[03.19.10] Sandara Park 12 Part ‘Star Diary’ Part 8 – “I wanna live the university life”
Until the stage becomes a playground.
Though she had been looking forward to it for so long, Sandara says she was transfixed with the pressure and anxiety on her first performance. Because she’d never even considered becoming anything other than a singer, Sandara felt so much pressure thinking it was her one chance to make a good first impression on the public, and show how much effort she’d put in.
”Our first performance was on SBS ‘Inkigayo’. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was so nervous, you see. We were getting ready until 3 in the morning at the hair salon and we didn’t get any sleep. I think it was too much. Over a thousand fans came too.”
Sandara was so nervous during her first performance that she made a mistake. She could have let it go since she’s a rookie and all, but she and the other 2NE1 members were very disappointed at their own performance.
“To be honest, we were criticised a lot after our first broadcast. We were inexperienced and didn’t even know how to use the mic properly. I wasn’t able to convey my voice to the audience. I practised with President Yang day and night for a week. I think I practised even harder than before our debut.”
Afterwards, it was a much smoother journey for 2NE1. Sandara gained popularity by the day. People started following her hairstyle and it became a ‘fashion icon’. Recently on the nation’s favourite variety show ‘1 Night 2 Days’, Kim C made many laugh by transforming into Santina Kim, copying Sandara’s fashion and so-called palm tree hair style.
“I usually discuss my hairstyles with our stylist. Our stylist suggested the palm tree hair so I tried it. I didn’t think hair would be able to stand up like that, but it did. I loved it! So I performed on stage with that hair in ‘Lollipop’ and ‘Fire’.”
In the first year of their debut, 2NE1 swept the awards in four different categories at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): Best Song of the Year, Music Portal Mnet Award, Best Female Rookie, Music Video Award etc.
Hundreds of singers debut each year, but every single one of them has to practise hard for it. It’s now the era where if a management agency announces they’re taking auditions for singers, thousands of people try out. Trainees are the one in several hundreds of singer-wannabes to make it through, so not a single one of them lacks passion or talent.
One reason Sandara and 2NE1 were able to do so well in their first year was that the mistakes they made on their first performance helped them grow. Everyone has stage fright to some degree. Seeing that even Yoo Jae Seok, ‘The Nation’s MC’ says he’s nervous in front of the camera, being a celebrity is no exception. But the plucky idol Sandara chose to accept her mistakes and try harder to enjoy her time on stage.
When she wanted to become a singer as a child, it wasn’t because she wanted to earn money and become popular. It was simply because she liked singing, and music itself.
After a while, Sandara finally found herself enjoying the stage. Rather than thinking of it as showing the results of her hard work to her fans, she thought of it as more of a place she can sing her heart out. The stage was becoming 2NE1’s playground.
“We still have a long way to go. I want to ‘play’ with the audience for the rest of my life. If I play and play, over and over again I’m bound to get better, right?”
Now that she doesn’t feel any pressure towards her performances and her fans are starting to accept her as a singer, Sandara is preparing herself for another challenge. She entered the entertainment industry at an early age in the Philippines so she hasn’t been to university.
“I really wanna go to university. I had a chance once, but I don’t think it was really the right time. If I get to go to university, I would like to study something outside of the entertainment industry. I want to study business and experience campus life.”
Source: www.asiae.co.kr
Translation Credits: sjay.x @ YGLadies.com
[100319] 2NE1 featured in Discovery Channel “Hip Korea Special Documentary”
Represent Women Power! That’s right!
[03.17.10] Sandara Park 12 Part ‘Star Diary’ Part 7- “2NE1’s story, written by Sandara Park herself”
Dara in TTFM
A music video production diary written by Sandara herself will take the place of Part 7 of Sandara Park’s Star Diary. She wrote her own subheadings and posted the pictures herself too.
This is Reporter Dara! I see my reporting skills have been recognised by the outside world as well, so I get to be a reporter for the day.
It’s been a hot topic on the net lately. I am thinking of releasing the behind story of the filming of our ‘Try To Follow Me’ (‘TTFM’) music video.
Photographer Minki
◆The Story of How We Had to Refilm the MV
It took a whole 4 days filming 2NE1’s ‘TTFM’ music video. We didn’t have time to go back and forth between the sets in NamYang and our dorms in Seoul, so we stayed in a motel and finally finished filming.
But a few days later, we were given shocking news. We were told that we had to refilm the music video at the new company building.
(Bbarabam…ㅠ.ㅠ Could it have been that the President wanted to show off the new office?)
But we made preparations all over again and worked hard refilming it all night. The nice background was actually the new building’s cafeteria. It’s really pretty, right? I bet you never even imagined that it was a cafeteria. When we saw the results, we were amazed at how awesome President Yang and the music video director were. (haha)
It’s this picture here.
TTFM MV
◆Our First Choreography
2NE1 was so nervous before filming the music video. This was because we didn’t have any choreography. But that nervousness was easily taken care of thanks to the newbie choreographers of ‘TTFM’. CL and Gong Minzy played a very active part in the making of the choreography.
The choreography of this music video was actually the combined work of CL, Minzy and choreographer Lee Jae Wook. They are such talented people. So with the choreography being made three days before the filming and us practising all night for two days, how was the ‘TTFM’ music video?
