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i — 🧍🏽‍♀️ (cr. @jung-koook)️

"Queer people don't grow up as ourselves, we grow up playing a version of ourselves that sacrifices authenticity to minimise humiliation & prejudice. The massive task of our adult lives is to unpick which parts of ourselves are truly us & which parts we've created to protect us."

- Alexander Leon

Be kind to yourself and those around you 💗💜

beautiful. | for @lesbiansloveseokjin

hello!

could you tell us about this expression "저 그렇게 쉬운 사람 아닙니다"? your translation of it, the context it was said in and how you interpreted it?

also what do you think of the fact that jungkook wanted to go to jimin's house to do the live and he said he'd take his things to take a shower there? O_O

thank you so much!

Hi, there! Thanks a lot for your message.

Oh well 🤭 let's take a look I guess!!

(*screenshot not mine)

To start off, I've seen a lot of discourse around this and also as to why/by whom it was deleted. To answer that first, it's hard to say because Jimin just commented:

"삭제해 버리네" which doesn't indicate who performed the action as the pronoun here is missing. He just wrote *he he he* "deleting" or "deleted"

He did use a grammar form 해 (어/아) 버리다 as to indicate that the action was completed in full; this grammar form can also carry an emotional undertone -as if someone was glad/regretful that the action happened. The best or closest interpretation of what he wrote then would be "he he he it's all deleted/gone" (alternatively: "he he he deleting it all") Did he mean he was glad he deleted? Or was he laughing that it got deleted? Hard to tell... You can see Jungkook understood it in that way, but I don't really see a reason why such action would be taken by anyone from the staff or moderators on the platform (if there are any).

Simply because what he wrote was very... brazen to say the least (we'll get into that) but in no way vulgar or inappropriate for broadcast.

Now looking at the preceding comment which you asked about... Jimin knew what he was doing with this comment 🤭 (and the nature of it leads me to believe even more he regretted posting so he deleted it quickly and was laughing about it)

"저 그렇게 쉬운 사람 안입니다"

This phrase closest translates to:

"I am not such an easy person" / "I am not that of an easy person"

First, this sentence is a commonly used phrase, you can also see by the formal tone in which Jimin wrote it as if he was quoting it- he normally doesn't have to / shouldn't talk with such high politeness with Jungkook and Jungkook responded in a highly formal tone and the typical Jimin-ssi for that very reason => which all adds another layer to this whole interaction (teasing upon teasing 🫣)

It's very commonly used when someone is in pursuit of someone else, whether it be trying to persuade you, make you do/feel something or make a move on you.

You would typically say this in a setting when a stranger is trying to get to know you/get your number or in other words is hitting on you and you want to politely and also a bit playfully reject. Of course, the context can also be that when a friend is trying to get on your good side, please you or persuade you. This answer is kind of teasing way to say "huh you think this would work on me?" It is a lot of times spoken in situations when you want to be playful/teasing/flirtatious and say: I'm not such an easy person (but)... [I'm not that easy to sway/your attempts have not been enough, you should try harder]. It can read as an invitation, a sort of cheeky rebuttal to say you know your worth and you expect more to be persuaded.

When put in the context of the wlive, there is more to consider. Jungkook was talking about taking it easy prior to Jimin posting that, when he read a few comments saying that Jimin should "go easy". I feel like Jimin's idea for the comment came from this moment. What leads me to believe he ended up deleting it is that the context in which he said made it inherently flirtatious and very suggestive: Jungkook naked in bed, trying really hard to persuade Jimin over a livestream to go see him and Jimin making prior remarks to Jungkook to uncover himself 🙈 And that's how it was understood by Jungkook as well as he then went on to reason that it was Weverse that deleted the comment (for it being somehow explicit).

**Also just to note, "an easy person" 쉬운 사람 as a standalone term in Korean doesn't carry an outright sexual meaning- an easy person in Korean is understood as more of a 'negative' term when you are too agreeable, when you don't stand up for yourself and let people walk over you and you are too easily taken advantage of. It doesn't have to do anything with someone's promiscuity. In the phrase Jimin used however, the implied meaning is different as explained.**

Very shortly to the last part of your message, he said: "I'll bring stuff to wash up with" most likely implying he was to stay at Jimin's after the proposed live and sleep (and from my guess wash up before his schedule).

"내가 갈게, 내가 씻을 거 챙겨가지고 갈게"

"I'll go, I'll bring stuff to wash up with and go."

(he was emphasizing that he has no problem doing it, he is ready to go).

Happy birthday Ruth Ellis!

Lesbian centenarian Ruth Ellis was born on 23 July 1899, and lived into the 21st century. Despite having no queer role-models, Ruth came out as a lesbian in her teens, and in the 1930s, she began a relationship with Babe Franklin.

Ruth and Babe were together for 30 years, with their home in Detroit forming a centre for queer Black life, and a refuge for queer Black people in the years before the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall.

In 1999, when she turned 100, Ruth was celebrated as the USA’s oldest living out lesbian.

Learn more

[Image: Ruth as an elderly woman, wearing a t-shirt which reads ‘DYKE MARCH’]

favorite jungkook looks:  my favorites ‘run bts’ episodes jungkook looks ♡  

Unpopular opinion: Jungkook is a LGBTQIA+ activist and people are too narrow minded to see it.

Him performing in Qatar wasn't him supporting a homophobic system, him performing in Qatar, while potentially being a queer person, is a show to that QUEER PEOPLE WILL THRIVE AND SUCCED IN SPITE OF BEING QUEER.

even if he's closeted, he still has the same rights as we do.

Music transcends language, barriers, borders, music doesn't see sex or gender its a universal emotion - Rani Ko-He-Nur

Just by being himself, by being unapologetic in the way he lives his life, in being proud of who he loves, because he does love, is a form of activism, simply because he exists

People condemn him for not coming out, but miss the fact that he performed, as a potential queer man, who is in love with another queer man, in a country that is homophobic.

QUEER PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO EXISTS IN THESE SPACES AND THEY DON'T OWE YOU AN EXPLANATION.

you don't think Ricky Martin felt the same pressures?. for years people thought he was straight, up until he came out, and then he was pigeonholed into now being a latin queer artist.

people owe you nothing, queer people owe you nothing, and demanding some sort of accountability for a member of your own community when it comes to representation is not only backwards but also unjust.

this June, on pride month, marks the 5 year anniversary of the second most deadly hate crime in the US. Pulse nightclub, where 49 people were killed and 59 were wounded, in a space that was supposed to be safe for queer people.

and I ask you as a Latinx queer person, are we supposed to stop living? are we supposed to be scared? are we supposed to not exist?. do people who are in the closet, invalid more then the people who are out?. no.

And you don't condemn the queer artists that perform in a country - the US - that is passing anti-trans bills, that supports conversion therapy, and that invalidates queer lives, but you feel it's ok to go after a POC person who is trying to exist while still being closeted?.

Jungkook get's a lot of shit from people, they throw him under the bus, they critique him for every single thing, and yet, no one takes a step back and really looks at him for the strength and resilience he has.

Jungkook deserves more respect, not just because he could potentially be a queer person, but he deserves more respect because he is someone who cares about people in a larger sense.

One day jungkook is going to tell us his truth, and I just hope people are ready to listen to him and accept/love him for the person he is, and not for the person you all think he is.

lesbians? yes or no

You can never have too many lesbians. Unless, following an encounter with an iceberg, you’re on a lifeboat with a strictly limited capacity, obviously.

20203011

The Daintiest of Koos

Who ever directed this photoshoot deserves a raise. They have really captured that part of JK which his big puppy dog physicality often overshadows. His delicate, sensitive side is on full display here.

Post Date: 20/07/2023

Credit: TikTok, kookiiecore

It's been hours and I'm still not over Jungkook and Sohee's lesbian outfits

please same. the stylists really popped off with this one.

