Always Keep the Faith

It wasn't my intention to start so early on this topic, but it was definitely something that I knew would come out some day.  I just didn't think it would be my first.

Last week in my Accounting class, my teacher had just finished a new lesson and at the end of the day, she looked at all our confused faces and said in her Scottish accent, "I know it's still new to you guys, but you'll understand it better when we go over it again next class.  You just have to always keep the faith in me."  I am not kidding.  It did make me smirk loud enough for the people sitting closest to me to raise their eyebrows in question.

So with that being the case, I've been itching to get this out my head for a while.  I'm sure all of you have come across some current TVXQ videos or articles where fans leave behind some of the kindest comments towards Yunho and Changmin, and you read them and nod your head happily, but then they finish it - sign it off with - AKTF.  And at that point, your just --->  =(

Now let's analyze this always keep the faith quote.  I'm very well aware that OT5 fans use this quote the most, thinking its supposed to mean "always keep the faith that we will be 5 again" but does it really?  Now this phrase wasn't something the five of them agreed on and continuously used.  Nope.  Only two of those past members have used it ... and tattooed it ... and God knows what else.  So why did it become Cassiopeia's slogan?  I know for a fact the Yunho and Changmin - the only TVXQ members still standing - haven't ever said those words.  Heck, Junsu didn't use those words either - not that I know of anyway.

This phrase came out during a very tough period in TVXQ's lives, when the break-up was a big threat in the making, but again I emphasize, it was created by people who knew the break-up was definitely happening.  So maybe always keep the faith isn't a TVXQ phrase.  Maybe, it was all along, a JYJ phrase - a final attempt to hold onto the fans they knew they'd surely lose when they realized the truth.  What I do know for certain is that they no longer use that phrase themselves.  And while they never said it, they sure have left behind messages to give the fans hope - messages like "it's weird but three of us have dreamed of Yunho and Changmin at the same time".  I rolled my eyes when I read this and hoped it came from their guilty consciences and not another attempt to get attention - but who am I kidding?

While these fans drink up the words of the three, like it's alcohol, no one likes to listen to a word Yunho or Changmin ever says.  "We speak with our actions".  And that's exactly what they have been doing ever since their comeback.  They haven't given us (dare I say) false hope, but have stayed true to us through their actions and continuing to keep TVXQ and it's reputation alive with their excellent vocals and stage presence.

So what is AKTF?  Is it a psychological attempt to make people believe JYJ is still a part of TVXQ?  I know a huge part of their (JYJs) success has more to do with WHO they are rather than the sound of their music, so maybe that quote worked after all - or maybe I'm analyzing this a little too much by making the guys out to be a bunch of evil geniuses (although their actions in the past has already directed me towards that conclusion).  Whatever the case is, AKTF will always leave me feeling icky, especially when I see them on current TVXQ stuff.

So there you go!  My first topic!  Sorry, my thoughts are kind of disorganized, but this is my rant on always keep the faith.  And the moral of the story?  Be 100% certain about the tattoos your getting so as not to have any regrets!  =P