Goodbye, King of Pop

By Oh Jung-hun

I learned how to understand CNN news at a private language institute for two months. Whenever I watch news stories from around the world, I like to copy some of them ― much like a newspaper ― for my class.

Of the many I have seen, it was quite enjoyable for me to listen to a marvelous story titled ``Young Aspirants Dreaming of Becoming a Second Michael Jackson.'' It was more impressive than any other news item.

Many children applying for an audition to become the ``second Michael Jackson'' were standing in a long line, braving the bad weather.

Several entertainment agencies' staff members were looking out for possible

candidates. A few months have passed since I listened to this amazing news.

However, shocking news has recently broken ― Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest, though later, it was reported that his death was due to overmedication.

After the formal announcement, most of the fans across the world were overcome with grief.

Obviously, he was an idol worshipped beyond national boundaries, not only by overenthusiastic fans but also lovers of his music.

A male fan hearing the sad news on a London street burs into tears, trying hard to come to terms with Jackson's death.

From coffee shops in India to streets in Iraq, many fans were gripped by an outpouring of sadness and nostalgia for his music. There is no doubt that he deserves the title ``King of Pop.''

To my embarrassment last week, I also saw a scene resembling the above-mentioned situation. I have attended a religious service for foreign residents for one-and-a-half years where quite a few foreigners participate in the service.

A female worshipper from California burst into tears while praying on stage. I heard from other participants that she was a passionate fan of Jackson, and was planning to go to the O2 arena in London, where he was scheduled to give a concert in two weeks. In a sense, her sadness seemed beyond description.

The singer had been plagued by pedophilia and child molestation scandals, that saw him become a recluse amid deep frustration and cynicism exhibited by his fans.

However, most have been addicted to his music, rather than remembering alleged misdeeds, and were waiting for him to stand up again. His enduring hit songs, ``Thriller'' and ``Billie Jean,'' are still remembered as classic, timeless pop tunes.

Presumably, these two songs, which cemented his status as the King of Pop, might have countered his mistakes. Those reaching the highest in stardom are highly likely to be involved in some scandals or misdeeds.

Frankly speaking, I had also mimicked his famous ``moonwalk'' dance, which thrilled and intoxicated me ― his music generated an addictive effect, enough to listen to it many times over.

Like me, many Koreans admired his revolutionary dancing, choreographed with skill that was electrifying. Some fans copied his curled hair and military-style zippered-jacket and found the highest delight in the course of imitating his songs.

Especially, when he was present at the inauguration ceremony of former President Kim Dae-jung and visited the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, Korean fans remember that he showed them modesty with a smile.

He gave us huge pleasure through his versatile music. He was also active in fundraising for poor African children suffering from starvation by singing ``Heal the World.'' He deserves praise for his humanitarian efforts.

``Michael Jackson made a culture a person of color. To call him an icon would only give these young people in Harlem a fraction of what he was. He was a historic figure.'' This comment from an American pastor shows that he was one of the pioneers opening a new age. I pray that he may rest in peace.

Oh Jung-hun is a teacher of Somyoung Girls High School at Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province. He can be reached at dicapripk@hanmail.net.