happy second anniversary to my boys, my stars, my only loves~♪ i can't believe it's already been so long! i feel like it was just yesterday you performed 다시 돌아와 for the first time. yet you've came so far in the past two years, have done so much, have improved so much! i'm so happy that you have finally managed to break through and find your place within the industry this past year. there is no one, no one who deserves to shine more than the seven of you do. and at the base, i know you're still the same boys you've always been, the same boys who ranked in the low 30s on charts, the same boys who got their performances cut down to two minutes, the same boys who spent over a year working hard only to see others find success. nothing like fame or popularity will change who you are. i'm wishing you all the best for this new year of your career, and i can't wait to see what it will bring! may you find happiness in everything you do, may you keep on shining bright, may health be by your side, and may you never stop smiling the most beautiful smiles this world has seen.
i've had a lot of doubts along the road... but at this point, i'm sure i will walk by your side until the end. there is no other artist who has ever taken as much place in my heart as you boys do, and there is no other person i have never met that has mattered so much to me. you're some of the most important boys in my life, you are the brightest stars in my sky, you are my entire universe. i will always love you (｡˘ω˘｡)
financial issues have prevented me from sending you physical gifts yet again this year, so instead, i opted to make use of my big mouth and easy words... and simply wrote up a list of 100 of the many reasons why i love you. i doubt anyone will read through the entirety of this novel, and yet, this was enjoyable to write and made me appreciate you boys even more, if that was even possible (〃ω〃)
i love infinite because of...
001 ○ their music, simply. they're the only kpop group of whom i truly enjoy the music of~
002 ○ how i never seem to get tired of their songs! it's been two years of 다시 돌아와, several dozens of thousands of plays of their discography, weeks of non-stop looping, and not for a minute have i stopped enjoying listening to them~
003 ○ their vocal skills. sungkyu and woohyun are simply so powerful, definitely amongst the best of the industry, dongwoo and hoya are impressive and extremely skilled as well, myungsoo has grown into an above average vocalist and there are times where even sungyeol and sungjong sound great. not to mention how well they all harmonize!
004 ○ their rapping is impressive as well, especially compared to others of the industry. dongwoo and hoya are truly good at what they do, and i think their parts are more often than not the strong points of their songs rather than an embarrassment!
005 ○ all the instruments used in most of their songs! it's so refreshing compared to all the electronic sounds in most pop songs, and i think it's a big part of why their sound is so different~
006 ○ the fact that half of them can play instruments! sure, they're not particularly impressive, but considering how many other talents they have as well, it's always wonderful to see myungsoo, woohyun and sungkyu on the guitar, or sungjong and sungkyu on the piano!
007 ○ their dancing abilities. i won't lie, i do think they've lost their 99.9% synchronization ((it's more like 90% now L O L)) but that isn't the only important thing! they're still extremely sharp, captivating, execute elaborate moves and extremely tiring choreographies, and it's so rare for them to ever make a mistake.
008 ○ their choreographies as a whole! as a dancer, i've always thought the majority of choreographies in kpop were extremely embarrassing... but not infinite's, especially not when it comes to 다시 돌아와, hysterie, be mine or the chaser. they execute them incredibly powerfully as well, and truly appropriate each movement to themselves.
009 ○ their live performances! they give their best, don't lipsync, and are always so captivating and entertaining!
010 ○ how they've always been so strong on stage! their first broadcasted performance ever is still my favorite, it's things like these that make me think that they truly were meant to be on stage!
011 ○ their music videos! although some parts in certain of them are embarrassing, they're really amazing as a whole. the cinematography, the unique coloring and camera shots and angles, their acting, their dancing...
012 ○ the chances they take with their MVs! going for a 50s concept for their debut definitely was risky... as well as the original BTD MV, which ended up being banned for violence L O L
013 ○ how they're never... too serious? too professional? they work so hard and always give their best, but they also always seem to be enjoying themselves and be ready to play around! they just don't take themselves too seriously~
014 ○ how charismatic they are, especially while performing! it's really impressive how such silly, childish, light hearted boys can take a stage and make it theirs, capturing everyone's attention and give such strong, solid performances!
