With the ruckus that happened in the last Dream Concert, we eventually found out that the ten minute silence did happen again during SNSD’s performance.
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While it was not as extensive as 2008’s, it was still as damaging to the fanclubs involved.
How so?
As with the aftermath in Dream Concert 2008, fanclubs involved (e.g. CaTrEl) suffered attacks online from insane SNSD fans, threatening bodily harm, not just on the fans, but on their idols as well. Remember the fan accounts of Sones threats to harm Kangin and Sungmin?
And so we come to this year’s Dream Concert. After the boycott, the alleged physical abuse, and the so-called bullying, SNSD fans are now again on their online rampage.
After the statement released by K-sones, K-ELF took time in giving their response. With Suju’s comeback, 3rd fan meeting, and Dream Concert, they prioritized Suju’s activities and showed support to their idols as what any normal fan club does. Sones claim ELF are ignoring them regarding this issue, but right after DC, ELF were busy preparing the boys’ 3rd fan meet and after which Kangin’s departure for the military (date was finally announced). Why spend their time on placating Sones when, as a fan club, their main purpose is to show support to their idols, right?
A few days after the Suju fan meet, ELF finally released their answer to the Sone statement:
K-ELF’s Official Statement in regard of what happened during Dream Concert 2010
Firstly, we published this statement to express our view on what happened in Dream Concert and we are also sorry that we posted it late. We hope you all understand that we didn’t post it until now because we wanted to make sure that this statement is not based on momentary emotions. (This statement was written by fansite Supermarket and fancafe Onsemoro).
And we also would like to apologize to Sone for some ELFs’ bad behaviour of taking some Sones’ seats in LMNP sections, saying not-really-nice words and shouting “Go down to 2nd floor”.
Although we have apologized, we still think that we should correct those wrong parts in Sones’ accusation.
Everything arose from “seats in LMNP sections”.
Sones should not have demanded us to apologize, because they themselves belittled SM’s seating arrangement. Sones thought that Dream Concert is a paid-ticket concert although SM already divided up FCs’ seating sections. Even though the concert is a paid-ticket one or not, Sones still have to bear responsibility for a part of what happened. The source of all this is from “no-connection between ELFs & Sones”. Therefore ELFs and Sones both have to take responsibility for all issues that happened in Dream Concert. We want another statement from Sones.
Clearly, SM arranged the seating for FCs based on the differences of each FC. It is a careful consideration of SM, so that every FC can enjoy Dream Concert and have the greatest support for their respective idols. That’s the reason why the majority of ELFs only bought tickets in ELFs’ reserved sections but not in other FCs’ sections. However, Sones thought that they had few seats, and they officially launch a campaign of buyng seats in ELFs’ sections (without ELFs’ consent). Sones didn’t care about ELFs’ feelings and only thought for themselves, insisted that Dream Concert was not free but a paid-ticket one. If Sones could think that SM decided so to prevent conflicts among FCs and that ELFs only bought tickets in ELFs’ sections to enjoy DC and cheer for Super Junior, then all the mess in LMNP section would not have happened. Obviously, Sones were selfish.
FanClubs exist not to conflict but to support and cheer for their own idols. In Sones’ official statement, they wrote “We already foresaw what would happen in Dream Concert”. When reading this, we can understand that Sones unconsciously recognized their mistakes, and writing “foresaw” means that they already knew bad things might happen in Dream Concert. If Sones knew that bad things would happen, and if Sones didn’t announce about the seats and say something before Dream Concert, then this conflict would not have happened and we could show FanClub’s culture.
Those rumors about ELFs planning “The Black Ocean” and “shouting Park JaeBum” were all wrong. We think that all these rumors arose from the fact that ELF is the largest FanClub in Dream Concert this year, and from the clashes between ELFs & Sones. However, we – ELFs – already agreed to support all artists in DC, and ELFs also did support SNSD during their performance (some people from other FC said that let’s do it (Black Ocean) but the majority of ELFs didn’t agree). And when SNSD performed, there were many pink light sticks in LMNP section, and many ELFs were so surprised that they stared at those pink light sticks and didn’t concentrate on SNSD’s performance. But it doesn’t mean that ELFs lead “The Black Ocean” again, it’s really absurd.
