(11) BWS: Lee Jonghyun (original) (raw)

Perhaps the reason why I've taken so long to make the 11th BWS is because this boy has been my bias for a while now because of how much I admire his personality and character.

I had a lot of saved quotes, pictures, tumblr likes of this boy. It was more the process of elimination of what to post in this entry because I had bits and pieces of compiled info of him everywhere.

This is not a pimp post - just me purely flailing how much I adore this Busan boy…aka the first Korean boy to add to my BWS archive. ;)

"I really am burning, in my life and when doing what I want to do."

- Lee Jonghyun, Vogue Girl Interview (2012)

Lee Jonghyun is a 22yo guitarist, musician, singer, songwriter, actor and FOOD-LOVING glutton. He's most well known for being the lead guitarist and second vocals to a Korean band called CNBLUE. He has also recently gained more popularity from acting in A Gentleman's Dignity, a Korean drama which was broadcasted in 2012.

He was born in Busan, moved to Japan for some period moved and then returned to Busan to complete his middle school and high school. In the past, Jonghyun did taekwondo and was exceptional at judo (lol) and has a black belt for that sport.

"Seeing that he learned Judo skills in a very short time and then won the prizes, and also got trained music in a short time and accomplished his dream to be a singer, we can guess his strong tenacity in everything. Many trainees must prepare for long years, but he enjoyed that time as a trainee and finished the preparing time fast." (Jonghyun's old vice-principal, cnbjonghyun.tumblr.com)

He's apparently has been known to his judo skills/strength in real life. When he witnessed a man hitting a woman and an old man hitting a younger boy, he'd intervene and prevent the victim from getting hurt further. He's not the type to sit around and do nothing if it's within his capability. (link)

Although he was great at judo, he felt discouraged. In an interview, Jonghyun mentioned that he thought that he wouldn't get far in the sport because he had reached his limit and there were many others who were more talented than he was. He then focused more on school, becoming rather studious and achieving good grades. He was an honour student and apparently had a good attendance record.

Jonghyun was even elected to be the student body president, but declined the position. The Vice Principal stated, "However, he rejected my suggestion in a humble manner. His soul was only filled with music, so it seemed that he thought ‘such position is just tiresome'…" (link). Somehow, I'm not really surprised that Jonghyun had rejected the offer because it seemed 'tiresome'.

Yonghwa's the leader of CNBLUE, but I think that Jonghyun is capable of being a good leader as well. When Yonghwa went to promote more in Korea, Jonghyun was CNBLUE's replacement leader. I think that if Jonghyun is pushed responsibility, he'll naturally step up. Considering Yonghwa's the leader, Jonghyun gladly lets somebody else be in charge. I personally think he doesn't like receiving too much attention because he likes enjoying himself, laughing from the side...yet working really hard behind the scenes.

If you wish for more thorough and lengthy history of Jonghyun's past, I really recommend you to read this. It's quite detailed and an interesting read.

So far you can see how 'burningly' determined Jonghyun's personality is. He works really hard at every goal he pursues. When it's the extent that he find himself unable to excel, he tries different pathways and reevaluates his goals. That's why he's amazing.

And, ironically, if he hadn't had this type of personality...I don't think he would have joined CNBLUE.

CNBLUE

my favourite guitar playing Jonghyun pic

When FNC Entertainment's scouter visited Busan to recruit Yonghwa, the scouter had accidentally stumbled across Jonghyun. At that time, Jonghyun was taking a picture with a baby on the street* (link). The scouter approached Jonghyun and asked if he could play an instrument and was interested to audition for FNC, and Jonghyun immediately agreed to it. Later on, Jonghyun stated that he had just started playing the guitar -- but when the scouter approached him, he immediately said that he wanted to a musician xD Therefore, he determinedly practiced the guitar and was made the main guitarist to CNBLUE!

In other words, it was pure luck and fate that Jonghyun was scouted all thanks to Yonghwa!

