Fan Account - Rain's 27 July Global Fan Meeting

I will skip the prelude and go straight to the fan meeting itself. Kyunghee University was impressive. The Hall of Peace where the fan meeting was held was very impressive. As we entered, it was like we are entering a theatre, a cinema. On the centre stage was a large, wide screen, just like any cinema screen, with the words "2009 Global Fan Meeting. Rain's Theater". The screens on the two sides of the hall were showing a fan made video, capturing Rain at different stages, through his Fan Club days to the various albums, drama series, CF etc. It turned out the whole setting matched the theme of the evening – we were like audience or participants of a movie premiere – premiere of the "Legend of Rainism", with Rain sharing his legend, his "ism", his inner fear and joy, his wonderful performance, with his beloved clouds.

Our prince started with Fresh Woman. When Bad Boy tried to conquer Fresh Woman, he used all his charm, not forgetting his very refreshing and signature "hip hip" moves. And our screams showed that we were conquered once again.

He then introduced the MC, his old buddy Kim Jae Dong. When he walked Kim out to the front stage, he put Kim’s arm around his, almost like a married couple. I thought Kim was embarrassed when he withdrew his arm from Rain's, but it turned out that he was, once again, touching and admiring Rain's hip - just to excite us and make us jealous!

They then sat down at the centre of the stage and began the show. This time, overseas fans could enjoy English subtitles on the screens! (It was actually simultaneous English translation. It was a difficult job, and not everything Rain said was translated. But we managed to get the gist of it.)

I cannot remember the exact order of the topics. I believe many of them have been covered by media reports already. The following account is my personal impression of what I could remember and understand based on the translation, and may not be correct!

The Legend started with a re-cap of the dramas and movies, capturing the 3 best scenes of each one – Full House, Sandoo, A Love to Kill, I'm a Cyborg. And then a bonus track – the kissing scenes in all the above. Kim commented to Rain after this "It seems your skill (kissing) improves a lot as you progressed in your acting". To this, Rain could only reply, "I am lucky to have beautiful actresses..."

A hot topic was whether Rain has "any relationship". From the translation I had the impression that Rain admitted to Kim that he does. And he even asked why Kim didn't believe him. Later we read from the "subtitles" that Kim said Rain’s relationship is with all his fans. I leave this to those who are curious to resolve the mystery.

There were also talks about Rain's looks and his body. Our prince clearly enjoyed his "prince symptom". He told Kim. "Some directors had told me that a person with a face like mine can do any role."

The most touching part to me is the talk about Ninja Assassin. Rain told Kim: "I have watched the movie. I think the time has come for Rain to walk into Hollywood. I do not need to be humble about this, because I have put in efforts beyond my limits. I don’t know if the movie will be successful or not, but I am confident. I was worried whether it is just an action film, but having watched it I'm satisfied . When I watched my name "Rain" appearing on the screen, I cried. I tried to hold my tears, but I cried. It’s going to be a new level for me..." We all know what Rain had endured in order to shoot NA. He has been holding everything inside him, his fear, his anxiety, his emotion. Finally, at this fan meeting, having seen the movie himself, and confident because he has done beyond his best, he wanted to share all his feelings with us! The Legend has born!

Rain also talked about the forthcoming Japan concert. "It's going to be very different. The theme is one of communication with fans, of a club, a party." Isn't this exciting news? If you are still in doubt, it's time to plan how to get a ticket!

Kim told Rain that a surprise guest will appear, but even with the special voice treatment Rain has no problem in identifying Kim Tai Woo. KTW said he wanted to tell us that Rain is a stingy man, and has only bought him dinner once. Rain’s excuse is that if he is to pay, then KTW has to call him Hyung – Elder Brother (Korea practice is whoever's older should pay. Rain is younger than KTW). And once Rain said he will pay, but then told KTW he has forgotten his wallet! Joking aside, KTW was clearly very fond of his little brother, and told us that he is very proud of Rain, who let the whole world know about Korea!!!

MC Kim stood between the huge KTW and the tall and handsome Rain, and he jokingly called KTW as "dad" and Rain as "Mom". It's heart warming to see Rain standing with his two best brothers, who clearly are supporting and protecting him in their own ways.

KTW performed a song, and we all gave him loud applause.

There was a question and answer session. A few pre-chosen questions appeared on the screen for Rain to answer. Someone wanted to know Rain's mobile number. Rain hesitated. Then someone shouted from the audience "Just give it to us and then change your number!" To this Rain replied "I like my number. I don't want to change it!"

Then MC Kim suggested a telephone call role play and someone immediately volunteered. After Rain said Hi to her, she burst out "I Love You". Rain said, "I love you too", and she was lost for words! I believed she must be so overwhelmed by what Rain said that her mind went blank all of a sudden.

Another fan wrote that he/she really admires Rain's hip, and wants to know how to keep the good shape without having to do much exercise or training. Rain stood up and demonstrated the movement (picture him dancing Rainism and It's Raining where he stood sideways, moved his body and hip in S shape).

The last question is by a fan who is a die hard supporter. She even has to quit her job in order to be able to follow Rain to attend all his concerts. She wonders if she has to do the same now. Rain said he could guess who the fan is. He wants fans to feel happy in what they are doing. And the happier the fans are, the harder he will work to make them happier. He said he also believes the fan is capable enough to get a new job very easily!

I Do was the second song Rain performed.

The last part of the evening came. A huge cake was brought out. Either Rain was hungry or he was not sure if the cake was real, so he kept scratching the cake. I was really touched when he held his hands tight and made his birthday wish. He was so absorbed, so sincere, so concentrated that he looked like a pure and innocent child to me. But when he took the knife to cut the cake, he held it like a knight, a ninja and his movement was so beautiful. He is a man with immense masculine attraction but at the same time a child with purest simplicity. This is his unique quality because this is uniquely Rain.

The first gift that caught Rain’s attention was the wonderful dragon presented by Rainhk fans. He then selected a few other items and we knew the premiere was about to end..

Rain then performed Rainism, and the last song was "My Girl". As the show came to an end, the center screen showed the names of all the fans attending the fan meeting. And when I saw my own name, I suddenly feel so close to Rain, and yet again, so far away...

p.s. Seeing the NA trailer on big cinema screen is absolutely stunning! Can't wait till November to see the movie itself!

Source & credit: huhuhuhu@rainhk.com