◆15 Different Looks!
Another spectacle of the ‘TTFM’ MV would definitely be the outfits. 2NE1 shows 15 different looks in the music video. We’re all wearing different outfits in our individual cuts as well as the group ones, so I wonder how many outfits that adds up to? Try guess.
2NE1’s stylists YangGeng (nickname) and Hyunjong really put a lot of effort into them. The funny thing is that the outfits were made before the choreography. They say the outfits were out a week before the filming of the MV, after a whole lot of meetings and fittings.
And we also got to show off some of our own personal collections in this music video.
CL Gaga-esque wig
CL - roo & Bomtaro
◆Dara’s Fighting Spirit Despite Her Injuries!
We were filming the highlight of the video, the part with the choreo. The ground of the set was covered in sand and because of the four cameras, we had to dance in a very small space.
So we started filming. Then Dara who had been dancing enthusiastically suddenly felt something hit her and her mind went numb. During one of the moves which included a powerful dance with their arms stretched out, Minzy had hit Dara’s head with her fist because they were so close. (ㅠ.ㅠ)
And filming went on.
But she continued being slapped, having her ankle trodden on by Minzy’s heels, being kicked and bruised in the knee etc. Not a single part of her body came out unscathed.
It was hard at the time but I hear they were overjoyed at the final results the day the music video was released.
So, was it fun reading my music video behind-story? It was really fun for me!
I hope you’ll continue to love our new song ‘Try To Follow Me’. And please keep supporting 2NE1! This was Reporter Dara, the member in charge of promoting 2NE1. See you again. (bows)
Dara in her rice rolls hairstyle
Translation Credits: sjay.x @ YGLadies.com
Park Jaebeom is Back…in Youtube for Now.
Recently Jay Park or popularly known in his korean name Park Jaebeom (ex) member and leader of beastly idol group 2PM created his Youtube account and posted earlier today his version of B.O.B’s Nothing On You. Within couple of hours, the video garnered half a million hits and bombarded with love messages from his fans. KPOP world surely miss this guy. It’s good to hear that even after his departure that caused a ruckus in KPOP world, he is still doing good in US. A talented guy will surely not forgotten. Whether it’s Korea or US, your fans will be supporting you. Support his future activities with his B-Boy Crew AOM.
Jay Park – Nothing on You (cover)
He also posted his self-written rap on this song..
i get approached a lot being who i am
and i gotta lot girls wishing i’m there man checkit/
and if i’m wrong with ya i dont wanna be right
i gotcha gigglin like everydays a comedy night
i’m a correct answer never do you wrong/
and i trust yah even though you’ve be gone/
but dont blame for getting little jealous/
its just hard when your talking to them fellaz/
i got that “taylor” body girl you know that i gotcha/
you can call me new moon because i orbit around ya/
your my world my everything, the only thing between our face is just that spaghetti string/
i’m faithful wont pull a kobe bryant on you/
its a jungle wont be “lion” pull a “tiger” on you
even know the exact shade of your eyes
my hearts ice your number one like yuna kim/i used to be a boy
that had many girls
all over the world
but they got nothing on you babe
its forever just you and me
for all of eternity/
i know your stressing but i’m confessing baby your the only girl i want
you can be my bestfriend we can play x-men
you can be just i can be cyclops
cause i dont wanna end up like everyone else
hurtin all alone all by myself
this is just something that i’ve never felt
This cover even topped B.O.B’s official video.
Statistics & Data of the Video
Honors for this video (26)
[03.15.10] Sandara Park 12 Part ‘Star Diary’ Part 6- “I secretly ate chocolate in the bathrooms, I have a greedy apetite”
Dara
”I’m going to see if you have the potential to be a singer for the last time. Show me your results in a month.”
It was like a ray of light for Sandara who was having a hard time overcoming the sadness of her situation. For the first and last time, President Yang had given her a chance.
”I practised SO hard for a month. CL, Park Bom and Gong Minzy gave me a lot of help as they watched me practise. I made a planning chart and practised until dawn.”
Park Bom taught her things on breathing, pronunciation and where to accent in songs. CL helped with selecting outfits, and Minzy with making choreography.
”At the time, the members pretty much made me up from head to toe. I think it was in spring of 2008, I tried really hard with the thought that it was the last opportunity I’d get.”
President Yang said ”For the first time, I see potential. Practise with the rest” and allowed Sandara to become a singer trainee.
”To tell the truth, I thought that meant I’d become a singer soon after. But I was deluded. I lived as a trainee for a year. There were 6 trainees in YG at the time and I think President Yang was paying close attention to all of us to decide on the best combination.”
Sandara was in a delicate situation for a year. She couldn’t let her guard down after President Yang told them ‘Noone knows whether there will be six members or five.’ As time went by, hip hop became a part of Sandara’s life too and she started becoming more and more like the other members.
Dara practicing hard
Now, as an active member of 2NE1, Sandara’s trainee days have become a part of her most precious memories.
