… 11.11.2016

SOOMPI: FT Island drops out, Super Seoul Dream Concert list (updated) 

One of Decembers most anticipated events, the Super Seoul Dream Concert has unfortunately lost one of its performers. FT Island’s agency FNC Entertainment has confirmed that they will longer be performing. 

The concert itself will be held on November 27th at 5:00 pm KST. The concert will be held at one of the largest stadiums in all of Seoul, called Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. Boasting an astounding 17,000 person capacity.

The line up, up to date below:  

SHINee, VIXX, EXID, AOA, SEVENTEEN, T-ARA, GFriend, TWICE, BTOB, Red Velvet, Dal Shabet, The One, NCT 127, NU'EST, Oh My Girl, SONAMOO, B.I.G, ASTRO, KNK, SF9

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Top Comments:

“SHINEEEE!!! I’ve already gotten tickets to see my taeminiee!!! Can’t wait for them to appear.”

“NCT is there! I have to watch does anyone know where to get tickets?”

“You mentioned Red Velvet, take my money. Seulgi I love you <3” 

“Maybe I’m alone. But I can’t wait to watch T-ara.” 

… 11.14.2016

(Referenced Performance)

“So what’s your favorite thing to do? When you’re not in school I mean.” Jiyeon wondered aloud to the 11 year old girl named Wonyoung.

They had just finished their KBS Music Bank performance and afterwards Jiyeon had decided to spend sometime with her little performer. After spending almost 8 hours with rehearsals and performances, she wanted to treat the little girl, and with her parents permission they decided to get a midnight snack and come back.

“Well, I’m kind of tall for my age.” Wonyoung replied.

That certainly wasn't an understatement, she was indeed taller than the other young girls performing, barely short enough to stand under Jiyeon. She had a cute baby face and pretty eyes. 

They walked side by side towards the exit of the KBS studio.

“I think I might grow as tall as you.” 

Jiyeon chuckled as she saw much of herself in the young girl. The girl was certainly charismatic, undoubtedly had idol qualities.

“I want to become a trainee so I do a lot of dancing. But I like running around so I might do sports too.” Wonyoung continued.

She was quite talkative which was different than Jiyeon. 

Jiyeon took her to her car parked in the parking lot, she had driven to the building despite usually taking the van to her performances. She unlocked the same black Kia as she had three years ago.

“Wow. This is Park Jiyeon’s car!” Wonyoung exclaimed in awe as Jiyeon could only chuckle as she watched the enthusiastic young girl.

Jiyeon opened the passenger seat door and the young girl climbed in. Jiyeon circled around to her side and sat down as she started the car. It was somewhat strange, how despite being 23 and the young girl being 11, it was a smaller then her and Lee Donggun. 

“So why do you want to be an idol Wonyoung?” Jiyeon inquired staring backwards at the rear window to back out.

The radio and Twice’s TT began to play. How appropriate after losing to them. 

“Well… to be honest unnie, I want to date handsome men.”

Jiyeon gigged at her bluntness. 

“It’s not that easy unfortunately.” Jiyeon warned her. “Dating I mean, there’s a lot of people who will tell you not too date if you become an idol.”

“Really? Has that stopped you before unnie?” Wonyoung asked curiously.

“Yes. It used to stop me.” Jiyeon responded thinking back to Myungsoo.

She changed the subject.

“So what sports do you like?”

“Um… actually I only watch basketball.” Wonyoung admitted cutely. “But I want to learn it soon, I bought a ball and a jersey.” 

“Really?” Jiyeon wasn’t that surprised, but 11 seemed a young age to be interested in sports for young girls especially.

“I like basketball a lot too.”

“I know. We both like the same oppa.” Wonyoung commented. “You’re Daniel’s fan as well, you looked good in the CF together.”

“Ahh, thanks.” Jiyeon stumbled slightly uncomfortable at the mention of his name around her. 

“Actually unnie… when I saw that I wanted you guys to date. Cause you’re the idol I look up to and he’s my favorite athlete.” The blunt comment definitely caught Jiyeon off guard as she wondered if maybe not everyone hated the thought of Jiyeon with someone. 