015 ○ how the to main vocalists and the two main rappers could switch roles and still sound amazingly good! it's amazing how all four of them are amazing singers as well as good rappers, much better than many other "rappers" in the industry L O L ~
016 ○ the fact that sungkyu was in a rock band and hoya was in a dance crew in high school! not only is it interesting, but i think it also shows that singing and dancing was something they were passionate about even before signing a contract.
017 ○ their wide range of talents. most people only think of hoya and dongwoo the triple threats, but truth is, all seven members excel at several performing arts? singing, rapping, dancing, acting, modeling, instrument playing, the list goes on~
018 ○ how dongwoo, hoya and woohyun write lyrics and even have interest in composing! i think that infinite will eventually have the potential to create the entirety of their songs on their own;;
019 ○ their confidence! it’s one of my favorite thing about infinite, and what made them stand out from everyone else in the industry to me. they know their worth, and they always give their all in everything they do because they want to show that they can back up all the confidence they have~
020 ○ their humility! i think it is possible to be both confident, and humble. even if they know their worth, they still seem very open to criticism, and gladly take in advice to improve themselves. they never insult or bring down others, and most importantly, they seem genuinely happy and grateful whenever they are complimented, loved or rewarded.
021 ○ their taste in music and their musical role models! i love how they clearly favor western artists, and i definitely think that's one of the reasons as to why their music is so good~ michael jackson, stevie wonder, justin timberlake, ne-yo, nicki minaj, usher, mariah carey, omarion, beyonce... the list goes on and on!
022 ○ the way the four oldest members really think outside the box of being an idol~♪ infinite even once confessed that they were expecting to debut as musical artists, not idols! yet, even as idols, they take inspiration elsewhere and constantly improve their skills, really bringing them a notch above!
023 ○ how despite all the popularity and success they've garnered in the past two years, they haven't changed one bit. they're still the same sincere, passionate, polite, fun loving, crazy boys they've always been.
024 ○ how adorable each of them are? they're seriously the most precious boys there is, in so many different ways.
025 ○ and they're adorable in a natural way too, because their aegyo... well... L O L they're just so silly and most of them go so overboard and are so annoying with their aegyo, and i love that! aegyo is stupid, so be stupid on purpose~!!
026 ○ how much they cared for their puppies. even if it was for a television show, their love for them still really showed, and the fact that they cried so much when they had to leave... it was really touching, and i'm so glad that animals can take so much place in their hearts.
027 ○ their chemistry on stage! they all work really well as a whole, and it's obvious to see why their team work is one of the things they're the most proud of!
028 ○ how none of them truly take the spotlight more than an other! "if you relate it to soccer, instead of putting out the best, we take the ball together"
029 ○ their concepts! none of them are ever too over the top or embarrassing, yet still all relatively interesting~
030 ○ their infinity logo accessories! be it matching necklaces, rings, or even earrings in dongwoo's case~
031 ○ how they really seem to want to add their own to everything they do, rather than following exactly what they're given! for example, hoya suggesting moves to add to their choreos, or how woohyun and myungsoo insisted on acting in the BTD music video by themselves, no matter how much work it would be, rather than hiring random actors!
032 ○ how there was a live band on stage for their concerts! it's very professional and reminded me of true music concerts, rather than just another pop concert~
033 ○ their covers, be they solo songs, duets or group covers! they always do such a great job of covering songs and make them their own~
034 ○ the variety in their stage performances! their fanmeetings and concerts and the like always seem to be so entertaining because each stage is so special~ they try many different things, dance stages, stand-and-sing stages, stages with one of them playing an instrument while another sing, serious stages, less serious ones~
035 ○ how they've barely changed from how they were prior to debuting, or even prior to signing a contract? not only do they look quasi-identical physically, but there's even a few stories from their classmates in middle and high school out there, and the way they talk about them, they're still essentially the same boys they've always been. of course they have improved themselves and changed in so many ways, but at the base... i think it shows that they're not fake celebrities and don't pretend to be someone else.
036 ○ their easy laughter! they really seem to be able to find amusement in anything, especially each other~
037 ○ how despite being korean idols, they don't always do exactly what they're asked to do, and won't pretend to be someone they're not. it's really interesting and cute how they'll sometimes straight up mention the individual image the company gave them, and how they're unable to fit that image!
