… 11.24.2014

BAIDU: trending now

• T-ara Little Apple ft. Chopstick brothers
• Little Apple Cover Korean
• Nanjing earthquake devastating effects
• Bird flu spreads fast as doctor’s search for vaccine
• Meiyuan

… 12.20.2014

ESPN report: Daniel Choi drops 50 points in Development League game. Mavericks call for him to return to roster. Jersey Ranks in top 10 most purchased. Most purchased Jersey for a Non-NBA player.

… 12.27.2014

SOOMPI: After exclusive fan concert, T-ara to continue promotions in China

After an exclusive concert in front of only 1000 fans in Korea, T-ara announces continued promotion in China. The loyal fans of T-ara who have attended the concert despite the looming scandal, stated that there were many tears shed on the stage. 

[+12,985, -6,462] "After paying almost 400,000 won to attend the exclusive concert, I had my doubts on how the concert would play out. However, the sincerity they showed to the fans that were there, that it's not possible for the scandal to be true. The ambiance was so perfect and the girls are such angels in person... all of them, including Jiyeon. I felt so sympathetic towards other fans who could not attend due to high price, but the fact is that haters would show up if the price was lower. I hope people get to see them and see how dumb the hate is." 

The next day however, they are beginning their tour in Shanghai today and will continue to promote for at least the next three months. China which had completely embraced the cute and y concept of T-ara continues to show their support. 

T-ara’s Hyomin and Jiyeon both place top spots in Most Girlfriend material poll over 200,000 Chinese fan responses. Jiyeon placing 4th and Hyomin placing 9th.

With all their success in China, it seems unlikely that they may ever return to Korean soil. What are you thoughts? 

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

Top Comments:

“Omg Jiyeon is so stunning in her last photoshoot for the award. I’m not surprised that she won such a cool award. I wish Korea would get over all the scandals because they’re missing out on a beauty.”

“Although I am sad that they may not be performing in Korea in the near future, I’m always cheering for them and hope they find huge success.”

"I hate T-ara and Jiyeon. They obviously don't care about their fans if they hold such small concerts." 

… 1.18.2015

ESPN report: Daniel Choi makes return in NBA debut for the first time in months and has 20 points a career high. Mavericks defeat the Raptors 108-102.

… 1.19.2015

Daniel stared at all the messages of encouragement he had received.

Over social media idols and fans had expressed a lot of congratulations for achieving his career high.  

Congrats on 20. #choi21fighting There was a picture of Seolhyun along with her other members of AOA all smiling.

20 points for Choi :) #choi21fighting Girls Day Yura and Hyeri were sitting next to each other posing cutely.

Big win for Choi oppa! Happiness from Red Velvet! There were 4 pretty girls all smiling at the picture.

Even Hyomin and Eunjung of T-ara had congratulated him on their SNS. 

There were also males who had congratulated him, but he wasn’t that interested, no offense to them. He was thankful for any support, but seeing male Korean celebrities just reminded him of his insecurities about his own appearance. He couldn't help but feel a little inadequate when compared to other Korean stars.

He wondered if Jiyeon would post something. Sometimes he doubted his sister's words.

It was lonely moments like this, when he wondered if Jiyeon had really just moved on from him. 

… 2.24.2015

ESPN report: Daniel Choi returns to the bench. Mavericks do not play 2nd year point guard Daniel Choi for the 2nd game in a row.

… 3.30.2015

KOREA digest: T-ara Jiyeon to accept lead role for Chinese-Korean movie in collaboration with Lee Dong Gun

March 30th, 2015

After a long China tour touring over 8 different Chinese cities and gathering a total attendance of 400,000. T-ara’s Jiyeon takes a break from music promotion to accept an acting role in a crossover movie.

Lee Dong Gun (Marry Him If you Dare) also accepts the main male lead role as well. He has been publicly captured as showing up to T-ara concerts and expressing his support as a fan.

The role requires a budding romance, and fans wonder if the onscreen chemistry might appear off screen. 

T-ara’s Jiyeon a huge model for many Chinese brands seems to be embracing her popularity by choosing to do this movie. 

The movie will be dubbed in Korean and Chinese and will hopefully see its release in October.

What are your thoughts?

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

Top Comments:

“Personally, he is a little older for her and with her cute appearance I am worried, but he is certainly handsome, and will be waiting patiently for the movie.”

“I think it’s ridiculous that no Korean drama will offer her a role, she’s so pretty and deserves better than the unproven scandals she is in.”

"Do the Chinese even know who she is? She's a bully and now they're giving her a spotlight."

