Rule of law, a journey & a Countdown:102 Days....

I survived the first week back in school... With God's help of course! Couldn't have done it alone. I admit, it was a struggle to get out of bed for school especially when the weather is soooo cold and staying under the blankets seem like a WAYYY~ better idea instead of going to school :P But, I got myself up, EVENTUALLY! If you're not interested in my current affairs blog article, scroll down to see the pictures of International Boarding Student - Sydney May, took them when she followed me to Singapore. Background story: Sydney May follows an International boarder back to their homeland every term break!! Yes, as of today, there are 102 days to my major university entrance exam :O

Since I'm back in prison, errr, did I say Prison? I meant my boarding House, I resumed my favourite pastime. Can you guess what it is? Yeaa~ It's surfing google news for global, regional and any-kind-of-other-news you can find. The news article I found was such a good example of the fundamental principle of law & maybe a little economics but mostly the law part... Yes, you might be thinking" Oh No.... Marissa has unleashed her passionate babble about law again." Well, Let's treat this as a warm up post shall we? I haven't touched current affairs topics in awhile. On the bright side, Kpop fans out there might appreciate this article :) Here's the link! CLICK IT! CNA: SM Entertainment impeded JYJ's Promo activities: Korea Fair Trade Commission 

Basically, SM Entertainment is one of the booming artiste management companies in Korea. Hence, they probably have the money and connections (Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry) to get whatever they want, sometimes even at the expense of the livelihood of others. From the article, JYJ used to be a group under SM Entertainment but due to some disputes, JYJ got out of the contract and went solo. Basically what SM Entertainment did was abuse their high status and connections to prevent JYJ from participating any promotional activities or interview shows in Korea. In my opinion, SM Entertainment was behaving like a jealous lover... Since they can't have them, no one else in Korea can have them too. A little childish don't ya think? I'm summarizing the article by memory for full details please read the full article.

Disclaimer: I'm trying to be as objective as possible here. Please don't get me wrong, I'm NOT wrtiting as an angry fan of JYJ. But more like a DISAPPOINTED FAN of SM ENTERTAINMENT. 

Okay, let's continue. So basically, the rule of law is that " No one is above the law". This means that everyone is equal before the law regardless of your family status, background, age, race, religion, etc... This article is encouraging because it shows that the government has acknowledged the problem of 'unfair trade' (because SM Entertainment used its power and connections to restrict JYJ from carrying out their performing business in Korea) and has taken actions to intervene by making the Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry to remedy the situation. A majority of people who have everything (fame, wealth, connections, etc..) think that they are invincible and nothing can obstruct them from getting what they want. At most times, they neglect the basic rule of law because they think that it does not apply to them. So think twice before you ever think of committing a crime and remember my blog post that says "NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW." 

From an economist's point of view, there is an oligopoly market for artiste management companies in Korea. Only a few major companies dominate the market. Why don't create more entertainment companies so as to deal with the inflow of many trainees who want to become celebrities and thus create a perfect competition market? Well, Oligopolies naturally have barriers to entry. Firstly, imagine the high cost to start up such a company, pay for the trainers and fund the trainees' living expenses until they debut. Not many people can fork up such a capital. Secondly, SM Entertainment are incumbents in their field of creating and promoting celebrities. They have the advanced knowledge that newbies in the market might not have. As such, the newbies will be at a disadvantage and might not last for long. Finally, as SM Entertainment has a long standing track record largely due to their branding and their successful creation of music groups, many trainees are likely to sign on with SM Entertainment as compared to some lesser known entertainment company. You can call it some sort of product branding or as my dad calls it, "A chop (stamp) on the forehead" :) In my opinion this led to SM Entertainment's "superiority mindset".

I'm trying to figure out if the Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry(KFPCAI) is a government agency or an independent. In the article, the KFPCAI helped SM Entertainment by sending out official letters to broadcast stations and music shops to restrict JYJ's promotional activities. IF KFPCAI is a government organisation, I would implore the Korean government to relook at the code of conduct set out by the cabinet and ministers. The minister in charge of this should be held accountable and provide series of actions he would take to minimise corruption within his department.

Oooh~ Okay that was a very intense post. Now... Let's enjoy the pictures of Sydney May's journey in Singapore!!

SYDNEY MAY's mode of transport. In my Sling bag~

SYDNEY MAY having fun at Super Junior's Super Show 5 in Singapore.
 (Oh Yea, Super Junior is a product of SM Entertainment... )

SYDNEY MAY at church with me learning more about God's love for us

SYDNEY MAY & I Shopping along the streets of Orchard Road!

At Abercrombie & Fitch Singapore. with one of the models/salesperson?
 I find this picture a mismatch. A buff guy holding a teddy?!
I'm sure SYDNEY MAY was a Happy teddy

SYDNEY MAY making a call home

SYDNEY MAY trying out Indian Cuisine

SYDNEY MAY in front of the Casino in SENTOSA

SYDNEY MAY at Festive Grand Theatre in SENTOSA

SYDNEY MAY taking a Selfie in front of The Addams Family Counter

Spot SYDNEY MAY among the Candy~

SYDNEY MAY with her M&M friends

SYDNEY MAY fascinated by this cool souvenir maker

SYDNEY MAY with the Merlion

SYDNEY MAY taking a selfie with the Universal Globe thingy~

SYDNEY MAY & I

SYDNEY MAY Doesn't wanna say GOODBYE :'(

 Yup~ That's all from me. Do keep me in prayer as my exams are nearing. Have an Amazing weekend with your family. I'm probably heading back to bed now :P the weather is so conducive for sleeping.

God's love & blessings~

Xoxo
Supergirl Marissa