This also proves that ELFs didn’t implicate Shinee World and other FanClubs to create “The Black Ocean”, and we couldn’t do this either with other FCs’ sections (ELFs sat on 3rd floor and Shinee World sat on 2nd floor. ELFs, Shawols & Sones sitting on 2nd floor could not know exactly what happened on 3rd floor). We guess that this is because Sones thought that ELFs were bad after what happened in Dream Concert.
And we admit that we had some wrong-doings in Dream Concert. Somes ELFs said not-nice words, but Sones should also admit that some Sones did have violent behaviour. No Sone, except dumb ones, can say that “all Sones overlooked ELFs’ wrong-doings”. Some Sones did pick a quarrel with ELFs again. We have proof. Sones asserted that they have proofs of what ELFs did, however, it is really absurd. The absurdness is shown in the sentence “all Sones’ proofs are 100% real and ELFs’ proofs are all fake”. Obviously Sones would think that “all Sones’ proofs are real but ELFs’ are not”. However, in contrast, Sones’ proofs can also be fake.
When Super Junior performed, almost all Sones on 3rd floor left. Some Sones affirmed that Sones still cheered and they showed some proofs. But all that proofs are only pictures of Sones on 2nd floor, who did not know the atmosphere on 3rd floor. And we state that Sones in LMNP sections on 3rd floor left. When leaving the stadium, they stepped on blue balloons and cardboards that used for “SJ=SJ” project.
Along with these, we – ELFs – want an official apology from Sones to ELFs and especially to Super Junior members, for creating and spreading these rumors, insulting and reviling us. We saw many Sones insulting Super Junior members about some past incident. ELFs want Sones to have an official apology about this. Sones reviled Super Junior members much more than what ELFs said about SNSD. And we even saw Sone humiliating ELF.
And before concert started, some FCs shouted artists’ names to support their own idols. Therefore, ELFs shouted SUPER JUNIOR, Shinee World shouted SHINEE, TripleS shouted SS501… ELFs didn’t shout SNSD but we didn’t shout 2PM or UKISS, and we are not responsible for not shouting SNSD.
Lastly, we were very unsatisfied with Sones’ official statement, because it didn’t mention Sones’ mistakes but only blamed everything on ELFs. In ELFs’ point of view, some of Sones’ statements were not fair, but we thought that we should first apology for what we did wrong, therefore we posted out official statement about Dream Concert. And we will also wait for another statement from Sones in regard of what they did wrong.
We hope that Sones will not cause trouble again with Super Junior’s FC – ELF as well as with any other FC at big events like Dream Concert.
In Dream Concert, FCs (especially big FCs) often use light sticks or cardboards to complete a mission, to form a message to their idols, for example "TVXQ Fly" or "SJ = 1" etc... This year is no different. ELF decided to form "SJ=SJ" which is a quote from HeeChul's Cyworld entry. Before DC10 opened the gates, ELF staffs were already inside the stadium to hang the banners & prepare for their mission:
As you can see, ELF planned to form the message right in the centre of their section. However, when the concert actually started, the "SJ=SJ" had been shifted to the right (from stage view):
It seems that ELF changed their plan at the last minute. Maybe it's because ELF realized that there were too many Sones in LMNP sections, so it would be difficult to accomplish the mission. A K-ELF said that Sones in LMNP sections refused to co-operate with ELF, that's why they had to move "SJ=SJ".
While both sides claim to be victims of physical abuse, it is clear who among the two are more respectful and more mature in terms of fandom. In Sone’s statement, we saw how condescending and how arrogant they were, claiming they were victimized and have done no wrong. ELF statement explained what happened but at the same time, apologized for any wrong doings. They took ownership of the fiasco EXCEPT for Sones’ ridiculous claims.