I think the response that I keep seeing on Twitter to Jimin going to New York and most likely going to support Jungkook really does show just how weird people can be when it comes to Jikook. So many thought he was an amazing friend for showing up for Jhope and Yoongi when they probably needed a familiar face while performing but the idea of Jimin showing up for Jungkook isn’t also a sweet, good gesture? As if Jungkook isn’t also a precious friend to him who is performing over seas?? Who knows maybe he’s only going for work and it just perfectly lined up with JKs schedule. Just funny how this makes people lose their shit just because he’s being the good human that he always is and this time it’s Jungkooks turn?? Just weird😂

HIYA MY BELOVED!.

I was reading this and nodding my head the entire time, people are very weird indeed.

I place said people in 2 sections.

the 1st section is the - Upset Shippers

this is exactly what you think it is - when tkkrs who made up their story that Tae was going to Paris and then going to Qatar to meet up with jungkook and support him out there, and look, I don't think a single person was actually mad IF that had been the case. The members showing up and supporting each other is nothing new.

But it was the misinformation that was going around, because nothing was confirmed, nothing had been indicated that that was the case, and also, its the fact that shippers will do anything to take any lie or narrative as proof.

Kinda funny how those same people ate shit afterwards when Tae in fact didn't go to Qatar and came back home.

They're too obtuse to realize how spreading misinformation not only hypes people up in a toxic way that creates backlash and hate for Jungkook (never tae) just because of something THEY made up. But even more, it then brings up the question of WHY wasn't he there, which in turn inadvertently makes Tae look like bad friend - all for expectations their shippers create. Shippers don't think of BTS as people, and how poorly those false stories will look on them, it's only AFTER something like that happens that they realize "oh yeah that was dumb"

-- ask me about Jokers summer of 2019 next time, I've got a story for them.

But the fact that Jimin is in fact going to NY - for work, and has historically also been in the states, for work, while also supporting the members, is nothing new. This shouldn't be something that bothers anyone...... unless you know, those people have an issue with Jungkook and Jimin, which can include shippers, but it also includes....

which brings me to the 2nd section - the deniers

(btw I love this gif, Jungkook was MAD that day)

I think I've said before that Jungkook and Jimin could come out with rainbow covered shirts to "holding out for a hero" and say they lost focus and entered a consensual workplace relationship, and people would still think "oh my god, they're dating their stylists". I wish I was joking, but I genuinely think that would actually happen.

People who have a problem with Jimin going to NY at the same time that Jungkook's releasing his solo, and being there at the time said solo is released, while also being there for work.... is suspicious, right..

one might say it's homophobic

but also...... clearly they are trying to diminish the insecure feelings they have about Jimin being with jungkook, because no one had a problem when he was there for Hobi, Yoongi, and for Joonie during his album release...... but somehow have a problem with Jimin being with Jungkook?.....

It seems to me like someone (the deniers) are seeing something for what it is and don't want to admit it.... because why else would you try to say "don't make it about shipping". and I mean, no one ever did, we're just point out the obvious and the facts and it should be a moment to be celebrated, that Jungkook has someone there with him to celebrate.

BUT........ you know what they say

you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink

there's a part, somewhere in their brain, that flashes red lights, and goes "QUEER QUEER QUEER QUEER" and next to it there's a sign that reads "DANGER DANGER DANGER DANGER" that makes them act up and invalidate something as innocent as Jimin supporting Jungkook.

unless, they see what we see (which I think they do) and are afraid to call it by its name

me shouting: JIKOOK ARE VAMPIRES

ooofff, I feel so much better now that I've said that out loud.

but seriously, I think its with OT7's didn't really put much weight unto tkkrs going around saying that, and it's why tkkrs have been able to thrive in this environment for so long, because realistically, t/k doesn't raise any warning signs of a possible truth.

now jikook, they hate their shippers, because even if they didn't like them (since they can be annoying at times)... its deeper than that.

Jungkook and Jimin does raise warning signs, it does raise suspicion, and it does raise that little homophobic bell that is deep inside them.

IDK what they're going to do now that the song is out, and Jimin is with Jungkook - while also working - but also as they're both listening to the song being released with these lyrics.

I just know there's a glitch going on in their matrix rn, lmfaoooooo

They can cry and try to invalidate Jungkook and Jimin's bond, but you know what? we're just going to be over here vibing.

For a song that talks about loving right, and all of the other bits in there.... the MV was......

But you know what, I love jungkook

he's funny AF

I think he's a genius for his vision and the execution. I know it's a funny MV, but his vocal range is amazing. He has incredible control of his tone and it's such a pleasure to see him explore his sound more and more, and to feel more comfortable trying different genres and things.

The song is a bop and we're going to support it as much as we can!. Our jungkook deserves that.

now for the naughty bit....

there's more tension in this one gif than the mv shows, and that's not by coincidence.

I've said this before and I'll say it again.

Jikook makes me feel like I walked in on them, except I was in the room first 😭

I'm sorry this became another long answer to your ask. Artie makes a short post, when?!.

SUPPORT SEVEN!!! SUPPORT JUNGKOOK!!!!

I LOVE YOU

-- Artie

UGH!-6: But like … Did They Stutter?

Yet To Come - by BTS  [Proof]

[Music is a very big part of my life and I’m MOSTLY INCAPABLE of writing without music, so I just thought I'd share what I am listening to while writing this]

–🐺–🐺–🐺–

…

Given that even my coworkers, who generally REALLY DON’T CARE/KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BTS except for the ones who now have started listening to some of their songs thanks to yours truly, came to me saying “So. BTS. They are disbanding uh? …” the day after FESTA 2022 dinner, I’d say it wouldn’t be a gross generalization to assume that at least every ARMY, OT7, x/y/z-biased, solo, anti, shipper, whatever-you-prefer-to-be-called, saw FESTA 2022 dinner. Right? 

If you haven’t I’d highly recommend you to do so but as always you feel free to do you as the boys did explain everything that they could at the time, which is pretty much what is happening right now. They also made a couple of sentiments and statements clear, and I, for one, am writing this post even though I am painfully aware that the boys are never going to see it, yet I still wish to put out this message in the universe, maybe its energy will manifest and reach them somehow, as I would really like them not to think that we all have poor listening and reading comprehension. 

BTS’ CHAPTER 1: THE END OF AN ERA.

The Beatles. The Jackson 5. Menudo. New Edition. Backstreet Boys. One Direction.

According to the following Wiki definition this is what they all have in common:

A boy band is loosely defined as a vocal group consisting of young male singers, usually in their teenage years or in their twenties at the time of formation.[1] Generally, boy bands perform love songs marketed towards girls and young women. Many boy bands dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. South Korean boy bands usually also have designated rappers 🤡 LOL LOL LOL 🤡.

That being said, with hindsight, we can add/examine a couple of aspects, which have surfaced through the years and further represent boy bands. For example, the fact that at the very beginning boy bands were usually the union of a group of friends, or classmates, basically, people who already knew each other. Let’s fast forward a couple of decades, and we see that the music industry catches on to the fact that waiting for the next phenomenal boy band to magically appear is not sustainable and that is when they realise that they can actually make the groups themselves. So starts the scouting and the auditioning with the sole goal of slapping together supposedly talented boys who are complete strangers to one another, but who at the very least, have a desire to become rich and famous. “Win-win”. 

Moving on, around the same time, we'll have to leave the West and take a trip to East-Asia, where the boy band industry has had an even bigger eureka moment. What they’ve realized is that even though these boys may not have the affinity of a band of boys who already know each other, from a business point of view they can easily be molded into whatever it is on demand at the very moment, afterall, everybody loves a good story, and even better if it comes with a great soundtrack. So what better than creating a narrative for these boy bands, each member would have a role/character associated and fans can not only enjoy the music but also follow a sort of “storyline” as they watch for example the silent masculine strong member interact with the cute feminine talkative one. Even greater “win”, brr brr!.

Now, in an ideal world, all that reasoning would make sense and bring about endless profit, but we don’t live in such a place do we? The whole purpose of a business is to make money and if money is what you base your every decision on, sooner or later, you are bound to encounter problems that money can’t solve without changing things irreversibly and in most instances, for the worst. The thing about grouping ambitious strangers with the intent of becoming rich (usually more for the company) and famous (usually more for the artists) is that if you don’t have a common goal all you are essentially doing is building a glorified House of Cards. 

