FAN ACCOUNT - Meeting AJ
a side note before reading the fan account, AJ is already back in Korea with U-kiss promoting their latest single "Standing Still" in their 3rd full length album "Collage". I am shipping it at my blogshop . Do support U-kiss , I don't think they should always win, but they deserve to win at least once. I will update more about their new album tomorrow ! ^^
Date: October 4, 2012
Location: New York, New York
Event: None. Was just waiting for my friend for dinner.
So it was a random Thursday night and I had dinner plans with a friend. We were going to check out this Korean restaurant my Korean teacher recommended to me. My friend was working late, so I ended up just walking around K-Town to wait. As I was walking a guy nearly bumped into me so I looked up to see him smile and walk past me.
Inner thought: Wait… that… was that… Was that AJ from U-Kiss? …. He IS studying @ Columbia University right now…. it might be… but maybe it isn’t.
I decided to test my luck and approach him as he was by himself checking out a restaurant menu.
Me: *shyly… Hi…uhm… would you happen to be AJ?
He turned around, looked at me and said…
AJ: Maybe… ?
Me: Oh, I meant, are you AJ from U-Kiss?
AJ: … Maybe… ?
Me: *laughed at his playful response* Oh. Well… if you are, I just wanted to say hello. I’m a big fan and I saw your performance last year in LA @ KMF. ^__^
AJ: Wow, you know us? How?
Me: Yeah, I’ve been listening to KPop for a while now and so I know you guys and your music is really great!
AJ: Wow! Thank you! How long have you been a fan (of kpop)? Do your friends listen also?
Me: Hmm… I’d say a long time now, maybe since 2008? But before then I use to follow groups like 1TYM and Shinhwa. And yes, my friends listen to kpop also and they know you too!
AJ: Wow. That’s so cool.
Me: Yeah, so… Uhm… what are you doing here?
AJ: Oh, Well… I miss home (Korea) and I miss Korean food…(this was my “awww! moment”) so I came here… *gazes at the menu… then returns his attention to me* What are you doing here?
Me: Me? Oh…uhm… waiting for a friend. We’re suppose to have dinner nearby.
AJ: That’s cool. Are you a student?
Me: Oh… no, hehe I’m working now.
AJ: Oh what do you do?
Me: Uhmmm banking.
AJ: Wow, that’s a lot of work then. Your hours must be long huh?
Me: Yeah… I mean, it’s not bad. Only sometimes. How about you? You’re attending Columbia University now right?
AJ: Yeah, I’m studying. But I’m not sure what I want to do after.
Me: What do you mean? After you graduate or do you mean with U-Kiss?
AJ: Yeah, like after I graduate and with U-Kiss. I’m interested in a lot of things right now and unsure what I want to do exactly.
Me: That’s okay. That’s what college is for. You’ll figure it out as you go along. ^_^* Plus you’re really smart and talented, so you have nothing to worry about.
AJ: Aw, thank you. That means a lot! … so have you been in New York long?
Me: *giggles* Yes, I was born and raised here. I’m a native New Yorker.
AJ: Oh wow! I haven’t met a native New Yorker yet.
Me: Nice to meet you then! lol, if you need anyone to recommend places to you, you can let me know. ^^*
AJ: Ah that would be amazing, but I don’t have time w/ school now. My schedule is really tight and the courses are really difficult.
Me: Yeah, but you’re smart, so it’s kay.
AJ: No… I’m not smart, I’m just really hard working.
Me: I think you’ll do really well with whatever you choose to do. Don’t worry so much. Are you enjoying New York so far?
AJ: Yes, I am! Although, I haven’t had much time sight see yet.
Me: Ah, hopefully you’ll have time after finals.
AJ: Yeah… hopefully.
Me: Well, I don’t want to take away your time. It was nice to meet you and talk to you!!!
AJ: Oh, yes same here! Wait… what was your name?
Me: Oh yeah, Jackie.
AJ: Nice to meet you, Jackie *reaches hand out for a handshake*
Me: *Smiles and shakes his hand. *I was Just about to walk away…then…
Me: Oh! Would it be okay if we took a picture together?
AJ: Of course!
Me: *after photo* Thank you! I hope you have a great time here and good luck with your finals!!!
… I know somewhere in that convo we talked about school, the future, and different paths AJ could take…but I don’t remember the exact details of the convo. So I just left it as this. I definitely spoke to him for quite a while and i didn’t realize how much time passed.
AJ is very smart and very kind in person. He was also really normal. I’m happy I had the opportunity to chat with him on the off chance that I was waiting for my friend. ^__^*
I think this was the first IDOL encounter where I felt the most normal before/during/and after also. lol, I don’t know how I was able to keep my composure. Seriously, he is an incredible person. AJ, I hope you do well in the future! Fightingggg!!!
PS - This encounter was SO much easier b/c AJ was able to communicate in English with me. lol. all my other fan encounters were difficult since I have the Korean knowledge of a 4yr old. IF that! OTL…
(Cr: to the person who wrote this).