, a Santa, and the fans just went wild for the three. The three sang their ballad song ‘SO SO’ in the middle of the concert wearing the different Christmas costumes as a special event for his fans. 

Junsu remembered the moment and said that “I worried and thought ‘Would it be okay to wear this?’ If I was alone wearing the costume, I could not do it. As I was with my members, I could do it, and sang the song in self-confidence. The song was not fast or comical, so we got concerned as ‘Would it be strange to sing that kind of song wearing the Christmas costumes?’ but it was so much fun.”

He also talked about his regular album ‘Flower’. He said that “It has been one year and eight months since my last solo album released.” He added that “Soon I will meet you with the new song on the stage. I won’t let you down. Thank you so much for coming to the trip and for participating the event today. I always appreciate your support and I will always do my best for you.”    

He sang several songs including ‘UNCOMMITTED’ live. His fans were so fascinated by his songs sung perfect live. His performance was short but he sang his songs with his soul and might. He just charmed his fans as always. 

His songs were like flowers. His music flew like beautiful petals flowing. The melody being carried by his pure voice sounded so sweet and sometimes so sorrowful. His voice and his songs surely attracted the audience so much. 

He sang every note and every lyric with his heart as if Italian master artisan creates his work elaborately. He was just incomparable, the most remarkable singer and performer as is well known. It was apparently felt that he sang his songs so sincerely. It was such a moving performance. 

There were obvious reasons why his fans cannot help getting charmed by his performance and his voice. His passionate performance has some inexplicable power which makes the audience deeply attentive to his voice and his songs. It was the special moment to hear his songs live, and I just closed my eyes and deeply appreciated the especial live performance of Junsu. Every moment to listen to his songs was touching and memorable. 

After his outstanding performance, he took pictures with his fans with various poses. His fans would remember the every moment being with him in the event and in this ‘Sentimental Trip’ as they look at the pictures when they feel blue. They would have some courage to live on retrospecting on the shining smile of Junsu which they met in the precious trip. The memory being together with Junsu would become the great ‘sentimental’ moments in their lives.  

"Thank you"

It finally became the last day morning of the ‘Sentimental Trip.’ The time spending with Junsu flew so fast. It was sad that the trip almost ends, and that we needed to say good-bye to Junsu. However there was a special event scheduled for the fans in the morning. Junsu became a barista himself, and he made and served coffee to his loving fans.   

The beautiful blonde Barista, Junsu, came down the stairs. He wore a white shirt with a black collar. He looked so neat and dandy. When he wore apron, he looked like a hero in a romantic manga. The scent of the coffee he made filled the Toscana Hotel.   

His fans waited for their turn smiling happily. Junsu served the coffee to every fan looking at their eyes one by one. He also called the names of the fans in his sweet voice. His smile had some healing power for his fans. I remember the poem of Chun-Su Kim, called “Flower.” (The names of the two are also similar, as Junsu Kim, and Chun-Su Kim)

“Before he called my name, I was just a bodily motion. When he came to me and called my name, I finally became one flower. I also wanted to get close to him, and to become his flower.” As if Junsu became one unforgettable and meaningful glance to me, I thought for a moment that his fan (meaning “I”) also wanted to be an unforgettable glance to him. 

The barista Junsu sincerely made coffee for his fans. It seems that he really wanted to share something he loves with his fans. His continuing pure smile toward his fans said so. The event like this would be a happy moment for him, and it is also a beautiful memory for his fans, the memory which they cannot forget during their lifetime. Also, the idea which re-created a cup of coffee as a memorable content in the event was surprising.      

Sentimental Trip like Junsu 

The final event of ‘saying good-bye time’ was held in the outdoor stage behind the seminar complex. It had a large sized screen and the high-end stereo equipments with 300 seats. Junsu came to the stage and held the mike. 

“Is there someone who participated the event for the first time?” 

Most of them nodded. He continued. 

“I hope you had a wonderful time here. Although we say good bye here, I soon go to Japan, and hopefully we will be able to have a great time together again.”

His voice sounded deeply sad as he had to ‘say goodbye’ to his fans. There were tears in the eyes of some fans. 

“Are you going back to Japan today? Have a safe trip, and thank you so much!” 

His fans gave him a nick name, ‘Ha-rea-ottoko’, meaning ‘when he comes to a gathering or an event, raining stops and the sun comes up shining.’ Junsu Kim was such ‘Ha-rea-ottoko’ for his fans. He draws the sun on the sky and spreads the pure energy to people.  

In a way, the ‘Sentimental Trip’ was so for his fans. He really loves Jeju, and he firstly tried to build family a summer house there. However he changed his plan and built Toscana Hotel because he wanted to offer a restful place for his fans as well. Toscana Hotel becomes the precious, special place for his fans as they could meet Junsu, share their love and feelings for him and satisfy their hearts towards him. 

His black van disappeared from the sight. His fans kept waving for him until the van was not seen. The wind blew to us, and our hair fluttered. The wind was not the wind on the first day on the trip. It was the wind of promise, wishing for meeting him again sooner or later.