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

Meeting JYP

March 2002

Jung Jihoon met with Park Jinyoung just as he said he was instructed to. The older man waved upon seeing her him.

"It's nice to see you Jihoon-ah. I see you've grown a lot since last time." Jinyoung said.

"A lot of things happened since then so what do you want from me? You told you wanted to work with me?" Jihoon said.

"I was approached by SM because they want a new producer to make you stand out on your big debut. You're in such high demand that you're practically the country's biggest star. To be able to foster a fanbase while being in a group is impressive. Of course, I'm a major artist but you have the potential to surpass me given good guidance. Lee Sooman may have eyes for talent, but he doesn't have eyes for music."

"What do you mean?" Jihoon asked.

"Both of us share a similar taste of music. We music to make us dance. Music like R&B, New Jack Swing, Hip Hop for example, these are genres created by African Americans with the purpose of showing off their musical abilities. They provided America with a flavor of music I don't think we'll ever see. Lee Sooman is only a musician, he doesn't know what it's like to dance all those long hours. He does not know what makes people want to dance, why it's such a time-consuming process. He does not have the drive for artistic perfection.

Lee Sooman is from a generation when music was censored by the government, when rock music was all the rage. His eyes only see Korea and East Asia, but he does not see the United States, Europe, even Southeast Asia. He lacks foresight of the potential Kpop music can be. We already shown in this country what the music is about, but there's more than just Japan and China. What I'm saying is I can help you reach an audience you never would have comprehended. You are young yet mature which means you're the ideal star women can like. You need to shed that childish image away. It may have worked when you were fourteen years old, but you're almost twenty two. It's time you are given a new image, go beyond your limits." Jinyoung showed Jihoon a few ideas he has drawn including costumes, lyrics, and possible markets.

"He really thought this through. To go beyond my limits? What can I even go beyond? I already shed that image long ago what more do I need to shed?" Jihoon spent the entire day trying to come with a rebuttal.

"You're saying that JYP is going to work with you?" Hana said eating a roll of Gimbap.

"That's what he told me. He really thinks I can go global, but to do that I need to go beyond my limitations. I kinda need to shed that maknae image from me years ago. I already know I'm not a little kid, I even dropped the Lil in my surname." Jihoon explained.

"The old man's kinda right, have you ever thought about your image? You might be grown up but you still act like the same dorky maknae. Girls love when a guy acts cool and manly. You already got the body, you just need to change the attitude." Hana replied.

"Have you ever thought about your appearance?"

"More than you can count! You are lucky because nobody could compare to you, but I'm always compared to Boah-ah even though we're not the same person. People like to compare even when they're remotely alike. What sets me apart is my visuals, I found a lane I could work on which is modeling, you need to find yours. Your voice isn't powerful like Kangta oppa, your rapping isn't like Eric oppa, but you are the best dancer out in this country. That should be what you should focus on. How many times did the crowd went crazy because you kicked your legs to the song? People like to be entertained, they like someone can give them a good show. You're not Lil Rain, you're not just Jihoon, you're now "Bi" (Rain). You need to figure what means to you." Hana said drinking up her latte.

"You amaze me sometimes little sis. You've grown up a lot." Jihoon grinned.

"Your days of being the youngest maknae died the moment you came of age. It's time for me to take over your role. You just need to be sexy for the girlies on stage." Hana then heard her phone.

"Hyunjin unnie... Well I have to go oppa I hoped that helped. Love ya!" Her Motorola cellphone had a small bird keychain attached to it.

He then relayed the news to his team.

"That's totally awesome dude. I'll be rooting for you." Eric patted him.

"Rain for the world baby!" Minwoo shouts.

"I'm surprised they didn't consider that earlier. You're basically SM's golden child." Hyesung said.

"Of anyone's gonna debut it's gotta be you." Dongwan nodded.

"Don't sweat it Jihoon you're gonna be fine. Just dance and look handsome while doing it." Junjin said.

"Guess the Golden Maknae still lives on. Congrats on making it." Said Andy.

Let's celebrate our golden maknae up here." Eric decided to buy an orange birthday style cake for Jihoon. It was filled with laughter and Jihoon felt his worries cease hearing the laughter from the group.

"I'm sure I'll find out what my answer one day." Jihoon ate so much that he slept that night in the living room. Lee Hyori sent him a supportive text message in case he needed motivation.