And don’t get me wrong, Longevity, is something that this type of companies, and the artists themselves, could only dream to achieve but never actually aim at. Nobody does, because it is very much a pipe dream type of thing. In fact, for the most part, the company's goal is it to at least have one amazing CD, make fans go crazy for a year or two, so that they can spend some money, and then if it doesn’t work anymore, the artist would hope to have garnered enough fame to allow them to start perhaps a solo career, or at least stay within the business, while the group inevitably disbands and the company moves on to the next group. Rinse and repeat ad infinitum. This has been the blueprint, and it was indeed the same blueprint used to form Bangtan Sonyeondan. 

It was the same blueprint, but Bang SiHyuk was a visionary that had goals of his own, with a knack for unusual experimentation 🤡. And exactly like a Mad Scientist, if you will, he played around with what he believed to be “slightly usual ingredients”. However, what he didn’t quite know at the time, was that these “ingredients” were actually very unusual. Some of the “ingredients” didn’t follow instructions, some very quickly dropped their assigned character, and some even had secret jobs but what they all had, and he probably didn’t account for or maybe he did, who knows right? was an extraordinary fighting spirit, which pulled up strong when it became clear that it was Bangtan vs the World. These boys had something to prove. They had somehow found their common goal.

As we all should know, early Bangtan, due to Big Hit's lack of reputation and funds, became the industry’s punching bag. This would have normally caused an “explosion in the lab”, instead, it created something new. The boys were fired up with this fiery will to fight back. They took the negativity and turned it into artistic fuel and did all of that while naturally learning about each other and consequently depending on each other solely. Somehow, these boys ended up actually liking each other. They kinda fought like members of a band made of family members, but had the passion of members of a band of strangers. They were an anomaly. 

An anomaly in a world that had rapidly become full of “anomalies”. Your everyday listener was, yes, looking for good music, yes, looking for something new and entertaining, but when they realised that they could also get someone who they could relate to; … 🤯🤯🤯. And so the “ingredients'' began to mutate. Along the way, they found their true calling, while adapting to their environment and understanding their receptors fandom, which also understood them in return, creating a never before seen bond, Tannies & ARMY, that brought them to where they are now; a world where THEY are the blueprint has anyone else noticed the number of boy/girl bands that got back together. 

These boys have created something unique. 

Something that other “Mad Scientists” have ever since been trying so hard to recreate in “their labs” and so far to no avail. This “something” is not only insanely lucrative, but also so emotionally rare, and has a chance at Longevity. These are boys who trust and genuinely love each other, but because they are also human, and have learned to be honest with themselves, they also know their limitations. And like they’ve always done, they sat down, exposed the problem, and tried to find a solution. And even though they didn’t have to, they also sat down with us, FESTA 2022 dinner, and quite clearly explained their solution. But, as always, the world managed to take their words and turn them into whatever sold better on the front page of the next morning paper we’ll get to that later on or/and whatever better fits their personal agendas. 

BTS’ CHAPTER 2: A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME, WITH AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF POSSIBILITIES.

Have any of you experienced moments where you just wanted some time to yourself? Like, you love your friends, your family, your job, your everything, but at the same time, you are mentally exhausted and you need out for as long as you can afford? This is usually what most people use holidays for, you might be thinking. But the type of out I’m talking about is the kind where you want to be able to pause your present life, start another life for a while, and then go back to your past life kinda out. Basically, a “have your cake and eat it” type of out. 

That’s what I feel the boys are trying to experience and I ain’t mad at it, not one bit. Cause, let's be real, most of us regular people can’t really afford to even think of experiencing such a thing without MAJOR repercussions to our everyday life. But not only do I feel like they deserve it, but if it also allows them to reach their goals, and solve their problems, it would be like killing two birds with one stone. I mean, they really are not hurting anyone, by wanting to have a chance to experience life outside BTS other than those who are setting themselves up to be hurt that is 🤡.  

October 2022 rolled around and we got the following:

This theoretically gives a precise time frame to BTS’ CHAPTER 2. Let’s say that being back together means that they will physically be together and do a WLIVE on the 31st of December 2025, that means that, if we assume their serving period to be 18 months, the latest any member can enlist is the 30th of June 2024 (which I calculated considering the 30th of December 2025 being their last day). Obviously, I don’t know if their plan is to be together by the end of December 2025 and start working on a new album in 2026. Or be together say by August 2025 and ready for a tour in 2026 with a new album; only time can tell. But for the purpose of this post: BTS’ CHAPTER 2 began on the 15th of June 2022 and could end on the 31st of December 2025.

SO, that being said, a couple of things happened on the 15th of June 2022 that I would like to point out and a couple of things, define a couple of others, and I would like for people to remember one particular thing:

THINGS TO POINT OUT:

Some OT7 ARMY decided to dip and come back when BTS comes back to be 7, so after MS.

Other OT7 and/or x/y/z-biased ARMY decided to support each member’s solo endeavour.

Last but abso-fucking-lutely not least, SOLOS FINALLY GOT THEIR TIME TO SHINE AND PUSH THEIR AGENDA, along side antis.

THINGS TO DEFINE:

FAMILY BOY BAND MEMBER or FBBMs: Is what I will call boy bands with members that already knew each other, or were already related, etc etc etc.

STRANGERS BOY BAND MEMBERS or SBBMs: Is what I will call the type of bands that were put together through an audition, selection, etc etc etc.

ONE THING TO REMEMBER OR REALISE:

There was a point in time when BTS was seriously considered by NOBODY. Many knew about them, but still wanted nothing to do with them. Some that knew about them, went on and treated them like trash. Even though they had the talent, it took their fandom at the time to be persistent in order for people to give them a chance. In short, differently from many FBBMs and SBBMs who eventually ended up splitting up after reaching fame, BTS experienced having nobody but themselves and their label and fame came AFTER THAT. Because everyone was a nobody before becoming somebody, but how many were nobodies, who were constantly shoved down by semi-bodies and ignored by somebodies before they became THE BODIES themselves? So yeah, they may be smiling to people that harmed them in the past, and they might have decided to forgive and forget in other instances, but as real and intended as the experience they had were, you can bet that so are the choices that they make nowadays. A method to madness.

If you are a businessperson like yours truly, or have dealt with managing a business, you probably know that it is like in Love and War; all is fair. Obviously, this brings about injustice right away, but this is a known fact, no matter how clean you are, if you come and play in a muddy place, what do you think is gonna happen? Not to say that everyone is trying to get down and dirty, in fact, there are people that try their best to keep clean, but the reality of the fact is that you are still playing in mud. Yet, there is a difference between purposely trying to suffocate people in those muddy waters and trying to simply play by the rules, harm as less people as possible in the process and going home to live another day and start all over again the next day. 

Life is about balance, that’s why I like the color gray so much, it is the balance between black and white. And even though the Tannies are our beloved artists, it is important not to forget that in their own right they are also businessmen. I’m sure they want nothing else than to be there for ARMY always in theri best capacities, but this is not a charity, their lives, and the people who work for them, depend on the amount of money they make; this needs to not be forgotten. Now, how they make this money, all depends on the muddy field they play in, but from what I can see they really try their darn best to keep as clean as they can and harm as few people as humanly possible. 

ALL THAT to say that, when you experience having NOTHING with a group of PEOPLE, you will TREASURE THAT GROUP OF PEOPLE. Hence, ONCE AGAIN and it will not be the last time, I’ll keep hammering this, Chapter 2 wasn’t brought by for them to spread their wings and keep the fuck out, but as a means for them to have the experience they each want to have so that they can eventually be together again, healthily in order ot achieve Longevity which I will also get to towards the end of this post, don’t worry. And this brings me right to the current issues on the fandom-streets: FAVORITISM & SOLOS.