038 ○ their silliness when speaking english or japanese... it does sadden me that none of them are particularly good with either of those languages, but it's funny how they love playing around with those second language of theirs while still working hard to learn!
039 ○ how photogenic they are! it depends on the member, on their choice of facial expression and posing, but overall, they all are able to look exceptionally good in photographies~
040 ○ their arm muscles... this is such a shallow reason L O L but i do adore their arms, and am glad they show them so often nowadays!
041 ○ their wide variety of facial expressions, from cute to funny to ugly to plain scary L O L
042 ○ their physical proximity~ not the ridiculously fake, over the top fanservice stuff, but the small, in-the-background precious things like giving each other massages when tired!
043 ○ the way they'll often laugh or play along when one of them does something silly! they just really seem like easily amused, fun loving guys who appreciate each others' sense of humor L O L ~
044 ○ how not only are they close and comfortable with each other, but with the others' families as well! it's really fun to see dongwoo hanging out with sungyeol's family or the boys going to eat at hoya or dongwoo's family restaurants~
045 ○ the way they often seem to see things positively! smiling and remaining polite even when swarmed by huge crowds of fans, or saying that bad rumors are better than no one talking about them...
046 ○ how legitimately surprised they seem to be each time they see how loved they are! it's really precious how they'll always mention how surprised they were to see so many fans cheering for them whenever they go overseas or the like! i think it really shows how humble and thankful for each of us they are (｡;ω;)~
047 ○ the passion they all have for what they do. so many idols seem to only want popularity, but infinite all truly seem to have grown to adore what they're doing, and i think it's a huge part of why they come off so strongly!
048 ○ how thankful and happy they seem to be for the opportunity they were given, as well as for having met each other. i think they all really adore being in infinite.
049 ○ how they had to work hard to get good things. they weren't put in a large comfortable dorm, beautiful dance studio and didn't get success handed to them on a golden plate. it somewhat saddens me that they had to pull through so much, but at the same time, i think it really shows their determination and just how much they deserve everything they have found.
050 ○ how polite they are! it's really lovely of them to be very outspoken and friendly, and still extremely polite and considerate of others! they had barely debuted that already heechul talked about them on his radio show, saying how impressed him and the rest of super junior were by infinite's politeness!
051 ○ their legs! even if they've all grown to be relatively thin, they all have quite muscular, long, curvy legs, and it's so attractive~
052 ○ simply how weird and crazy they can get? they really do some of the weirdest things ever, rolling down sand dunes in suits, climbing into their windows from outside, making human sandwiches out of themselves, i could go on for hours
053 ○ how sincerely nice and loving they are to their fans. it's not just for show either! any fan who has met them always have nice things to say, their gratefulness, politeness, kind words and honest smiles, going out of their way to wave or throw hearts...
054 ○ how they actually remember most of their fans, notice them, wave at them, smile at them! i should be jealous, but instead, i'm touched to see that they truly hold us dear~
055 ○ the fact that most of them love sports, especially soccer! i love athletic guys, and i love how woohyun and dongwoo had even thought of being soccer players before they became performers (｡;ω;)
056 ○ how sweet they are with their male fans! this should be a given, but anyone who's informed enough should know that there are so many homophobic male korean celebrities who're terribly disrespectful towards their male fans. yet infinite are just as nice with them as they are with their female fans, and have never said anything bad or negative concerning them.
057 ○ their cute beauty marks! i love how they're just covered in them from head to toe~ honestly, i used to be really self-conscious about my own ocean of beauty marks, but they really helped me see that it can be a beautiful thing L M F A O (｡;~;)
058 ○ how hard they've worked to get closer to their dreams, before even signing a contract. hoya who didn't have his parents' approval and dropped out of school. woohyun who auditioned countless times for years before finding a place. sungkyu who lived on his own and did nothing but work and audition, without ever being accepted anywhere ;;
059 ○ how much they endured through their trainee days. running--not jogging--several kilometers along the han river each morning, even in the middle of winter, dancing until they passed out and found themselves on a hospital bed, singing until their vocal chords hurt, hearing negative rumors, and all this, not even knowing if they would ever debut, and even less if they would ever find success.