In CNBLUE, Jonghyun's the second oldest - therefore the hyung to Minhyuk & Jungshin. He's the lead guitarist, but he also is second in charge of vocals. Jonghyun also sings and composes songs too. While Yonghwa's songs have a more rock/pop/catchy edge, Jonghyun's songs are usually slow, acoustic and soothing. They compliment each other. I think that's what makes CNBLUE's music enjoyable to listen to. There's a nice range of acoustic, rock and pop.

CNBLUE's brother-like relationship is cute. Without doubt, it's evident that Yonghwa x Jonghyun are in control of the younger boys. Yonghwa will tell Minhyuk and Jungshin off, but Jonghyun uses a threatening tactic. One time when Jungshin wanted to change his bass arrangement right before a concert in Japan, Jonghyun wasn't happy. Jungshin challenged Jonghyun and ...let's just say Jonghyun punched him?

It's odd because Jonghyun is usually the laughing type, but I guess it would be scary to mess with him. Also, Minhyuk apparently had a girlfriend and Jonghyun ended up telling the company because Minhyuk hadn't told them yet. However, Minhyuk apologised and therefore wasn't hurt like Jungshin was.

Although Jonghyun sounds harsh, it doesn't mean they don't get along. I mean, Jonghyun and Jungshin are Tom & Jerry after all xD

Guitar Freak

"Music and judo are completely different things, but the key to his success are his will and patience."
(link)

Jonghyun self-proclaims him as a 'Guitar Freak'. And, you know what? The nickname suits him very well because Jonghyun is a god damn guitar freak! He's always playing his guitar and he's always willing to learn and improve. And, mind you...he's pretty talented at it. Watch the video below (from 00:40-01:00) and you'll understand what I mean.

And more pics with his love below!

& playing the guitar despite being tired...

Composing Songs

Jonghyun gets inspired my many musicians such as: BUMP OF CHICKEN, Hoobastank, Eric Clapton, Brian Mcknight...etc. He also is a ONE OK ROCK fanboy

When I had found that out, I was grinning like a maniac.

Anywho, he also gets inspired by dramas - quite a few of them being Japanese ones. I've watched most of the dramas listed in that entry and I can see where he gets his inspiration from. <3 It's also good to know that he likes Kimura Takuya. Haha. xD

One of my favourite things about Jonghyun is that he expresses his feelings when he sings, even when his eyes are closed

Out of all the songs Jonghyun's composed, Love in the Rain would have to be my favourite. It's hauntingly beautiful.

As An Actor

Jonghyun's only stepped into acting recently. He starred with Minhyuk in a short film called 'Acoustic' which was somewhat amusing, but the most credited/first official drama that he stared in was in A Gentleman's Dignity.

He had a big/small role in the drama. Again, it was all thanks to Yonghwa. Jonghyun only wanted to play music and didn't even speak the standard language - sticking to his Busan roots. It was only when Yonghwa challenged him that he'd take the acting role if Jonghyun didn't audition, I guess Jonghyun stuck to his game.

Apparently he auditioned SEVEN times to get the role. Another reason why Jonghyun is amazing - he's always determined and willing to give his all. Jonghyun had to get rid of his Busan accent and practiced a lot. It's a good thing he did because I liked him in A Gentleman's Dignity.

It was average acting for his first drama, but I do see room for improvement. He even won an award for it! :) He acts as an arrogant son to one of the four male protagonists (I'm not giving the story line away because it's a great drama!) Definitely watch the drama. I really recommend it!

Guesting on Running Man

A whole lot of you know how much I love Running Man. My dream is/has always been for Commander to spar against Jonghyun. Therefore, seeing Jonghyun on my favourite variety show 3x (in 2013) is amazing. He's the guest that has appeared on Running Man the most in such a short period.

(Episode 127, Episode 129 & Episode 138)

**SPOILERS AHOY!**
The first thing Jonghyun does in the first episode he is on Running Man?

He laughs.

