14.11.05 TL Support Event Fan Account 2 – Lee Seung Gi

This is from a Chinese fan who participated in the fan support event under EuroAiren. It’s very long but “really has lots of heart,” so a big thanks to our hardworking AnnMichelle for translating it! ❤

When EA called for team support mode on Weibo I’d already decided to go. In the end due to various reasons only the two of us could make it to the fan support event. The exact time of the event was changed all the while, from the beginning of October to November. Because EA was very busy then, I even dragged a colleague to go to Seoul with me. It turned out she bought a non-refundable, non-changeable ticket for the first confirmed date: 10/24, but as soon as we got the tickets, they pushed the event back. We had no choice but to go to Seoul, now a pure and simple tour. We had a great time, as there was no worrisome mission of seeing Seung Gi.

Not long after we came back, EA said the date was set on 11/5. To go or not to go, I was of two minds really. Flying over twice in such a short time. What should I say to my boss, my family. Eventually, the desires to see him trumped everything else. Even just two days before the event, we were still debating whether to go or not. Then on the day before, resolutely bought the tickets. So, LSG, you won!

In the morning of 11/5, Unni came to drive us to the location of the support event. Met two Japanese fans who came as the representatives of Our Best and Strongest*Lee Seung Gi. The location was a small city far from Seoul. EA told me the name twice but I still could not remember it, sigh…It’s about two hours by car. So grateful to Unni who took the trouble to drive us there.

On the way Unni received a phone call from the manager, saying that because of heavy filming schedule, the support lunch might have to become dinner. Also Seung Gi was not in great shape these two days (we learned later that it’s because of the drop tower shoot), so it’s possible that he went back to Seoul directly afterwards. Unni looked at me with concerns, because she knew my flight home was tonight. If it’s a dinner event, I might not be able to make it. I felt kind of calm, however. If time was tight, I would just change my flight and worry about work stuff later. But, please, Seung Gi ssi, just let me see you, if it’s just a glance.

After we arrived, we first went to the restaurant responsible for the support event meal. Then HanGuk sshi came and took us to the filming location. It’s an amusement park, not too big, and all reserved for the filming. Thanks to him we were able to get in and right away saw the drop tower. It’s not the kiddy kind but as high as the one I saw in Lotte World. People were on it already. Because we were on the back side of the tower, we could not find Seung Gi on the ride facing our direction. The seats were going higher and higher, making me dizzy. When it dropped from the top it’s the time to film. And we had to duck back behind a wall to avoid getting in the frame. So we did not see the drop. I heard Seung Gi was sitting on the rightmost seat facing the other side.

When we were waiting at a corner, I saw some water bottles and deserts nearby. Those water bottles had labels with Seung Gi’s picture. I so wanted to have one but was too shy to ask. Not too long later, from the cracks of the tent in front I spotted Seung Gi in his signature yellow jacket. It’s kind of far and I could not see clearly. But I still got all excited. Seeing him walking toward the drop tower, I knew the next shoot was about to start. I followed him. When I got there he had taken off the down jacket and revealed a grey suit, tie, black dress pants, brown shoes. He sat on the rightmost seat and his legs rocked back and forth. Rocking, rocking, back and forth. Nervous? When the machine started, his movement stopped…Gradually, the mechanism rose higher and higher, and then stopped about midway of the tower. I thought, oh that’s not bad, it’s not too high. But before I finished my thought, the thing continued to go up again. Up, up, up, and Seung Gi was getting smaller and smaller…Until it reached the top and Seung Gi became just a tiny dot. My heart was making its own ascent until it reached the top of my throat. Was he okay? This boy, with his acrophobia, sitting so high up, could not even shut his eyes, had to perform. How he managed. This was our Seung Gi. For the best effect of the movie, no body double, and doing it over and over again. I heard they started filming the thing since yesterday. He had felt terrible the whole day. Ate very little. And he had to do it today too, just so the movie could get the best footage. To be honest, I was worried sick and almost cried…And then the drop started. Fortunately the speed was not too fast. But of course I was not up there to feel it as he did. I only knew that I cried when getting off the pirate ship thing at Lotte World…

This time the filming was done only once, so he returned to the tent to get some rest. It’s kind of cold. As our seats were in the shadow, I walked over to a sunnier spot to get some sunshine. I was surprised to find Seung Gi, Cody, and HanGuk sshi were standing there too, getting some welcomed warmth from the sun? Although I could only see his back, that’s very satisfying already. So I sunbathed and watched him. He was bending his back, fidgeting with his clothes, talking and joking with the staff. The sunlight was quite hot, but somehow he’s warmer than the sun…Watching him this way, I thought even if he could not make it to the support feast, the experience was more than enough for me.

But soon we received some good news. He would be eating lunch with us. I couldn’t describe how I felt then. I guessed I was happier than if I won a lottery. We went back to the restaurant to prepare. The restaurant was like a food court, with semi-outdoor areas in front. On the back there was a sliding door, and through it was the dining section where we would feed the movie crew. The main entrée was seafood hot pot. Because possibly only Seung Gi was coming to eat lunch, so after we had set up the whole place, only his table had the hot pot. Then we settled to wait. We did not wait long. But the news was not good. He just did not have time to eat, as the filming would continue in the afternoon. He would stop by to say hello in a short while. As for the support dinner, he would join us when the filming was done for the day.