”I think I felt happy and touched by even the little things in my trainee days. Trainees take the day off on their birthdays or Christmas too. But most of them don’t have anything to do at home so they end up coming back to the practice rooms. When it is someone’s birthday, everyone celebrates together and eats ddeokbbokki. [spicy ricecakes]”
Though of course good memories weren’t the only ones. All the members including Sandara had to go through a hard time. The diet they were given to help manage their bodies also gave them greedy apetites.
”Because of our weight management, we were never allowed to eat anything fatty or oily. But you know how it is, if you’re not allowed to eat it just makes you want to eat more. The members and I used to secretly go out and eat a row of gimbap, or eat things like bread and chocolate in the bathrooms.”
Sandara chose Dakgalbi [spicy stir-fried chicken] as the most memorable dish from her trainee days. It was an expensive dish for Sandara who received pocket money from her parents.
”I didn’t exactly get that much pocket money. There wouldn’t be much left after paying for transport. I felt sorry to my younger siblings cos I could never buy them food or anything. I think Dakgalbi was the most expensive thing I bought with my own money. The members and I ate Dakgalbi on the 31st of December 2008, you see. (laughs)”
After practising for so long feeling nervous that the others had been a trainee for longer than her, Sandara was finally able to shed her label of a trainee.
”I think luck followed me. We recorded ‘Pretty Boy’ in January last year. I must have been all right at that recording. (laughs) One day President Yang called Minzy, Bom, CL and me aside and said ‘You guys are gonna be filming a CF soon so be prepared’. That CF was Lollipop. That was when I finally knew that I had become a member of 2NE1..”
Big Bang and 2NE1 Lollipop CF
Translation Credits: sjay.x @ YGLadies.com
[MV] Big Bang (빅뱅) – 롤리팝2 (Lollipop 2)
After the epic win video of 2NE1 released yesterday, seems YG Family is really unstoppable. Later today, Big Bang also released their video Lollipop 2. Still colorful and fresh just like the first one they did with 2NE1 last year. But now 2NE1 takes different path with Samsung. Don’t forget that both songs are for a mobile phone company, Big Bang for LG and 2NE1 for Samsung. And both songs really doing well on charts considering it’s for a CF and no promotions at all. YG Family FTW!
[03.12.10] Sandara ‘Star Diary’ Part 5- “When I first entered YG, ‘Dara, how about being an actress?”
”Dara, I don’t think you really fit the YG image. How about becoming an actress?”
To Sandara who had even given up her popularity in the Philippines to become a singer, these words came to her as a huge shock. Working with Yang Hyun Seok had seemed like a dream come true for Sandara as she had liked Seo Taiji & Boys and copied their dances and songs from a young age. Sandara got on her plane excited about fulfilling her dream as a singer in Korea, and that under her childhood hero too.
”I was really shocked at President Yang’s words. He was right though. In the Philippines I had a teenager image, and I lacked skill as well as being ignorant about black music. But even so I never even imagined that he’d tell me to become an actress instead. It felt like the hardships had come.”
Back in 2007 when Sandara signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, the singers of YG who were active at the time included highly skilled artists like Se7en, Wheesung, Gummy and Lexy. There were also countless trainees in YG looking to follow their dreams as a singer. It caused some controversy when it was reported that YG was signing Sandara.
”I think people made the judgement that I didn’t suit YG after seeing my image in the Philippines on KBS’ ‘Human Theatre’.”
Eventually, Sandara officially started off her activities as an actress. She appeared in the music video of Gummy’s ‘I’m Sorry’ with T.O.P, member of the group Big Bang. Sandara looked a little bashful as she recollected her memories from filming the music video.
”TOP is quite shy around strangers, and I’m not exactly social either so we hardly talked at the studio. My conversations with TOP consisted of only three phrases: ‘Hello. Goodbye. Good work.’ To tell the truth, we’re still awkward. (laughs)”
Her first proper step into the Korean entertainment industry was with the MBC drama ‘The Return of Iljimae’. Her role in ‘The Return of Iljimae’ was the ninja, Rie. Sandara showed an elegant charm and performed fierce action scenes.
”I filmed ‘The Return of Iljimae’ for about a week. The director and all the staff were all so nice to me. I swear they treated me better than they did to Iljimae (Jung Ilwoo) himself. (laughs) I tried really hard and it was a fun experience.”
Just as she began to enjoy being an actress, Sandara was hurt deeply and fell into a state of despair. She had been chosen for a drama, but while she was practising her lines she was suddenly dropped from the part.
”I was chosen as the lead for a masterpiece. So I’d been practising my lines and making preparations and such. But I was suddenly told that I was being dropped. It was a huge shock, I cried my eyes out.”
But Yang Hyun Seok gave Sandara a golden opportunity during her time of sorrow and despair.
Next installment will be on March 15.
Link: http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno…031113131758347
Translation Credits: sjay.x @ YGLadies.com
[MV] Try To Follow Me – 2NE1
Woot! Finally out!
The MV is dope. They used different concepts but the outcome is amazingly good. Aahhh…it’s like a breathe of fresh air on KPOP, other artists are going back to dark concept but these girls do something different. Oh yeah, Try to follow me if you can.
