[Old Article] Bae Yong Joon, True To Life

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Reposted by damsu at soompi
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Source: http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/06july/article082.html
By Lin Lin
July 12, 2006 

 It is not easy being a celebrity, living in the spot light day in and day out, and if you are as famous, popular and much loved as the “Winter Sonata” lead actor Mr. Bae Yong Joon, you have to be extra careful about every move you make and everything you say. Even Yong Joon’s most innocent comment can be exploited somehow and turn into a monstrous rumor, which may rock not only the South Korea entertainment industry, but also the region’s political, economic and culture environment, unbelievable, right? Yet strangely true. How can a simple actor become such a powerhouse at the tender age of 33? 
 
Being a witty and warmhearted person, Yong Joon possesses an extraordinary ability to communicate with the others. He has the looks and the elegance of a superstar, and sensibilities of an average being, proud, but humble, strong, yet gentle, intelligent, kind, gracious, and trust worthy. Over the past decade, his popularity thrives like an unstoppable storm, no longer just a well-trained Korean actor, but a symbol of strength, dignity, courage and love for many. Lots of new comers in the entertainment business come and go, he stands solemnly like an unbeatable giant, adored and admired by fans from all over the world and every hour of every single day that number grows. 

Despite having it all, an outstanding look, a marvelous figure, fame, wealth, popularity and enormous talent, he often feels lonely. Everywhere Yong Joon goes, a vast of shadow follows him. The reason being - his name alone is good enough to sell almost anything. Is it a blessing or a burden? As a public figure, he has no privacy at all. Having friends from all over the world, only a few that can be trusted completely, that he can talk to without the fear of being exploited. 

Like everyone else he desires a happy family, a woman he loves and children he adores. But being a celebrity, he has to put those needs aside. He lives in a life that we all dream of, yet do we all understand the pain of fame that he suffers? Too much expectations lie on his shoulders and so high an expectation he puts on himself. Beyond the image of a superstar lies a gentle and compassionate being, yearns for a simple life that we often take for granted. As a celebrity, he values his privacy very much, yet he allows you to come into his world, inside you discover his weakness and strength, desire and hope, pain and joy. He is not perfect, but he is trying his best to live an honest life. 

Bae Yong Joon, what a great name, with the meaning of beauty and courage, he is such a fascinating figure. The more you learn about him, the more you draw to him. Like an intriguing novel, as each page turns, a delightful surprise awaits you. The most attractive quality that he possesses is not his looks but his personality and his perspective on life: Being true to himself, true to the others and true to life.