... 12.7.2015

Without realizing it, she suddenly took off towards the restaurant. Speeding down the mostly empty sidewalk, not caring as her hood flew off her head. She peeked into the window and noticed that he and his teammates had already left the restaurant. A group of rich businessmen sitting where he had been. 

She stared at the ground in despair. She had missed him. Jiyeon began to continue walking along the sidewalk defeated, knowing that she had missed her only opportunity to take in his presence.

Suddenly, a car pulled onto the side just barely in front of where she was walking. It was a taxi. A figure wearing a grey hoodie and black jeans stepped out. 

“This is rather embarrassing.” It was Daniel’s voice.

This time she was sure of it. 

His features seemed so much more handsome as he stepped towards her. His now clear skin, tighter jaw, and mature grin. Perhaps it was her love for him that imagined him so much more attractive to her. Perhaps he truly had just improved his already handsome appearance even more.

But the question remained… Why had he come back? 

Not that she was complaining.

They were both silent. The world was empty at that moment, population just the two of them. They might’ve stayed that way for minutes, but there was no awkwardness. Both attractive figures soaking in the others presence.

“Shall we walk at least?” He proposed interrupting the silence.

They made their way to a nearby park, the escape from the city a peaceful abode for the former lovers. Jiyeon noticed now that they walking side by side with their hoods up to hide their faces. It was already midnight the park was pretty much empty. 

They both sat down at an empty bench near the center of the park. “Why did you come back?” Jiyeon could no longer contain her burning curiosity. 

“Because I thought I might see you again.” 

His voice was confident now. He had gained that as he had become more and more of a celebrity. He truly had the aura of a top star now, different then the goofy playful boy she had met in Korea before.

“We have so much to talk about. I thought I was suffocating before.” So it wasn’t just her? Jiyeon shook her head. 

“What is there to talk about? I’m dating now.” Jiyeon interjected, trying to hide her emotions behind a cold and meaningless statement.

“I know. And I am a celebrity now. Who would’ve thought?” Daniel sighed out as he said this.

Now an awkward silence has fallen upon them. 

What could she say after that? Why had she pictured their second meeting so much differently in her imaginations?

“Are you happy with him?” Daniel inquired breaking the silence.

“Yes.” She lied. She bit her lip immediately. 

“I’m doing much better. The group is better, and my scandals are fading.” If she justified it, she could easily lie to anyone.

“But do you…” He paused gazing directly at her. “Do you really like him?”

“Yes.” She replied without any hesitation.

There was bitter silence. Both wouldn’t dare to face each other now.

“Then, I hope we can be friends again.” He suddenly offered. She could tell there was despair painted all over his face, she had hurt him once again. 

He held out his hand, offering friendship to her, despite all of the times she had hurt him.

No, she couldn’t. Not only did she not deserve it, but if she did she might never let go of it.

“Sorry. But I can’t be friends with you, I wouldn’t be comfortable with it given our past.” 

“What even was our past? Did you really not like me then?” Desperation filled his voice, she felt a knife fully stab into her.

She stood up immediately to mask the pain, if she stayed she would make a mistake. She began walking away. 

“Jiyeon-si.” He called out for her his voice practically begging. “Jiyeon-si.”

“Goodbye Daniel.”

Goodbye… How did just walking away become so painful? When did she realize that being apart from him was more painful than any physical pain she had felt? 

“Wow, there’s like no one here.” Daniel gasped as he glanced around the glass enclosure located at the top of the Namsan tower. 

The darkness of the night poured into the circular room through its large windows. It was almost closing time and Daniel and Jiyeon had gone up together to look at the view. 

Jiyeon knew that it was almost always empty this late at night and most tourists didn’t come on Mondays. 

“Yes, I always come with my unnies, just to enjoy the view.” Jiyeon replied. "Hyomin unnie first introduced it to me."

Daniel gasped as he looked towards the beautiful view of Seoul’s skyline. Inching closer and closer towards the glass, as if the city itself was calling him. His tall figure almost covering the entire height of the glass panes.

“It’s pretty isn’t it.” Jiyeon joined him by his side. 

Unconsciously, she reached her hand out softly brushing his. Silently calling him to take it. She didn’t realize it until now, the reason why couples so often clasped each others hands. The feeling of protection she felt when his large hands wrapped around hers. It was nice.