… 4.16.2015

ESPN report: Regular season comes to an end, Daniel Choi unlikely to play in playoffs. Averaging 7 points a game. Mavericks will face Houston Rockets in first round. 

… 4.28.2015

ESPN report: Houston Rocket’s defeat Dallas Mavericks (4-1). Daniel Choi plays in last two games averages 12 points. Rookie contract expires.

...

“Daniel are you going to resign?”

“Daniel how likely are you to continue in the league?”

“Daniel how do you feel about being called a Jersey Selling Model?

“Daniel, what are your thoughts on not making this years Korean Forbes Power Celebrities list?”

"Are you interested in China or Europe?"

The reporter’s hounded him as he exited the locker room. He nodded at his agent who had already told him not to answer any questions.

The reporters kept pestering him with questions up to the final moment when he left in the black van waiting for him. He didn't understand it, he had barely played a single game, he was maybe the 9th best player on his team and still reporters hounded him everyday with questions.

Daniel lay back on his seat. 

“My god, I still can’t believe this.” Daniel sighed.

“Well at least you finished well.” His agent told him. “Your thoughts? Should we pick up the rookie extension? (extended contract after 2 years)”

Daniel sighed, he wasn’t even sure.

After two years of disappointment it was hard to keep the motivation to improve. He wondered if he should look at different offers. There was always options to play in other leagues. China? Europe? They could offer comeptitive salaries.

He sometimes wondered.

Why was he trying to reach the top? Why was he trying so hard to have success in the NBA because of his parents? Because of his fans support?

No… he wanted it because he wanted her. Perhaps that was what was holding him back.

Perhaps his motivation wasn’t a good reason.

He stared at his phone. He wanted to talk to her. To see her again. He missed her.

… 5.19.2015

“Good job!” The director called out in Chinese.

Lee Dong Gun removed his lips from hers. Jiyeon slowly opening her eyes to look up at the taller actor. 

“Great job Jiyeon.” He complimented her.

They were standing on a makeshift cruise ship the set for the movie.

It had already been two weeks since the filming started. She appreciated that he always seemed much more prepared than she was.

Then there was the fact that he seemed to always be patient and warm to her.

She had heard that he was sometimes a strict and cold person, but that turned out to be false.

He even gave her many pointers and ways to improve her acting. A very considerate person.

“Do you want to grab something to eat after?” Donggun inquired.

She smiled, she may as well.

After all she was starving and the shoots often lasted all day.

“Sure Donggun oppa.” She replied as her managers helped her with her make up for her next scene.

When the filming had ended roughly three hours later, she followed him to a car he had rented and she climbed into the passenger seat.

She had to admit, he was handsome and manly, a little older.

Perhaps she might’ve liked him… if not for her love for another person. He was after all similar to her original ideal type. 

“Jiyeon-si what would you like to eat? Noodles? Rice?” He inquired shifting the car into reverse. “Dumplings?”

“Anything is fine.” Jiyeon responded staring at her phone.

He began to drive off and Jiyeon took the time to check her new messages.

93ers groupchat: 10 new messages

IU: how’s filming today?

LUNA: how’s donggun sunbae?

IU: he’s good looking isn’t he?

IU: God I want to be in a drama with a handsome sunbae-nim

IU: like Song joonki or Lee joongi

LUNA: dream on, that'll never happen

JIYEON: filming is alright.

JIYEON: I still miss Korea.

JIYEON: Donggun oppa is handsome.

IU: wow

IU: lucky

LUNA: are you even into ahjussis?

IU: who isn’t?

JIYEON: I don’t really care

JIYEON: but I love someone else

LUNA: you're still stuck on him?

IU: :(

IU: you should move on

IU: I heard he’s barely any good anymore in America

LUNA: as if you’re any good

IU: If i wasn't 162 cm

LUNA: Don't lie, you're barely 160 cm

JIYEON: haha,

JIYEON: no Daniel will do better soon

JIYEON: I’m sure of it

Jiyeon smiled thinking of Daniel.

Sometimes she still watched highlights on youtube. It was hard to navigate, but Korean fans sometimes posted them making it easier for her to watch him.

“Everything ok?” Donggun inquired glancing at her from the wheel.

“Yes. Just texting my friends.” Then as if on an afterthought that it might be rude to him. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” He responded chuckling in his manly voice.

They arrived at a expensive dumpling restaurant. Shanghai, the city they were in, was famous for their dumplings.

They both entered, there was barely any people thankfully, so they both sat down at a table near the corner.

Lee Donggun whose Chinese wasn’t as good as Jiyeon’s was, leaned back allowing her to order. 

"We'll have an order of shrimp, crab, and pork xiao long bao. (soup dumplings)" She ordered to the Chinese waiter.