DOWNLOAD
LYRICS w/ English Translation
ROMANIZATION
*날 따라 해봐요 /Try to copy me / Try to follow me*
2NE1, 2010, you know how we do it
If you ain’t know, now you know
Let me show you somethin real quick, follow me
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
hansoomddawin jaebal geuman swigo eoseo nareul ddarawa
ijeh saenggakeun da beorigo geujeo neh mamdaero ja oomjikgyeobwa
geochilgae dalryeoboja, feels good tonight
deo bbalri gal taeni jeoldae nun gamjima
I got that thang thang if you know what I mean
It goes bang bang, you can’t handle it
hahaha jaemitnuengeol, say lalala nan teukbyeolhan girl
Call me m-i-n-z-y m-i-n-z-y, Yes ja bbajyeobwa let’s go!
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
nunchidawen ijae geuman bogo eoseo neoreul boyeobwa
naeja wonhadeongeojanha step by step jeoldaero meomchujima
da gatchi nalraboja up in the sky
deo nopee gal taeni jungshineul butjaba
I got that thang thang if you know what I mean
It goes bang-a bang-a bang, bang-a bang-a bang,
hahaha jaemitnuengeol, say lalala nan teukbyeolhan girl
Call me m-i-n-z-y m-i-n-z-y, Yes ja bbajyeobwa let’s go
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
eh eh eh peuleo~
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh You’ve got me feeling like
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh Come again
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh You’ve got me feeling like
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh Come again
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Nal ddara haebwayo Ireoke
TRANSLATIONS
*날 따라 해봐요 / Try to copy me / Try to follow me*
2NE1, 2010, you know how we do it
If you ain’t know, now you know
Let me show you somethin real quick, follow me
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
take a breath, please stop and rest and quickly follow me
now throw away your thoughts just move however you want
lets see what happens when we run wildy, feels good tonight
don’t close your eyes cause we’ll be going faster
I got that thang thang if you know what I mean
It goes bang bang, you can’t handle it
ha ha ha something fun, say la la la I’m a special girl
Call me m-i-n-z-y m-i-n-z-y, Yes, look out, let’s go!
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Now stop being self concious, and show it to me
its what you wanted, step by step, please don’t stop
let’s try flying together up in the sky
hold on tight to your spirit cause we’ll be going higher
I got that thang thang if you know what I mean
It goes bang-a bang-a bang, bang-a bang-a bang,
ha ha ha something fun, say la la la I’m something special
Call me m-i-n-z-y m-i-n-z-y, Yes, look out, let’s go
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
eh eh eh get it go~
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh You’ve got me feeling like
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh Come again
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh You’ve got me feeling like
eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh Come again
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
Try to copy me, Try to copy me, Try to copy me, like this
trans by: princess @ ygsecret21
[03.10.10] Sandara “Star Diary” Part 4: “In the Philippines, mouse‧lizard dishes…”
Dara in 2NE1
After getting known in the Philippines by the show “Star Circle Quest” Sandara Park started to live on the high-end celebrity life.
Sandara Park had as many as 4 programs confirmed to film in one week. The more she went on to the shows, the more she became popular. However the unique broadcasting ways in the Philippines is hard to understand for foreigners.
“In the Philippines, we had to act with the couple or person that we were paired up with on the show. Also in the Philippines, taking time off to rest is deadly for stars.”
Like the saying ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, Sandara Park followed this trend faithfully.
“Truthfully, when I was doing ‘Star Circle Quest’ I thought ‘after this I will be able to rest’ and held on. But right after ‘Star Circle Quest’ I had to do 4 programs at once. Whew~ I couldn’t rest at all for one year. It was to the extent that I just slept in the car. But, I think I have good stamina. I never got sick. (laughs)”
Although she had looks of a child, Sandara Park, who boasts her strong stamina, held a positive view on it all and took on all those schedules without a problem. Looking at her bright expression – when she talks about how after her debut, she formed many memories doing her schedules around Philippines – one can feel her love for the country.
The person that the broadcasters chose for Sandara Park as her “love team” significant other was Hero Angeles, who took first place in ‘Star Circle Quest’.
“I did most of the broadcasts with Hero. Drama and movies, CF, etc… most of the time my partner was Hero.”
Just for shows she was a “love team” with Hero but Sandara Park’s truthful character made things difficult sometimes.
During one broadcast, she dropped a bomb by saying that “Hero is not my ideal type”. In Korea, this kind of announcement would have been met with amusement but in the Philippines it was different.
“At that time, lots of friend cried. I don’t think I quite understood the concept of ‘love team’.”
Dara’s appearance during her Philippine activities
It was a time when she realized how strongly her image on the broadcasts had affected the fans. Another thing that is a not understandable practice from the Philippines is sexy photo shoots. At that time, for child actors to become adult actors, [the Philippine practices] saw this as a necessary step.
Sandara Park was also called to do such shoot. Because it was a suggestion made by a senior on the broadcast who had connections with the magazine, Sandara Park agreed. She believed that she would just wear a skirt or a top or something of that sort.
On top of that, the magazine that Sandara Park was to shoot for “UNO” was a very popular men’s magazine.
“Because I am small, I was often told that I looked like an elementary student. I wanted to show a different side of myself, that’s why I agreed to the shoot.”
When she arrived at the photoshoot, she was told to wear a bikini. She hesitated but Sandara Park, who had so far acted without a manager, had a ready finished all her schedules for the day and did not know how to handle the situation.