So at the moment “JUNGKOOK and his radio play” are the most recent subject. I will not go in depth, as I’ll be damned if I brought up all THE UNNECESSARY energy that has been riding with this valid topic. In fact, one thing that I found very helpful in understanding the radio play issue, was the following post by Ororo and Artiechikoo: 

​​https://www.tumblr.com/chikooritajjk/722232413519052800/so-youll-are-basically-saying-since-the-industry?source=share

Now, once you’ve read that, you’ll understand that the ACTUAL ISSUE HERE IS: WHY DIDN’T HYBE SEND LIKE CRAZY TO BE PLAYED ON THE RADIO, and that ladies, gentlemen and distinguished enbies, is a legit ass question. However, none of the members have anything to do with ANY of that, or with anything related really. During Festa 2022 dinner, they all told us the order in which their albums were coming out, which would indicate that they all sat down months beforehand, and all discussed what they wanted to do during their chapter 2. I would also dare to say that they also all were responsible for their projects, promotions and every aspect of their chapter 2, but that is just me.

ANYWAYS, back to the Jimin radio play issue, which, once again, is A VALID TOPIC, that unfortunately is being muddied from all the shit that solos are bringing forth that has NOTHING to do with anything. Is like the story of the boy who cried wolf, when the actual wolf arrived, nobody was there to help. When you are still stuck on cakes, on accusing members of sabotage, or any moving thing at that, THE REAL PROBLEM WILL BE OVERLOOKED.

Also, just putting this out there, if you actually think that ANY OF THE MEMBERS is out there actively sabotaging other members, then rest assured that you are also stanning a phonie-ass person. If you took a second to check out every other member, for every member who is being sabotaged by members, there is a story about that same member sabotaging another member. MEANING that we would all be supporting a band of phonies, who wouldn’t think twice to backstab their band mates; ALL OF THEM. 

So when, for example, you are accusing JK of throwing JM under the bus, or in the mud, stop one second, breathe, and TRY to put yourself in JK’s shoes. Imagine for example, spending a whole day reacting to JM content, or even just the following:

And then, imagine not giving a fuck about him: HOW DOES THAT WORK EXACTLY? Yes we don’t like Scooter Braun, yes we don’t agree with MANY OTHER THINGS, but it is vital to know how to address the correct issue and not just burn EVERYTHING DOWN, or/and involve not concerned parties. So when for example, the company is to blame, then the fucking company is to blame only, and not everything you would like to blame along with it. 

I 👏🏾DO 👏🏾 NOT 👏🏾 CARE 👏🏾 FOR 👏🏾 SOLOS 👏🏾 IN  👏🏾ANY 👏🏾 WAY 👏🏾 OR 👏🏾 FORM 👏🏾. 

Not too long ago, I was making this example with someone who told me that there was maybe a valid reason for people to become solos, but to me it felt like people saying they had a valid reason for becoming Nazi; would I support a Nazi, no matter what reason? 🤡🤡🤡THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER WAY, and unfortunately, keep suffering for a while longer, is one of them 🤡🤡🤡Becoming a Nazi WILL NEVER BE THE ANSWER for me, in the same way in which BECOMING A SOLO WILL NEVER BE THE ANSWER. When you become a solo you actively decide to care fuck all about all the other members. Now the person you want to support, loves and wants to keep building something with the people you decide are expendable, so, once again: HOW DOES THAT WORK EXACTLY?  Being able to pinpoint the actual issue is hard, it is confusing, it is stressful, but it is essential, please please please understand that.

BTS’ CHAPTER 3: BTS IS ENDGAME. PERIOD.

… I mean, I really don’t want to sound like a broken record so let me allow them to say it:

💙:

Here is the link to the full article: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpgkLqbtEKB/?hl=en

🩷:

🖤:

❤️:

💛:

💚:

💜:

AAAAAND, Except for Yoongi who is being rightfully private precious:

ALL OF A SUDDEN, I have a feeling that Yoongi got a “matching tattoo with the rest of the rapline, so his tattoo is somewhere on one of his legs …These boys have spent YEARS OF THEIR LIFE fighting against all sorts of prejudice, hate, nonsense, and more. It used to be from those who never gave them a chase, but now it seems that the adversary-wave is coming from within the fandom. YEAH IT LOOKS BAD RIGHT ABOUT NOW. But let's emphasize the LOOKS part of that sentence, because Social media “ARMY” aren’t IT. 

When you spend too much time on any SM, it will feel like that’s what ARMY is ALL about but I can guarantee you that there are so many ARMY out there who don’t know or care about the noise and just mind their business and keep streaming and advocating for the right causes. There are ARMY who do their best to support the boys in the best way they can, even if they can’t afford to buy every single piece of merch. 

There are also ARMY who are waiting for the boys to come back and also those people who have no idea yet, but will suddenly become ARMY in 2026 when THE BIGGEST COMEBACK THIS PLANET WOULD HAVE EVER WITNESSED, will kick off after they announce their world tour. In conclusion, as always, DO AS YOU SEE FIT, but if you decide that, believing and following people who think that having the boys competing against each other for future solo supremacy is where it’s at, all I’d “cutely” have to say is that:

THEY DIDN’T STUTTER: OT7 IS ENDGAME.

HAPPY ARMY DAY 🫰🏾.

Always respectfully yours,

Marengo. 

gcft 5th anniversary <3

SEVEN - Let's Taco'bout it

been seeing the @'s people have been tagging me in, and the asks people are sending and I'm just going to reiterate what I posted here

I've always been honest and fair in my criticism of HYBE and their business practices, and I do hold them accountable in the part they played when it came to not only Jimin's album release, but also Yoongi.

But the discourse I've been seeing and receiving asks from is making my uncomfortable because I've stated that I'm not a manti, nor a solo, my concerns ALWAYS stem from the belief that an artist should be treated fairly, and BTS just happens to be the artists that I am passionate about.

And if BTS' representation isn't being properly held (by what I see) then I do use my voice to question them on why the fuck they're doing the things they're doing.

BUT

and I mean this in an important BUT

<hehehhe this jibooty pic is for @sunmoonbaes>

SORRY

I DIGRESS

ANYGAYS

BUT

not everything is a HYBE problem. BB changing their digital sales a few years ago, is NOT a HYBE problem. example

JITB, bb changed their rules so that there would be massive filtration in DIGITAL SALES. was this a HYBE problem? NO. What was a HYBE problem was that they didn't send out physicals for JITB, nor did they promote to radio / digital album sales.

IF people just stepped away from the Jimin victimization sabotage debacle they'd see the many changes that have been made BY billboard that cannot be attributed to HYBE.

Getting Jimin's digital sales incredibly filtrated BY BB, is not HYBE'S fault, that is an industry fault.

Getting Yoongi's physicals filtered BY BB, is not HYBE'S fault, that is an industry fault.

HYBE'S lack of radio push is on them and their representing label here in the US, BUT if Radio IS lying and saying they never received a radio single, even though they did, that's an industry and BB issue. and the thing is I don't trust anyone in radio, because they have lied in the past and they have openly shown hostility towards giving BTS' music spins.

And so what are we supposed to do about Jungkook?.

they've cut out digital sales, they've cut out physical sales, and if the only thing left is radio, THEN WHY SHOULDN'T his label, that represents him, that is essentially an investment for them NOT go after radio?.

People forget that HYBE also has a lot of money in these projects because of their returns. Stop seeing HYBE as a moral entity, and see them for what they are.

BUT JUNGKOOK - I ain't going to fault him for this

I'm not going to sabotage him because of decisions made by BB / people who are thirsty for power, and who have a lot of money bet on their western artists to succeed

BTS and ANY MEMBER OF BTS is a threat to the industry.

It's not a personal thing, it's not a solo thing, it's not a 1 member is better than the other, it's the rules and systems that have been put in place in order for these decisions to be made.

