… 1.1.2014

Jiyeon wasn’t really sure why she was at Big Bang’s New Years party.

Sure her members had begged her to come, but it still seemed like such a hassle.

She hated being at large parties like this.

There were at least a hundred idols all crammed into the large club.

Unlike her members who had all dressed up in cocktail dresses, she had just worn the Blue NYU hoodie and a white mini skirt, trying her best not to stick out. 

The catchy tune of 'Mirotic' By TVXQ boomed through the giant stereos. 

“Hello everyone! Let’s get this party started!” Lee Seungri called out as everyone cheered. “As usual I just want to give some of the biggest groups this year a shoutout and thank them for coming."

“Let’s start with new Rookies and killers of the charts… BTS!” Everyone cheered as seven well dressed young men all waved.

Their leader Rap Monster waiving back to Seungri who was hosting.

“Of course Shinee is in the house!” This time the Shinee members who were standing near them raised their hand and cheered.

"OMG isn't Jonghyun oppa so handsome." Boram gushed to her members. 

“And next to them the ever lovely T-ara back from Japan. Looking good Hyomin-si.” Seungri pointed towards the pretty girl and winked.

Hyomin only rolled her eyes.

“Then of course we have SNSD!” The infamous girl group all waived their hands.

As Jiyeon stared at their once rivals in the music industry, before their scandal.

He continued on.

“EXO!” This time he stopped. “If I keep going on, we might be here until next New Years. But let’s get this party started!”

He held up his shot glass and all the idols joined in the cheer with their own glasses.

Everyone cheered again as people began to mingle and loud music resumed from the speakers, flashing lights flickering all around.

“Jiyeon let’s dance I think I saw the EXO guys in the middle there!” Hyomin called for her, but she shook her head. She wasn't in the mood to flirt with other idols at the moment.

Jiyeon found a seat at a bar and watched her unnies dance with different idols, flirting and exchanging numbers. 

The Big Bang New Years party was famous for that. It was completely unknown and never mentioned but every idol of a certain fame knew of it. When T-ara had first been invited, it had been a measure of their fame. 

Jiyeon who usually joined in the fun, didn’t feel like it.

She had her sights on one man, and he was far far far away. Far like in another country.

“You’re too pretty to just be sitting here.” It was Beast’s Gikwang.

He had a cute face, not quite handsome in her eyes, but cute. Still he had a lot of confidence, the star dancer of one of the biggest Boy Groups. 

“Gikwang sunbae-nim.” She bowed her head in respect. 

He chuckled as he sat down next to her.

“Nice hoodie. I don’t know my letters very well, but in English things that end in “U” are usually to show love.” He commented slyly. “Like I noticed ‘U’, or I like ‘U’.”

She almost laughed at his pickup line. It was smooth. 

“Sorry, not happening sunbae-nim.”

He smiled for a second then quickly frowned as he left to go flirt with another idol not far from there.

“Hello Jiyeon Sunbae-nim.” She turned and saw three handsome guys standing in a line. She suddenly recognized them from EXO. They were… the tall one, the dancing one, and the cute one. Or at least that was the nicknames she had coined for them after watching several of their performances.

They all bowed in respect for her.

She nodded towards them and motioned for them to speak comfortably.

“You’re from Exo.” Jiyeon began.

“Yes, I’m EXO's vocal and vitamin Baekhyun.” The cute one introduced. 

“I’m Kai.” The dancer introduced, he had a deep voice and a very cool vibe. Jiyeon had to admit he was probably kind of her type.

“I’m Sehun, the maknae.” The tall one introduced.

For a second, looking at him, she felt that he did somewhat look like Daniel.

Maybe a little more Korean idol like. But similar height, a little skinnier and definitely nicer hair. 

“I’m…”

“Pretty.” Sehun interjected. “Could I get your number?”

“Me too.” Kai added on.

“Actually, we’ve all been fans of yours since your debut Jiyeon Sunbae.”

Jiyeon couldn’t help but grin. Suddenly out of the corner of her eye she spotted Hyomin who was making faces.

Then began gesturing that she was coming over. 

“Um… sure.” She stated as she gave her phone to them to let them type in their numbers. That's when she remembered. her wallpaper was still...

