Yiiikes. Love ya, dude (Story of a Man rules all, y’all), but singer-actor Park Yong-ha’s artwork for his new Japanese single album is, um, maybe not the best way to showcase his lovely features.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there’s a concept at work — I just think it’s a little harsh and borderline garish. The imagery is supposed to evoke a Pierrot mask (those clown masks with white faces and a painted teardrop); I say at least there’s a second image showing him looking more like his usual gentle image. (See below.)

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Thanks to Story of a Man (aka The Slingshot, aka the best drama so far this year, yeah I said it), I have newfound appreciation for Park Yong-ha, who has enjoyed some popularity in Japan for a number of years (no doubt in large part due to his role in Winter Sonata). On August 1, Park celebrated the five-year anniversary of his career in Japan with a concert at the Saitama Super Arena, located in the suburbs of the greater Tokyo region.

The event’s name, “Beautiful Days 1873,” refers to the 1,873 days since Park’s Japanese debut in June 2004. There were approximately 20,000 fans (!) in attendance.

SONG OF THE DAY

Park Yong-ha – “初めて出逢った日のように” (Hajimete deatta hi no you ni), which is the Japanese version of the song titled “처음 그날처럼” (Just like the first day) from the All In OST.
[ Download ]

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Park Yong-ha and Park Shi-yeon may have had a bumpy romance in Story of a Man, but they’re re-teaming for a Park Hyo-shin music video that will take them to Switzerland. Park Yong-ha agreed to take the job as a friend to Park Hyo-shin, while Park Shi-yeon agreed because of her good relationship with Park Yong-ha. (There are way to many Parks in this paragraph.)

The song is yet untitled but the shoots are planned to take place in Jungfrau, Switzerland. Given the slump in the music industry, it’s a bit unusual to spend the time and money on an overseas location shoot, but I suppose they’re pulling out all the stops with/for its three big stars. (One source calls it a “blockbuster” music video.) Director Jang Jae-hyuk had previously shot the “Nobody” video for the Wonder Girls, and singer Park Hyo-shin will also act in the MV, filling out the love triangle.

The story is the sort of awesomely tearjerky stuff that kpop videos are so known for: Hyo-shin and Shi-yeon are in love and living together when he finds out that he’s only got a short time left to live. After learning that his older brother Yong-ha had also loved her, he leaves behind a “sad, beautiful letter.” (Commence tears!)

Park Yong-ha is currently preparing to resume activities in Japan, while Park Shi-yeon recently joined the SBS variety program Family Outing. Story of a Man is currently airing in Japan and enjoying a positive response (no doubt aided by Park Yong-ha’s popularity there from Winter Sonata and as a singer)

Via Chosun

RELATED POSTS

• Story of a Man: Episode 20 (Final)
• Story of a Man: Episodes 1-2
• Park Yong-ha interview in Marie Claire
• Park Yong-ha kicks off concert tour
• Chasing the success of The Chaser
• Spying femme fatale Park Shi-yeon

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Ohhhhh, what a freaking great way to go out!

I was afraid the ending wouldn’t live up to the series, especially with all the snippets of spoilers floating around… but I loved it. I can see why some might have wanted something different, but I thought it was quite fitting.

SONG OF THE DAY

8eight – “자유” (Freedom). I had a beautiful sad song picked out for the finale, but then I saw the episode and it didn’t seem to fit. [ Download ]

STORY OF A MAN Episode 20 (Final) >>

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It was hard picking a good screencap today because all of them are such huge spoilers to the plot. (Seriously? OMG WUT THE HELL, EPISODE 19?? Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I’d been spoiled as to one huge thing (well, several), but not one in particular, so this episode still managed to pull out a big surprise. Some really strong acting, too.)

Even though I used this image kinda by default, I rather like it now, even though it pits one of the ladies I like with one for whom I barely have any patience. One guess who’s who. Still, two strong and admirable ladies in a drama versus one unsympathetic and annoying one is a pretty decent ratio.

SONG OF THE DAY

Wheesung – “나락” (Hell) [ Download ]

STORY OF A MAN Episode 19 >>

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