“Really?”

The young girl nodded emphatically as she leaned back against the seat. 

“Teokbokki ok?” Jiyeon asked changing the subject once again. 

“And chicken!” Wonyoung added on passionately. Then realizing to be respectful she added. “If it’s ok.”

“Of course it’s ok.” Jiyeon told her grinning. 

Then suddenly her car’s speaker system began to ring. Jiyeon stared at the display and saw it said “OPPA” in large letters with a heart emoticon next to it.

Wonyoung’s face swung towards Jiyeon. Jiyeon bit her lip. 

Exposed. 

“You’re Dating someone unnie!” She exclaimed joy in her voice. “Please I promise I won’t tell I promise I swear I won’t tell! Please answer.” 

Jiyeon could only giggle at the young girls pleading. 

“Fine but if you tell anyone I’ll really get in big trouble ok? This will be our secret.”

Wonyoung nodded emphatically, and seeing the sincerity in her eyes Jiyeon finally gave in. She answered the phone.

“Sorry you didn’t win. I just saw the end of the broadcast after practice. Are you ok?”

“It’s fine oppa. Actually…” she began. “I’m here with Wonyoung. The little girl I told you about in our performance.”

There was a slight gasp.

“Really? Is this ok?” He inquired cautiously.

“I promised not to tell anyone. I swear I won’t.” Wonyoung spoke.

Jiyeon realized that Wonyoung didn’t identify him already through his voice over the phone.

“ahh is that so? Thanks so much Wonyoung-si.” Daniel expressed his gratitude.

“Of course, I’m always cheering for my unnie!” Wonyoung revealed and Daniel could be heard chuckling over the call.

“What’s your name oppa? Are you an idol?” 

There was a pause after such a direct interrogation.

“It’s fine Daniel.” Jiyeon assured him.

“I've heard people call me an idol... but i'm definitely not one.” He responded to the question.

There was a huge gasp Wonyoung clearly understood what he meant.

“Choi... Daniel?” Wonyoung looked like she might faint. 

“Yes.” 

“I’m a huge fan. I’ve seen a lot of your games.” She fangirled out.

“Thank you Wonyoung-si.” 

“Actually were going to Hangang park to get Teobokki and chicken are you free?” Jiyeon asked.

“If it’s ok with Wonyoung-si?" 

“Of course! Daebak... I might die.” She responded filled with excitement. 

Jiyeon arrived at the river park and got out with Wonyoung. Jiyeon didn’t bother wearing a mask, as she took Wonyoung’s hand and the two girls walked to a small Teobokki cart.

The night market though somewhat crowded was full of people minding their own business. Everyone was just there to eat food and enjoy the scenery.

“Can we get two orders?” Jiyeon inquired as the old lady nodded and packed both bowls of rice cakes into a plastic bag. Wonyoung took the bag and the older lady complimented them.

"Aigoo, what a pretty pair of sisters."

"Ah, yes. Thank you." Jiyeon decided to answer. 

The grin on Wonyoung's face when Jiyeon responded made her laugh. 

They both giggled as they headed towards a fried chicken stand. 

“Do you like spicy?” Jiyeon asked and Wonyoung nodded emphatically.

“One order extra spicy please.” The man working it packed it into a cup and handed it to them as Jiyeon tried to pay. 

“For the pretty girls it’s free.” Jiyeon bowed and the man smiled waiving goodbye to them.

They walked out of the night market area a small distance towards a more quiet area of the riverwalk where they found a bench, it looked out onto the river. Jiyeon had rarely come to the river park, but since they started dating had come here almost 5 times now. 

Daniel explained he loved the ambiance, and Jiyeon agreed.

They both sat down on the bench as they set the food in the middle. Wonyoung excitedly revealed the food Jiyeon began to dig in grabbing a piece of chicken connected to a toothpick.

Wonyoung looked at her hesitantly. 

“Shouldn’t we wait?” She inquired.