“Jiyeon-si.” He suddenly was staring at her, “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Jiyeon caught off guard by his statement, slowly nodded.

What was he going to ask? Something about the movie?

“Yes?” She was genuinely curious.

“I talked to your CEO about it.” He seemed hesitant to say whatever he was thinking. “I want us to date.”

Jiyeon chuckled at the sudden confession. It must've been a joke. 

Out of the blue. He really was a good actor.

“Is that your confession?” She asked barely taking him seriously. 

She had heard many confessions before from various idols and actors, but this was by far the most out of the blue. No smooth pickup line at all.

“Even if you don’t date me for real, I think it would be good for our careers.” He explained. “I’m a well establish star in Korea, and it would help you regain fame there.”

Jiyeon nodded trying to comprehend what he was talking about.

He was serious. It certainly seemed like a good idea for her, but somehow it didn’t make sense.

“What do you get out of it?” She questioned suspiciously.

“I get a pretty girlfriend I can show off, and show my appeal to a younger fanbase. To be honest, I've been a fan of you for a long time, it would fulfill a long time dream. And I get to spend more time with you without any more scandals because we’ll be publicly dating.” He explained carefully.

She had to admit they shared a lot of interests and she didn’t mind spending time with him. He was interesting, funny, and quite handsome. 

“So you talked to my CEO?” She was still unsure of how to react to the proposition.

“Yes, and he said it was a good idea.” He responded. “If you never develop feelings for me. Then I’ll understand and we can break up. But I doubt that’s possible.”

Jiyeon chuckled fakely, but her mind was flying in several directions.

How could she accept him? She had someone else still in her heart. But then again, what was the probability they ever met again?

Was it right though? Lying to the fans? 

“Sorry oppa…” She started. 

“Give it some thought, I’m not expecting an answer right away.” He assured her.

After the dinner, she was dropped off at her hotel room, a large suite at a famous hotel in Shanghai.

Even though she was exhausted she went straight for her phone and called her CEO.

“It’s a great idea isn’t it?” He sounded excited, not at all what Jiyeon was expecting.

“This could be great for your reputation. He’s a famous actor and is modeling for many magazines. A healthy relationship might be exactly what you need.”

She was immediately taken aback by his words.

She remembered only 2 years ago when she had been begged to break up with Myungsoo and then a year ago when her company had adamantly denied her relationship with Sehun.

“I don’t understand. Why is it that this relationship is ok? But relationships with idols isn’t?” She questioned in frustration.

“Most fans of idols are young possessive teenagers. Think of someone like Sehun, how much hate you received from his young fans. Lee Donggun’s fans are mainly adults who watch his movies and his dramas. They are mature enough to know to let him love whomever he wants as long as he acts well.” He responded.

Jiyeon still didn’t want to go through with a fake relationship, it felt like she would be betraying her feelings.

But it hit her, was she being selfish by holding onto him?

What if her still loving him would hurt him and his career? Should she move on? For his sake? 

She knew that she could easily unintentionally hurt those around her with her actions. This was something that still haunted her. 

Didn't Daniel deserve to meet someone else? Shoudn't she give him reason to move on?

“Think of your career please. At worst we wait this out a year and you break up.” Her CEO begged. “Think about it, go on a few dates publicly, and that’s it. This is an eash solution."

“By the way, he’s handsome and manly, isn’t that your style?” 

He didn't know. Of course not, no one knew. Only Jieun and Inna unnie knew about him. But in that moment, she began to recollect her bearings. She didn't have time to dwell in the past. Life had to go on, “CEO." 

“Yes?”

She had made up her mind now.

… 6.1.2015

SOOMPI: DATING REPORT T-ara’s Jiyeon and Lee Donggun have confirmed their relationship

June 1st, 2015

After wrapping of filming for the Chinese-Korean film Encounter, a romance filled film. As suspected the actor began dating the idol. After being seen on a couple of dates in China, both organizations have released statements regarding the relationship.

“After meeting during filming and finding many similar hobbies, both leads fell in love and began dating. They both wish for your support.”

The actor himself released a letter on his instagram detailing his public relationship and wishing for everyone’s “support and love as I date the love of my life”. Many celebrities and fans have wished them support on social media. 

We are thrilled to see the happy couple and despite a usual outcry on forums during T-ara’s Jiyeon’s scandals there has been a largely positive response. 

[+20,923 -5,376] “I for one am so glad that she’s dating someone with a little maturity. Finally she’ll stay away from our idol Oppas. Someone immature and sly like her might actually learn something from an experienced actor. Thank god you’re dating someone old.”

However, there have also been suspicions from netizens at the openness of the relationship.

