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

Moving On To Better Pastures (Finale)

May 2003

"What is the meaning of this!? After everything I gave you so you can become a star you're going to sign somewhere else!? Wae!? What made you come to that decision!? I gave you home, I gave you an identity! YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT AND YOU'RE WILLING TO THROW IT AWAY!? UNGRATEFUL!! AN UTTER BETRAYAL OF TRUST AFTER EVERYTHING I'VE DONE FOR YOU!!" Sooman slammed his desk in outrage.

Shinhwa stood there watching this old man who was their old mentor have a breakdown.

"We chose this path because we all agreed we would move forward, with or without you. You weren't honest with us with our contacts. You didn't even bother to include Dongwan for a renewal, that's when I knew it was time to leave. As I expected you would not approve but we made our decision clear. Our business with each other is over." Eric Mun announced.

"It's not a personal attack but we want to take control of our own career. It may cost us everything but that's how life is, full of sacrifices." Minwoo said.

"We didn't want what happened to High Six of Teenagers happen to us. You saw the fallout. I value the bond over money." Hyesung said.

"I have to agree. It's best we move forward." Junjin nodded.

"It's time." Andy adds.

Dongwan didn't even say anything, instead he looked at Lee Sooman with contempt and outrage over his exclusion.

Jihoon sighed as stepped forward to look at Lee Sooman, the man who discovered him and gave him everything.

"Look ajusshi, I'm grateful for everything you gave me because I wouldn't be where I am if not for your guidance, but I cannot let you split us apart. I've been spoiled like a prince in this agency that I need to venture out on my own. I don't want to just be a pretty idol and go to fan signs events. I want to dance, I want to compose, I want set out on my own your and I can't do that if I stay here. You have to let me go..." Jihoon said with a frown.

"Not you too Jihoon-ah... You were my golden boy!! This company became so rich because of you!! You were like my own son... Fine if that's what you want then leave. I don't want anything to do with you. Don't expect me to be received any financial support. You will learn the hard way..." Sooman warned them all.

"We'll figure it out don't you worry. You won't have to fret cuz you got new trainees to replace us. I hope you learn that idols aren't just toys meant to be replaced. We're people and no amount of money can ever take that away. Don't get too caught up in profit that's all." Eric said leaving a bittersweet ending.

Sooman watched as Shinhwa left the SM building for the very last time. The next day they packed all their belongings and left the fancy dorm room, now abandoned.

The news of Shinhwa's departure from SM Entertainment sparked chaos as the agency was left without their primetime boy group. Hana watched the news unfold just when they moved into a new dorm.

"Jihoon oppa is leaving. I wonder what happens now? I don't think they're going to let them leave in peace." Soojin asks.

"Whatever happens it's their choice. It pains me that I won't see oppa. He was the reason why I joined SM and I don't know what to feel. Will I ever see him again?..." Hana felt sadness that she began to cry.

Realization that the one person she counted on was no longer with her.

BoA who in Japan saw the news. She dropped her ramen soup as she was left to digest the news.

"Hyung. Jihoon-ah has left the company." Kangta told Heejun.

"What did you say?"

"The entire group has left! Neither one of them chose to resign! You know what it means!" Kangta said.

"It means we won't see them for some time. It's a very tough road they're going through. I hope they know what they're doing." Heejun said.

Even in the training room there were murmurs.

"Jihoon hyung has left us?" Junsu gasped.

"What do you mean they left us?" Jaejoong blinked.

"Is that real?" Sungmin gasped.

"Sounds like it." Donghae nodded.

"What a total bummer. I was hoping to one day join them!" Heechul pouts.

"Is that what you're worried about?" Eunhyuk sweat dropped.

"This changes everything then." Jessica said.

"No Jihoon oppa? This is not what I signed up for!" Sooyoung stated.

"I can't believe it. Shinhwa was like the most popular group. What's going to happen now?" Yoona wondered.

"Who knows." Seohyun said.

Jongmin who was only fourteen years of age was left in shock. He joined SM because he was captivated by Rain.

Once news broke out the boys rented a small apartment for the boys to share. All of them combined their finances into one large bank account so they can weather the fallout. They all signed new contracts to Good Entertainment which would allow them to have complete autonomy over their career and finances. The members would have majority share among payments distribution.

"Alright we're officially on our own. Everything we do from here it's for our group. We'll have opportunities for solos once we firmly get our foot established. You all earned a day of rest that is all." Eric announced.

Jihoon stayed over at his parents' house for the night.

"How are you taking care eomma. I know it's a lot to process but I want to do this on my own. Gamsahabnida for always believing in me." Jihoon embraced his mother.

"No thank you son. You were only a little boy when got scouted. I knew then you would be a star. Thanks to you we overcame poverty. Only decide where you want to go. I can only watch you from afar." His mother said.

"Well I'm back from square one. Everything moving forward is for my benefit. I can't rely on ajusshi anymore. What matters is Shinhwa and I intend to continue. This new journey may not be so bad. I was getting tired of being spoiled anyways. Rain is far from over. Like JYP-nim said, it's time for me to shed that maknae image.

"The entire world will know Rain..."

End of Book 1

If you made it here I appreciate you reading this story. At the time I didn't see any 1st gen kpop story so I was inspired to write my own, featuring the legendary Rain. What you read now was his rise to stardom but the sequel will focus on Rain the superstar as he becomes the nation's hearthrob. He will deal with the wrath of SM Entertainment as they get embroiled in a lawsuit. He will also deal with the tabloid articles attempting to expose his romantic relationship. He will deal with the overall hardships of being an international superstar.

This is only the beginning. Stay tuned for Book 2.