“No, he’ll probably take a while… I don’t know about you but I’m hungry.” Jiyeon took another bit before looking at the still silent young girl.

Wonyoung began to grin enthusiastically. 

A set of hands reached down and rested against her shoulder. She turned to see Daniel standing handsomely in a Tan colored sweatshirt and a white Adidas cap stuffed beneath his hood.

“You started without me? I’m hungry too.” He whined as he sat in the space next to Wonyoung. He gazed lovingly at Jiyeon before reaching out his hand to the young girl.

“Nice to meet you Wonyoung-si.” They shook hands as Wonyoung stared wide eyed at him as most did when they met him.

“Wow! You’re handsome oppa.” Wonyoung gasped. 

“Thanks.” He reached down and took a bite of the spicy rice rolls with his toothpick. 

“Wow things just taste better at night.” Jiyeon commented as she took a large bite of chicken, stuffing with the entire piece.

The other two started giggling. 

“She really is like a…”

“A dinosaur” Daniel finished.

As the two continued giggling like siblings. 

Jiyeon frantically chewed flustered by their sudden team up. 

“A cute one.” Daniel added. Wonyoung squealed in delight. 

“Hey, let’s keep this appropriate.” Jiyeon mumbled turning away.

“No I love watching you two together, keep being like that.” Wonyoung was bright red as she looked back and forth at the two lovers.

“Hey you’re pretty cute kiddo. I’m sure you’ll have boys lining up for you, like I had to do for Jiyeon.” Daniel complimented as he patted the girls head.

“I’m going to be an idol like unnie.” Wonyoung remarked proudly.

“Really? I guess I’ll have to become your fan then.” 

Maybe it was because of his little sister. But Daniel was surprisingly good with kids too.

Jiyeon... well she liked little kids. 

“Really oppa!” She shouted excitedly. “Yes. I mean if it’s ok with Jiyeon unnie.”

Jiyeon nodded light heartedly still staring at the two that could’ve passed more as siblings than she and her did.

They high fived and began talking about a wide variety of different subjects. Jiyeon slightly regretting allowing Daniel to charm the little girl, this was after all supposed to be her time with Wonyoung.

However, he seemed to notice her dissapointment and quickly redirected the conversation to her.

"Wonyoung-ah, how is working with Jiyeon-ah?" He suddenly asked. 

"It's really good. Jiyeon unnie takes good care of me." Wonyoung replied.

"Really? No wonder she hasn't been taking good care of me. She's been too busy taking care of you." Daniel used the opportunity to . 

"Ya, Oppa." Jiyeon couldn't help but grin. "I take care of you too."

"Daniel oppa you don't need to be taken care of. You're an athlete." Wonyoung sided with Jiyeon this time.

Much to her delight. Jiyeon immediately took the opportunity to immaturely stick out her tongue towards Daniel.

He laughed heartily at her reaction.

"Isn't that not fair to me Wonyoung-ah?" He inquired. 

"You should focus on being good to Jiyeon unnie, and being a good basketball player." Wonyoung scolded him cutely.

"Alright. Alright. I won't complain. I guess I am really lucky to be with your unnie." 

Daniel flashed Jiyeon a smile. She wanted to kiss him. But realized this wasn't the time or the place. 

Speaking of time... 

Jiyeon glanced at her phone.

“Sorry we have to go Wonyoung, I promised to bring you back in an hour.” Jiyeon suddenly remembered.

Daniel nodded as he helped take away the finished food containers. 

“It was nice meeting you Wonyoung-si.” He waved goodbye. Then suddenly ran over to Jiyeon and planted a kiss on her cheek. 

“See you later Jiyeon.” He whispered as he left.

Jiyeon was blushing as she rejoined the little girl.

“Daebak… Daebak… Daebak!” 

Jiyeon drove the little girl back to her parents who were waiting outside the KBS building. Jiyeon apologized for being late and waved goodbye to the younger girl.

Jiyeon wasn’t sure if she would keep her promise, but somehow, it felt good to see someone cheer for the two of them. It was comforting.