“Wow, you’re a fan of Daniel Choi?” Sehun gasped staring at the phone.

“Pabo, she wore the jersey remember? It was all over the news.” Kai retorted. 

“Ah, and the hoodie you’re wearing now right?” Baekhyun added. “You must be a really big fan.”

Jiyeon chuckled as she nodded. “The biggest.”

“Wow, so you like basketball then?” Sehun asked as he gave her back her phone.

Jiyeon took it back and placed it in her pocked.

“Yes, I got into it recently though.” That wasn't fully a lie.

“Wow, you should totally watch with us, we watch basketball all the time, well mostly Chanyeol and Sehun.” Baekhyun invited. 

“I’m actually a big fan too.” Hyomin suddenly appeared and the three boys all bowed at her presence. 

“We are…”

“I know who all of you are.” She assured them.

However, the hearts in her eyes probably meant that she knew much more than she would let on.

“Really Sunbae-nim?” Kai asked a grin on his face at her acknowledgement.

“Of course.” She replied, Jiyeon could tell she was clearly happy to see 3 younger handsome men heeding her words. 

“Back to basketball though, we are going to watch his next game in two days, you all should come and watch.” Baekhyun suddenly interupted. 

“Yes. You should.” Kai added on nervously. 

“We’ll see, but maybe.” Hyomin replied. “But I’ll warn you, she may look dumb, but Jiyeon will really get into it.”

Bright smiles appeared on all three of their faces as they stared in wonder at her.

“You make me sound like I’m an expert. I’m not.” Jiyeon defended herself waving her hands furiously.

“Wow, Daebak, you’re seriously cool Jiyeon Sunbae.” Baekhyun held out his thumb.

“Seriously.” Sehun nodded along. 

Jiyeon thanked them.

“Oh Sunbae.” Kai had one more question.

“Yes?” 

“Where did you get the hoodie? It looks like a real NYU hoodie.” He asked.

“Um… a friend got it for me.” Jiyeon responded nervously.

“ahh… I see.” Kai finally nodded and left.

“Wow, they’re so young and cute.” Hyomin might’ve been drooling as she watched them leave.

“I don’t know.”

After 30 minutes of sitting and staring at her members dancing. 

Jiyeon finally had enough, she got up and decided to head to the bathroom to refresh herself. She navigated through the crowd trying her best to not collide, suddenly she bumped into someone. 

“Sorry.” She said looking up apologetically.

Myungsoo. 

She hadn’t spoken to him in a while.

She had ignored his text messages.

“Jiyeon-si.” He caught her gaze. He was clearly surprised as well. 

“It’s been a while.” Jiyeon began nervously. 

“Yes.” He nodded. “But I don’t think it’s too late either.” 

He was still handsome and smooth as he had been two years ago. 

But she didn’t love him. She had been attracted to him, but she had confused a crush for someone she actually sincerely liked.

She turned away, but he grabbed her wrist tightly not letting her leave. 

“Please, give me one more chance.” He begged her.

The other members of his group had noticed them. “Please, I understand then, but now… now I’m more ready.” 

“Oppa, I still have my scandal. Don’t risk your career like that.” She responded coldly trying to scare him off.

“I know. I know. I still like you though and I can’t change that.”

Other idols had begun to take notice and more people were gathering around the scene. 

“Please, let’s date, let’s continue where we left off.” He pleaded.

Suddenly, there was a lot of squeals as people began to cheer them on.

"Date! Date! Date!" The crowd went.

Jiyeon had seen it happen plenty of times before at the party, but had never imagined she would be involved in it.

“Look here, is this idol love going on!” Seungri suddenly shouted over the speaker system. “It’s T-ara’s Jiyeon and the ever handsome Infinite L.”

This wasn’t a spot she wanted to be in right now. People would start talking. More useless gossip.

“Please Jiyeon.” He pleaded. There was indeed sincerity in his eyes, it made her feel even more guiltly to turn him down.

“Sorry.” A tear fell down her face as she could only think of how much she wished she could be with someone else. 

It wasn’t his fault but she loved another person.

Without thinking she stormed off.

“Ohh, too bad for him. Is that the first time Myungsoo's ever been rejected? Don’t worry there’s always more girls.” Seungri joked. 

She rushed and hid in the bathroom.

Cowering inside of a stall to escape. 

