The Real Jiyong

Chapter 1: The Proposal and Approval

China's POV

I had been doing research and trying to finding out as much as I could about Jiyong Kwon. Not that I didn't know anything about him, he was the leader of BIGBANG a nationally and internationally acclaimed Korean boy group. His first album Heart Breaker in 2009, One Of A Kind in 2012, and Coup d'Etat in 2013 as well as Shine A Light in 2010 and Tonight in 2011 which featured group member and rapper T.O.P . Jiyong Kwon is known as a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and a fashion icon; these where just some general facts that those who considered themselves a fan would have to know, or otherwise known as Idol Basics 101. But I wasn't searching for more facts about him, I was looking for the human truth elements that where in his character, the 'so what' about him and who he was. He's a well known idol in South Korea, so many would ask 'Why should it matter?' So it meant going to basics and studying his non- verbal expressions the things he did when he was not talking but listening when other band members spoke during interviews, also the way in which he viewed himself as G-dragon and as Jiyong. Did he see them as two separate mirrors of himself or were they both the same person?

I studied the interviews, listened and noted down all the types of questions asked, they all seemed topic specific and related to the common themes that surround a lot of idols, the general 'want to know' questions about who they date, their ideal type, -this breaks down into rather objectified specifics- and then future prospects on marriage and children. Question and answer segments were fans ask or make requests and the idols do as asked; skits showcasing their humor side acted out ending off with a takeout from the idols themselves, what they enjoyed about the show and a message to the fans thanking them whole heartily for the continued support. All these seemed to give you a peek into the character and type of person that he 'might' be but there laid the problem. It was like making assumptions of what type of person he was without full evidence. So it was back to the drawing board for me from there.

The articles posted online related and conflicted with one another when it came to some stories. Also, fan sites and bash sites did not seem to help to spread their own views and opinions about the idol, which made sorting the true from the false much harder for me. This seemed to happen on both English and Korean websites, which added more pressure and stress. My Editor and Boss at the time wanted me to really give her solid reasons as to why this interview had to be different, why the same methods from past interviews were not relevant. The reasoning for me was simple, all the media were portraying the side of him that they wanted to, never giving him the opportunity to really tell his personal story and journey instead made to just merely confirm or disprove what is already out there. After weeks of drafting, re-editing and almost wanting to throw my laptop to the floor my proposal for my interview with Jiyong Kwon was complete. A two-page spread with images included reasonable evidence to support the reason I wanted to be involved with all the behind the scene touch points –which in my career is pushing your luck as some say.

But the very next day I walked into the office building charging towards my Editor's office with the biggest lump in my throat, hands trembling, from the excitement and terror not knowing if she will tell me to redo the whole proposal. I stood for a few minutes outside her door recollecting my thoughts and with a shaky hand tapped once, then twice and she called out.

"China? Come on in."

Clearing my throat, I pushed open her door and placed the two-page proposal on her desk. "Well,...you asked for a good proposal as to why I wanted this interview here it is." I uttered as confidently as I could. She raises her head and smiled at me.

"Well...I look forward to reading it. That will be all, thank you China."

I nodded walking out heading straight to my office the phone rings as I enter. Sitting in my chair letting out a huge sigh of relief I pick up the receiver.

"China dear, how did it go? Did she give you the old thumbs up?" My mother asks all excited.

"No Mom not yet...I just handed it to her now...I'll know in a few minutes or so." I answer back and sat in my chair.

"Call me when she gives you the news." My mother replies with an excited tone in her voice.

"Sure I will mom." She ends the call as I put the receiver down and get working on other stories that need my attention.

Hours pass by as I'm chatting with Elena Marie about her MC Job at one of the KCON shows that's taking place in Atlanta in two months time.

"I'm still really unsure about working with Andrew Guy I mean he's a little out there...if you know what I mean." Megan pulls a face.

"Well, that's work for you girl, how do you think I felt working with Pablo Sanchez...he thought every girl in the room would fall for him...oh and he talks none stop! Should have seen how the producers were waiting for him to shut up." Megan and I laugh together.

"Guess so...just hope Andrew is not as dramatic. Megan sighs.

"I'm sure he's great haven't worked with him, but he seems okay. Don't stress too much about it you'll be fine." I rub her shoulder.

Megan grins looking out my office window. "Well, Dragon Lady is summoning you to her office...you better hurry.

Jolts up out of my chair, "Oh boy, the moment of truth..." I rush out of my office trying my hardest to mask the terror that boldly written across my face; tapping on her office door. "You...requested to see me?"

She smiles, "Yes I did, close the door, please China."

That statement was always 50/50 warnings sign that something good or bad about happened. I closed the door and sat down playing with my hands under the table.

"You have nothing to be nervous about, have you ever been called into my office for doing something bad?" She asked calmly.

"Well... no, I have not"

Thinking back that was true, the last time she called me into her office was to give me the good news of my promotion. I had only worked with the company for two years, and now given the position of the Head Journalist and Publicist which meant that I could do more 'on the ground' interviews which were why I really wanted to do this interview with G-Dragon.

She smiled; I guess she could tell I was deep in thought.

"It is about your proposal for the interview with G-Dragon, I love it! The structure is simplistic and it works I'm giving you full creative ground on this one, which means I'm expecting big things from you China you hear me! This can't slip up in anyway. Congratulations China, now it's just to get the okay from him and his manager about doing the interview"

Shocked I squeal not able to hold my excitement.

"Oh thank you! Thank you so much, Paula, I won't disappoint you! Oh wow, this is amazing!"

Paula smiles, "I know I have faith in you, now get going you've got some calls to make and emails to send."

Standing up I thank her again walking out of her office screaming, spinning and skipping to my office. "Ha, I got it! Yes!" Once In my office, I pick up the receiver and call my mom.