He took it, without hesitation his large fingers intertwined with hers. Jiyeon blushed slightly as she felt the warmth of his body transfer to her.

“Pretty.” She heard Daniel confess.

Jiyeon turned thinking to see him looking at the view. But instead his eyes were glued to hers. Gazing directly towards her, she saw a massive grin appear on his mouth.

“idiot.” She mumbled turning away quickly. 

Before she could react, he reached his long arms around her and pulled her back into him. Embracing her tightly from behind. Resting his head against her hair as both silently watched the view.

As much as she hated to admit it, this was what she had been missing her entire life. The feeling of someone holding her tightly, just soaking in each others presence. His deep masculine aroma enveloping her senses. 

It made her heart flutter so much, the way her head perfectly fitting in the crack of his neck. Everything just felt right between them. 

“The view is pretty. But it wouldn’t be as pretty, if you weren’t standing right beside me.” He revealed cooly, his genuine confession echoing into her ears. 

“Thanks for today Jiyeon.”

Jiyeon was silent, she didn’t know what to say at that moment. It was all so new to her. Loving someone to the point of feeling completely helpless next to them.

What would she have said, knowing what she knew now. That she wouldn’t get so many more chances to express her feelings towards him. Knowing that it would come to an abrupt end.

“I love you Daniel.”

… 12.8.2015

Slam!

He punched the bag harder than he had ever imagined he could, releasing all of the pent up rage. 

“WHY!” He yelled his hand connecting with the surface.

He continued his barrage of fists against the helpless punching bag.

He was in the gym that had been designated for SK Knight players to exercise on their free time. It was true, he frequented the gym more than any of the other players. 

Today, the large sack that had been put up to help players on their cardio had become his victim to release all the rage that had built inside of him. Thankfully even his trainer had left that night, it was almost midnight.

“WHY!” He yelled repeatedly. 

“oppa, I don’t know.” His sister’s voice rang from his phone placed not far from where he was exercising.

“Why did she come back? Why didn’t she just leave? Why did she walk with me then?” He had so many questions. It didn’t feel fair how one sided his feelings were.

“oppa, I can’t answer your questions. But if she says she’s happy with him…”

“Bull!” He kicked the punching bag with his foot, not even noticing the pain that had erupted from his foot as soon as he had. 

“I told you I’m not letting her go.”

“oppa, I know… but there’s a line between obsession and love. I know it, as a fan of so many idols.” 

His sister was right. Of course she was right. He knew that there was a million reasons why what he was doing was so wrong. Coveting another man’s woman. Everything about it destroyed all the morals he had ever had. 

But he had left everything… the NBA, his family, to come here for her.

“Everything is working out well for you, and she’s struggling so much. I’m sure it’s not easy for her to approach you.”

He slammed his fist into the punching bag again.

“God dammit I know!” He yelled. He instantly regretted it.

“i’m sorry.” He quickly apologized.

“It’s fine, but oppa are you ok? That sounded like it hurt.”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m sorry.” He was becoming a monster, that couldn’t happen. Jiyeon would never love him if that became true.

His fist connected with the punching bag again and again, as he could finally start to feel his head clear. Perhaps he needed to change his approach. 

“Jenny.”

“Yes?” 

“If she was given a chance again, put in a position where she could come to me. She might choose me again right?” He wasn’t even sure what he was saying. His thoughts were just flowing through him finding any excuse to find a solution. 

“Oppa, why don’t you sleep on it. Don’t throw away what you have right now. Appa and Omma tell they are really proud of you and we watch your all of your games live streaming them.” 

“Thanks Jenny.” Daniel found talking to his family some of the only times he could speak English. He had become so accustomed to speaking Korean there were times to his parents shock he would replace words with Korean words. 

He chuckled at those times, the Korean American who had originally resented his culture wondering why couldn’t be more American. He had become a Koreaboo for her.  

It was at that moment he felt peace. That’s when his right fist began to throb with pain.

… 12.09.2015

Sports Korea: SK Knights fall 86-94 to Goyang Orions, Daniel Choi doesn't play citing bruised hand injury as the reason. Likely to return for game against Sonicboom. SK Knights remain at the top with a record of 19-2

…

Naver Forums:

[+47,394, -392] Daniel Choi sits Orions game with bruised hand… I hope our basketball idol is ok!!

