"Jongdae ah, you have to work hard to reach the high notes."

"Jongdae, speak less Korean. Practise your Chinese. The debut date is coming soon so you have to work harder."

"Jongdae, you need to work much harder than the other members in dancing because you trained the least."

"Jongdae, you are Chen now. From now on, everyone call him Chen."

"You are Chen now, you are debuting soon. Everyone would look at you so do a good job, neh?"

Who am I? I don't even know anymore. All I know is I can't be the Korean boy Jong Dae anymore. I have to be Chen now. I have to sing in a language I don't understand, dance difficult dance moves that probably need years of dance lessons to execute perfectly, communicate in a language I have never had an interest in, promote in a country where I am the foreigner and be in a group with 11 other guys that I just met not long ago.

All that might not be possible for Kim Jong Dae.

But I am Chen now.

I can do this.

I hope.

Reviews for When Jong Dae Becomes Chen

"Excitement, Curiousity and Overjoyed. That's what I feel after reading this story." -Featured Story in Cinnamon Frappe Graphic & Reviews

"Quite original I might say. I also like how your story is very realistic. I don't have a problem with it so there, a perfect score for you." -Meowxx's All-Rounded Shop

"The hardship and struggles of being a trainee (and a talented one at that) with all the pressure and disapprovals and rivalry is described really well, giving me a really fuzzy feeling inside one moment and then wanting to hug and comfort jongdae the next. I was hooked on this fanfic and read it all in one go." -http://exochenfanfics.tumblr.com

"I did enjoy this very much. I love Chen and it was an interesting story to read the possibilities of how Kim JongDae really became Chen. You did have several creative inputs in this story so far. I actually really like reading these kinds of stories where a piece of reality is taken and made into fiction. Yes, it may not be the most original thing, but I personally really like it. I think it adds a little extra touch into reality and I like thinking about how this could have, may have, may already have happened to Chen as he progressed through his training and debuting." -Feature Story in Midnight Sonata Cafe 

"The premise and setting is an ingenius idea and you pulled it off well. It's realistic because Jongdae's road isn't smooth-sailing and it also touches upon bullying in the idol industry. Brilliant, really." -lyrinx, author of Dear Santa.

"The story always had me curious as to what was going to happen next. I liked the fact that everything was clear and you felt as if you're in the story. Anyone will enjoy this fic." - Love Reading Review Shop"

"This is the first time I have read a story that has perfect flow. Every event comes in at a reasonable time, and the story flows evenly without getting too boring or rushed. The story is amazing; the plot is interesting, the characters are well-written, and the flow is flawless." -Crimson Twilight Review Shop

"This story was really enjoyable to read. It hooked me, really, from start to end. (Oh, and there are waaayy too few Chen-centric stories out there... you've contributed magnificently, so be proud!)" -Reviews & Relishes

"You wrote lots of twists in it, which is great. When I expected something to happen, another thing happened and a major plot twist comes. The twists were not too unrealistic too and you kept your plot back on track and went really smooth. This was enjoyable to read. There aren't much Chen centric fics but I can say this is one of my favourites." -Neon Reviews

"I love your characters. From Chen to Kyungsoo, every single character is perfect. There's always something in stories with Chen that bothers me and it's that an author only potrays Chen as this trolly guy and don't acknowledge the fact that he's this gentle, caring and hardworking person underneath it. You, on the other hand, do a great job showing this." -The Wanderlust Cafe

"Wow! This was actually very good. A lot of the time I struggle to find stories with good grammar and I'm glad I read this. The idea is very nice too and I feel for Chen as if these are actually his feelings of being forced to be an idol." -Lovex2254, author of Coup D'état.

"When I first read the title I thought it was meant to be in a fluff, happy tone but when I read the foreword I realised it was actually in a quite sad way. That caught me off guard(in a good way), and I'm sure Exo and Chen fans would definitely get attracted to the story immediately." -Best Friend Foreword Review Shop

"Chapter length and story development in each chapter is well spaced-out at a good pace. Not a bad read definitely; looking forward to the next chapters." -Forbidden Dreamers Shop

Special thanks to :

Poster art :

Trailer art :

Additional Posters :

Updates on When Jong Dae Becomes Chen

UPDATE (13/11/13) : If someone STEALS/PLAGIARIZE my story again, I will lock this story up so please don't ruin it for everyone from your childish behaviors. I won't condemn also in making a copy, taking ideas, writing different outcomes or change in my story in any way unless with permission from only me and if granted, you must give me full credit. I don't own the characters or EXO but all the ideas are mine so please respect my hard work. I hope we can all be friends and enjoy ourselves. Sorry for this note.

UPDATE (6/1/14) : Finally found a beta reader so re-editing is happening. Many thanks to lyrinx for prefecting my story! I'm still looking for additional beta readers to lighten her load so PM me if interested.

UPDATE (5/5/14) : It happened again. This story has been stolen again so maybe I should just lock it.

UPDATE (16/5/14) : Due to the whole Kris issue, this fanfic would have to be put on hold as a sign of respect until the problem is settled. One thing I do know is I am pretty much still adding Kris moments here as true to life as possible and I know it might be painful to read about him in the future chapters but I will not leave him out.

To me, 'We are One' means something more than just a catchphrase.

UPDATE (30/5/14) : Because apparently I'm featured???

UPDATE (1/6/14) : I'm trying to reply to most comments not featured in my latest a/n but please be patient because I'm still using my phone due to laptop problems. Pm me if it's urgent.

UPDATE (1/10/14) : Go join the little game to win karma points in the latest chapter now! It's a thank you to your support and a birthday giveaway.

UPDATE (28/12/15) : I need someone to slap me into finally updating this tbh.

UPDATE (7/9/16) : Let's celebrate KJD's bday together and let me come back to this :)