I actually
find it scary how fast time flies. Before I know it, 2012 is over and it’s
already 2013. To be very honest, 2012 is special to me because it’s been a
really k-razy year. Things had not always been at their best but I'm glad that
things had not gone awfully wrong. I had my fair share of tears and smiles, no
doubt making 2012 memorable.
2012 was the year I found a new job.
My contract
with SIT ended after a really fruitful 10 months. Really thankful for the
opportunities given during my stay there and the amazing colleagues that I met
along the way. Words can’t express how grateful I am to Boss for giving me the
opportunity despite having no relevant experience in the HR field. And now, I
can safely say that I really like HR and I’m going to pursue a career as a
generalist.
With a mere 10
months experience, it’s barely significant to be very honest. And yes, my new
Boss is willing to give me a chance for me to learn everything from scratch as
we are literally putting together the HR division from nothing. It’s a really
exciting experience and I really like how I’m learning something new every day.
I hope this brings me a step closer to me dream job two years down the road.
2012 was the year I covered the most number
of K-events.
Singapore is
no doubt a hot spot for all things Korean – be it for concerts, showcases,
movies and even drama promotions. There was literally something to cover every
other week and the highlight of the year had to be 1 November 2012, where there
are 4 events being held on the same day – G.Na, PSY, 2NE1 and Sundown Festival.
A recap of the
events I’ve covered this year: PLAY! FT Island Concert, Skip Beat Promotions (feat.
Super Junior’s Siwon and Donghae), Super Junior‘s Super Show 4, Sistar and
Boyfriend 1st Singapore Fanmeeting, Beautiful Show in Singapore, Men’s Fashion
Week 2012, Kim Hyun Joong Asia Fan Meeting 2012, Music Matters 2012 (feat.
BTOB, Rhythmking, DJ Clazzi, J’kyun, M.I.B, Tiger JK & Yoon Mirae), Song
Joongki 1st Asia Your Fanmeeting in Singapore 2012 “THRILL AND LOVE”, Boyz Nite
Out Concert (feat. Jay Park, SHINee, B1A4, Teen Top and 7.9.4.2.), Shinhwa
Grand Tour in Singapore ‘THE RETURN’, KARA K5J Showcase, Alexander Fanmeet, KpopGaga
ShowKase (feat. Free Star and Twi-Light), Tonight with Lee Seung Gi Singapore
Fan Meeting, Wonder Girls Wonder World Tour Concert (feat. JJ Project), KpopGaga
PREVIEW (feat. Superstar K2 Finalist Kim So Jung and Girlfriend), SKarf Fansign
Session, Boss BarBQ Grand Opening Celebration Party, Brian Joo Singapore
Fanmeeting, Upclose-and-Personal with Lee Hyun Woo, KpopGaga ShowKase 2 (feat.
NU’EST), Singtel Loop & Meet Launch Party, 2NE1 Guerilla Event, SMTOWN Live
Tour III in Singapore, Sundown Festival 2012, 2NE1 New Evolution Global Tour, SHINee
World Concert II and Celebrate 2013 (feat. M.I.B and SKarf).
I probably
missed out a few others but I guess this list is long enough considering that I
only listed out the actual events without including the press conferences and
fansign sessions.
2012 was the year I went to Korea again.
Though this
trip was for a mere 11 days, my days were packed and I probably experienced
more than I ever did as compared to my previous 26 days. I went to Gangneung
for a unique hanok stay, went school hopping at Edae and Yonsei, met Yoon-ki
and had an in-depth talk on social issues in Korea, went to Music Core for BTOB and NU`EST,
watched Key’s debut musical stage for ‘Catch Me If You Can’, went to Jinhae for
cherry blossoms and a random photo shoot, ate fresh sashimi and seafood at
Noryangjin, went cafés to people watch, went Suwon Fortress for the cultural
experience and saw rain-snow cause the weather was just being ridiculous. I
guess the best part of the trip was no doubt my one-to-one interview with
NU`EST and N-Train because my boys are just too awesome. Not forgetting the
really insightful talk with Mr Park from Cube on aspiring trainees and their
road to stardom.
2012 was the year I attended the best
concerts.
Attending
Shinhwa ‘The Return’ concert in Singapore was probably one of the best decisions
ever. These 6 dorks are the reason why I stepped into K-Pop and seeing them
again after 8 years, still performing their classic hits, reminds me of why I’m
doing what I’m doing now. In addition, their reunion just gives me hope that
anything and everything is possible as long as you put your heart and soul to
it. Thank you Shinhwa for making the impossible possible.
SMTown was no
doubt was one of the craziest concert I’ve ever attended, braving the crazy
weather just to catch a glimpse of my favourite boys. This concert is no doubt
the epitome of epic, bringing together the best of SM – TVXQ, BoA, Super
Junior, SNSD, Kangta, SHINee, f(x) and EXO – in one 4 hour concert. The amazing
collaborations between the different groups, creating surprises after surprises
was simply memorable. Nothing beats TVXQ’s stages and I will never forget
witnessing Humanoids before the song was actually released.
SHINee World
Concert II reminds me of why I fell in love with these 5 adorable dorks in the
first place. I love the solo stages performed and the whole flow of this
concert. The stage production was amazing too, with a good mix of pyrotechnics,
laser displays and fireworks. The videos that were shown were so adorable too
and the thank you video at the end really brings tears to my eyes. This concert
brings me through a rollercoaster of emotions and no doubt better than the
previous one I’ve attended last year.
2012 was the year I fell in love with
NU`EST.
Falling in
love with NU`EST was something I never expected considering how young they
actually are, but they no doubt caught my attention the moment I heard Aron
speak in English. The most ridiculous part was that I fell in love with them
even before they debut, a feeling I simply cannot explain. I really like how
their songs focus on social issues that Korean teenagers face and being a
Sociology major, these societal problems undeniably attract me.
I find it
amazing how I managed to clinch three interviews with them in a mere span of
nine months. Despite having seen them up-close and personal for so many times,
they still manage to make me fall in love with them a little more every single
time I see them. NU`EST to me is a sweet addiction, a group I simply can’t get
enough of.
2012 was the year I actually flew for an event.
Despite saying
that I want to fly to this event or that event, I have never gotten down to
really flying for one unless it coincides with a planned trip cause the
practical side of me will usually say ‘NO!’ after taking into consideration the
airfare and hotel. As a result, I never expected myself to fly for NU`EST, but
I actually did. Everything was settled days before the event and I was
surprised that I actually decided to go.
But then
again, these three days happen to be the best three days in my life. It was
originally meant to be like any event coverage I covered in the past. It was
originally meant to be just an event where I wanted to take more photographs to
add to my collection. It was originally meant to be so so simple, with no commitments
and no strings attached. How did it even turn into a wind whirl of crazy
happenings, things I didn’t even dare to imagine? Can’t express how thankful I
am to Rebby because if not for her, I wouldn’t have experienced whatever I’ve
experienced. Thankful to the boys for pampering me with so much love that three
days that I feel I’m totally not worthy of. I don’t know if they will remember
me the next time I see them, but for now, I’m already contented.
2012 had
treated me well and I know 2013 will be as awesome. Have an amazing new year
everyone!
_germx
For a better 2013
20130101.2331h
Labels: DBSK 동방신기, events, ISEAS, Korea, Looking Back, NU`EST 뉴이스트, SHINee 샤이니, Shinhwa 신화, SIT