She wanted to escape the shame she felt.

He didn’t mean to, but he had put her in a tough situation.

She heard the door open and she overheard some female idols talking.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe she actually rejected him.” One said. 

“Who does she think she is? She can’t even win a show anymore because of her scandal.” Another replied.

“I know, Myungsoo oppa, what a shame he likes her. Her arrogant little face. Even among idols she’s such a I saw her talking with Sehun oppa and Gikwang Sunbae-nim.” The third commented.

She didn’t want to know which idols were outside.

She knew that they were just speaking what everyone was thinking.

Tears were flowing as she pressed her hands over  to hold in the sobs.

It would only be more humiliating if anyone came in. She heard the door open and close as the three pairs of legs finally left.

She slowly unlocked and opened the stall door and rushed to the sink. She unleashed her emotions as she tried her best to wash the useless tears off. Her makeup was also slowly flowing off, but she didn't care. 

“Are you ok? Sunbae-nim.” Jiyeon dried her eyes. Caught off guard by a pretty idol with a baby face.

She had seen her somewhere. Jiyeon at remembering names. 

“I’m Apink’s Son Naeun.” That’s where Jiyeon had seen her. Their cute and bubbly stages always caught Jiyeon’s eyes. 

After crying and seeing Naeun in a short white dress, to Jiyeon she could’ve been an angel. 

“Ahh, yes.” Jiyeon nodded trying to playoff the apparent awkwardness. Naeun, like her seemed like the shyer type. 

“Can I call you unnie?” She suddenly asked out of the blue.

Jiyeon nodded. “Sure.” 

“Then, unnie. Not everyone thinks that way.” Naeun said nervously. “I'm sure you’re not that kind person and I’ll keep cheering for you too. All of Apink is cheering for you.”

“Really?” Jiyeon was touched by her statement.

“Yes, actually I’ve looked up to you when I was a trainee, I wanted to improve a lot like you did. I was just a visual at first, but wanted to improve like you did.” She explained.

Jiyeon could understand why she had felt a connection to her.

“Let’s be friends, Son Naeun, I think you’re going to be great someday.” Jiyeon decided clearing her eyes.

“Thanks. Unnie.” Naeun giggled as she said it. “Let’s be friends.” 

… 1.3.2014

ESPN report: Daniel Choi disappoints again with 6 points in 24 minutes 3/9 from the field. Mavericks defeat Warriors 100-85. 

… 1.10.2014

Pov: Talk show

“On this week on ESPN’s Get up! Let’s talk about Daniel Choi the rookie point guard from NYU. After sustaining an ankle injury and returning on December 26th the Rookie has averaged just 5 points in four games. Is he a bust? Or is he just not in the right place?” The female host introduced the topic.

“Well I think the obvious answer is that they just don’t need him. Sorry to break it to you Korea, but Daniel Choi is coming off the bench for a good team already. He won’t get the playing time to grow into a better player here.” The cohost added.

“This brother, is just not being aggressive. He looks lost and doesn’t look like he is confident to score the basketball. I think the coaching is to be blamed. He obviously isn’t being given the ok to just play basketball.”

“So you both agree that he is not a bust?”

“Let me be frank. Daniel Choi is a jersey selling model. Look at him, he’s handsome. But we don’t care about handsome here, I want good basketball. I’m out on him.” The cohost added.

… 2.14.2014

ESPN report: Daniel Choi doesn’t log into game to play a single minute. Mavericks defeat Trailblazers 99-94. Coach refuses to comment.

…2.15.2014

KOREABOO: What is happening to Basketball Idol Daniel Choi?

February 15th, 2014

Netizens took to the Internet to complain and share their grievances with coach Rick Carlisle and the Mavericks organization as Daniel Choi doesn’t play a single minute.

Viewership of the Maverick’s basketball team’s games that was purchased by MBC Entertainment has seen a steep plummet after 15 disappointing games. 

In response to the many tweets and complaints from Korean fans, owner of the Maverick’s team, Mark Cuban replied with his own.

“Regarding Daniel Choi not playing, I can only say he is a young player who we are developing, this will take time as he has only played a few games. Regarding Coach Rick Carlisle, he is a championship winning coach and knows what he is doing, I will back him 100%.”

