[Kang Myungseok's That's hot] Jaebum's revival with the support of his fandom

Former group 2PM member Jaebum made a comeback in Korea on the stage of Kangwon Naksan's 'Summer Week&T Festival,' even contracting with Sidus HQ. This might seem weird. He was chased out of Korea last year due to a controversy surrounding his 'Korea belittling' comments. His former agency JYP Entertainment terminated him from 2PM under the reason of a 'severe private life problem.' It's one thing to scold him for expressing his problems with his life in Korea during his trainee years but the controversy was definitely not important enough to chase him out of Korea. Much of what he had written was mistranslated and spread. The private life problem is nothing more than the opinion of JYPE, and Jaebum himself has stated that he was 'confident' regarding such issues. Whether one hates him or not, it's wrong to block the dreams of one young man with claims and opinions that lack evidence.

What's more interesting is Jaebum's current position. After withdrawing from 2PM, Jaebum conversed with his fans personally through Youtube and showed off his singing and dancing. His video singing 'Nothing On You' received great attention from his fans, earning him the chance to make a remake. With the song dominating music charts, Jaebum was able to prove his commercial worth. During the press conference at Naksan, he stated over and over, "I'm so thankful for my fans. No matter what, I want to influence them in a positive way."

Jaebum's future activities seem to be showing the new trend in the industry of idols. His fans were able to pave a path for his return to Korea while Jaebum stood in front of a company and reflected the opinions of his fans. Jaebum and his fans are a group bound by a common destiny, making him a 'DIF (Do It Fanself) Idol.' His fandom has created an unprecedented case by raising him to the point where he could contract with an agency of his choice and make music he desires, all completed in less than 2 years. As the industry of idols reaches 20 years of history, fandoms seem to be changing into not only the consumers but also the producer/manufacturer.

But one curious point. Why did JYPE let him go without any restrictions when they claim that he damaged their company with his 'severe private life'? Fortunately, Jaebum was able to hold onto the unified support of his fans and is now a free agent. JYPE's termination has created a better opportunity for him. Why did they do that? Truly, the business of celebrities, and most especially idols, are full of answerless questions.

KOREAN JOURNAL (SOURCE)
hazyfiasco@2ONEDAY.COM (TRANS)