…11.27.2016

Jiyeon felt embarassment and shame. Her face staring forward into the reflection of the mirror. Her members primarily Eunjung and Soyeon laughing hysterically at her expense.

Soyeon’s somewhat annoyingly high pitched laugh echoing around the makeup room. Eunjung slapping her thighs as she snapped photo after photo onto her smart phone. 

Jooyoung reentered the room and could only look half in horror, half in disappointment towards her. The type of expression that said "let's talk about this later".

Jiyeon bit her lip nervously as she felt the foundation touch her neck. 

“Sorry unnie.” Jiyeon mumbled at her manager.

“We’re going to have to switch your outfit to the long collar blouse.” Jooyoung explained.

Jiyeon nodded slowly. 

She winced again as another layer of concealer was put on. 

She had already expressed her anger at him. Filling their texts with her annoyance at his affectionate actions. 

Why on all days today? 

“Wow, our Maknae really is all grown up.” Eunjung commented holding back her laughter staring at the photos she had taken.

“Really really grown up.” Soyeon added on. 

Jiyeon rolled her eyes. The moment she had entered that morning for the final rehearsals she had noticed something was wrong when Hyomin stared wide eyed at her. She noticed the large love mark on her neck moments later. 

“So you’re really not going to give us a hint as to who it is?” Eunjung questioned. 

Only Hyomin knew she was dating him. For all her other members knew, it could’ve been anyone.

“Idol or Actor?” Soyeon brought up. "I saw Choi Minho eyeing you at the rehearsals yesterday."

Jiyeon ignored them as she shook as the stylist put on one last layer of concealer. 

It wasn’t too obvious, and if she wore a higher collar it would be barely noticeable. 

How had she gotten to this point though?

She had flown through dress rehearsals the day before. The concert directors praising T-ara for their professionalism through the entire process. However, that night… well they had celebrated the ending of TIAMO's comeback and she had gotten a little carried away with him.

Anyways, now she felt humiliated in front of her other members. Unable to respond to their teasing.

There was a knock at the door. 

In walked Hyomin and Qri.

“How’s it going?” Hyomin inquired. 

“She really won’t say anything.” Eunjung reported. 

“Nothing. It could’ve been any idol for all we know.” Soyeon leaped on her frustration.

Hyomin sighed at their continued teasing. 

“I meant with her neck.” 

“It looks better.” Qri commented taking a better look at the concealed hickey. 

Then suddenly the serious expression turned to mischievous.

“So who was it? I saw Shinee’s Minho eyeing you in the rehearsals. BTOB?” Qri whispered.

“UNNIE!” Jiyeon flailed her arms in annoyance. Even her leader was pestering her.

“I’m kidding I’m kidding.” Qri chuckled. "Your personal life is your own. You've earned that much."

“Anyways the concert starts in two hours. So let’s get you dressed.” Jooyoung beckoned for her.

Jiyeon checked her phone. It was 4pm. The game would’ve already started. She knew he was playing in Incheon and wouldn’t end until after the concert started. Though they were a later performance, she knew he couldn’t make it. Incheon with traffic was at least an hour away, not to mention all of his press conferences and interviews...

Part of her was still annoyed by the mark he had left on her neck, that had startled a whole situation. However, part of her knew that the moment she locked eyes, and heard his apology combined with his goofy smile. There was no way she’d remain mad.

For now, for now she was focused on her performance. 

…

Daniel snuck towards the front row a hoodie covering his face. Music was echoing in the background. Red Velvet’s “Russian Roullete” a cheerful song that had fans shouting the lyrics. 

He noticed the empty seat he had reserved earlier and stood between several other fans. Hoping to keep his identity a secret. He knew that after Gfriend T-ara would be performing. He felt like this would be the best apology he could give. 

The night before, well… he had made a mistake. His passion for her overshadowing his conscious. The thought that she had a concert the next day completely disappearing from his mind. 

He had sheepishly apologized to his manager, ditching all the post conference interviews and sneaking immediately from his game to his car. Making the roughly hour long drive in heavy traffic to the sky dome. 

