Chapter Six: Kim Jaejoong (I)

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Entertainment at Hand, Story Time: November 2004

Recommended Song: Stefanie Sun – Encounter

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional. Please do not look for real-life parallels. Any resemblance is purely coincidental!

November 2004 arrived quickly, and the brief autumn was already fading, leaving only its trailing edge. The weather in late autumn had turned a touch chillier. Jiang Yihan was on his way home from downtown, carrying groceries for dinner. The cost of living in Korea was shockingly high; every time he shopped, he’d mentally convert the price from won to RMB and find himself reluctant to buy anything. The prices here were several times what they were back home. He remembered reading online that Seoul was among the most expensive cities in the world—whether that was true or not, now that he was living in Korea, Jiang Yihan couldn’t help but agree. Although expenses in Korea were high, the wages from part-time work were also better. He’d been working for nearly twenty days and would soon get his first paycheck, which would cover his living expenses. Still, he needed to plan how to balance work and classes, and perhaps find another side job. He wondered if teaching Chinese would be possible. Lost in thought, Jiang Yihan was suddenly startled as a figure flashed before his eyes—what happened? That was his first reaction.

On the roadside just ahead to his right, he saw a motorcycle about to hit someone. The person seemed distracted, oblivious to the approaching vehicle and the shouts of people nearby. Without hesitation, Jiang Yihan stepped forward, pulled the distracted person out of harm’s way, and they both retreated to the sidewalk as the motorcycle roared past.

“How can people drive like that?” Jiang Yihan said, watching as the motorcycle sped off without even slowing down. “Are you alright?” He began to size up the person he’d just saved. Despite the baseball cap pulled low, it couldn’t hide that strikingly handsome face—the kind of androgynous beauty that left one marveling that a man could be even more beautiful than a woman.

“Ah? I’m fine, I’m fine. Thank you,” the other replied, still somewhat shocked and taking a moment to collect himself.

“As long as you’re alright. Be careful when you walk,” Jiang Yihan said, releasing the other’s arm after making sure he was unharmed. In his rush to help, a few bags had fallen, and tomatoes and cucumbers were scattered on the ground. He crouched down to gather them up.

“Oh no, I’m sorry, I made you drop your things,” the other apologized, dusted himself off, and knelt to help.

“It’s alright,” Jiang Yihan replied with a reassuring smile. “What were you thinking about, so caught up that you almost walked onto the road?”

“Ah, nothing, really...” The warmth of Jiang Yihan’s smile seemed to have a magnetic pull; it was the only thing he could focus on at the moment. “Hello, my name is Kim Jaejoong. Thank you for helping me just now. Um...have you heard my name before?” Kim Jaejoong suddenly asked this odd question after a brief pause.

Jiang Yihan laughed. “That’s a strange question. Why do you ask? This is the first time I’ve heard your name. And there are plenty of people with the same name. Hello, I’m Jiang Yihan.” They shook hands. Kim Jaejoong hesitated, then realized Jiang Yihan was right.

“Take care of yourself. I’ll get going now,” Jiang Yihan said after gathering his things and preparing to head home.

“Wait, where are you going?” Kim Jaejoong called after him. “I’m feeling a bit down and have nowhere to go. Do you have any suggestions for someplace to clear my head?”

“Huh?” Jiang Yihan was momentarily confused. Then he laughed heartily, “You’re such a straightforward person. Aren’t you afraid I’ll sell you off? Who asks a stranger something like that on their first meeting?”

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Kim Jaejoong himself wasn’t sure why he so easily let his guard down with a stranger. Given his identity, wandering out like this wasn’t a wise choice. But after a moment’s hesitation, he relaxed. Facing someone with such a comforting smile, it didn’t seem possible that he’d be a bad person. “I trust you. Besides, I know this area pretty well. As long as you don’t lead me into some unfamiliar alley, there’s no place I don’t recognize. And, most importantly, we’re both men, and I don’t have any money on me. What could you possibly want from me?” Having reasoned it out, Kim Jaejoong even joked a bit himself.

“You’ve got a point. But actually, I’m an international student from China and have only been here for a month. I’m afraid I don’t know enough places that would suit your needs,” Jiang Yihan replied, spreading his hands helplessly.

“You’re a Chinese student? Your Korean is really good. Honestly, I was just out wandering today without any real destination—just trying to clear my mind. That’s why I asked you that,” Kim Jaejoong said with a wry smile, looking lost.

“Well, how about this?” Seeing the other’s hesitance, Jiang Yihan made an invitation. “I’m heading home to cook dinner. If you don’t mind, you can join me. Let me treat you to a Chinese-style meal.” He lifted the groceries as he spoke.

“Ah? Let me return the question, then. Aren’t you afraid to invite a stranger you just met to your home?” Kim Jaejoong’s eyes widened at the invitation.

“Would you do anything bad?” Jiang Yihan replied with a laugh, answering a question with a question.

“Of course not,” Kim Jaejoong said, surprised by the response. Looking at the cheerful young man before him, he couldn’t help but smile. “You really are an unusual person.”

“Why do you have nowhere to go? Is something on your mind?” As they walked, Jiang Yihan asked the question that had been puzzling him.

“Ah, well, I’m just a bit stressed lately. Too much going on, and I’m exhausted—physically and mentally. I don’t feel quite right,” Kim Jaejoong replied, adjusting his cap.

“Is it because the new school year just started?” Jiang Yihan started rambling. “School really is tiring these days—so many classes and assignments. I’m in college now, so it’s better, but high school was exhausting. By the way, how old are you? Are you in high school?” Jiang Yihan asked naturally, thinking it was a normal question.

