QUOTE(Naoise @ Jan 14 2006, 10:59 AM) 
Daily News "SPORTS"
Jan 2006
Journalist Lee Gong Lan reports
"This year, once-in-a-lifetime chances have been knocking at my door. Because I have seized every one of them, my stage has broaden today."
He has set sights on higher targets, and broadened his horizon.
Korean artiste Rain broke through geographical bounderies and became an Asian Star. The singer and actor, Rain (age 24, aka Jung JiHun) describes his career blueprint for year 2006 in anticipation and excitment.
With the closing of his first concert in Taipei on the 29th Dec 05, Rain immediately went into a phone interview with me. "Taiwanese fans can really sing Korean songs, that really touched me. They are very really very passionate." As if still savouring the concert that was just over, Rain sounded very excited.
This concert marks Taipei as the 8th city of Rain's Rainy Day Asia Tour Concerts which started in Jan 2005. From Beijing, Tokyo, Osaka to Hong Kong etc Asian cities, Rain stirred up more than 150,000 viewers, breaking the box office of 75 million won worth of ticket sales, demonstrating his popularity in Asia.
Rain who swept through Asia in 2005, is now getting ready to welcome 2006 with album launch in 10 different Asian cities and breaking into the US market with his debut US concert.
Rain sweeps through Asia
The range of Rain's activity in Asia is very broad in 2005. That year, his 3rd album "It's Raining" sold more than 920,000 pieces in Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand etc Asian countries. This makes a grand total of 1,070,000 pieces after including sales in Korea. Rain raked in 75 million won in endorsement fees from endorsement deals with DHC, Pepsi, Pantech, Sony etc, and helped his agency, JYPE take in up to 140 million won worth of revenue. On top of that, he was also awarded "Korea¡¯s Favorite Artist" (Taiwan), "Best Buzz Asia form Korea" (Japan), and "Korean Artist of the Year" (China) in the 2005MTV ASIA award.
"Last year, I didn't let any knocking opportunities slipped through my hands, and I led a very fruitful year. But as my stage becomes bigger, my target becomes higher and the things I want to do increase.
Every time he stands on the stage during his concert tour, Rain's tasks and homework increases. One of his biggest task is to let more people know about Rain.
"During my concerts, people from all over Asia become friends as they sing along to my songs. My target this year is to unit Asia, and increase the chances for people to become friends. So, I'm anxious to produce more songs that people can sing along to.
Personal Life set aside for the time being.
"I'm putting my personal life on hold for the time being. I'll like to put more effort in my work now.
To Rain, whose career is smooth-sailing now, the biggest problem is not having enough time. Rain has got very little time outside of his concert tour and filming.
Certainly then, spending time on his personal things is out of the question. However, Rain feels that in comparison to time for sleeping, he does need to spend more time thinking about his performances.
"Not being able to practice more like newcomers is troubling me the most. The targets are high, and with that, maintaining my standard is becoming more difficult."
Having a girlfriend, going to tours with her...sometimes he envies activities that the normal young people can do.
"Even now, there are times when I feel that I'm alive but not living. When I'm too busy, I've wondered why I'm living life the way I am. But great chances keep knocking at my door, and I cannot ignore them. I'm prepared to devote all my energy into work while I'm young. Although I'm anxious about my private life, but if I have any additional time, the thing I want to do most is still to practice."
His responsibilities as a Korean artiste is the main thing that inspires him to work harder.
"As a Korean artiste, I cannot simply smile at my overseas fans and film commercials to earn money. It's important for my fans abroad to understand the korean culture, and I will strive to let my fans see the best side of it. The thought that I have a Korean face makes me feel a greater sense of responsibilities.
So other than practising his dancing and singing, learning foreign language for his fans abroad is also one of main tasks at hand. Other than achieving a standard of English where he can communicate effectively, he is also learning Chinese and Japanese.
"I should have gone studying at a language school when I was a kid."
Striving towards sucess in the year of the dog in 2006
"Promotional activites for the Japanese single starts in January. Then it's concerts in Thailand and Madison Square NY in February. Other than the nation-wide concert tour in Japan, there is still recording for a new album. Other than that???
"Rain's schedule is all packed this year"
"Last year was a year to let everyone know about Rain. This year, I want to show everybody my potential. Not just someone riding on the Korean wave, but standing on every stage with my true talents."
With the single release on the 25th this month, he plans to release another single in February and a full album in May.
After releasing his albums in 10 different cities, he will resume his concert tour. Known as the Justin Timberlake of Asia, Rain plans to make his move in US and Europe, markets which are not used to Asian artistes as yet.
"I'm worried and excited with such a huge market. Because nothing has been confirmed, so I cannot reveal anything, but I've been invited to a really great place for performance. Challenging a new stage is driving force that inspires my confidence on stage. Offstage I am nothing, and I have no idea where my position is, I must control myself. But onstage, I am the best.
Lastly, his resolutions for the new year?
"It's the year of the dog this year, isn't it?" Rain asked me instead. He answered, filled with anticipation for the new year "I was borned in the year of the dog. I believe this year will be another lucky year for me like last year. I'm looking forward to what is going to happen this year."
Source: Biwithrain// Jinlees@ Soompi
Chinese to English: Rayndrop