The tweet was also translated into Korean and posted on several message boards. Fans of the Basketball idol continue to be upset, but others wonder if he really is just not cut out to play in the NBA.

… 2.19.2014 

SOOMPI: T-ara finishes Global China Tour through 5 major cities.

Through 5 concerts over 200,000 seats were filled, making it the largest non-Chinese artist’s attendance for a tour. 

China’s Tudou even promotes T-ara’s Jiyeon as their homepage model for a week. Skyrocketing her fame and giving her the nickname “Mei-Yuan” Mei (beautiful) Yuan (a play on her real name also meaning money)

T-ara’s Hyomin when asked about their enjoyment of China stated that:

“We are thrilled to be touring here, China has always been one of largest fanbases and it gives us the opportunity to give back.”

T-ara is thriving in China, with celebrities Jiyeon and Hyomin’s Weibo accounts hitting top 10 in popularity despite both being Korean.

After this tour, there are no current upcoming scheduled comebacks, fans think that perhaps a break is good after such a constant and tiring schedule.

What are your thoughts on T-ara’s huge success in China? 

/////////////////////////

Top Comments:

“Can’t lie it makes me unhappy to see how China seems to focus on beauty more than anything. T-ara’s success just shows that being a bully is ok.”

“Am I the only one happy? T-ara is doing great and happy to see them getting appreciation after such a vicious comments from Korean fans. I hope they rest well and come back even stronger.”

… 2.27.2014

“Jiyeon-si please understand, this is an extremely important meeting, I wouldn’t have asked you to join if I didn’t think this would be great for your career.” It was her CEO speaking to her. Both stood in an elevator as it ascended the tallest building in Shanghai, the K11 building.

They were meeting with executives of the Chinese broadcasting service YinYuetai and with the CEO deciding for her to start her solo career it would be important to make connections.

They entered a small room with a middle aged man with attractive female secretaries around him. Judging by the short skirts and tight button down shirts, Jiyeon could tell what kind of person the man was. A ert.

The CEO explained about Jiyeon’s solo debut and how popular she had become in China. Listing reasons for him to stream her MV on his platform.

“I like it. I’ll pay for it all.” The man spoke in Chinese. As one of the girls translated for him. His eyes moved from the girl’s to Jiyeon, his rotten gaze staring up and down her figure. She suddenly cursed that her CEO had asked her to wear such tight fitting dress. She saw him his lips several times.

“I’ll pay for all the production costs, and let you stream on my platform and I’ll promote it as well, under one condition.” Her CEO seemed overjoyed to hear this.

“What is it sir?” The CEO asked as a gloomy feeling sunk on Jiyeon. She felt a similar feeling to when she had met the erted chairman’s son in Japan.

“I want an hour alone.” He responded. Then pointed towards Jiyeon. “With her. A meal.”

Jiyeon froze. What could she do? This was a vital relationship. She stared at her CEO who seemed to be pleading for her to accept. She knew she didn’t have a choice.

She nodded.

“Good, you’re a smart one after all. You prepare my car.” He slapped the of one of his secretaries as she winced before running off. 

Jiyeon had never ridden in a limousine before, but here she was next to a multi billionaire. He suddenly placed his arm around her.

“You Koreans are really so pretty.” She understood this comment without needing a translation. “I wonder how well you do in bed.”

Jiyeon wondered if he really thought she couldn’t understand his depraved comments.

They arrived at a luxurious restaurant where they were escorted to a massive room with a small table at the middle. There was a giant window looking out into the Shanghai skyline as tower after tower blocked the view of most of the sky.

Jiyeon stared in awe as not even Korea had this many skyscrapers.

They both sat down and he began to eat. He had manners, he was composed. Which made him much scarier to Jiyeon. Jiyeon wondered what he was thinking as he called over his secretary. The female appeared next to him and he whispered into her ear as she translated.

“The CEO is a man with a busy schedule. So please think carefully before making a choice.”

Then he suddenly shoed the secretary away. His eyes staring into Jiyeon.

“You can understand me, can’t you?” He was speaking in broken English. Jiyeon slowly nodded as she had used her spare time to learn English much better to understand the articles and broadcasts on Daniel. 

He suddenly pointed towards the window. 

