Rain will not sing in the Beijing Olympics

Last week, I read in the news that my Korean husband, Rain (Bi), was offered by the Olympics Organizers to sing the official in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Of course, as a fan of Rain, I was happy to hear that he was offered such as a prestigious opportunity. It would immensely boost his career as a world star if he would be able to showcase his talent in the Olympics especially that he has an upcoming international movie, Speed Racer, to be directed by the Wachowski brothers. The Wachowski brothers are the same people behind The Matrix series.

However, with this offer, a round of cyber debates between the Chinese and the Koreans ensued. This is of course because the Chinese were questioning the organizer’s choice of choosing a Korean in the Beijing Olympics when there are a number of good Chinese singers who can do the honors.

As much as I love Rain, I understand the appeal of the Chinese. The Olympics is their chance to showcase to the world what they have to offer and and it would be ironic if a foreigner would be doing one of the highlights of the show. Although we are all Asians, and Rain is arguably the most recognized Asian singer nowadays, it would still be more appropriate to see a Chinese singing in the Olympics.

That is why I am so proud of Rain’s decision to turn down the organizers because for him it makes more sense if a Chinese would be the Voice of the Olympics.

It is very hard to get this kind of opportunity but it is even harder to turn down such offer knowing the exposure that you can get. He is still planning to hold another event in the Olympics but not as the main voice of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

I wish him good luck and I hope that this ends the cyber debates that are on going.