#Epilogue     The Unending Song

 

“Run!!”

 

“What are you doing right now!”

 

 

Gwang Soo’s and Gary’s shouts rang out loudly.

Jong Kook’s strength was still fearsome as ever and Jae Suk racked his brains to convince Ji Hyo to team up and hatch a plan to eliminate the Commander.

 

 

“Wow, you’re really amazing, oppa. How did you even think of that?”

 

“Ji Hyo-ya, that was pretty amazing wasn’t it? Just call me Yoo-ge Liang1 from now on.”

 

 

Recently Running Man was rife with all sorts of strategy and tactics, and to that the show owed much to Jae Suk and Jong Kook.

Even if the program was to remain true to its original spirit, it was not an easy task for its long time members to continue ripping nametags off of each other. The path that Jae Suk chose in the end was to dominate the members with advanced tactics, it was why recently the amount of reading had increased.

 

 

“What kind of name is Yoo-ge Liang?” Ji Hyo laughed.

 

 

She couldn’t hide her amusement at Jae Suk’s ad-lib.

 

It was a happy atmosphere that made one question whether this really was the program rumored to get cancelled.

 

About three months ago when the cancellation rumors had raised its head, Jae Suk ‘s exact words went on air per his wishes. And the public opinion had come alive once more, and the whole situation started to change little by little. Countless fans sent their support for Jae Suk who had declared full responsibility for everything, and so even the criticism thrown at Ji Hyo and Jong Kook dwindled.

The most important thing was that Jong Kook did not hide his feelings for Ji Hyo through the broadcast.

 

In openly showing his feelings for Ji Hyo on broadcast, in showing a part of him that only a few dedicated fans had known, it rather prompted positive reactions than the opposite.

 

Ji Hyo retained her loveline with Jong Kook but added great amusement in boldly abandoning him for the game if necessary. Jae Suk looked at the two fondly, and the rest of the members got used to that situation fairly quickly as well. Having a real life couple star in a real variety formed a new different picture, drawing a fresh breath of air into the show.

 

 

 

Track 1 — Love Song   By: Kim Jong Kook Lyrics by: Kim Jong Kook Composed by: Yoo Young Suk   I can’t contain my excited heart for one moment When I look at you my smile overflows   You who make my heart tremble with your brilliant smile You who make me flutter when you visit me in my dreams You who have always stayed by my side, unchanging   I’ll sing this song to you now, like this   I love you, I love you, I love you like this I didn’t even know that I would say so   But I can’t hide it forever And it’s when you’re here that I can breathe   I love you, I love you, I love you like this I will love you eternally until the world ends   Even if time passes, if we could remember our love We’ll be filled with only happiness to bring laughter   This is my Love Song for you

 

 

Despite the train of sad days, Jong Kook never once abandoned his attachment for the album. Jong Kook’s long time friends as well as his manager dropped quite a few suspicious remarks seeing the singer like that, but Jong Kook nonetheless continued working on it, turning a deaf ear to the comments.

 

He always worked hard, but the the mindset of hard sacrifice and time shone especially in this album.

They were all song of love… While he didn’t say who it was for, people who would know knew.

 

 

“Tell me honestly,” his long time friend Cha Tae Hyun began as he peered at Jong Kook’s 8th album CD.

 

“What?”

 

“These songs are all a present for Ji Hyo, right?”

 

“Why are you asking if you know so well?”

 

“Woah, the great Kim Jong Kook doesn’t even deny it.”

 

“There’s nothing to hide. If Ji Hyo wasn’t here, this album wouldn’t exist.”

 

He let out a pleased sound of amusement. “Wow, this is totally like a movie. The love story of an old bachelor in his 40s. Pretty cool.”

 

“Seriously, stop annoying me and just stay quiet!”

 

 

And after much ups and downs Jong Kook released his 8th album [My Song].

His fans were overjoyed at its release considering his lack of musical activity for 3 years, while the larger public only smiled at the songs he presented. Anyone could see that the songs this time were all aimed towards one woman. Perhaps Jong Kook foresaw such a reaction because he talked openly during his promotion that it was an album he dedicated to Ji Hyo. Even his long fans who had followed him for over 20 years were unused to this side of the singer for they cocked their heads to the side in question even as they supported his album.

