'Salim-nam 2' singer Park Seojin shed tears recalling fans' love.
On the 15th episode of KBS2TV variety show 'Salim-nam 2', ATEEZ members Yeosang and Hongjoong appeared. Lee Yowon greeted them with a bright smile. Park Seojin quickly pointed out, "Noona's expression is different." Lee Yowon said, "ATEEZ appearing is eye candy," and Eun Jiwon said, "This person makes your eyes clear when they appear on the show," bringing laughter.
ATEEZ, the first Korean boy group to perform at Coachella, is enjoying global popularity. ATEEZ's Yeosang said, "We are currently touring in Japan. I came to Korea for the recording of 'Salim-nam 2'," confirming a busy schedule.
Seeing the bickering between Park Seojin and his sibling, Yeosang empathized fully with Park Seojin's feelings. Yeosang said, "I have an older sister. During my school days I once ran into her on the street. But when my sister acted like she knew me on the street, she gave me a look that said she wouldn't let it go," and Park Seojin seemed to understand Yeosang's sister's position, drawing laughter.
That day, the reason Park Seojin and his sibling were bickering was a fan letter received by Park Hyojeong. Park Seojin said, "If that's the case, open a fan cafe and hold fan meetings,". Park Hyojeong said, "My brother is a celebrity and I'm a private person, but isn't it nice that people like me?" She felt pleased and then quickly became sulky. Then Park Seojin bragged as if competing, saying he also receives fan letters. Of course, the number was huge.
Park Seojin said, "I keep all the fan letters. Each one is written by hand, and some include drawings. Throwing away those fan letters felt like turning fans' feelings into trash," explaining why he collected them one by one. ATEEZ strongly agreed and said, "We also keep them all in boxes."
Park Seojin actually rented the KBS Art Hall to hold Park Hyojeong's fan meeting. Park Seojin said, "Actually, there have been negative comments directed at Hyojeong and our family," and added, "I wanted people to see Hyojeong in person and feel that she is someone who is loved. So I helped as her brother," moving everyone.
What is the real fan love he believes in? Park Seojin said, "I held my first fan meeting in 2012. I still remember the venue," and added, "When I first held a fan meeting I was worried people wouldn't come, so I even made pottery. The 20 to 30 people who came back then are coming in large numbers now. I'm so grateful," he said. He continued, "Thinking of our fans, Dotbyeol, their existence itself gives me strength, and I feel so sorry. I'm moved to tears," he said with teary eyes.
Park Seojin said, "Why would they cheer for me, in the rain and under the scorching sun? I feel very sorry for that feeling," and said, "Lately it's rained and gotten colder. My performance is at most 20 minutes, but fans stand with their arms raised for more than 20 minutes. It felt like being punished," and ATEEZ nodded in apparent agreement. Eun Jiwon also said, "What's 20 minutes? They probably waited for hours," expressing empathy for fans as a first-generation idol.
[photo source] KBS2TV variety show 'Salim-nam 2' broadcast screen capture
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