His van soon appeared. We lined up in front of it and he got off in his yellow down jacket, evidently directly from the filming site. His hair was a little ruffled, very skinny face, made more so by the brilliant smile he flashed and showcasing his mouth. He shook our hands by turns. EA asked him how he’s doing. He said not bad. Asked him about the drop tower, he said that was the ‘lowest’…later EA explained to me lowest meant the worst. It must be really uncomfortable for him. So uncomfortable and exhausted he still came to say hello to us, all smiles, not a single sign of tiredness. Was this guy really the top star in Korea? No wonder so many people love him. He’s so worth it. When he heard that I had to go catch my flight home that night, he took care to shake my hand again. His hand was very warm, very soft, felt very good. Then he rode back to location. I heard he ordered some snack to go. And he would come eat dinner later. So, after that, we sat in his seat and finished his seafood hot pot. That’s right. We ate it all up. It was very delicious. While eating Seung Gi’s seafood hot pot, I made an important decision. I would change my ticket and fly back the day after. As for taking leave and unfinished work, they could all take a hike. Yes, so that’s that.

After lunch, we made more simple decorations. EA told Unni about my flight change and Unni burst into tears. When I saw her cry I could not hold it and cried too. They were all very nice. But I was not good at socializing, and could not speak their language. At times it felt very awkward. Because I could not communicate with them I was so afraid of making mistakes. I hoped I did not inconvenience them or bring shame to EA. We stood in front of the support event banner and took some pictures. The tears on my face were still there. At that moment I felt united with Airens the world over, all for this one person. Happiness!

Later we went to filming location again and saw them shooting another scene. This time Seung Gi was still sitting on the same seat at the Drop Tower, but the mechanism was not raised. Luckily we saw Moon CW too. She’s very pretty. Because we had to get out of the way whenever the camera was on, and because they used helicam on some shots so we had to hide even more thoroughly, we could only hear Moon’s hysterical screams but not see what’s actually being played. They went back and forth to film about 6 or 7 times. By then it was getting dark and became noticibly colder. Seung Gi was not wearing much. I heard he had a little cold the day before. It was the same for the extras. They walked as directed many times. Some in just a shirt and even short sleeved ones. I realized it was so difficult to be a good actor. I sincerely hoped this movie would do great, so as to be worthy of all the dedications.

At dinnertime, we stood by the door to greet the crew and Seung Gi. When the staff members almost all showed up, he came too. He had changed into a different set of clothes. Black crew neck tee or sweater? Not sure. And a dark grey /black down jacket, maybe Firstlook? Not sure either! Hair style was very relaxed, better looking than the one earlier. Nothing much on his face. Great skin. When he saw me he was very surprised, asking me why I was still here. I told him I changed my flights. He said really. Yes, I did. He was very surprised and felt very sorry. He stuck his tongue out and shook my hand. Then he went in. I was not sure if my hand was too cold or his too warm…

We were outside doing host duties to help others. Then his manager came and asked us to go inside for the proof picture. We got very lucky this time as Seung Gi asked us to sit next to him. Wow, sitting down with him! What an impossible thing to even dream about. He had no airs, just talked very casually about this and that. Laughed his silly laugh. I did not say one word, just looked at him. He’s so near and I wanted to engrave him on my mind never to forget…He in all black, such a tiny face, whole body glowing. I could only see him. Everything else was a blur. His voice was so nice. And the smile like sunshine. Was the director on the other side? I found out later when I looked at the pictures. Oh, he was too…

When they took the pictures, Seung Gi said let’s do a toasting pose. Then…then…then…he reached for the water pitcher and poured water for us. I’d never forget this. Poured water for us one by one. Was I dreaming? Was this person Lee Seung Gi? Yes, it’s really him. Only Lee Seung Gi who cares about his fans would do this. At that moment I thought I would never leave Airen. Never.

After the proof pictures we went outside. While waiting for him to come out, Unni said at first she was really worried that we wouldn’t be able to see him this time. She would feel terribly sorry. Now that things worked out perfectly she was so relieved. Unni was such a nice person. She must be more anxious than we were. I was so grateful to her but could not express enough. EA and the Japanese fans too, all so helpful and kind. Here I say my most sincere thanks again.

After about an hour Seung Gi finished his meal and came out. He headed toward us to say hello again. Said he enjoyed the food very much. That the filming was about to conclude. Afterwards he would concentrate on his album. We said we were all looking forward to it. He said don’t expect too much. Ha ha ha. All these were translated for me by EA. I made up my mind to learn Korean seriously. Then we said good-bye. Before getting in the car he hugged the director warmly again. It’s obvious the director liked our Seung Gi very much. The power of his charming personality!

We got back to the dining area for a quick clean-up. Seung Gi indeed ate quite a lot. He even ordered some sashimi. In fact as he was on the drop tower the whole day, his appetite was badly affected. But he was always mindful of fans’ support of him, so he ate as much as he could to show his appreciation.

When the support event came to an end, we went to Marley Coffee of which he is soon to be the CF model. The president of the official fan club came too. She heard about today’s happenings and said Seung Gi really tried to give his best to his fans. Whenever we were having a hard time, we should think back to today and it would give us strength. Yes, it’s so true. He works so hard, so we really have no reason to slack off. He is not just an idol (in the real sense of the word) but also a source of positive energy. Lee Seung Gi, you are such a presence. I am so lucky to be his fan.

I want to go all the way with him, always and forever. I used to say when I am so old that I feel ashamed to show my face in front of him, I would just leave the fandom. Now I think I won’t even do that. When I am really that old, I would just stay home and be a screen fan. Yeah, that’s not bad either. Lee Seung Gi, fighting! We will always stay by your side.
2014.11.08

Credit: lsg-19870113 @ weibo
English translation by AnnMichelle, special contributor to Everything Lee Seung Gi

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