You can be bitter, and angry and frustrated, feel whatever you want to feel. But ME - I am going to put my anger, my frustration on the people who deserve it, and that WILL ALWAYS BE THE WESTERN INDUSTRY - BlLLBOARD

AND btw this is a tactic used by the industry to make fans within a fandom fight amongst each other. They pit their individual solos and ensue chaos BECAUSE it diverts from the problem. there has been so much proof throughout the year of companies paying fans to insight fandom fights, and to trash talk an idol.

Lest we forget the sabotage that Jungkook experienced in 2019. The sabotage that people keep yelling at me about Jungkook vs Jimin. Jungkook went through shit after shit after shit and shit because his album WAS MEANT to drop back in the summer of 2019, and everything that happened from the t@t, to his car accident (that wasn't even a fucking big deal) and all off that followed into the itaewon accident which was OUTRAGEOUSLY highlighted by the MEDIA, was sabotage. That man has fucking trauma.

Speak to Jungkook nicely.

My god... The bench, I teared up.

I'm so glad that you have such good, deeply good and loving, people as parents.

thank you for this article. this made me think that sometimes my behavior could be mini-aggressive. I am the parent of a transgender child. I try to raise my voice as loud as possible on the issue of equality rights for lgbtqa+ people (speaking of homophobia, my country is similar to SK), fighting for non-binary toilets in public places. but sometimes I may exaggerate when I bake a rainbow cake on New Year's Eve due to the arrival of my child's queer friends. I should think more what does it mean to be real ally

hi!

thank you for sending in your ask, and most importantly sharing this with me. I read this and I hope you know there was one important thing that stuck out to me.

"I try to raise my voice as loud as possible on the issue of equality rights for lgbtqa+ people (speaking of homophobia, my country is similar to SK), fighting for non-binary toilets in public places"

and especially this small part

"I should think more what does it mean to be real ally".

I try not to give too much reassurance on topics like these because I feel like there's always room for us to have a discussion, because sometimes we do things that are wrong.

But you haven't done anything wrong. From your ask and the way you shared your thoughts, I want you to know that I appreciate you sharing that with me, and I appreciate the trust,

Because it is a trust thing, to send an ask such as this and fear judgement, but when it comes to these type of topics, I try not to judge someone, because I know what it's like to have those anxieties and wonder if we could say something wrong. In situations as these, I really do try to show kindness.

The part where you mentioned "I try to raise my voice as loud as possible", is so important because those are the things that matter, and the things we do that make a significant change. Your advocacy for a better world, for safe queer spaces, is so important, and I admire the way you show up not just for queer people, but for your kids.

People give themselves such a hard time about "I should be doing more" but the things you do to make change happen are already huge. So I hope you don't take my post and feel as if you're not doing enough.

I read what you said about the cake thing, and I wanted to share a bit of a story, because I think it's important.

Back when my youngest sibling was planning on coming out, I remember the conversations leading up to it and discussions about coming out to my parents. And because my middle sibling (?? IDK what you call the 2nd child hahah) and I had already come out at different times, we tried to give our youngest the reassurance that everything would be ok.

We listened to their doubts and validated their feelings, because regardless if two of already came out, it's still a fucking scary thing.

And so when they decided to do so, I remember my sibling saying "I was just scared you both would be disappointed, because we're all gay", I remember so much of that day and how fucking heartbreaking it was to see my sibling struggle to accept that our parents would always love us for who we are.

I also remember thinking "disappointed? they're lucky I graced them with such presence". I'm jokiiiiing.

After that day, whenever I would go over to visit my parents I'd see my dad working in the backyard, and I'd look at him weird because he told me he was building something but that he didn't want to share it with us because he knew we couldn't keep a secret from each other. My mom's response to his project was a reassuring "who even knows with him" lolololol

And I would see him, getting frustrated, he'd curse and just look like he was having a miserable time. NGL I laughed every time, bcs tbh my parents are fucking weird sometimes, like there is no reason for my dad to have been so dramatic.

Turns out he was working on building something for my sibling when they came home to visit for the holidays, and I believe it took my dad a solid 8 months (HAHAH) to finish his project.

And look I laugh, because it's my job to clown my parents, but also joking is a way for me to deflect from serious and tender moments.

When my sibling came home, my dad asked us to meet him in the backyard, and look I WAS READY, REEE-A-DYYYYY to clown him.

I had my jokes and shit lined up

But then he showed us his gift.

HAHAHAHHA I'm trying not to cry as I type this.

He had made a bench for my sibling, it was painted in various colors, to make it look like a gradient rainbow, and he had engraved their name on it. And I remember the way he looked at my sibling and told them "you will always have a space here with us".

I still cry when I talk about it.

My dad still looks at that bench and says it wasn't a big deal, and he recalls ALLL of the work it took for him to finish it, and he minimizes it because he thinks - in his mind - he literally thinks he could be doing more......

And the thing is he does, both my parents do, they both show up and use their voices to fight for us and for other people who experience discrimination just because we want to live authentically and freely.

But I always think of that bench,

that fucking bench

That fucking rainbow bench that makes me cry every time i think about it or see it. Because it's like your cake, it might be small, and it might not seem like it means a lot, but it's the small things in our life that makes us feel accepted and love.

Don't beat yourself too hard, you're doing good, and I bet you that your kiddos love the cake.

Thanks for your ask!

-- Artie

That's interesting! I surely know a sapphic when I see one 🥺

Ok I'll come back on 14th but he's definitely not making out with a bts member you silly, but with an actress named Han So Hee. Just be ready. Bye

Honestly, he would just be feeding the bisexuals at that point 😍 also, I love seeing the gays and the sapphics be the cutest of friends 😍

You are so fun to fuck with anon 😂🤣 see you for Seven I guess!

Once again I'm thinking about the many, many similarities and crossovers between fatphobia, transphobia and ableism (and yes, I know many experience two or all three, which is all the more reason to talk about this).

- The basic stance that "you have a body the wrong way"

- Acceptance is frequently conditional. You have to prove that you've been suffering over this and you have to at least TRY to conform. Don't you dare ask for any accomodations, and also don't you dare just be happy. Tell us your sob story!

- If children see you they'll think it's ok to be that way and that's bad.

- Getting desexualised publicly and deeply fetishised in private or online. And "how do you even have sex? How does it work?"

- The systemic exclusion from public life because they'd rather you just didn't exist

- Difficulty finding clothes that fit both your body and your expression

- Healthcare providers frequently don't believe what you tell them, and don't know enough about your needs

- People around you want to find a cure

- People act like equal rights for you is actually special treatment. If you wanted human rights you should have been more normal

- People suck at just listening to you when you tell them what words to use about you

- People get super uncomfortable with the idea of you being seen as beautiful

- Media representation is scarce and often problematic. Very often, people like you are portrayed by cis/thin/abled actors in costume and they're called "brave" and "inspirational" for it

- accusations of being a drain on the healthcare system

- I'm SURE there's more

he’s too precious for this world ♡

MONO: Monster No More 

When MONO dropped, a lot of us thought that Joonie had accidentally uploaded a virus file lol.

All we got was a 3 day's notice, absolutely no promo, but we had a dream, and a mission to support Joonie in any way we could. Before 2020, we had absolutely no countdown cal, we were in the trenches.

Anyways, ARMY was very lucky to have seen Joon's "in-real life" reaction a few months later when Bring The Soul was released and we saw Joon, stop mid interview, and release MONO.

The documentary allowed us the opportunity to see Joon's journey into recording and working with producers on his playlist. If you haven't watched "Bring The Seoul", I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend that you do so. The documentary and the series that followed, showed us a glimpse into their life and the changes they were going through.

After the release of "RM" many of us were excited to hear not only this new album, but we were excited to hear how he had grown as an artist. The RM Joon then and the Joon when MONO was announced were the same but there was a calmness to him. What none of us expected was the vulnerability and the intimacy in the feelings he not only chose to share with us, but also to trust in us.

MONO is a playlist for the Moonchildren

Mono, for many of us is something beyond just a body of work; to me, mono saved my life. We talk about music and how it impacts us, and we think about what makes BTS different from other artists, and it all boils down to their authenticity paired with the force in which they want their music to matter. BTS' music matters.

