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Louder Than Permission

from: Portrait Image of Person Tae-jinTae-jin    to: Portrait Image of Person Gene SimmonsGene Simmons    Marker Icon for the Link to the Citymap
A person with long, dark hair sits in a dimly lit room, wearing black and white face paint with sharp, contrasting patterns resembling a mask. They are dressed in a black leather jacket and dark clothing, with visible tattoos on their hands. The setting appears grungy and cluttered, with a variety of posters and graffiti covering the worn-out walls. A speaker amplifier is seen to the right. The ambiance is edgy and counter-culture, with red and white elements adding to the visual intensity.




Dear Gene Simmons,

You don’t know me (yet), but my name is Tae-jin, and I am Pyongyang’s biggest KISS fan. Actually, I might be the only KISS fan here—but what I lack in numbers, I make up for in volume. (My neighbor has filed three complaints about my air guitar solos. Worth it.)

Today, I took my devotion to the next level. Deep beneath the streets of Pyongyang, in a secret tattoo studio lit only by a single flickering bulb, I made history: I got the first KISS tattoo in North Korea. The ink is fresh, the pain was real, and now, every time I look in the mirror, Gene Simmons stares right back at me—his tongue permanently out, just like the gods of rock intended.

I wanted you to know: even in the most unexpected places, the spirit of rock lives on. If KISS ever plays a secret underground concert in Pyongyang, you already have a roadie, a translator, and an illegal tattoo tour guide—all in one.

Forever loud,
Tae-jin

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The image depicts a vintage band rehearsal scene in a worn-out room. Four musicians are present, each engaged in playing their instruments. Two guitarists are seated on the left and right sides, one playing a bass guitar. The drummer is in the center, surrounded by a drum kit with KIHISC painted on the bass drum. The fourth musician stands with a bass guitar, appearing animated and in mid-performance. The room has a grungy, weathered look, with faded posters and peeling paint on the walls. A large window on the right side allows light to filter in, illuminating the scene. An array of cables and equipment is scattered across the floor, contributing to the room's cluttered appearance.

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