“That building is mine.” There was the towering building she had just exited with him in the view of the restaurant. The glass windows glistening in the sun.

“If you take this, your face will be on a billboard on that building.” He suddenly revealed a thin white shiny card. Upon seeing it more clearly it was a hotel key. 

“If you meet me more regularly, I’ll buy you whatever you want, cars, houses, planes.” His voice was serious and it sent chills down Jiyeon’s back. She knew he wasn’t joking, she knew that this was the kind of person the rich were. “I don’t have time to waste, and I am married so I just want pleasure.” 

He flashed his diamond wedding ring. It disgusted her, the fact that he could so easily, bring up the prospect of an affair.

“Either way I’ll do as promised, if you refuse then this will be it. I must tell you, you are the first to receive such a fine deal. I hope you think it through thoroughly before you choose.”

An assured future, no commitment, probably a lifestyle where she never even had to worry about rebuilding her career. She wondered how many idols would have accepted, a billionaire's patron.

“Sorry. I cannot accept.” Jiyeon handed him back his card without hesitation. She bowed her head in apology.

“I guess you’re not as smart as I thought.” He sighed as he ushered for her to leave. Jiyeon stood up and left the restaurant.

She couldn’t even dream of doing such a horrid thing, not when someone was on her mind.

… 3.1.2014

The following message was uploaded to a forum.

[+18,678, -10,092] “Park Jiyeon bully or just a ?

Bully Jiyeon was photographed wearing a revealing black cocktail dress to eat dinner with a high level Chinese CEO. Details on who the CEO is have been removed likely by the Chinese media, but I think he was married that’s why. I changed my opinion on her, she’s not just a bully, she really must be shameless. I wish she’d quit.”

Tears were flowing out of Jiyeon’s face as she read the post. Over 18,000 people agreed with it.

She knew countless other people knew about it. She wanted to disappear.

She wanted to tell Daniel that this was false, that none of it was true.

But she was ashamed. She was ashamed and humiliated that such a picture had even been taken.

Truthfully what kind of conclusion could you make other than what they had speculated?

Her CEO had promised they would do everything to remove it. But the damage had been done.

Her members had tried to comfort her, but even upon explaining the situation to them it seemed unlikely for their not to be misunderstandings. 

The point was that she had met with him that day.

She cried in her apartment for days, not wanting to go out, not wanting to face anyone. 

… 3.5.2014

“I’m so terribly sorry this is happening to you.” The CEO stated with pity painted over his face.

Once again the agency had refuted all claims that this was any more than a social event. As they were able to lie that multiple celebrities were in attendance to celebrate. But the public perception was what it was. Jiyeon was a .

Jiyeon sat on the sofa of his office as she had done so many times before. She felt devastated, she didn’t even want to meet with her parents, due to the shame she felt.

“With your upcoming single.” The CEO began.

“Are we going to cancel it?” Jiyeon asked.

“No, actually, I have spoken with many producers and we just want to alter your concept.” He began. Jiyeon wasn’t following him. She had originally elected to go with a cool girl crush concept, one that she had always wanted.

The producer who sat across from her began to explain.

“I think that instead of the original concept we should go with something a little more mature. Something that will embrace a role you seem fitted to take.” The producer explained to her, and Jiyeon was beginning to what he was trying to avoid saying.

“You want me to embrace my name… as a ?” Jiyeon bit her lip at just saying the word. The producer suddenly waived his hands to correct her.

“No, of course not. Not a , just something a little more… mature… more y, that’s what the viewers are interested in.” The producer tried to fix it, but she knew that’s what he meant. She knew that this was a smart move financially, have her become the bad girl that everyone thought she was. 

In some ways it was rather genius. But she despised the thought, she didn’t like the label she was given. She had never even lost her ity, and people acted like she had slept around her whole life. 

“I know you’re turning 21 soon, and I think this would really attract the viewers. Your main audience is young males.” The producer commented. “Think about your skills as an idol, your looks, your eyes. It would be a huge success. People would only comment about your success and not your scandal.” 

Jiyeon felt hesitant, she wondered if this would really change any perception. More importantly was this something she wanted to do? Did she want all of her fans to think these thoughts about her. 

Jiyeon slowly nodded. More important than anything she wanted to go to the top. If this helped her to the top, she would do it.