[+10,894 -12,456] “Am I the only one who finds it weird that MBK Entertainment who was denied like 60 Jiyeon scandals is just suddenly saying yes? On top of that, Jiyeon has yet to post a picture with her ‘boyfriend’ and neither IU or Yoo-inna, her supposed best friends have congratulated the couple.”

While most comments like these are obviously just idle suspicions. What are your thoughts on the new couple?

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

Top Comments:

"I love them together! I already knew he was a fan of T-ara it must be a dream come true."

"As long as they are happy I will always defend both of them."

"JEEZ, add another person to the list of seduced men by this ... I hope they break up."

…

Daniel wondered what hurt more.

Was it the words she had said as he left? Or this unexplained scandal?

He knew that it had been confirmed by both agencies, and he knew that there were pictures of them on dates trending recently on Naver.

It hurt him. It hurt him so much to see her, with her hand in his.

Even from the picture’s he could recognize her features through the mask and sunglasses. It was her. Everything was real, it wasn't just a horrible feeling anymore. There wasn't any room for misunderstanding.

He had so desperately held onto the idea that she was waiting for him.

Was he wrong? Had Jenny been wrong the whole time?

Had there been false hope all this time?

He couldn’t sleep. All he could think about was her. Her smile, the way she wrapped her arms around him. Her scent. Her voice. It was all still so fresh in his memory.

Suddenly, not meeting her and confessing back then, when he had been in Korea had become such a large regret. What if he had met with her again?

He was in his room back at home in LA. But he felt like he was in hell for all he cared.

Tears found their way down his face. He wouldn’t sob. He wouldn’t cry. She didn’t deserve it.

Not after how abruptly she had ended it.

He felt betrayed again. He felt like his heart had been broken twice, not once.

“Oppa.” It was Jenny’s worried voice behind the door. “Oppa can I come in?”

He lay against the wall on the floor. If he spoke he might reveal his weakness.

He might choke on the sadness. The pain of losing his love stabbing him in the heart.

“Oppa I’m coming in.”

The door cracked open, she stared into the dark room. It was his birthday soon, but all he could think of was her with another person. Was he really losing her? 

Suddenly she spotted him and ran over to him. She crouched down and placed her arms around him. 

“Daniel. Are you ok?” She wrapped her arms around and held him close to her. 

“I’m sorry oppa. I’m so sorry.” She comforted him as he could no longer keep it in.

“She really loves someone else.” He was so distraught.

"She moved on."

“I’m sorry this happened. I’m sorry oppa.” Jenny comforted him.

“Jenny.” 

“Yes?” 

“Let’s drive somewhere. I want some air.” Daniel expressed weakly.

“Sure.” 

They both exited the large house and they hopped into Jenny’s convertible. 

She started driving, given he was in no shape to drive.

The roof of the car was lowered and Daniel could feel the wind crash against his face. It was refreshing. He had needed a punch to his face to clear his thoughts.

“Feel better?” She inquired as she stopped at a ledge that stared out into the pacific ocean. 

He could feel the ocean breeze blow onto his face as stared out into the vast water even in the darkness.

It was calming. The waves crashed against the sand and the sounds of nature soothed him.

“A lot better.” He said as he wondered what it would be like to be in this exact spot with Jiyeon.

How happy she would be holding her next to him. Sitting together in a convertible likely cuddling. He had always wanted her to come with him to LA. To introduce her to his parents. To introduce her to the city.

“What are you going to do now?” Jenny inquired.

Daniel felt like all of his dreams were drifting away from him.

His main motivation quickly fading away. Millions of thoughts jumped to him, as he navigated between possibility after possiblity.

Was he going to become the jealous ex-boyfriend if he kept holding onto her?

Painted in someone else's perspective. He was the wealthy spoiled brat obsessed with someone who didn't love him. 

Daniel didn't want to be that person.

But, becoming the villain seemed like the only way to retrieve what he so desperately wanted. He had felt her love back then.

Wasn't that affirmation enough for him to shoot another shot?

No.

If he loved her shouldn't this be how their story ends?

Him letting her live happily ever after. Letting her go and watching her grow, just as a fan. That could be the end. That could be the end of their story. 

He could move on to his career and she her own.

A life of the second lead. The girl finally met her true love and lived happily ever after with him growing old together. 

There was no mention of a past boyfriend in that sentence. For him, he would live unhappily and retrospectively living in the past of his memories with her. 

Fin. 

The End.

Was this it?

That's when Daniel made up his mind. Playing sports for years, the main reason he had been able to succeed when thousands didn't was one reason and one reason only. 

He hated losing. 

What are you going to do now?

“Win her back.”