Behind the Scenes

Lumina's friend Jisook took us out to meet her friend Euna. Jisook warned us that Euna was famous, but we really didn't have any concept of how much.

L to R: Jisook and Euna


Lumina and I enjoyed the evening, the elegant French restaurant, the stopping for tea at a cafe' afterward, the light and quite delightful conversation, and how willing everyone was to laugh.


The cafe' was an especially novel experience. Despite the cold winter night, we sipped our teas and hot chocolate outside. The restaurant provides its patrons huge umbrella heaters above, and blankets to wrap yourself in. And coming from someone who is traumatized by cold, I was quite comfortable.


And then it happened. This man actually followed us from the restaurant to the cafe'. I spotted him early and kept my eyes on him, skeptical of his suspicious behavior. Then he took his opportunity to ask for Euna's autograph. I then realized that the whole cafe' inside had been looking over at us, pointing, and smiling at Euna.

Lumina and I decided to investigate.

"So how often do people ask for your autograph?" Euna thought for a moment.
"Several times a day," she nodded.

Wow.

"So...how many albums do you have?"
"10."
"Do you do music videos too?"
Euna's husband was there by that time. He was a charming man, dressed in a thick black turtle neck and a black pea coat. He was impressive and just... charming. He answered the question.
"Oh yes," he sighed, "she's done many music videos."

Euna and her husband decided not to live in Seoul, and they don't go in public very often. After 10 years of being famous and signing autographs, she admits it gets old. Instead they live outside of the city where it's quiet.

Euna offered to take us home. We got in the back of her little silver volkswagon bug and begged her to play us one of her songs. Impressive. I wished I had heard of her before this. At one point she turned around to me and laughed. Her smile was genuine. I decided I really like Euna Kim. As we piled out of the car, she bent her head to me.

"Emily, I really enjoyed getting to know you. I hope I see you again before you go."

I thanked her, complimented her to-die-for smile, and decided to buy (one of) her cds.