“I did the shoot after deciding ‘let’s do it’ since I was no longer a minor. Truthfully, after the photos came out, Philippine broadcaster senior manager warned me to ‘never shoot [such photos] again’.”
The situation was just an incident that just so happened to be because a girl, who had done lots of shows, did not have a manager.
However, the issue that passively passed over in the Philippines caused an uproar in Korea. Last April, the late-released photos of this “sexy shoot” caused debates.
The released photographs were from “UNO” in 2006 when Sandara Park was working in the Philippines, she had heavy makeup on with a black corset, bikini swimsuit, etc.
Seeing these photos, un-kind comments like ‘It seems Sandara Park really needed the money’ surfaced. A small mistake can cause a large wound.
Sandara Park who had been calm until now showed sadness as she remembered that time.
“It wasn’t guaranteed that those photos would be put out when I did the shoot but when people left comments like ‘she did this for money’ I was really hurt.”
She was more saddened by the fact that she had caused her family pain.
“My parents were surprised. I never regretted being an entertainer. I never felt the hardship for having to let go of my ‘personal’ life. But when I saw my parents seeing others misinterpreting the photos, I regretted a bit. It was really hard.”
source: asiae.co.kr
Credit: YGSecret21
Translated by lovesong @ ygsecret21
Infamous Sexy Pictorial
[03.08.10] Sandara “Star Diary” Part 3: “In the Philippines, mouse‧lizard dishes…”
- Sandara Park during her entertainment activities in the Philippines
[Star Diary] This is a continuation from Sandara Park(2).
[Economy Asia’s reporter Lim Hye Sun] Sandara Park, who has first started her entertainment activities in the Philippines is a leading figure in the ‘Reverse-Hallyu’ Wave.
Starting from the time her face was known the the public of the Philippines in 2003, Sandara Park has held incredible popularity to the moment she returned to Korea. It was so incredible that it was said that one was not a citizen of the Philippines if they did not know Sandara Park. With the popularity in the Philippines as a base, when Sandara Park returned to Korea, the fans in Korea gave her the nickname ‘BoA of the Philippines.’
“Entertainment work in the Philippines was by chance. One day, a friend suggested that I try out for the audition in ABS-CBN’s ‘Star Circle Quest.’ I thought, ‘This might be a good experience,’ and decided to try it, but the results turned out to be very good.”
‘Star Circle Quest’ is similar to America’s FOX program ‘American Idol’ and Korea’s Mnet program ‘Superstar K,’ and at that time in 2004 had been a very popular program.
After moving to the Philippines, due to language and cultural barriers, Sandara Park had, at one point, stopped talking, but she did not once lose her dream of becoming an entertainer. Sandara Park’s parents consoled her, promising to send her back to Korea after she graduates high school. For Sandara Park, who was only waiting for her high school graduation, ‘Star Circle Quest’ was a fateful opportunity.
“At that time, I could not speak the Philippine language at all. I was the first case of a Korean coming for an audition. I didn’t know anything, and everything I did was awkward and clumsy. My clumsiness was probably something new to them. I think I got lucky.” ( This is why Krung -Krung is her nickname, means wacky or crazy. It’s not an insult but is actually more of a ‘term of endearment’ for her. Filipinos really love her uniqueness )
Sandara Park during her entertainment activities in the Philippines
“The definition of an artist in the Philippines was different from that of an artist in Korea. In the Philippines, they wanted an all-around entertainer who can do everything from singing to acting to hosting. I understand a hundred times what the participants of ‘Superstar K’ were going through. I had gone through the bloody ordeal of survival myself.” ( A multi-tainer is a MUST in Philippine entertainment)
Sandara Park started with the thought of it as a learning experience, but she tried her best. Even in the horror experience the participants had to go through with the theory that it is to give them a stronger heart to be able to do good horror acting, Sandara Park did not step back. For a young female student to withstand, the horror experience was very merciless. “
We had to make dishes out of mice and lizards and eat it, and even go through a house said to be really haunted. There was even a mission where we had to cut a chicken’s throat, and more horrifying missions of the kind. To be honest, I couldn’t eat the mouse.”
The fear amongst the participants went on air just like that. Sandara Park also, in face of some horrifying missions, would lose energy and sink down, but she could not give up on her dream of being an entertainer.
“Since I kept crying out of fear, the producers knew I wouldn’t be able to do it and gave out harder missions. The one I remember most is the mission in which I had to do a chicken dish myself. Starting from going into the mountains to cut off a chicken’s head, I had to do everything by myself. Honestly, it was so exhausting.” (OMG The chicken! I felt scared for her but that scene was really funny I don’t think I can ever behead a chicken. )
But contrary to her slender looks, Sandara Park was very strong. She went through mission after mission of experiences a female student may find hard to do, but Sandara Park did not even show one tear in front of her parents.
“I thought of quitting many times every day. I even cried a lot during filming. It really felt like I was the only one in the world. Since I didn’t know anything, I think it was worse. But I wanted to win this on my own because I thought, ‘I don’t want my parents to be hurt because of my dream.” ( At that time, you can really feel that she’s having a hard time but her strength is undeniable.)
