Jung Jihoon, The Original Maknae: An H.O.T/Shinhwa Story

Even More Changes

May 2001

"Are you leaving Jiyong?" Hana asked seeing the twelve-year-old Jiyong packed his things. There was a sense of sadness in the air.

"Yes I'm leaving noona. I don't belong here. No matter what I tried, I just can't seem to find my footing. It's time I leave this place." Jiyong said facing here.

Since the time they have the two became close friends. They have gotten even closer after Boah became an idol. During her toughest days it was Kwon Jiyong who pulled her out the darkness, stopped her from giving up on life. Jiyong grew considerably to the point he was equal to her in height and he was only twelve.

Right as he was about to leave, she frantically grabbed his arm. She looked at him with sadness in her face.

"Don't go Jiyong... I know things haven't been easy with you, but I promise they will see your talents. I've grown up with you, I can't afford to lose you." Hana pleaded.

"Noona... You already have everything here, the fame, the modeling, the fans, I got nothing. I know how jealous you've gotten because of Boah noona. You're not as unknown as you think you are. You don't have to compete everything with her. You're cool just as you are. Don't feel too bad that I'm leaving it's not like you won't see me again. Think of it like I'm moving to another home, that home is YG Entertainment. They have the music that I like. I'm not trying to be an idol, I want to rap. That's what my destiny is. I will never forget everything you've done noona. Take care." Jiyong had a carefree grin before he saluted her goodbye.

Hana watched his retreating figure unsure of how to cope with the changes.

Life in SM Entertainment remains uncertain. For months Lee Sooman attempted to reach a negotiation between the High Six of Teens. Woohyuk and Tony were the most vocal about their disagreements. They argued for better pay, better line distribution, and more autonomy overall. Kangta was willing to accept those terms and Heejun was at least on board with the idea. Jaewon however, argued that the new terms were not sufficient enough to satisfy working for another five years.

During the middle of the press conference Heejun dropped the shocking news.

"Are there any futures considering H.O.T? We have heard rumblings that you boys could not reach an agreement. We would like to know your thoughts?" the reporter asked.

"The rumors are true. As if today, H.O.T has officially disbanded. The High Six of Teenagers is over..." The news echoed throughout the room. Rumblings commenced and Kangta had to step in.

"Unfortunately, we could meet a sufficient deal in time for contracts. I am personally sorry to all of those who have to hear the news. I do not regret for a second about our time together. Even though there is a chance we all might not see each other I will never take our time together for granted." Kangta said.

"I will be leaving SM, I think my purpose has been served." Jaewon said straightforward.

"This is where the show ends for me. It was fun while it lasted but it's time to spread my wings and fly. I too will be leaving SM. It's time to move for better opportunities." Woohyuk said.

"That's makes us three, no hard feelings of course. I want to work in a place where I feel more appreciated and accepted. I'm getting older, my priorities are changing. I realize that being an idol isn't the end all be all. There's more to life than performing on stage. It's time to let H.O.T rest in peace. It was a nice while it lasted." Tony summarized.

"I honestly cannot express myself what I am feeling. I'm devastated, disappointed, that it had to end this way. I wish I could have told them how much I enjoyed being with the hyung. I wish I could tell them how thankful I was to be the little runt of the group. I was in middle school when H.O.T debuted almost five years ago. I used to be criticized because my eyes were too small, but I learned that looks do not matter, it's how you present yourself. Now that little kid has grown into a young man. I managed to graduate high school. The adult world is still a scary one and I hope I can be even greater star than I ever was as Jung Jihoon. That name does not mean much, I will officially go by Rain going forward. I wish my hyungs the very best and let us only remember the good times. I will be promoting full time as part of Shinhwa. Annyeong." Rain gave a lengthy speech bowing formally towards the audience and hugging the now exiled members.

"Mianhe kid. I know you're meant for better things. Keep your chin up lil homie." Woohyuk said.

I didn't mean to say those things about you, I was frustrated with myself. I was super petty. Good luck on your career and tell Andy I will miss him." Tony fist bumped Jihoon.

"Don't feel too sad about us. We will be okay, in fact we're going to support each other while we navigate this world. You have Shinhwa now, be nice to them Jihoon-ah. I wholeheartedly believe you are meant for greater things. I will miss you." Jaewon hugged him before the exiled trio the conference.

An era has come to an end and a new one was beginning. Jihoon will soon find the changes were more difficult than he would like. For now, he returns to Shinhwa ready to release another comeback, one more energetic unlike anything heard before...