—> “OMG, I saw he wasn’t playing on TV I hope he’s ok :(((“

—> “I heard it was in practice, are they playing roughly with him? I hope the coach isn’t bullying him.” 

—> “No I hope he gets better soon… Please get better for all of us!!!”

—> “Who did this to him? I will hurt whoever did this to him.”

... 12.18.2015

"Hello." Daniel greeted the beautiful girl. He could feel his whole body shaking as he shook hands with her.

In front of him was Suzy of Miss Freaking A! Even his mom had gone beserk upon hearing it. The star of some of her favorite Korean shows and movies, Gu Family Book, and Architecture 101. 

Jenny too, don't get him started on Jenny. It took him an hour for her to finally hang up after rambling about how stupid it was that her ugly brother was being paired with the Nation's fist love for a commercial.

"Hello." She bowed her head as they met. Daniel suddenly remembered, despite being his senior as a professional by at least 4 years, he was older than her by a year. Shocking.

"Any tips you have for me as a sunbae in this?" Daniel inquired of the beautiful girl.

She smiled cutely pondering her answer. 

"Just be yourself, from what i've seen you have likable characteristics, so don't over think anything." She answered.

"Ah, ok thank you." Daniel watched as the dozens of managers and cameramen ran around setting up for the short commercial shoot. He now felt the pressure, there were so many people here all counting on him to perform well. 

He had never acted before... ok, except for in third grade when he had auditioned and failed to get the role of Prince Philip in Sleeping Beauty. Now he was being asked to act in a commercial that thousands of people would see.

"Don't be nervous oppa. You're going to do fine." He felt her hand on his wrist. He froze, it was reassuring, but at the same time it was Suzy. 

"Thanks." 

… 12.25.2015

SOOMPI: First wave of advertisements of Daniel Choi are released, just when he couldn’t get more charming he does.

Daniel Choi the Basketball Idol is leading his team to a 23-2 record to the moment and he’s doing it all. The player is averaging 30 points every game and every game is a fan’s must see.

He always does something flashy and cool in every game, and he also never ceases to show off his charm at the same time. He often gives his worn jersey to a lucky female fan, or flirts with a cheerleader to bring warmth to our hearts as we all can’t help but fall in love with him. Especially the jersey bite.

However, more than just putting on a show, the idol is praised for his handsome appearance. Finally, we are getting our chance to see him in CFs.

Released consecutively:

Nature Republic released a CF starring him and fellow Athlete star Kim Yuna.

(Commercial)

They are seen practicing their respective sports separately. Daniel dribbling a basketball and Kim Yuna skating around an empty rink. Both change scenes to each in a locker room checking their phones and realizing they have a blind date they forgot about. 

The two quickly dress in much more formal attire and suddenly touch their skin as they stare in disgust at a mirror on the wall. 

They both look around frantically before seeing the shining bottle of aloe beauty cream.

Change of scene, they both are seen standing next to each other implying they are waiting for their dates to come at the same spot. Suddenly Daniel turns to her and smiles at her.

He reaches towards her and rubs in part of the gel that hadn’t been touched. Both attractive celebrities grin at each other.

“You missed a spot.” He remarks with a charming tone. They seem to realize they are each other's dates.

He then points towards something in the distance and they walk off together side by side as the scene zooms out with them enjoying their date.

Fans raved on forums how the two attractive and yet dominant in their respective sports look like a beautiful couple together. 

Chum churum soju released a CF starring him and Miss-A’s Suzy with a huge response

Daniel is seen depressingly drinking cans of nameless beers as he seems to be regretting a break up in an empty bar.

Suddenly at the bar he notices a bottle of soju. 

The scene transitions to a flashback of him and Suzy both drinking shots of soju together as they stare lovingly at each other,  we notice that they are actually part of a larger college hangout. 

The scene cuts back to him about to confront her but then seeing her run to another young man after class.

"Oppa!"

 As we realize the reason for his depressed drinking, we snap back to the present scene. 

Suddenly enter Suzy and the same man into the bar and she notices him. He tries to hide his face with his hands cutely. But Suzy drags the man over to him.

“Meet my oppa.” 

“Oppa?” Daniel asks. 

The man rubs her head and she scowls back at him as we all realize he is her actual brother. Then she notices him with all the empty beer bottles. 