 

 

 

Track 4 — Together   By: Kim Jong Kook Lyrics by: Kim Jong Kook Composed by: Yoon Jong Shin   My own self that I can see behind faded memories Always tried bearing everything on my own. And like that I always swallowed my hurt inside.   In my everyday life that I’ve gotten so used to that I’m can’t feel anything You silently walked up to me and held my hand. I’m thankful even today for the love that I feel from those hands.   My dear who shines even brighter than the night’s stars Please don’t let go this hand. Perhaps you know these feelings of mine Because you smile as you turn towards me.   When you say we share both happiness and sadness Because it’s me who you are with Your presence feels so enormous to me. I didn’t believe that love can make people change But I always feel it and realize so when I look at you. Gazing at me as you stand by my side I can't even begin to say how lovely and precious you are.   My dear who shines ever brighter than the night’s stars Please don’t let go this hand. Perhaps you know these feelings of mine Because you smile as you turn towards me.   My dear who embraces me warmer than the shining sunbeams My love that I can’t replace with anything else. Don’t let our feelings for each other change.   My dear who shines ever brighter than the night’s stars Please don’t let go this hand. Perhaps you know these feelings of mine Because you smile as you turn towards me.   Please don’t forget That I can overcome any pain because I’m with you

 

 

It wasn’t hard to ask Jong Shin who he had long been close with for a song.

But once he told him the lyrics he had in mind and his story, Jong Shin worked more seriously on the piece than he had ever seen him before. Jong Kook too worked seriously in recording, and finished the love-filled song, coating the beautiful guitar melody with his own voice.

 

 

Jong Shin made a sound of admiration and amusement, “Wow, you’re not as bad I thought huh? People change when they’re in love, as expected.”  

 

“What’s that supposed to mean? Don’t say stuff like that, hyung.”

 

“I even made you a song like this, so don’t ever break up with her. You got that?”

 

“I’d do it even if you didn’t tell me.”

 

Jong Kook smiled slowly, as if shy.

Jong Shin had never seen Jong Kook like that before, and realized then the amount of love he had for Ji Hyo.

 

 

 

“Did you finally decide to go on the show?”

 

Jae Suk approached Jong Kook who was sitting in a corner to rest once the Running Man filming was over. In the national MC’s hands was Jong Kook’s 8th album that he had personally signed.

 

“Why are you carrying that around?”

 

“If it was up to me, I’d tape it to my hands. Isn’t is the first time Kim Jong Kook made an album for someone? It’s worth commemorating.”

 

Jong Kook was unfazed at Jae Suk’s words. The sight was rare indeed like some ancient relic.

 

“Did Gyung Kyu-hyungnim tell you to come?”

 

“Hyung-nim always half-jokingly told me to come on, but that’s not the only reason.”

 

“Then what?” Jae Suk asked, taking a seat next to the muscled man.

 

Jong Kook hesistated for a moment, and continued in a calm voice, “If I don’t take this chance  now…. I don’t think I could tell the viewers the words I want to say, my feelings for Ji Hyo otherwise.”

 

“Wow…. Really? Kim Jong Kook… You’re really something.”

 

Jong Kook smiled oddly at the impressed Jae Suk as if he was at a loss of words.

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

“You’ll announce your whole love story that you didn’t mention once even when you went on Ho Dong-hyung’s program a long time ago here, is that it? This really deserves a prize. No wait, should Ji Hyo be the getting one?”

 

“Don’t overreact. What’s there to be so amazed about?”

 

“Do you think I’d be saying it for no reason? Your fans are really something too, how did they like a person like you for over twenty years?”

 

“You think you’re any different? You’re exactly the same.”

 

“I’m exactly as I present myself on broadcast. But you’re different. Hm….. Anyways Song Ji Hyo is really something.”

 

“Listening to you, people would think Ji Hyo brought me back to life or something.”

 

“At this point, she practically did.. Seeing how much she’s changed Kim Jong Kook, she’s brought you back to life good.”

 

Jong Kook laughed at the CD laying on the sofa. His laughing face was inside the album cover. He saw Ji Hyo’s face overlapping it. He was fully smitten with her now, having a hard time functioning if he didn’t even hear her voice once a day.

 

“The public would acknowledge these feelings of mine, won’t they?”

 

“Right, if it’s like this… And if your sincerity is really in here then I don't think there would be nobody who wouldn’t cheer you on.”

 

 

 

Track 6 — Our Story   By: Kim Jong Kook Lyrics by: Kwon Soon Gwan Composed by: Kwon Soon Gwan   If we look we might have known each other for very long perhaps. The memories of the day when I first met you still remain in my head and I remember every time I see you.   Your face shone bright despite having nice makeup At your laugh and joy that lacked any pretense, I smiled.   And when time passed and I met you again Perhaps my heart knew of the memories because it tried to go to you I didn’t know why I was like this and tried to hide it but   Seeing you walk towards me I somehow Lost all nervousness and faintly smiled as I saw you.   Like that I walked towards you step by step and Like that you walked carefully towards me and Like that we gazed at each other and promised our love.   When the things I’ve only dreams of spread out before my eyes in reality I keep thinking I’m dreaming and look back upon myself countless times.   And every time your lovely form reflected in my eyes. I couldn’t control my swelling feelings and hugged you tightly.   Our story so far, written on a white sheet of paper Now we’ll fill the empty spaces in between with our love.