Back when MONO first dropped, there was a comment that was seen on YouTube under Forever Rain MV, that comment resonated so strongly, with so many and even today, it's still the best way to explain the feeling of MONO "Namjoon's Mono, is like someone is sitting with you in a dark room, waiting with you until you're ready to come out"

I have yet to find an ALBUM/MIXTAPE/PLAYLIST that encompasses the same emotion that MONO holds. It's more than concept, it's not just a trend, MONO is a collection of songs that makes you feel understood; it doesn't push the message of "BE HAPPY", it's a playlist that simply, allows you to be. And sometimes, that's all we want, to be understood and to be allowed the grace to just simply be.

If I cry while writing this post, it's only between me, the FBI agent who access my info without my consent, and my internet provider. If I cry, no I didn't.

Journey into MONO.

Click here: Link to Lyrics

Click here for Album (PLAYLIST)

And here is a YouTube playlist I made with the official songs.

YouTube

MONO

MONO

The format broken-down in 2 ways.

The first way is how Namjoon explained the songs during his live (by the way, I love when Joon does a deep dive with us and breaks down the songs in each of their albums. I hope he makes one for Indigo, but I understand that he's busy and might not have time). And the 2nd way will be a small analysis-like paragraph that interprets what the song might mean.

I really recommend listening to the tracks as you read this post. I'll try and do my best to breakdown not only my interpretations but also the composition of the song.

The color break down is as follows

Namjoon’s Lyrics

Doolset’s notes + explanation

My interpretation + Notes

1. TOKYO.

RM - For the intro song of the playlist, he credits Tokyo by Nell and Paris, Tokyo by Lupe Fiasco as inspirations for this song. Although Tokyo is the first song, it was actually the last song to be completed for the playlist. Joon shared that he feels loneliness when listening to it.

ANALYSIS - As explained by Doolset "Tokyo in Korean can mean “longing, yearning, admiration, aspiration.” and you get the vibe of the song from the beginning. Starting with the sounds of the streets, in the way the vocals echo when he's whistling, and most importantly in the lyrics "If I could choose my dream, I just wanna stay right next to you" which depicts the message of longing but also with being lonely. With the lyrics "Feel like a tourist" you get to see the depth of Namjoon's wordplay, as Tourist vaguely sounds like "Torso, torn soul" which can lean into feeling detached, and it's only then confirmed with "I see Pinocchio wearing a poncho" which depicts the feeling of being incomplete but also for dreaming of more. But the longing can't just be interpreted for someone else, it also applies to self, and we hear it in the way Joon says "Do I miss myself, Do I miss your face, I don't know" to me it seems like the experience of an internal struggle, of who he was and who he is becoming. The exploration is scattered throughout the entire song with examples that break down "Why do love and hate sound just the same to me" you can get more of his conflicting thoughts about Love vs. Hate, similar to Death vs. Life "Ash is a thing that someday we all should be" and Self vs. Other "When tomorrow comes, how different it’s gonna be". To say that Tokyo is merely a break up song or a song about being lonely is not only a disservice, but it also limits the various meanings of this song. But one thing is for sure, if you feel a sense of melancholy while listening to Tokyo, it's because it's meant to bring that out of you, “I just want to stay right next to you” is closed with the lonely echo of him whistling.

2. SEOUL.

RM - The song took a year to write and was recorded the summer of 2017, but it was also re-recorded about 3 times Namjoon stated that this was one of his most precious songs.

ANALYSIS - Similar to Tokyo Seoul also starts with talking about his environment "Wake up in Tokyo" "In the cold morning air", and I really love this song because it brings out so many different things when listening. From the juxtaposition of the beat of the song which brings a happy and almost calm vibe and then you read the lyrics and you see the offset between them. I guess the best way I can explain the interpretation of this song is to me is similar to leaving your hometown, as you move, you build a sense of love for your new town and the longer you reside there the love for that town grows. But as you get older you start to notice that not everything that shines is gold, you see it for it's flaws/imperfections but despite that, there is still a sense of fondness and love for the city "Though I hate to admit it, I love everything of you, even your fumes and disgusting side". I also think that it's important to acknowledge that when we saying growing up, I personally don't see it as a a specific time frame (Childhood to Youth to Adulthood), because I personally think we're all growing up everyday. No one in this world has the answers to everything; we grow and learn during every moment of our life, and so when I say grow up, I think of it as the length of our time here and not a pre-set timeframe. Does that make sense?. I also want to point out that in the beginning of the song, it appears as if Joon is having a conversation with Seoul, but also dare I say, also himself because it's in the way he approaches this next part "Why would it be that your pronunciation is similar to soul, What kind of soul is it that you possess, What is it that holds me by your side like this I don’t even have memories of you", and it could be interpreted as his inner dialogue but personally, it's in the way that he brings up the Love/Hate comparisons throughout the entire song that it really does feel as if he's challenging/questioning the Soul of Seoul "The same old, ashy facial expression of yours, No, no, I’m afraid of myself, because I have already become a part of you". The song has such a bittersweet feeling to it, if you read the lyrics and listen carefully in Seoul he address loss and anger It's meant to be bittersweet because although it shows love for his city, underneath you can also find there's anger, loss, "Han rivers that take so much Han within,", but in the same vein you hear the hope and love "I’m livin’ you, Seoul"

3. MOONCHILD.

RM - Many people thought 4 o'clock was written before Moonchild, but Namjoon let us know that Moonchild was written in Feb of 2017. The song is meant for people who prefer to the night, because during the day you get the feeling as if you're being choked, whether it be a job or something. Night represents getting away from other's eyes, getting away from the shackles, and that the night gave people a sense of freedom. The song took about 2 years to complete.

ANALYSIS - Admittedly my favorite lyrics/verse in this song are "Did you know? That street lamp also has many thorns, Take a close look at that flickering light, Isn’t a night scenery such a cruel thing, A splendid view unfolded before us that is made up of someone’s thorns, Someone else will surely be comforted by looking at your thorns, We are each other’s night scenery, each other’s moon". In Doolset's explanation of the verse "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot,” said Charlie Chaplin. Buildings with lights on, bridges with fancy lightings, running cars– they all make up a beautiful night scenery when we look at them from a distance. Zooming into corners of the scenery, it’s people working in their office at night, taxi drivers who are taking their passengers to home while they themselves can’t go home, and people who can’t fall asleep. Thorns are what make up a beautiful night scenery". When I first read that section I had qualms with it; as I've mentioned in the past that toxic positivity is something that I vehemently do not support nor like, and so I struggled to connect with Moonchild for that reason. Upon reading more about the lyrics and how it all tied together and Doolset's explanation I grew to love it, not because I have to LOVE every BTS/Namjoon song, but because the song was the furthest thing from what I originally thought. Joon isn't telling us the same old message "your suffering is what makes you beautiful", but instead its mean to portray overcoming the suffering that we've experienced; that even when there are moments when you feel like it's too hard to go on, too hard to get up in the morning, despite that we're going to continue to live, and live ardently "Though you say you want to die, you actually live that much harder".

I also have a strong belief that Moonchild is for the Queer community, given the name but also the examples that Joon gives in this song. Moonchild - Moonlight, and I promise this connects. "We’re born in the moonlight, Ain’t no fantasy, Can’t breathe in the sunlight, Gotta hide your heart" I think about Joon's explanation for the lyrics and how night gives the sense of obscurity, providing freedom and safety from the eyes of others, and it's further confirmed when he points out "We, more than anyone else, need the night scenery, That this is, in fact, our destiny, you know, We are each other’s night scenery, each other’s moon", it's the admission that we're different. (I'm actually trying not to cry as I type this portion out). "That there is no freedom the moment you say freedom out loud, you know", night gives us the freedom that the day won't allow, because the light illuminates judgmental eyes, it enhances the dangers queer people experience, during the daylight. Night is the blanket that allows us to have courage, safety, time, to live in what some might consider "rebellion"; the rebellion to be our authentic selves, the moonlight allows us to heal, it brings forth a sense of comfort but also PRIVACY. "We gotta dance in the rain, dance in the pain, When moon rise, it’s your time, Moonchild, you shine, In the moon’s hours, look at the night sky through the eyes of your soul, It will show you your window and your time". Moonchild is for the ones that ones that need a reminder even though there is a sense of loneliness and yearning to be our true selves, there are also spaces (Chiron and the beach) where we can be safe and at peace.

