A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a concert boasting a roster of top-tier Korean celebrities.

Among them were FT Island and CNBLUE, two of the most popular Korean groups in Japan. 

A mother of one of my son’s friends had offered to sell me the ticket — a VIP seat no less — for a bargain and I went, mostly out of curiosity.

Just exactly what was the attraction these celebrities have for the Japanese audience, and what is the chemistry between the two? Armed with this “journalistic” mission, I drove out to Makuhari Messe, an enormous exhibition hall about an hour away from central Tokyo. 

At first, I was stunned by the orderly fashion of things. There was a single convenience store before the main entrance, and everyone obediently lined up to grab things off the shelves, then stepped back in line to pay.

Afterward, we stood in yet another line to enter the concert hall. While the excitement was almost palpable, everyone was quiet and cooperative.

Several signs said photos were not allowed, and I did not see a single camera throughout those four hours. People were charged and energetic, but still achingly polite.

After the first song, a lady who had been jumping on her feet suddenly and shyly turned to us. She said she was an avid fan, and would probably be on her feet throughout the concert, so she wanted to ask for our understanding in advance.

So sweet was the gesture I could only stammer a “daijobudesu” (it’s okay) with an awkward smile. 

The celebrities also put on quite a show.

I had come after a Japanese Foreign Ministry official told me Korean stars are facing some backlash for falling behind in their treatment of Japanese fans.

They were lazy about visiting Japan, or the tours would be called off abruptly. Other times, the performance was not up to par.

My friend — in hushed tones — said there had been “slight” disappointment among fans when FT Island was not in exactly mint condition on the first night of a two-day tour.

“But we understand, it’s tough because they have such grueling schedules,” she added in a hurry.

Fortunately, that night, everything seemed to be up to standard.

The singers were enthusiastic and fun. I did feel that the singing could be better, and the songs were not exactly to my Korean taste, but all in all, it was quite enjoyable.

Above all, it was a pleasure watching the celebrities talk in fluent Japanese to communicate with their fans.

Money was at stake for sure, but I could sense a sincere effort from both sides.

Unfortunately, this sincerity has not reached other corners of the two societies’ relationship.

As most of us know, an agreement was recently reached on compensation for Korean comfort women — ladies who were forced to offer sexual labor during World War II by the Japanese — but many remain unsatisfied.

I personally have no opinion about the deal. Or rather, I do have an opinion, but I do not wish to express it as I feel we need to continue to watch how things progress.

But I do feel that amid the anger and indignation, Koreans may have lost their sense of where they are headed.

A solid partnership with Japan is vital for its economic sustainability, especially now Japan appears to be finally pulling out of the doldrums. In fact, some economists go so far as to claim it may be the only remaining bright spot in Asia.

Korea is thus advised to very cautiously weigh its options, and its pros and cons at this time. The Park Geun-hye administration must maintain a level head and remind itself that its top priority is the national interest.

If that goal can be reached with the latest deal, it must grimly push ahead. For this, it will need to gain public approval. Enlisting U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s support was a smart move.

If, however, it decides Korea’s interests may be compromised in any way in the present or in the future, the government needs to stop in its tracks.

Unlike the Hallyu fans who are willing to put up with some degree of fickleness, the public won’t stand being shortchanged again.

By Kim Ji-hyun

Kim Ji-hyun is The Korea Herald’s Tokyo correspondent. — Ed.