The sincerity of Sandara Park reached the citizens of the Philippines. In the final round in which the final five are chosen, She received a record amount of 500,000 text votes. This was the highest number of votes a female participant had ever received. But sadly, Sandara Park received 2nd place in the ‘Grand Final.’( I though it was 700,oo0 + right? anyway, my mom and I voted for her!!! She’s really the crowd favorite and the most popular among her fellow contestants . For the Filipinos if you say SCQ, you’ll immediately think of her)
“Actually I was very happy when I was dropped. I tried as hard as I could, but honestly, I was lacking in skills. When the grand prize was being awarded, I was chanting in my head, ‘Don’t call me, don’t call me.’ I felt very pressured by the award. When my name wasn’t called, I was so happy I ‘bounced’ around. Outside people complimented me, saying Sandara Park is sincerely happy for her competitor’s win. In truth, I was happy because my mind was at ease. (laugh)”(She’s really really happy that time )
The Philippine press introduced Sandara Park’s traits as blunt and honest. The participants in ‘Star Circle Quest’ were mostly already in agencies, but Sandara Park was ignorant of the concept of broadcast.
“I said both things I should and should not say on air. Because I throw out bomb after bomb of news-worthy information, reporters on the scene liked me a lot. I was probably also very honest with my emotions. If I was sad, I cried, and if I liked it, I liked it, and expressed myself clearly. I think people loved me for being pure and real.” (Another thing that I like about her is her straightforwardness. She gets misunderstood at times but none of it became a huge issue because they know that she’s a person that’s genuinely nice, truthful and REAL.)
Sandara Park’s Star Diary part 4 will continue on Asia Economy Newspaper homepage(www.asiae.co.kr) 3/10 at 8am KST.
Source: Asia Economy News The YG Secret
Translated by Orangie@The YG Secret
[03.05.10] Sandara “Star Diary” Part 2: “When I was a mute..”
Sandara Park’s description – Young Dara’s favourite machine with a mike
Sandara. Her name in Korean means ‘to be wise and brilliant’. This came form Kim Yu-shins’ childhood name. Affiliated with 2NE1, a person who sings.
From early on Sandara Park (26, full name Sandara Park) particularly liked to play with cassette tapes and mikes. Her biggest interest was in ‘fashion’. The clothes loving little kid who liked to wear the then fashionable flared pants, was a ‘fashion guru’ wearing hats to accentuate her fashion. Perhaps this was a phase that helped her to prepare for becoming an artist.
“My parents told me when I was little, my favorite toy was a cassette-player that had a mike attached to it. I don’t remember it very well. (Laughs) I only knew after looking at pictures. I remember liking clothes. Since I was small I’ve been interested in clothes. I don’t know why. I think I liked spending the time to pick out my outfits.”
Sandara Park was born in Busan and when she was 3rd grade moved to Dae-gu. Sandara Park, who instead of the working parents took good care of her brother, started to dream of being an ‘entertainer’ after hearing the song “I know”.
“When I was in 2nd grade, Seo Tai Ji and Kids debuted. Seo Tai Ji and Kid’s songs, clothes, and dance let me dream of being an ‘entertainer’. And also, when watching child-actors on TV, that pulled my blood/pulled me in. When I saw kids my age act I thought, ‘Ah, I want to do that too’.”
Sandara Park’s description – In 3rd grade in 1993 at the zoo in Dae-gu, carrying my baby brother Thunder on my back. I was wearing fashionable bell-bottoms.
In 4th grade, her dream stopped growing. Sandara Park had to put her dream on hold as her family and she moved to Philippines with her father who worked in the trade industry.
“I didn’t want to go and cried every day. I said I didn’t want to go, and would be left here in Korea alone. But eventually I got on the plane crying.”
The amount of times she said she didn’t want to go to the Philippines was the time it took for her to get situated in the Philippines. The Philippine culture and language barrier made the young Sandara Park timid and scared. [She said] that she was afraid to speak to people and talked less and less as time went on.
“There was no discrimination. Rather the Philippine people liked Koreans. It’s just that we couldn’t communicate since I did not understand their language. I was just ignorant.”
Sandara Park, who dreamed of becoming an ‘entertainer’, experienced hardships while living in the Philippines. As time went on, her feelings of loneliness grew and Sandara Park became pessimistic. Her tears increased too. However looking back, just like the fertile ground after the rain [for us it’s the rainbow after the rain], this was training that helped Sandara Park to get though her hard trainee days.
“To the local students, my pronunciations were probably awkward and weird. Kids started to imitate me and make fun of me. My attitude became more passive. When I said I wanted to become an entertainer, friends made sarcastic remarks saying ‘You can’t even talk, how are you going to become an entertainer?’. That gave me a shock and I didn’t talk afterwards. Because of that, people around me thought I was a mute.”
However young Sandara Park slowly worked her way back to her feet. She worked alone for one year to improve her pronunciation. With her language proficiency improving, her fear of people slowly disappeared too. Like a ray of sunshine through the dark clouds, her old bright personality came back through the pessimistic one and she also made friends.
Sandara Park’s description – Dara and her favorite Walkman cassette. Hair perm is impressive right?