It was ginormous. The size of giant arena’s in the U.S. The screams of boys and girls alike towards their favorite idols. 

Though he could definitely tell there was a sizable difference in the female cheers for Boy idols than male cheers for female idols. 

After the concert, Daniel could admit he made several mistakes that night. 

One. He forgot that he couldn’t just be another fan anymore. The thought of cheering quietly for any group disappearing from his head when the atmosphere grew heavier. 

Two. He shouldn’t have removed his hoodie no matter how hard it was to see with it on. But, well… when all of the idols stood on such a high stage it was hard to see. Especially seeing Jiyeon.

Three. Maybe jumping up and down during certain performances, emphasizing his distinctly tall height was not the best idea. In his defense, Gfriend’s Navillera after hosting their comeback was certainly a song he had on repeat when he was working out.

Nevertheless besides a considerable scolding from his manager. It was something he figured wouldn’t be a big deal.

… 11.28.2016

KOREABOO: Forums blow up as Basketball idol spotted at Super Seoul Dream Concert 

If you weren’t sure why Korean basketball player Daniel Choi is praised for being an “idol” enthusiast. Here’s all the confirmation you need, Daniel Choi yesterday was spotted by netizens at the concert. Not a surprise right? A celebrity at a concert.

Well, here’s the twist. Mere hours before Daniel Choi was playing in a game. Yes, that’s right a professional basketball game. Netizens were stunned how he could show up at a concert that started at 6pm when his game began at 3:30pm, in Incheon. Roughly a 45 minute drive from Seoul likely longer. 

Anyways, netizens were quick to construct a rough timeline once again being undefeated in their analysis skills. 

Here in a post on naver was the consensus timeline:

“3:30 pm: Broadcast begins for KBL game 

5:57 pm: Game ends early due to large lead (Daehan oppa with 32 points)

6:00 pm: Concert begins with SF9 opening performance

6:15: Daniel likely leaves game 

6:30 pm: Daniel is revealed unable to attend Post Game press conference by his manager for personal schedule

6:45 pm: Small intermission in concert

7:00 pm: Red Velvet performs Russian Roulette and fans believe Daniel entered then.

7:15 pm: First picture of Daniel is posted on SNS. (Gfriend performance)

7:30 pm: Daniel’s picture trends Korean twitter, as fans wonder where he is (T-ara performance)

7:40 pm: Fans crowd the front row to snap a picture of Daniel cheering. (Twice Performance)

7:50 pm: Security is brought in and Daniel is escorted out while EXID performs.”

To whoever, constructed this masterpiece we can only look in awe. However, directly after this love was heaped onto the basketball idol for his continued support. Many fans wondered which group he came to support. Many believing it could possibly be Twice or Gfriend. 

However, many netizens were also upset by the fans reactions. Scolding them for not allowing him to simply be a fan in peace, and preventing him from enjoying the concert.

What do you think of his appearance at the concert?

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Top Comments:

“I have to agree, he clearly didn’t want to cause a scene and just wanted to enjoy the concert. I can’t imagine how disappointed he was to have to play hard and win the game early, travel all the way from Incheon to Seoul just to get mobbed by fans.”

“I know for a fact he was there to watch Gfriend. After his interactions with Sowon after MCing I’m sure he became a Buddy like the rest of us.” 

“Twice is the biggest, and with him being the most popular athlete. I’m sure talent recognizes talent. He’s definitely there to support them.” 

…12.4.2016

Korea Herald: Mnet makes massive mistake competing directly against Daniel Choi

MAMA 2016 marks the 18th edition of their award show. However, despite scheduling the show since August and opening voting since October. Made one small mistake. The broadcast was scheduled to begin starting 8pm KST as usual. 

This wouldn’t have been a mistake except that on SBS Sports starting 7:30 pm SK Knights competed against the Ulsan Mobis Pheobus, a highly anticipated matchup between the previous two finals contenders. 