060 ○ how no matter how much they're tired, strained or sick, they'll never stop doing what they love. they really don't sit around and whine about injuries or sicknesses either. even with a burning fever woohyun will still get on stage and perform at a fanmeeting, even if he's supposed to be in casts sungyeol will dance as if his ankle was in a perfect condition, even if they've been performing, dancing, singing, rehearsing, every day for months, they'll still be bursting with energy and showing their beautiful smiles.
061 ○ how all of them are constantly improving, both as individuals and as a group! they never stop working hard and improving themselves, and it truly shows, especially with their vocal skills. it's been two years now, and the length they've come is simply astonishing.
062 ○ their lack of any shame... they really do the most ridiculous and embarrassing things ever yet rarely seem embarrassed by them L O L not to mention bathing and showering on television
063 ○ their versatility! not all of them are as good at it, but overall, they do so well with many different kinds of concept, styles and energies~
064 ○ their fashion sense, actually! they all have really different taste and i always love seeing what outfit they'll come up with next, especially dongwoo and woohyun's unique, colorful & crazy outfits~
065 ○ their love for food! i'd like to believe them when they say that they're only thin because they're extremely active and constantly dancing and don't actually cut on their food too much. they really seem to love food and it's cute how most of them hide snacks in their stuff L O L
066 ○ how they like to poison each others' food and feed each other food that fell on the floor as a joke... it's disgusting but hilarious and silly WHY DO I EVEN LOVE THIS ABOUT THEM
067 ○ their smiles. i've seriously never seen any smiles as beautiful as theirs, and the sincerity in them makes them even more beautiful (｡;ω;)
068 ○ to go along with the previous point, their adorable eye smiles! they're just so precious~
069 ○ THEIR STUPID, LOUD, UGLY, HILARIOUS YET STRANGELY ADORABLE LAUGHS L M F A O
070 ○ their beautiful lips! of course dongwoo and woohyun take the crown, but all seven of them have stunning, gorgeously shaped lips~
071 ○ the dozens of different ways of making heart shapes with their bodies and "throwing" hearts that they've developed (￣∀￣；)
072 ○ the way they've learned how to be sexually attractive without being... well, trashy? rather than constantly taking off their shirts and being awkwardly, embarrassingly sexual, they just have a natural sex appeal in their choreographies, facial expressions and self-confidence! and rather than putting emphasis on their abs and butts and crotch it's face, neck, eyes, lips, chest, legs, etc~
073 ○ their honesty! they're so honest and straight up about things, and i think it's what really differentiates them from other kpop idols. they talk about their imposed image, fanservice, scripts, everything. they just really don't seem to be any good at pretending!
074 ○ somewhat related to the above, the way they always blow up each other's spots, point out lies, or simply laugh at cheesy or fake words (｡-ω-) it's really funny and i absolutely adore that they're so genuine!
075 ○ their sincerity, especially when it comes to their tears~ they really don't hold anything back and it's incredibly touching to see. i think it really shows how genuinely grateful, touched and happy they are...
076 ○ regarding that, i find it incredibly touching that most of the times where they've cried was during fanmeetings or concerts, simply out of how thankful and happy they are for all of their fans' love and support (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)
077 ○ how much they do for their fans, the things they tell us--not the stupid silly things like you're my girlfriends!!! or the like, but true messages of support and affection--and how they genuinely care about us. it makes me feel like everything is really worth it, like i'm not wasting my time giving so much of myself to them~
078 ○ the live broadcast they did for us at midnight on their first anniversary, exactly one year ago! i wonder if they're doing anything again this year... even if they're not, it really meant a lot that they took some time just for us, at midnight, in between two busy days of schedules for this~
079 ○ how they always comfort each other while crying (இ⌓இ๑) tight hugs, tear wiping, smiling at the others through their own tears~
080 ○ how loud and talkative they are! it's something i adore in people, and no one does it better than they do HAHAHAHA none of them are quiet, especially not when it's just the seven of them. there must never be any quiet, dull moments with them!
