By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Roufida Abouelwafa
Photos = Egyptian Shawols
"Thank you Shinee for shining for the past nine years." That's the No.1 trending hash tag today. The SM Entertainment boy band has managed to capture the hearts of many fans around the world, including fans here in Egypt, and it has been nine years since they made their debut in 2008 with the album “Replay,” followed by many hits, including "Lucifer," "Ring Ding Dong," "Sherlock," "Hello" and many others. With such a huge sum of hits, it inspired their Egyptian fans to send them a thank you message. There's no better time than on Shinee's ninth anniversary.
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| The Egyptian Shawols, a K-pop fan group, dance at the pyramids. They're all from different backgrounds and ages, gathering to express their love for all things Korean. |
"When a person joins a fan club, it's the years that count. It's like I know each member and they're like my extended family. I still remember when I heard the song 'Reply' for the first time. I got this mysterious vibe and chill and I couldn’t stop listening to it. Here I am, seven years later, and I'm still a member of the Egyptian Shawols. Like I said, it's the years that count," said one fan.
The Egyptian Shawols, a K-pop fan group in Cairo, celebrate Shinee's anniversary every year and try to come up with new ideas. Last year, the group celebrated the eighth anniversary with a flash mob. They danced to Shinee's most beloved songs, such as "Lucifer," "Replay," "Hello," "View," "Everybody" and "Ring Ding Dong."
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| The Egyptian Shawols hold a flash mob in one of the most famous ancient streets in Cairo. |
I've always admired being part of a fan club. We're so dedicated and attached, and want nothing in return except for the welfare and happiness of our favorite boy bands. The Egyptian Shawols are no different.
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| The Egyptian Shawols send the message, 'Happy ninth anniversary to our shining boys! You stay shining, the brightest! Stay solid.' |
I loved this message at the end of the article because, as you can see, it's wrapped with warm feelings.
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| The Egyptian Shawols send the message, 'Happy ninth anniversary to our shining boys! You stay shining, the brightest! Stay solid.' |
I just want to say thank you for making me happy when I'm always down and for inspiring me. I might not have been there back in 2008, but I promise I'll be there until the end. We love you, Shinee, for nine years and for forever!
At the end, what defines the love of the fans is what Tupac Shakur said: "With all my fans, I got a family again."
Click here to see a video of the flash mob.
wisdom117@korea.kr