Both broadcasts competed for viewership, and in a ginormous surprise SBS Sports overtook MAMA in viewership by a landslide. A broadcast featuring performances from BTS, EXO, and Twice fell from 5% from the year before to 1.39%. Meanwhile SBS sports boasted a viewership rating of over 10% near the end. In primetime of TV viewership a sports game overtook every variety show, drama, and Awards show. 

Fans of the groups complained that not only has the production quality of MAMA gone down, but the award ceremony was overall boring in comparison to a live sports event. Also citing the lack of performances and appearances from Big Bang and Blackpink, both YG groups not participating.

As a viewer flipping between both channels, I have to admit the game itself was very entertaining, the SK Knights pulled of a close win. After entering the 4th quarter down to Mobis Pheobus 5 points, Choi Daniel and Lee Eric brought their team back to win by two points. 98-96.

In many countries sports has often dominated the viewership of many countries. It’s possible that with Choi Daniel leading the way, Sports may make a resurgence in Korea. 

… 12.6.2016

SOOMPI: Reference to Basketball Idol goes viral in Variety Show Knowing Bros

December 6th, 2016

During the latest episode of the show ‘Knowing Brothers’ the girl group ‘ioi’ appeared on the show to celebrate and graduate as the group prepared to disband after a strong year of promotions. During the broadcast they even played a prank on their leader to fake having resentment towards her but in the end praise her endlessly. 

The final scene had a party where they were given a list of celebrity names to act out and have their “partner” guess it. This charade like game gave viewers an extremely entertaining experience as they acted out several celebrities such as Yoo Jae Suk, Jo Jeong Suk, Kang Ho Dong, Jun Ji Hyun, Kim Yuna, and finally Daniel Choi. The popularized scene that was later posted on YouTube featured Kim Heechul and his partner Kim So Hye. While Kim So Hye was given the word, Heechul tried to guess it.

At first she imitated shooting a basketball and Heechul immediately guessed 'Seo Janghoon', and then 'Michael Jordan', which had viewers cracking up as Janghoon joked she probably didn’t know who that was.

Frustrated she shook her head and took a different approach. She brought her sweater up to and bit it. Her members began to crack up as the pointed to where the bottom of the shirt underneath was revealed.

Immediately Heechul shouted “Daniel! Daniel Choi!” The girls all applauded as they laughed along. 

Seo Janghoon pointed out to the older members that Daniel Choi, the basketball idol was famous for doing the jersey bite. Lee Sooguen who was interested by this asked them if they were fans of basketball. 

Somi responded for them, “We actually don’t know sports too well, but Daniel is sort of a Sunbae-nim for us. He was a special host on the competition SHOW when we first debuted and we saw him several times. So we try to watch his games.” 

The funny Kang Hodong asked if they knew that Janghoon had also played basketball and they all laughed. Kyunghoon pointed out that he is very much like an idol because of his appearance and charisma on TV shows. 

Seo Janghoon asked how many of them liked him and 7 of the members rose their hands. 

After the TV broadcast Daniel’s sister Jenny Choi, who has also accumulated 500 thousand instagram followers becoming famous through her appearances with him. Posted a picture to thank the members for their support. She also named Chungha as her favorite member of ioi because of her dancing. And we couldn't agree more. 

Obviously it is great to see our favorite Basketball receiving lots of love and laughed at the Jersey Bite reference. Where do you think this might appear later?

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Top Comments: 

 “OMG I watched the broadcast and almost screamed when SoHye did it. I am not surprised that they are supporting him as well, and I think it will appear more often on different variety shows.”

“I thought I was the only one who recognized that reference and was cracking up as it happened. I think it’s so cute when SoHye blushed when she rose her hands to Janghoon’s question. I hope Daniel watched the broadcast along with his sister. Ioi fighting!”

"NOOO I don't want IOI to disband. But I'm glad they all had fun with their last appearance on KB. I hope Daniel starts coming on Variety shows when the season is over!" 

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I really did some research for these references and had fun revisiting some of 2016s most iconic Kpop moments. IOI on Knowing Bros, MAMA 2016 being boring, Seoul Dream Concert missing FT Island. Also, if you don't know Jang Wonyoung is a member of IZONE a group everyone should follow.