"It’s okay to shed the tears, But don’t you tear yourself, Moonchild, you shine When you rise, it’s your time".

PART TO SKIP IF YOU CHOOSE TO

PLEASE READ - I'd like to make a small note that the next 3 songs have different themes and that I am choosing to include a trigger warning to Badbye - mentions of Death, depression and suicide. And for this portion I will only provide analysis's that are feeling based for Uhgood and everythingoes (my own feelings) instead of analyzing what the lyrics could mean. I will not be analyzing BadBye, but only adding the section where I provide Namjoon's portion of the song. It is important to acknowledge that my interpretation is entirely my own and in no way am I trying to convince someone to feel the same as I do. Thank you. - With love and respect, Artie. - PLEASE READ

4. BADBYE.

RM - He worked on this song in late 2016. He explained that Aeon and Nell were "childhood heroes" to him, and that when he was writing this song, he had them in mind. Namjoon went on to say that "thanks of them I started to believe that sad music could heal one's sorrow". The song is meant to serve as a bridge between tracks 1,2,3 AND 5,6,7.

Please don't send Namjoon hate for addressing this topic. I hope we can all understand that these are the things he was feeling at a certain point. It is not our place to judge or belittle his experiences, nor are we here to analyze the words of this song and its meaning.

END OF SKIPPED PART

5. UHGOOD.

RM - Originally this song was meant to be for "Reflection" (Wings), but that although he and bang liked the song, Joon instead decided to release it. That was until bang sent him a track & said the acapella in Uhgood would match well with the track. The original drum part to the song was too bright and Joon decided to change it. When explaining the meaning of the song Joon said "it has meaning of 'going against something', the title suites the song and hold a lot of emotions".

ANALYSIS - The beginning of Uhgood for me is probably the hardest song to listen to as I find myself relating to it. The way that I interpret this song is feeling the burden that comes with living up to not only others expectations, but also my own and the person I want to be "My ideal and reality– They are too far apart, But, I still want to cross the bridge, and reach me, the real me" I once had a friend tell me that I was focusing too much on this idea of what I was supposed to be that I was not only chasing an unrealistic version of myself, but that I was doing a great disservice to current me because I was not allowing myself to grow. And although the song gives off vibes of self-hate and self-destruction "Is this the best you can offer?”, “You have to be so much better” “You have to be so much better” “You have to be so much better”, the song is also quite opposite, it's shedding the part of you that tries to break you down, there's a cathartic process of acknowledging that to ourselves, we should be and are important too. I like the way he tackled both of those opposition thoughts - self-worth and self-love, "Even in that desert, it might rain" it goes back to that YouTube comment of allowing yourself to be, Namjoon seems to acknowledge that we're struggling, and instead of telling us "get over it" "believe in yourself" "stop being negative about yourself ", he's just allowing us to be, sitting with us in the darkness because he understands it and is waiting with us until we're ready to cross the bridge to reach our selves. "reach me, the real me".

6. EVERYTHINGOES.

RM - The song was writing in 3 days, after he returned (solo) back to SK while filming BV1. "This too shall pass" is the message of the song, and Joon explained that he had a mention that shared with him that the only way to relieve psychological pain was to think that it will pass eventually, and thus it would reduce the pain slowly. Bang originally wanted to use the song as a hidden track for their album, but Joon told him that the song was very dear to him and that he wanted to save it for later.

ANALYSIS - The way that BadBye and Uhgood were arranged was the catalyst for everythingoes. This song, to me, is a conclusion, and the explanation proves that Joon shared with us the meaning of "this too shall pass." For me, though, it means a lot more because although it is intended to deal with hardships and comfort that "it won't always be like this" when we're going through hard times, there's something achingly sweet about it too. Everythingoes is a song that reminds us that everything indeed does go, the happy moments in our lives are fleeting just as the moments of sadness are fleeting as well, "Like morning comes after night goes, would summer come after spring goes, Like fruits ripen after flowers wither away," Everythingoes is a song meant to provide comfort. It's not only the lyrics that share that warmth, but it's also in the beat itself, the composition of the song, it goes from NELL singing the repetition of the title song, but it's paired with Joon's verses that sound like acceptance. Everythingoes is a reminder that we should take life as it is; some days will be more challenging, and other days will be manageable, but they're all precious days just the same. "And every day I stay, The rain comes down, everything shall pass" are words I will forever be grateful for; those words have given me so much comfort when giving up felt like the only choice. I will never have enough words to explain how precious Namjoon is to me. 

7. FOREVER RAIN.

RM - He started writing the song in July of 2016. He wanted to write a song that would touch his heart again, and it's a song that he has a strong emotional attachment to it. Originally he wanted to add it to Wings, but bang had told him that the song was deserving of more.

ANALYSIS - I don't think I can do this song any sort of justice by analyzing the lyrics, not because I don't want to, but because there's so many layers that are interwoven in this song that trying to explain it would just be futile. I do want to bring up a beautiful point to the song, and as we all know BTS tend to include each other in their projects, not only is it because it's meant to push the "OT7 agenda" but because they know one way or another they're on this journey together, supporting and loving each other no matter what. "because my life and my rap– they are all too fast in my every day, My shadow is getting reflected in the sky, and I’m standing on the darkness" we see Namjoon walking by himself as he navigates the overwhelming feelings of the a fast paced life and how lonely it can feel"

But as he starts "Slow rap, slow jam, slow rain" six versions join him, making 7, when things start to slow down "Everything slow", which points to not only that he finds comfort in the other 6 members of BTS, but it strengthens BTS' message to not only fans but to themselves. YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

MONO - CONCLUSION

IN RM'S WORDS.

At the time that the live was filmed, he shared with us that he was already working on his next album, which makes sense because if Mono was a representation of 2016-2018, then the album he was working on then was Indigo. Indigo is meant to represent his youth from 2018-2021. Mono tells us that the definition of Mono is not only alone but it also represents monochromatic, and one. The lack of colors and his lack of participation in the MV'S was intentional because he wanted the songs to be the only thing people got from this playlist. He wanted to release the tension and the focus that comes with the release of an album.

He meant for the entire album to be played in one go, so that it flows naturally/seamlessly but he also wanted the songs to be played on their own - he focused on protecting the integrity of the songs but also the playlist.

"I had many regrets about my first mixtape,” Namjoon admits. “I wanted to make songs that remain in people’s memory. We all have those songs that we can’t remove from our playlists. I hope that [this album] could [have] one of those songs for someone.”

Below is more information on Mono "Clickable links"

Official Release Page

Soundcloud Tracklist

Twitter Tracklist Release

Teasing of the Playlist

Joonie's Tracklist Tweet

Sharing Playlist Cover

Working on Forever Rain in 2016

Translation of Tracklist Names

NME - Mono Review

Kim, Youngdae - Music Critic Review

3CR review

Credits Tweet

Link to WeVerse Vlive (same as the YT vid up top)

Members Support - Jimin - Hobi

SUPPORT INDIGO!.

And as always, Namjoon, thank you for your words, your thoughts, your music and your vulnerability in sharing these intimate things with us. I love you.

Koo the dainty

cr./to the creators of the content used in this post.

Following the toxic masculine shit that raised it's very very ugly head after JK's appearance at the Dreamers premiere, him looking cute and so so much younger, but also a little dainty,

I decided a little education is needed here.

Because I was thinking to myself, how is it that these people are surprised? How is it that these people view JK as such a super masculine macho macho man?

Is it photo shoots?

Is it stage persona?

Is it his favourite black wardrobe, his big ass black shoes or black boots?

Or maybe his tattoos and piercings?