081 ○ how attractive they are, despite not fitting beauty standards or being stereotypically attractive? their inner beauty and confidence really makes them shine, and you really grow to love their unique traits~
082 ○ the fact that most of them play video games, on top of owning several games and gaming consoles, both handhelds of their own and home consoles that they share in their dorm~
083 ○ their love for anime & manga! they own more volumes than i ever did o m f g and it's lovely how dongwoo and myungsoo even collect merchandise and accessories for their favorite series! we're truly meant 2 b
084 ○ all the toys, plushies and action figures in their dorms... i can't believe these kids L M F A O i would say it's cute but i'm not sure dennis rodman and snoop dogg action figures are kawaii
085 ○ continuing on with the list of weird things i love them for owning and loving, all the western cartoons, movies and tv shows they watch and own DVDs of! IT'S REALLY HILARIOUS AND EMBARRASSING THO WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THEY DOING WITH A DVD OF SEX AND THE CITY
086 ○ their love, affection and comfort with animals ;~; i'm really glad leader got over his fear of dogs, and wish everyone in the world could do the same!
087 ○ the wide variety of interests they have! i mentioned pretty much all of it already, but there's seriously nothing better than people who love music, dance, fashion, sports, movies, tv, anime AND video games! it's also lovely how they like things from many different cultures, be it american music or japanese animation~
088 ○ just... how good they are for each other? each in different ways, but i really think that they all bring out something in the others. passion, understanding, various skills... for example, woohyun said that it's thanks to the boys that he learned how to be more talkative and less shy, and they often mention how certain members help certain others with their dancing, rapping or singing (｡;ω;)
089 ○ somewhat related, they also really seem to take care of each other a lot. going to the others when they're having a hard time, sitting all together and talking out all their worries and issues, comforting and massaging each other, doing everything in their power to cheer the others up or help them when they're sick, and most importantly, the way they put the others', and the group's well-being before their own.
090 ○ their good relationships and reputation within the industry! they seem to be quite loved by their seniors who compliment them a lot on their politeness and talents, and seem extremely close and friendly with so many groups! it's great to see, and i think it really shows how truly respectful and friendly they are~
091 ○ their group name, actually! most kpop groups have really random if not stupid acronyms as names... yet infinite, even if simple, has so many beautiful meanings that are really appropriate for them.
092 ○ all the different... roles each of them play within the group? and it's not ridiculously fake things like ~*~the cute maknae~*~the bossy leader~*~etc~*~ that a lot of groups have. it's things like how sungkyu takes charge of them and feels responsible for everything, dongwoo who's somewhat like their counsellor and mediator, woohyun and hoya who keep everyone motivated and help them improve and stay passionate, myungsoo who keeps everyone in line and calms the mood... they really all bring something to the group, both emotionally and professionally!
093 ○ the various different types of relationship each of them have with the others! some pairs come off as bickering brothers, others as friendly rivals, others as sassy life partners, others as childhood friends... none of them are particularly awkward with an other, and it's really fun to see!
094 ○ their bond. i truly think they have something special. it's not fake either, it's not all rainbows and flowers. they admit to arguing, often tease each other and some of them seem to hold a friendly rivalry, but they clearly know how to handle their difficulties, never seem tense or uncomfortable around each other and look like they'd walk through the depths of hell for the others.
095 ○ this is more of a personal reason, but the fact that my two favorite men in the world, my love and my role model, the ones i'd go to the end of the universe for, are in infinite, is definitely a big factor!
096 ○ how all seven members are so lovely in their own way. i think that if one truly takes the time to get to know more about each of them, they'll fall! they're just extremely charming, wonderful boys, and i truly adore all seven of them.
097 ○ all the things they awaken in me... L M F A O it's probably unhealthy, but i strangely enjoy having found people i love enough to be willing to cook them food, buy them a bunch of clothes, take care of them, clean their dorm when they're too tired to do it themselves, massage their sore tired bodies, pray for their happiness, the list goes on and on HAHAHAHA can i adopt them pls
098 ○ how they never fail to cheer me up. no matter how dark a day is, they'll always be able to brighten it up~
099 ○ how simply perfect they are in my eyes. they have a lot of flaws, a lot of things that can make me understand why some people wouldn't like them, but to me, they're the most wonderful people on this earth. they're exactly the kind of people i love, as celebrities, as artists, as friends, as brothers, as lovers...
100 ○ simply... how thankful i am for them. i'm just so happy to have gotten to know them, to have found boys that mean so much to me, that i love, that i look up to, that bring me so much joy and teach me so much. nothing makes me happier than knowing that they are happy. i just absolutely adore them, and most likely always will.