“…In ELF's point of view, some of what Sones said in the statement were not fair at all, but K-ELF still think that ELF should apologize for some ELF's wrong-doings first, so the first thing said in the statement was apologizing to Sones...”
And what do Sones do as answer?
On Super Junior’s public daum page, Sones started on a posting rampage, belittling ELF and Suju.
The place became overrun with Sones and the constant attack has made ELF simply go to their private sites instead of replying to Sones’ attacks.
Right now, SJ's daum page is still on hiatus from ELF, with message boards teeming with simple messages to Super Junior member Kangin and not much else:
Sones claim that ELF has gone into hiding because ELF are unable to provide proof while their side has “undeniable proof” against ELF. Their constant complaints have caused chaos on public fansites both in Korea and internationally. In the meantime, other fan clubs refuse to step down to Sone’s level by showing restraint.
Sones are busy running around with “proofs” and “news”, both of which are taken from fan accounts. The mere he-said-she-said by Sones are already being claimed as irrefutable truth as they deem that their fan club did no wrong and that they were the victims in this fiasco with everyone else in DC being the villain (led by ELF). In the meantime, ELF's "proofs" are being negated and branded as lies, with Sones claiming that they are just merely fan accounts.
This is the 3rd statement released by Sones after ELF produced pictures as proof of Sone assault. Sones claim though that the injury is of unknown origin and has questionable time stamp. They also claim to have found the the Sone who "supposedly" attacked the injured ELF in the photo. He claims, however, that it was ELF who bullied him and drove him from his seat and that he never attacked anyone. Sones, of course, stand by his statement.
SONE's 3rd statement also asked the ELF "victim" to come out in person to clarify the issue and if needed, will have police involved in the matter.
So proof of hospital entrance and injuries is not enough, with them saying that the person must come out to the OPEN (which will more like than not, be also OPEN to abuse from Sones). It's clear that they have been attacking the Public Suju forums, so imagine what they would do when someone comes out and says "Sones hit me, here's my face, name and address".
They claim the picture evidence of abuse is not good enough because the timing is debatable? But they agree only to the words of another Sone? Where is the irrefutable proof they're talking about? A Sone fan account is considered irrefutable truth but an ELF fan account is considered bogus?
If Sones were the only ones being abused and were bullied by ELF, then why is it that ELF's plan had to be changed because of Sones sitting in their section?
SONES keep on claiming they were wronged with pictures of themselves on balconies, videos of people discussing Sone abuse and telling other ELF not to cheer, but where is THEIR proof of being the victims of violence? Why are they the only ones being wronged? Are they honestly claiming that ELF reacted without being provoked? Where is their proof that no ELF was hurt? If Sones were so victimized, why is there proof that there where Sones in ELF's section, when apparently ELF were standing at the entrances not letting them in? If they were allowed in, then logic tells you they must have done something that deserved to get them to be told to leave?
Sones disrespected and attacked ELF following up to Dream Concert, they continued to do so during Dream Concert and even after, a week on they are still attacking and taking a hold of all public forums for Super Junior. IF they weren't so desperate to hide something why are they placing a full out attack on anything ELF/Super Junior? If they are such victims then why are they still attacking? Isn't this the type of behavior that is indicative of what they could have done at DC and had gotten the reaction from ELF?
SONEs started everything by doing wrong, we do not condone what some ELF had done, nevertheless they are now being attacked from every angle by Sone, any credibility is lost when they claimed to be bullied while subsequently bullying and attacking a fanclub and taking over their public forums. ELF have not gone into hiding, they simply do not want to sink at the low level of Sones who continuously abuse and badmouth ELF while THEY were first to claim that there was no Black Ocean.