Thing is, if you look only a little bit closer, a little bit longer, a little bit deeper you will find Koo the dainty EVERYWHERE.

You find him in the MVs.

You find him in photoshoots or official events.

You find him on stage.

You find him in official content including BV and ITS

And you find him off work and off stage as well.

And just for fun, a little compilation of dainty Koo:

This is JK. This is who he is.

We always speak about JM's duality, and indeed with JM it is very evident screaming in your face.

But somewhere along the line people have missed this about JK, although it is ever so evident.

@cheriek left this comment on my previous post, and I have to say, I cannot agree more.

THAT!!!!!

That sums it all up.

JK is an artist.

JK is also a person with likes, unlikes, dreams, personality and feelings.

I wish people in this fucking fandom would remember that just like them, he has feelings.

Yes, he said "so what".

Yes fuck them twice over.

But I wish, even if it's only for once in their miserable lifetime, that they would remember that these idols, these artists, are people just like them. And just like they would shrivel into a corner crying hurt if someone was mean to them online, if someone criticised their chosen hairstyle or looks or called them ugly or called them derogative names, that they would be hurt.

I wish that for once even the most vile of people in this fandom would do unto others like they would have others do unto them.

ONCE.

The Long Game

First, let's acknowledge some major mismanagement by BigHit. Then, let's talk about what I think *might possibly* be their long game.

These are just guesses I have right now--I'm not stating facts and my opinions are subject to change as new info becomes available. But come with me for a few minutes...

In early 2022, Jimin's mail was "omitted" four times by BigHit employees, which lead to late insurance premium payments, which led to an on-paper "seizure" of his apartment. The press sat on that news for three months until the day his With You OST dropped and the scandal overshadowed his release. Jimin went to ground, avoided all social media for months. At this time, Jimin's personal information was leaked on the internet, and that was the last time we saw Jikook hang out alone that we know of.

Now in 2023, since Jimin's album FACE dropped, we already know about the sabotaged sales and streams by Hanteo, Billboard, YouTube, and Spotify. There was the issue with his in-ears not working properly during an encore. On top of all that drama, BigHit didn't get all the physicals shipped in time, they didn't playlist his songs for several days, they never sent his songs to radio (that we can see), they made one tweet to acknowledge Jimin's #1 on Hot100 but nothing else--not even a cake like the other solo albums got, they didn't let him film more than two music videos when they did that for their new groups, the press releases about their stocks going up after Hot100 also credited their new groups, and Jimin only had 9 days of uninterrupted promo between other members' works.

Now I am not a conspiracy theorist. I well understand that the military enlistment compressed schedules, and that each member had say in their creative works and promotions. I'm not a manti. But none of the above is a good look. Add up all those fumbles together, and you could make a solid case for mismanagement.

And now today, we see PD Bang on the cover of Billboard (which, OF COURSE, mentioned Blackpink in the same breath).

JUST LOOK AT THE WAY THE STORY IS BEING SHAPED FOR AMERICAN READERS. You see what's happening here? You think SM is gonna get a cover story for their side of the corporate shakedown?

And then there's this little gem:

"If your question is about the possibility of creating an artist like BTS again, the answer is no. However, if you were to ask whether there would be a K-pop artist from HYBE that tops the Billboard Hot 100 chart, my answer would be yes. [Jimin became the first BTS member to achieve this as a solo act on April 3 when his single “Like Crazy” debuted at No. 1.] The experience of managing BTS and operating different labels gave us access to powerful networks, infrastructures and experiences. With these, HYBE can repeat its remarkable results with the help of talented artists.

Okay so before everyone starts rioting online, take a moment, pause, reflect, think about what all might be going on here, behind the scenes, in this very political world of the music business.

Do I think Bang PD screwed Jimin over to score points with Billboard? No, I do not. But neither do I think Jimin's solo effort is anyone's priority but Jimin's.

"HYBE is primarily focusing on leveraging its accumulated expertise in managing and producing acts that consist of multiple members, rather than solo artists or mixed-gender groups in K-pop."

I think no one ever expected Jimin to make it to #1 on Hot100 and industry insiders felt pretty sure the West wouldn't let him stay in the top 10 the next week. Why? Well, partially racism. But mostly it's bad for their bottom line.

If your entire business model is that people pay for radio play and that gets them on your private chart and the private chart leads to more advertisers and awards... and then someone comes along and DOESN'T pay to play and gets to the top of your chart? Nobody needs you. So you HAVE to sabotage them. You absolutely have to change your rules. (I'm just sitting here waiting for Jimin to release his other songs so that Billboard can change their rules to say you can't be on Hot100 if your name starts with J- and ends with -imin.)

Now, it might have been satisfying for us as fans to see BigHit come out swinging and put Billboard on blast for his sake and ours. But they have ZERO. LEGAL. RECOURSE.

Billboard is privately owned and they can make whatever rules they want. They are part of a larger media company that has connections to every media outlet; no one is gonna publish an exposé any time soon, I promise you. We got exactly ONE English-speaking website to write about it and that was it. Everyone in the industry knows what is going on, and no one has the power to do anything much about it.

So what does that mean for the future?

Well... Bang PD just recently paid a HUGE mark up of $26 million to buy Trevor Noah's home out in LA.

And now he's on the cover of Billboard. WHY? Neither of these things will result in any immediate payout for him.

It's a long game.

And frankly, a very old and honored way of doing business. It's how they went up against the big three and it's how they are gonna go up against the West, I feel it in my gut.

Bang PD is getting a home on US soil. He will be paying US taxes. He's making in-roads by being nice with Billboard folks. He's making contacts; he's already had phone calls with Pharrell and Bieber and Grande and Laroi. Some of those are already shaping into collabs. We already know Hybe has set up shop in the US with Scooter at the helm.

Meanwhile, BigHit is adjusting in real time to the new rules around the charts (culling is happening to Yoongi too, so they changed up the check-out process of the BTS US Store). Suddenly there's plenty of focus on promoting via TikTok and other viral social media. They are dipping their toe into AI. They are discussing their own in-house ticketing option. This company is looking toward the future and hedging its bets.

Do I know with any certainty what's up their sleeve?

Absolutely not.

Do I trust any corporation very much?

Nope.

Do I have faith in BTS?

Probably more than anything else in my life, at this point.

So while I have no insider info, I just feel like the company is making very intentional and methodic footholds into the West. They are not complaining or screaming or suing or threatening anyone. They are not badmouthing competitors or whining about unfair deals. They are laying ground on complicated, political in-roads, one step at a time.

The Expo is in 2030. I'd wager by that time, BTS will have conquered the West and have some radio play.

And I think the company believes that in order to do that, they have to make their new groups profitable while BTS serves. They have to survive for the next two years.

When BTS is back, and their dues have been paid, I think they will be unstoppable. I hope they get to work on solo projects AND group projects. I think they will take over every corner of the world, if managed properly.

They just need to do it in a way that also assuages the Western music industry. The American Powers That Be have a chokehold on music and they will demand their pound of flesh somehow.

I strongly suspect BTS will never pay to play. But they will build relationships and find a way to become so interwoven in the cultural fabric that to deny them a place in Western spaces is to be left behind. And they will do it politely, and gently, and come out smelling like a rose.

So before you go off on social media and scream the walls down about neglect (and there WAS some, in my opinion) and abuse (we don't really know that), just take a moment to consider--if they had no legal recourse against Billboard, how can they beat them at their own game?

The best way to defeat an enemy is to make them a friend.

I'm just guessing here, but I think if fans stay loyal, BTS just might have the last laugh, here. I think they got radio scared as hell.

It sucks that Jimin didn't get fair treatment at this time. He is my bias and I feel it like a knife to my own heart. But he DID make history with his #1 and they can never take it away.

So I say give it time. All the people sniggering at him and BTS right now are going to sing a different tune in the future.

My best guess is that this is a long game, and it will require sacrifices that are totally unfair, but in the end... well, as long as BTS has ARMY, they cannot be denied.

Apobangpo.