 

 

Jong Kook considered No Reply’s Kwon Soon Gwan simply as someone he’d met in passing with no real acquaintance to speak of, but approached the man after hearing he was Ji Hyo’s favorite musician. As he worked together with him Jong Kook told him about how Ji Hyo and his relationship came to be over the years, and the man wrote lyrics, made the song as if composing a diary and presented Jong Kook the piece.

 

A song that emcompassed the feeling of No Reply.

It was an element that further completed Jong Kook’s album.

 

 

 

A small studio in Apgujung-dong.

There were countless broadcast cameras there and various people moved buisily among them.

 

 

“Hello, hyung-nim.”

 

After individually greeting all the staff as he walked into the set, Jong Kook courteously did the same to Gyung Kyu who had been sitting within the studio.

 

“Ah, you’re here?”

 

In his enthusiasm, Gyung Kyu stood up and offered a handshake. Jong Kook took off his sunglasses and shook hands.

 

“How have you been?” the younger asked.

 

“Well me, I’ve been alright. Anyhow you’ve finally come, eh?”

 

“Ah, it just turned out like that.”

 

“You refused so much when I asked you to come on, don’t you think you’re being too much?”

 

Gyung Kyu’s grumbling tone was his unique way of softening a stiff atmosphere. Jong Kook smiled as he listened to the words.

 

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to do that on purpose.”

 

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Anyways Jae Suk asked of me multiple times since you’re appearing on the show. So work hard, alright?”

 

“Yes, hyung-nim.”

 

 

Once the conversation with Gyung Kyu was over, the two people standing a distance away walked over. They were Healing Camp’s fixed MCs, Jae Dong and Yuri.

 

 

“Oppa, it’s been a while.”

 

“Jong Kook-ah, it’s been a while.”

 

Yuri who still boasted a beautiful appearance, and the old bachelor Jae Dong who would have been common place in Seorae Village smiled as they greeted Jong Kook.

 

“Ah, Yuri-ya. Still beautiful as ever aren’t you?”

 

“Omo, this oppa can even say stuff like this now?”

 

“What did I tell you. You don’t know what’s going to happen to a person who changes all of a sudden. Are you alright?”

 

Like always, Jae Dong’s characteristic talk had the ability to make people feel good.

 

“You’re still the same, there’s no stopping that mouth of yours even when it’s the only thing running.”

 

“Aigo, do you think I’m as bad as you? Even though I look like this, I’m Seorae Village’s number one top celebrity.”

 

 

The atmosphere was livelier with the addition of Jae Dong and Yuri.

Gyung Kyu also heartily greeted the two, and started preparing for the actual filming.

 

 

“We’ll be starting now.”

 

 

Once the PD’s words sounded, Gyung Kyu stood from his seat and walked to Jae Dong and Yuri. After lightly exchanging words for the opening, it was time to invite the guest over.

 

 

Jae Dong announced in a loud voice, “The One Man who once dominated the music industry, now returns as one woman’s man. Kim! Jong! Kook!”

 

Jong Kook’s song played in the background and he walked in to the three MCs’ applause.

 

“Ah, with Kim Jong Kook-ssi here, it feels like this place became a gym.”

 

After Gyung Kyu’s lighthearted line, Jong Kook laughed and picked on Jae Dong’s introductory speech.

 

“But I don’t like the opening line, can’t we do it again?”

 

“Excuse me? This is going pretty easy on you.”

 

Jong Kook and Jae Dong started bickering from the very beginning. Gyung Kyu thought the sight amusing and couldn’t hold back his laughter.

 

“I always find it hilarious when he does that with Jae Suk or Jong Kook.”

 

 

The filming set with its lively mood.

The three MC and Jong Kook started into the real talking portion as they settled into their seats.

 

Jong Kook with his onscreen experience of twenty years showed no signs of nervousness, talking as he did and holding the set at the palm of his hand with the words. Gyung Kyu complimented his skill, saying that stuff like this shouldn’t be edited and gestured to the cameras to continue.

 

The filming continued without a thought to the time flying. After a short break, Jae Dong opened his mouth again to resume the talk show.

 

 

“Now, let’s stop the introduction here and get to the point.”

 

“That was the introduction? Even after I’ve talked nonstop for over two hours?”

 

“Psh, it’s not like this is your first filming or something. Please don’t look so surprised,” Yuri answered.

 

Jong Kook couldn’t hide his surprise at Yuri’s comment that barged in.

Jae Dong signaled to the production team, and got a CD case which he showed to the camera.

 

“Now! This is the problemtatic Kim Jong Kook’s 8th album CD. Woah, you would not believe how many problems this has.”

 

 

 

Track 7 — Whenever   By: Kim Jong Kook Lyrics by: Yoo Hee Yeol Composed by: Yoo Hee Yeol Original by: Toy   When you get tired of living the same repetitive days, tell me I’ll always be a small comfort to your tired heart When you want to go watch a tre