“Pabo-ya.” She sits down next to him and orders outloud. “One bottle of soju please.” 

She places her hand on his shoulder and he suddenly looks at her, there is a touching moment as both gaze into the others eyes.

The scene ends with all three of them talking and drinking soju.

Netizens are commented that while her innocent, cute, first love vibe, is not quite a match with his more manly vibe, the chemistry was undeniable.

These two commercials highlighted the movement along with several other CFs of him with Citibank and Hyundai.

After watching these commercials are you just as in love as I am?

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

Top Comments:

“I’m dying, he’s so handsome and cute in these. I don’t know if he looked better with Kim Yuna or Suzy, but I loved it. I’d like to see him with a more mature looking idol like Seolhyun or Kyungri.”

“When I first watched the Chum Churum commercial my parents were like “who was that?” Then I looked and freaked out saying it was Daniel Choi. Although he is so popular not everyone knows his handsome face well. Thrilled to see this.”

“I almost cried when he looked so sad, but omg I love when they reunited and almost shed tears of joy. What a visual couple, I hope they date."

… 1.1.2016

“No way!” Sehun gasped in disbelief as he spotted them. He rushed over from where he was standing and quickly met up with Jiyeon who was walking around the venue beside Hyomin.

Hyomin and Sehun were both models for Adidas, Jiyeon had decided to tag along for the party after Hyomin had begged her to come. Today was Adidas KR’s New Years party that all ambassadors and friends could attend along with many executives of the brand. 

Jiyeon spotted several other idols, and many well known models and some actors as well. People who used to run up to greet her and gush about their admiration of her. Of course that was before her scandal. Now most didn’t even notice her.

“You’re here too Jiyeon noona?” Sehun was talking to her now.

“Yes.” Jiyeon chuckled nervously. “I’m just here to get out of the house.”

Jiyeon who didn’t even go to the Big Bang Celebration because of fear of running into Myungsoo again. She really didn’t do much, without any schedules she spent most of her time at her apartment. Reading, exercising, anything to get her mind off of her worries.

“Aren’t you busy dating?” Exo’s Kai voice rang as his handsome face appeared from behind Sehun.

Jiyeon was silent for a second. It was never a question she wanted to answer.

“You’re here? I thought you only modeled Gucci.” Hyomin interrogated playfully changing the subject.

“He’s my date.” Sehun answered as he locked arms with Kai as everyone chuckled at their display of affection. 

“I’m his date.” Kai agreed. 

The four of them continued talking before another familiar voice rang out from behind them.

“Unnie!” Suddenly out of thin air Naeun jumped and interlocked her arms with Jiyeon. “You said you weren’t coming when I invited you! I was so sad.” 

Jiyeon completely forgot that she had previously politely refused Naeun’s invitation to the party. 

“Sorry. I changed my mind last minute.” Jiyeon apologized to the whining Naeun.

“More like I dragged your sorry out of your apartment. She makes even avid homebodies look social.” Hyomin . 

It was true that Hyomin had made a strong effort to force Jiyeon to attend with her. Using tactics such as dragging the lazy Jiyeon from her bed and out the door.

"I don't know, Chorong unnie can stay in one room for a year at a time, if it weren't for her schedules she might never leave." Naeun joked teasing her own leader.

“I’m so excited they said they were going to release the new Ultra-boost styles.” Kai suddenly remarked looking up at the models of shoes that were posted around the venue. 

“The 3.0s!” Naeun cut in with a similar excitement. Kai and Naeun suddenly met eyes as the two grinned sheepishly.

“You remember me Naeun-si from We Got Married?” Kai inquired a spark in his intense eyes. 

“Of course. You’re Taemin’s friend.” 

Jiyeon noticed the quick spark between the two and without drawing attention the other participants of the conversation drifted away. 

“Love, doesn’t it happen too fast.” Hyomin rolled her eyes as she followed after Jiyeon.

Jiyeon chuckled as she and Hyomin both approached the large stage that many had already crowded around. The CEO of Adidas KR himself standing on the stage with his mic.

“Ambassadors, models, and executives, thank you for everyone who has made this a great year for Adidas Kr!” The crowd all applauded as they watched him. 

