Musing While Cruising the Hallyu Highway
Back in May 2020, XSports News in Korea ran a fantastic article about A.C.E after they attended and performed at the after party following the 2020 Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles. It was an in depth look at the group accompanied by a thoughtful interview along with a gorgeous photoshoot. It is from this shoot that I share a serene capture for this DH One Shot post.
Is it really Day 50?! Well, I am sure there are many Choice out there who might think . . . is it only Day 50?! Either way one thing is certain, time continues to move and Donghun has completed 50 days, so I am going to continue to glass half full this as we make our way to discharge! Today, on this 50th day, the second installment of The ABC’s of Donghun. The letter B can take me in many directions but I am choosing Blue as that is Donghun’s signature and representative color as a member of A.C.E.
It has been quite interesting watching our favorite idols navigate these strange days of having to connect with fans remotely. Online concerts where audiences were broadcast on jumbotron-like screens that served as a backdrop to the empty studio and/or venue stages, their only interaction coming via a live chatroom the hosting platform provided to both artists and fans. Sure, they adjusted. We adjusted. Uploading pictures on various sns accounts available seemed to ramp up and so did live broadcasts. It’s true our favorite artists had to work extra special hard to stay in touch. A.C.E, who have always worked hard to maintain a steady connection with their Choice, are by far perhaps one of the most entertaining while doing so. Take for example, a quiet night of sharing a dessert that turned into an arm wrestling match between Donghun, Jun and Chan.
I thought I would drop a little DH fan art today. Something from the Under Cover era from Philippines digital artist, Violetwister. Under Cover is an aggressive track that really showcases the innate strength of A.C.E as vocalists, rappers and dancers. Even so, Violetwister brings a soft touch to our powerful main vocal with her Under Cover inspired art.
Back in 2017 (not long after their debut) A.C.E collectively had a cameo appearance in the Korean Drama Age of Youth 2. No huge stretch for the guys as they were portraying an idol group. I recall back in my MBLAQ days there was a drama special about an under-appreciated housewife who discovers an idol group and becomes a fan of the group’s rapper played by MBLAQ’s Lee Joon. In becoming his fan, she finds all kinds of new joy in her life. Okay, sure . . . silly premise but I have to say I enjoyed it – probably because it hit close to home. But, I digress. My point is, our idols often segue into acting by essentially playing a version of their own self. And so it was in Age of Youth 2 when Donghun (along with his A.C.E brothers) portrayed a member of the idol group, The Fifth Column.
Donghun is well known throughout the fandom for his expressively sad eyes. For me personally, I find them to be more gentle than sad, even when he opts for a pose that is more pouty or introspective. I have noticed that many of his selcas lean towards the more neutral. Not that he never turns the camera on himself when he is smiley or playful, he does (he has some wicked fine eye smiles). But, perhaps the depth of a capture that is more soft or solemn adds to his mystery. You know, those kind where you cannot fathom for a second what is on his mind, but are dying to know.
Going into the archives with this pre-debut DH moment. Remember how singing was Donghun’s first and foremost goal when embarking on a career in the music business. Dance was secondary but an idol’s gotta do what an idol’s gotta do. That includes some pre-debut legwork (100% pun intended) in the form of a back-up dancer. Yes….Donghun had a back-up dancer gig as part of the crew used in Korean solo singer Hi.Ni’s MV as well as live performances of her song, 클러치백 (Clutch Bag).
When it comes to K-pop and my favorite groups and idols, I have many weaknesses but none are so great as the pet parent, or in Donghun’s case, pet uncle. Like any good uncle, Donghun was all too ready, willing and able to gush about his older brother’s newest addition to the family. Let me tell you, cute overload is putting it mildly. In this post, we are going to have a little peek at Donghun’s furry niece, Hae.
I don’t know if I ever mentioned this (probably have) or if it is general common knowledge, but our main vocal Lee Donghun is the eldest member in A.C.E. Usually the eldest member of the group is the leader but in this case, that job fell to Junhee even though he is younger than both Donghun and Wow. Since Donghun is the eldest he sometimes exercises that hyung privilege. But for some reason, he always lets the maknae get away with things. Such is the case with playful Chan as he finds his way into everyone’s heart and, for today’s DH One Shot (GIF edition), into Donghun’s personal space.
Let me just preface this by saying that this post is all about a Hunnie Cam you did not think you wanted, but definitely needed. I think it is particularly special because the fan sign from where it evolves happened last November. Yes, November 2020. We were still in pandemic mode at the time so there had to have been a very small number of fans in attendance which makes it all that more intimate and special. Nevertheless, there was a fan sign on November 20, 2020 which was two months after the release of A.C.E’s third EP, HJZM : The Butterfly Phantasy; the EP that includes one of my all time favorite tracks, Baby Tonight. The countdown gods must be pleased with me because there is a focused Donghun cam from the fan sign performance. Hurry…let’s have a look.
The Fangirl Lane 