Little Sandara Park’s profile
Nickname: Fashion leader
Birthplace: Busan
Bloodtype: A
Favorite color: Red
Favorite items: Mike, Cassette
Favorite artists: Seo Tai Ji and Kids, Lee Hyori
Future dream: Entertainer
Sandara Park’s description – During a picnic in 1st grade. Blue jeans and blue hat? I was a fashion leader.
Next installment will be on March 9, 8AM.
source: asiae.co.kr
Credit: YGSecret21
Translated by lovesong @ ygsecret21.com
[03.03.10] Sandara “Star Diary” Part 1: “Did I do something wrong?”
It gets tired for an idol who has to live through this ‘multi-talented genius’ phase. It’s because they cannot gain fame just by singing well. They can only survive as celebrities when they can sing, dance, and talk well. On stage they show us their laser-eyed charisma but when on variety shows, they turn totally 180 and take a step closer to the viewers.
Then one day I realized. There was a TV show special featuring the girl groups like SNSD, Kara, and Brown Eyed Girls and all the names of the members rung a bell in [my] head, but 2NE1 was nowhere to be found. Now that [I] think of it, except for the music programs, 2NE1 is almost nowhere to be found.
I got curious. I wanted to know their secret on how they survive this ‘multi-talented genuis’ idol phase without being pushed over and also how they are able to walk on their own paths.
So I went through 2NE1’s public representative Sandara Park (26 year old, real name: Sandara Park)’s diary. Can be regarded as a ‘Korean wave front-runner’ Sandara Park was first exposed in October of 2004, not through a music or variety program, but a TV documentary called “Human Theatre”. 4 years and 5 months later, Sandara Park with the 2NE1 members take over the music industry of Korea.
The Sandara Park back during her trainee days was indeed calm. She was the most enviable with her clear skin that let her looked much younger than she actually was. Sandara Park approached me without any pretense, as is her appearance.
Asia-Economy-Report News is finally able to sit down with Sandara Park for a 12 part interview. From ‘Little girl’ to ‘Korean wave front-runner’ Dara, ‘Star’s Diary’ will reveal Sandara Park’s thoughts. And on top of that 2NE1’s secret to popularity will be analyzed.
“Did I make a mistake? Did I do something wrong? There isn’t…”
Being told that she would be on ‘Star’s Confession’ Sandara Park’s round eyes became rounder and her face was filled with surprise.
“I thought that I did something really wrong and had to confess to it. When I heard I’d be doing ‘Star’s Confession’ my heart pounded and I thought ‘what is this’. (Laughs)”
Suppressing a laugh at her innocent face [I said], “Are you that surprised? I then said ‘How about we change the name to Star’s Diary?’ and finally Dara smiled. So therefore the series titled ‘Star’s Confession’ changed its name to ‘Star’s Diary’.”
“Sandara, from now on we’ll have fun talking about you. Okay?”
Sandara Park on stage is gorgeous. Well defined features and a refined individuality flows from her. On top of that she is natural and is fresh, with no pretense. The music she expresses is just like that. There is no excess decoration but it is still powerful and individualistic.
When she comes down from stage and erases the dark eye liner and the gorgeous make-up, she shows another charm of hers that is unthinkable of.
With her no make-up face and ordinary looking clothing, Sandara Park has no pretense like ordinary girl groups. Truthful and honest. Sandara Park’s manner of speech, take away her aegyo (cute act), is constructive and truthful, also [enables others] to laugh.
“To people I meet for the first time, I’m kind of quiet. I don’t have much confidence. That’s why variety shows are hard. Especially going to ‘Family Outing’ as a guest for one episode, that was like poison. I felt it myself.”
Last mid-November, Sandara Park was featured in ‘Family Outing’ with girl group After School. That day ‘Family Outing’s focus on UEE sparked some debate.
“After recording, I had a hunch [the show was] going to lean in favor of UEE. During the whole recording session, unlike UEE’s charm, I had a quiet image. I couldn’t say a word. I decided ‘This is not the place for me’.”
This side of herself was a bit disappointing for Sandara Park, herself. But she acknowledged the fact that she can’t follow the variety-show styles and has moved on.
“Mr. YG and other members comforted me after watching ‘Family Outing’. Do you know what they said? YG said, ‘Dara, it’s okay. You’re just not good at this.’ Members said, ‘You were cute, small next to [the other people].’ It’s supposed to be comforting right? (laughs)”
Source: ASIAE
Credit: YGSecret21
Translated by lovesong @ ygsecret21.com
Last Message From YG (Full Translation)
lee eun joo (Swi.T & Moogadang) & yang hyun suk (YG CEO)
Is everyone well? This is Yang Hyun Seok. *bows*~
I think this is the first time I’ve greeted you since the new year.
I wonder when it was that I started posting ‘FROM YG’?
I think it’s been so long that I can’t remember no matter how hard I try.
Anyway, the reason I’m trying to remember the beginning is that I think today’s message will be the last page of the large booklet of ‘FROM YG’s.
Though I did release a solo album in 1998 since retiring from Seo Taiji & Boys in 1996,
because I have a silly personality and don’t like standing out too much I’ve restricted the number of my appearances on television broadcasts and interviews as much as possible, and don’t think I’ve ever done any of the lectures, speeches or announcements requested by acquaintances as favours.