“We here at Adidas have been studying trends in Korea and have finally decided what’s the next big thing.” The CEO said. “Soccer has been great, but Korea is changing at the moment, and we here at Adidas are always the first to embrace it. So without further ado...” 

The stage went black and on a large screen behind a video began playing.

There was a sudden flash of light followed by the sound of a ball dribbling against hardwood could be heard. 

A sweat droplet hit the ground.

There was a hand wiping off sweat from a undistinguishable face.

Jiyeon suddenly sighed. She knew exactly what was coming.

There was a video of hands flying into the air as a ball left and flew into a net.

She knew the shooting form very well, she had seem every game.

The video zoomed out. A tall young man walked away from the court cooly wearing a Red jersey with the words "Choi" on the back and a headband with the words Adidas on it and a logo. 

The video and it just read: coming soon

The audience broke into massive applause as the CEO returned to the stage.

“That’s right we will be sponsoring the KBL in their next season. We will be responsible for Jerseys all the teams and socks. Thank you very much!”

Jiyeon stared at the screen as Hyomin’s eyes were glued to it as well. Even now, even far away from him, he was always following her. 

“Wow, he’s everywhere now.” Hyomin gasped. “That basketball idol is seriously the biggest thing in Korea right now.”

Jiyeon knew she was right. 

“Yes. I think he might beat out EXO for the one spot on Forbes this year.” Sehun commented appearing behind them.

“You care about that?” Jiyeon wondered aloud. They were after all the most popular boygroup in Korea and possibly ever.

“Of course, it’s a big deal, the number one spot means you were the biggest thing in Korea that year.” Sehun explained. 

“Did we even make it into the top ten?” Jiyeon had no clue. 

“In 2011.” Hyomin replied. “I think.” 

“Wow, look at those two love birds.” Sehun sighed wistfully as he pointed behind them.

Jiyeon followed his finger and noticed Kai and Naeun were still talking together. Wide grins on both of their faces. 

“She’s a great girl you should tell your hyung to go for her.” Jiyeon commented sticking up for her friend. 

“I guess I should.” Sehun chuckled as he nodded. "Now is that free drinks or am i imagining that."

"I think it is." Hyomin and Sehun both took off towards a poor unsuspecting waiter holding glasses of champagne on his tray.

Jiyeon only grinning amused as she watched them. 

If she couldn't be happy at least maybe her friend could.

…

KOREA today: Korean President in association with the KBL has ordered the production of 100 new public basketball courts all over Korea as fans flock to the KBL in swarms because of Basketball Idol Choi Daniel.

… 1.10.2016

SOOMPI: Naver releases it’s biggest poles for the year 2015

January 10th 2016

Naver released all of their biggest poles in one place and the results for some were quite surprising, we picked the ones we found most interesting.

A pole on the Best Girl Group Visual member we personally found fascinating.

At number one We were not surprised at all to see S.E.S’s Eugene with 25.8%, and number 2 SNSD’s Yoona took the spot with 15.9%. Following was Miss A’s Suzy, Fin.K.L’s Yuri and AOA’s Seolhyun who since her recent CF’s has seen a major increase in popularity. 

There was a name that we did find quite strange to not hit the top 5. T-ara’s Jiyeon falling to 11th (1.1%), when not even 4 years ago was voted as the prettiest idol and I personally think she’s only gotten prettier. The fan’s clearly disagree as Jiyeon’s past scandals and current relationship might’ve brought down her popularity a lot.

The second pole on the Athlete of the Year came as no surprise that only 3 athlete’s dominated the polls.

At 1 Kim Yuna, a renowned prodigy skater since 2010 unsurprisingly took 23.2% of the votes, at No. 2 Daniel Choi the basketball idol took 22.7% of the votes, and at No. 3 Son Heungmin took 16% of the votes. 

With these rankings we can’t help but wonder with the upcoming release of Forbes Korea Power Celebrity where will Daniel Choi land? After not making the list the previous year due to a disappointing year in the NBA we can only wonder.

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

Top Comments:

"I don't think there's anything wrong with these polls. It's a popularity ranking and Yoona, Eugene, and Suzy come to my mind when I think of Iconic visuals."

"OMG It's only been one year and Daniel is already up there with Kim Yuna! I don't think there's ever been a precedent for someone rising up this quickly."

"I could care less if Jiyeon is 11th. She's not even that pretty. She's just a scandal machine!"