“Ah?” The question caught Kim Jaejoong off guard, a cultural difference leaving him unsure how to respond.

“Oh, I forgot. Sorry, in China we have different customs. I didn’t mean to be rude,” Jiang Yihan apologized, scratching his head. “I was born in November 1985, and I’m a freshman in college this year. I was just curious, that’s all.”

Seeing the embarrassment on Jiang Yihan’s face, Kim Jaejoong realized he meant no offense and replied, “It’s fine. I was born in January 1986, so you’re a few months older than me. January 26th—how about you?”

“November 20th. I guess that makes me the older brother.” Jiang Yihan relaxed, seeing that the other didn’t take offense. “Are you in college or high school?”

“Brother?” Kim Jaejoong repeated, surprised at the intimate term, usually reserved for close friends. But seeing the angelic smile on Jiang Yihan’s face, he hesitated only briefly. “Haha, then I’ll call you ‘brother’ from now on. By the way, I’m a singer.”

“A singer? What do you mean?” Jiang Yihan was confused, not expecting to be called ‘brother’ by someone he’d just met, which was almost unheard of in Korea, where honorifics and polite speech are strictly observed. Kim Jaejoong’s openness was nothing short of fate. Who knew what would happen in the next moment?

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“I’m an entertainer—like those you see on TV. I’m part of a group, though we only debuted less than a year ago.” Kim Jaejoong didn’t hesitate to call Jiang Yihan “brother,” finding it rather nice to have an elder brother like this. He explained with a smile. When people are lonely, the appearance of someone or something warm can create a sense of attachment; no one can live alone forever. Everyone has vulnerable moments when they need warmth. Sometimes, it’s not a specific word or person, but just a comfortable situation that lets them lower their guard. For Kim Jaejoong, Jiang Yihan’s smile was that comforting presence.

“Ah, an entertainer? No wonder you asked if I’d heard your name before. Sorry, I do listen to some Korean music, but I’m terrible at remembering names.” Realizing the situation, Jiang Yihan didn’t act excited or indifferent as many would upon meeting a celebrity; instead, he responded naturally and grinned, making Kim Jaejoong laugh. “So your stress must be from the pressure of being an entertainer.”

Kim Jaejoong smiled, “Yes, the schedule is so packed, there’s barely time to sleep, and we have to practice constantly. The pressure is intense. But the way you say it, it doesn’t sound like a big deal.”

“I see it this way,” Jiang Yihan said, stretching with a cheerful, optimistic expression. “Being an entertainer is just a job, and almost every job in the world comes with pressure, big or small. Of course, the pressures of being an entertainer are a bit different—maybe even greater, like the lack of privacy. But I’m not going to say something cliché like ‘turn pressure into motivation’ or ‘don’t think you’re the only one under stress.’ What matters is your attitude towards pressure. When you’re facing it, of course it’s hard, but if you keep a positive mindset and know how to release stress, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Why not let yourself live a little happier, or cut yourself some slack?”

Kim Jaejoong considered this. “Attitude, huh? Maybe you’re right. Releasing stress a bit, making myself happier, and then throwing myself into work might be a good way. I knew from the start that being an entertainer would be hard. Before, I worried I wouldn’t become popular, and now that I am, I see it comes with its own cost. But since I chose this path, I’ll stick to it.”

“That’s the spirit. I agree with the saying, ‘Attitude is everything.’ Of course, ‘everything’ is an exaggeration, but attitude does play a big part,” Jiang Yihan said with a proud grin. His own optimistic outlook made life much more comfortable. “By the way, what group are you with? Which company? I have a good friend who’s been an agent for a trainee at MS Company for almost a year now—maybe you know him? You’re in the same business, just one in front of the curtain and one behind it. Oh, speak of the devil!”

Just then, they ran into Li Ran at the entrance to Jiang Yihan’s building.

“Hey, Jin, I made a new friend today—he’s an entertainer. See if you know him?” Jiang Yihan pulled Kim Jaejoong forward. “Kim Jaejoong, this is the friend I mentioned, Li Ran, who works as an agent—his nickname’s Jin. Jin, this is Kim Jaejoong, a singer I just met.” After the introductions, Jiang Yihan turned to Kim Jaejoong. “What group and company did you say you were with?”

“Kim Jaejoong?” Li Ran looked at the beautiful young man—yes, beautiful was the only word to describe him. “You’ve brought home one of our company’s artists! He’s a member of TVXQ, debuted this February.”

“What? What a coincidence! I can’t believe you’re from the same company. Kim Jaejoong, do you know our Li Ran?” Jiang Yihan was surprised by the coincidence.

“Yes, I do. Li Ran joined the company when I was preparing to debut, but he didn’t manage me,” Kim Jaejoong replied, equally surprised. Li Ran had joined the company near the end of 2003, before TVXQ had formed. Back then, Kim Jaejoong was just a trainee, preparing to debut with a different group. But soon after, the company gathered five boys, including Kim Jaejoong, to form a new group, and not long after, they debuted. It was a bit sudden and unexpected, but they made it.

“Not bad, you brought home quite a guest,” Li Ran said, opening the door and leading them inside. “TVXQ debuted on February 6, 2004—less than a year ago, and they’re already famous all over Asia. The future looks bright.” Taking the groceries from Jiang Yihan, he headed to the kitchen.

Kim Jaejoong blushed at the praise, and Jiang Yihan winked at him as if to say, “No wonder you feel so much pressure.” Kim Jaejoong couldn’t help but smile back at his playful expression.