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Rain has come

By Jules Quartly
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Mar 31, 2007, Page 16

Rain's star power may have reached it's apex. PHOTO: NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE

Rain came prematurely to Taiwan because ticket sales for his concert today in Taoyuan (桃園) have been slow. What should have been a quick in-and-out has become a promotional slog for "Asia's king of pop."

Though just 25,000 tickets were on offer at the 35,000-seater Taoyuan County Stadium (桃園縣立體育場) for the "Rain's Coming" world tour of 17 cities in 11 countries, local organizers were not feeling the love. In comparison, tickets for Rain's 2005 tour sold out as soon as they became available.

Hence, Rain's personalized jet arrived a day earlier than expected on Thursday. The plane has a picture of the South Korean idol, with wings, wrapped around the tail. The image is strikingly similar to the mythical Icarus, but the symbolism is probably lost on all concerned.

The same day he checked into the Grand Hotel (圓山飯店), Rain was asked to perform at a press conference. Some fans tried to get in for an audience with their hero but meekly gave up the quest when a small security detail told them to go away.

There was no screaming or fainting and no groupies, either. It was a little disappointing.

Possibly the most enthusiastic fan was Aiko Moriguchi from Japan, who managed to get into the press conference as her tour group had access privileges to Rain in its package deal.

The senior manager at a trading company in Hong Kong has seen five Rain concerts in the past two years.

"I was on vacation so I took my chance and came here," she said in a combination of English, Chinese and Japanese. "He's so sexy, his personality, the way he talks, sings and dances. He's so shiny."

Like many of his female (and male) fans, Moriguchi wanted to be Rain's (and male) fans, Moriguchi wanted to be Rain's boyfriend. Asked whether he already had a girlfriend, she said she wasn't sure.

"If I can't be his girlfriend I will be his friend, or work for him, anything to be close to him, to be by his side." It is part of the marketing strategy behind Rain that he appeals to so many people and a personal life would only muddy the waters.

He's the kind of pop star who stays on message, plays it safe and avoids controversy at all costs. Image is everything. Smile and the whole world will smile with you. At his press conference Rain was impeccably dressed in a white jacket, unbuttoned shit and striped, gray trousers. He worked his million-dollar grin, nodded politely and gave his Korean wave.

When asked about his impressions of Taiwan so far, he said he had been impressed by the happy mood of the country and said the local steamed dumplings (小籠包) were cheap and tasty.

His private jet was comfortable, he said, but it was a bit embarrassing for a shy person like him. Asked by the Taipei Times whether he had ever spoken to the stars that inspired him — like Michael Jackson, Madonna or Justin Timberlake — Rain replied he didn't know them.

Later, the South Korean TV idol did what any self-respecting tourist in Taipei would do. He went to Taipei 101 and enjoyed the night view.

As of press time Rain's promotional efforts had not filled the house, but the VIP area was booked out.

Taoyuan County Stadium is at 1, Sanming Rd, Sec 1, Taoyuan City (桃園市三民路一段1號) and as of press time tickets were still available from Era ticketing at www.ticket.com.tw, priced from NT$800 to NT$6,000. Or call the concert venue at (03) 319-4510. The concert starts at 7:30pm.

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