The first and last person to apologize should be Sone, for firstly taking the seats that were not theirs and refusing to accept that it was wrong. When the reaction that was spurred on by their actions took place, they STILL claimed they did no wrong and did all that there is in their power to attack possibly the only fanclub that showed "support" for their 9 girls. However sarcastic.
All we have is empty words coming from Sone, while they claim to have an unending archive of evidence.
They seem to be taking hold of these public forums to not allow anyone to be able to refute their "claims".
All their "proof" seems to also be of them taking videos where they're in the wrong places. Videos of them in Shawol's section, in ELF's, etc.
A Sone even posted a fan account stating how him and majority of Sones left immediately after SNSD's performance. He even pointed out that though Hyori and Suju were still to perform, SNSD section has already emptied out. While said fan stated a headache as an excuse, what are the rest of the Sones' excuse for their rude behavior? After ELF cheered for SNSD, what do Sones do for Suju? They leave.
One thing everyone needs to consider is this - how on earth could a black ocean happen on the day because of word of mouth, even if they use technology? So imagine 40,000+ people getting individual notes and messages while their idols are performing on stage with blaring music and blinking stage lights.
No matter how hard Sones try to pin the blame on ELF, one needs to use logic and make common sense do the talking.
Whether or not an ELF was attacked, SNSD was going to get the BLACKout/Silent treatment anyway. The answer lies, once again, in the lead up to DC2010.
What Sones did by breaking the unspoken code of fandom, was not a first strike. They have done it before and still continue to be the overbearing, deluded fanclub they were 2 years ago, constantly attacking fandoms online.
Yet now, due to SME's massive promotions,they have inflated egos, much like their girls.
Proof?
Stealing LMNP sections and refusing to believe that they have done any wrong until now.
Leading up to DC, it's not hard to see their actions and their blatant disrespect towards ELF, a bigger fanclub than a lot of those attending, and a senior fanclub at that. Seeing ELF being harassed and disrespected drove other FCs to sympathize with them, and knowing that, Sone continues to act all high and mighty even after DC08, just like their Idols. Other fandoms suggested to have a ten minute silencing again. After all, if Sones can so readily stab another fandom in their "SMTown family" in the back without thinking, goodness knows what they could do in the future to other fandoms not under the SM banner.
And evidently, even though ELF refused, individuals in other fandoms probably felt the same way and wanted to present SNSD and their fans with some humble pie.
Thinking that one text and word of mouth created an entire stadium to be left in darkness in protest, is ludicrous. Not saying that those means were not undertaken. To say that ELF planned it and made everyone else do it is even more so. If anything, it seems that ELF were planning to keep their lights on anyway, as what was mentioned in the official statement prior to DC.
So who really is to blame in all that has happened during Dream Concert 2010?
All fanclubs who attended have been affected one way or another in the fanwar that involved this year's CHARITY concert. Pointing fingers and accusing one another never really solves anything, if anything, a good explanation and apology would suffice. However, out of all the fanclubs, only Sones have managed to remain arrogant in their claims of being "victimized" and "bullied". No apology was ever given of the LMNP seat-stealing fiasco even after they themselves have reaffirmed that they bought those seats on their own accord. If anything, they blamed SM Entertainment for the mess. Nor did they justify the campaign they made of buying seats in LMNP section a couple of hours prior to G-market opening ticket sales.
Time and again, Sones have proven their rudeness, and this time, even their arrogance. Though to be honest, this shouldn't really come as a surprise given that their own idols never showed any indication of remorse nor regret with their own bad actions. Fandoms reflect their idols and vice versa. Now if only SNSD would step up and correct the actions of their fans, much would be resolved. However we all know the image SNSD projects - that of "innocent" little girls... and Sones' projected image? That of "bullied" ajusshis and fanboys.
Sources:
Daum
DC fan blog
Much thanks to Bento_Box for the collab and a big shoutout to our STAND family who also contributed to this article:
Zoy
Telruunya
Jung Lee
Last edited by queenbee on Wed 02 Jun 2010, 12:43 am; edited 1 time in total