The funny thing is that...he laughs ALL THE TIME. Haha. Even when he's protecting one of the boys in his teams from getting caught, even if he's cornered in a difficult situation - he just laughs xD It's cute and amusing. I think this is why/how the Running Man members don't mind him/warm up to him easily - even when he was being cheeky and trying to eavesdrop on the Running Man team's plan.

I observed how ever since the Running Man team found found out that Jonghyun used to do Judo -- I observed how Commander's interest immediately sparked. These days Commander isn't as competitive as he once was - due to injuries and because he now joins in a fools around with the other members.

In the Busan episode, while protecting Jihyo, Jonghyun got eliminated by the Commander (I think he wanted to get rid of Jonghyun straight away because he sees him as an immediate threat). In the winter olympic episode he immediately gets eliminated because of his hiding spot and didn't even get to challenge anybody. And in the episode that was just aired last week, you FINALLY see some form of combat between Jonghyun x Commander. Commander still kicked but, but you could see Jonghyun's athletic ability too. Jonghyun tends to always be Commander's target xD

And it was cute how he looked after Sulli in the winter olympics special. xD It was like how he protected Jihyo in the Busan episode

Jaesuk labelled Jonghyun as the TV watcher mode because he doesn't say much..he just laughs. Even when Jonghyun's team would lose - he'd laugh.

As for the other members? Sukjin has a soft spot for Jonghyun too. I've never seen him warm up to one of his dongseangs this much xD I loved how he kept saying that Jonghyun was his equivalent in the Olympic episode xD Jonghyun likes to tease Kwangsoo. Gary seems to be amused by Jonghyun too. I haven't really seen much Haha interaction with Jonghyun though. Who knows? There's still time.

If Jonghyun's been on Running Man 3x since the start of the year, there's a high a chance he'll be on it again! I mean...look at Yonghwa? He's practically part of the cast! Haha.

Anyway, Jungshin states that Jonghyun is a Running Man fan anyway. "Recently Yonghwa and Jonghyun hyung appeared in Running Man. Jonghyun hyung turned out the lights and was watching it like a movie. He turned up the volume and concentrated on it. He looked so happy." (link)

Random Factoids & Misc

*>> It's normal for Jonghyun to be taking pictures with children/babies. I found it amusing because that was how he FNC had scouted him. Why? Because Jonghyun has an unhealthy obsession with children - aka, will randomly approach kids because he finds them cute (kinda stalkerish too if seen from another point of view). I always laugh so much in the LA DVD making how he naturally plays with them

>> The only thing he can't seem to perfect is dancing. LOL. Well, he is cute doing it though xD

>> He loves taking pics of himself and with other people

>> He brashly says what's on his mind, not caring about scandals -- even if they're about his love life

>> He had a bad fashion sense? I've read it around through many interviews and articles with even the other CNBLUE members talking how bad it is. Jonghyun likes to wear clothes that are comfortable. I don't see anything wrong about it since it's MUSIC that he's making, but then again...what do you expect from the entertainment industry? -_-"

>> His screaming stress technique

>> Jonghyun's pleasant attitude. How he always laugh. It was fun watching him guest on Running Man because you could see how easily the members warmed up to him. I think it's his friendly atmosphere & aura. I especially found it funny how SuJu's Kyuhyun made him become an additional member to the 'kyu-line'.

>> Episodes he has guested on Yonghwa's WGM: 1,6,7, 21, 22, 29, 37, 39, 46, 47, 50.

>> And, lastly, Jonghyun's video on TGIF. It's hilarious. He's such a dork. He'll eat the food before serving it, drop everything on Jungshin's feet and the epic attempt to charm the camera (at the end)..but fails immensely.

Oh, Jonghyun. Please stay the way you are!

I think that this has to be my longest BWS entry. I just really find Jonghyun admirable because he went through so many pathways to find out what he really wanted to do career wise. That...and he always gives his 100%!

I guess...this turned out to be a full pimp post xD I spent quite a few hours on this entry and now I've got to rush to my night shift! So much for sleeping -_-"