This made FROM YG, which I visited every two or three months become the place I was most comfortable to be myself in as well as the only window for me to communicate with my fans.
The reason I’m now closing the door to such a place,
is that the place I’ve always thought as comforting has suddenly become an uncomfortable space where I am expected to give my official stance to occurring situations. It seems like my clumsy expressions and insufficient confessions are at a limit.
With the hope that I’ll be able to meet you all again in another place,
I start my sad, last FROM YG.
About G-Dragon’s Surprise Event
In my last message, I mentioned there would be a surprise event involving G-Dragon coming up soon,
but the news is later than I expected.
The surprise event? Flo Rida, who G-Dragon was accused of plagiarising last summer will feature in Heartbreaker.
It seems as if the publishing company who made out as if they were going to sue YG through the press and TV broadcasts last September have still not received a single answer from the original writers.
This frustrated us and in September, YG contacted Flo Rida’s representatives directly,
and in November was able to commence Flo Rida’s featuring in G-Dragon’s Heartbreaker.
Hoping that there were no more unnecessary misunderstandings, we did not make it available on online music portal sites, so Heartbreaker featuring Flo Rida will be released as a bonus track as part of G-Dragon’s live concert album in March.
All the profits from the track after its release will be put together with the donations from Big Bang’s last concert in January and given to charity.
About the release of G-Dragon’s Live DVD
There were a few issues raised after G-Dragon’s first solo concert on the 6th~7th of December last year..so I expect there will be curiosity amongst the fans as to whether the DVD will be released uncut.
If it were people who had seen G-Dragon’s concert for themselves… If it were fans who knew G-Dragon well…
It’s difficult to understand the problems pointed out by the head departments.
I myself also feel frustrated at the current situation that feels like we’re retrogressing through the era,
but I feel we have no choice but to follow the legal standards and judgement of the head departments.
I plan to restrict the use of unnecessary time and energy, especially in the situation where so many of our singers are urgently preparing their albums.
As requested by the fans… As bound by the law…
G-Dragon’s ‘Shine A Light’ Concert DVD will be released uncut this coming April, along with a separate edited under 19 version.
Plans for YG Singers’ Album Releases
As all you fans will know, we predict the album activity of YG singers to be busier this year than any other previous years, but for the last few months it is true that there has been a lot of delay due to the moving of company buildings.
Though I can’t give exact periods for album releases, in the first half of the year we plan to release the albums of Se7en, Taeyang, Gummy and 2NE1, while in the second half, from summer to the end of the year, Big Bang’s domestic activities as well as a new 2NE1 album and solo activities of TOP, Daesung and Seungri are to be expected. Hoping for all these plans to work out, the main priority we’ve been focusing on even before moving offices was the recruiting of new producers.
For them we have established 7 music studios within the new company buildings and 5 external studios are in the process of being builT as we speak. The current main producers of YG- Teddy, Kush, G-Dragon and Choice 37- as well as Perry who has returned from U.S.A and five newly recruited producers will work collectively on the albums of YG singers.
A last, Personal Confession
Though FROM YG has been a place to announce the news of singers under the agency until now,
since today is the last I will conclude with a personal confession of mine.
My date of birth is in December of 1969, the year of the rooster. I’m now in my early 40’s ㅜㅜ
I was a childish old bachelor who said almost like a habit that I would never get married,
but I think it’s time for me to escape being solo.
How many years ago was it? I mentioned to the media that I had a girlfriend
But even after meeting a single girlfriend for the last nine years,
I have never told anyone, not even my closest juniors like JinuSean, 1TYM and Big Bang who she is or even her name.
My girlfriend who I’ve been secretly dating for 9 years is Lee Eun Joo,
and as you fans expected, she was a member of YG’s first girl group ‘Swi.T’, announced in 2002
She was born in 1981, also the year of the rooster. She is 12 years younger than me.
Considering that I’ve never once thought any girl is prettier than my girlfriend in the 9 years of dating her, either my eyes are going funny or it’s ‘a match made in heaven’, as commonly said.
Way back, I promised Seo Taiji that ‘Even if we get married in the future, let’s never have weddings”.
Though I have no plans to marry her this year,
since it was a promise between men even if we do get married in the future I plan on not having a public wedding. ^^
Maybe it’s because I had such negative feelings towards marriage when I was young,
even after dating for 9 years, it was only recently that I decided that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.
Not long after my girlfriend’s father passed away with chronic disease, her mother also passed away in 2008. Seeing how much pain she was in made me come to the decision that I would like to be her lifelong companion and protector.
It also happens to be her 30th birthday today.
Hoping that my difficult confession can become even a small gift,
I would like to apologise for making her uncomfortable for the last 9 years, since the young age of 21.
Lastly, I would like to give an ashamed promise that from tomorrow, and her next birthday on I will make her happier
and with that I close the last page of FROM YG and the secrecy of our 9 year relationship.
I hope you all stay healthy and happy. YG FAMILY FOREVER!!
2010. 03. 09.
FROM YG
Source: http://www.ygfamily.com/noti/yg_view.html?seqno=22264
Trans Credits: sjay.x @ BBVIP
Chuwariwap 