30 posts
Thechosenonesthings - Thegreenone - Tumblr Blog
A lot of people ask me what my biggest fear is, or what scares me most. And I know they expect an answer like heights, or closed spaces, or people dressed like animals, but how do I tell them that when I was 17 I took a class called Relationships For Life and I learned that most people fall out of love for the same reasons they fell in it. That their lover’s once endearing stubbornness has now become refusal to compromise and their one track mind is now immaturity and their bad habits that you once adored is now money down the drain. Their spontaneity becomes reckless and irresponsible and their feet up on your dash is no longer sexy, just another distraction in your busy life. Nothing saddens and scares me like the thought that I can become ugly to someone who once thought all the stars were in my eyes.
practically every character in The Secret History played a role of someone that they were not.
richard and bunny played themselves as rich, when in fact they were poor.
charles and camilla played themselves as pure, when in fact they were weaved with immorality.
francis played himself as cool, when in fact he was an anxious mess.
henry played himself as intellectual, when in fact he was blinded by his own stupidity, wealth, and ego.
julian played himself as a father figure, aiding to the care and minds of the Greek students, when in fact he was conniving and egocentric, swept away by his own gain, unlike a true father.
mrs corcoran played herself as a victim and sorrowful mother of a lost child, when in fact she only cared about her own appearance in front of the camera.
hell, even dr roland played himself as a psychologically-forward man, deep in intellect, when in fact he was nearing dementia and a complete gobble of a man.
i mean, gosh, this theme plays out so grandly. putting up a front and hiding your real self. whether for gain or by self consciousness.
just thinking about the reason Donna Tartt's writing is so sickening in that scene where Camilla comes to Richard all bruised and he thinks about... yeah, that scene. You know the one.
When Camilla goes to Henry, his first thought is "The girl I like is being hurt, I have to protect her." In contrast, Richard's thought process is "The girl I like is being hurt, I guess that's on the table." He sees Charles's abuse as an okay signal, and views Camilla less as a human because of it.
Its the whiplash that gets you. When the supposed innocent bystander starts talking like that, this visceral, gut-wrenching disgust takes over as you realize that is the thought process of the man whose head you are occupying.
The best thing about The Secret History theory about the farmer being killed by a catamount is that on top of being so comically ironic that Bun was killed over nothing, it really sheds light on how conceited the students are. They so want to believe they achieved the ritual and reached the state that Julian describes in the beginning "no more awareness of mortality than an animal" that they automatically assume it was them. When truly they were just doing alcohol and drugs like any other teen out there, which Richard makes fun of and looks down on for consuming.
Oh and also Dionysus is the god of large cats so it's even more ironic.
TSH spoilers:
I feel like we as a fandom do not talk about Henry’s symbolism in TSH enough. Like, that dude is the literal embodiment of death, and I just think it’s so damn cool. I mean, his whole obsession with language and literature stemmed from the fact that he almost died in a car accident. And then every death we see in the book (the farmer’s, Bunny’s, and his very own) is directly at his hands. The others were accomplices, sure, but Henry’s the one who takes action every time. And in Francis’s failed suicide and Richard’s near death in the epilogue, they both see Henry, not Bunny or Charles or what have you.
Henry is not only obsessed with death, he IS death. He’s the reaper who’s friends toy with their mortality all the time through drugs and booze. The reason they all admire him is not only because of his size and stature and brilliance; it’s because he’s dangerous. If beauty is indeed terror, than he’s the most beautiful of them all. They all have the life preservation skills of a fly, so of course they love Henry. And of course his actions constantly bring them closer to danger and death.
"I don't like the fandom content this person posts!"
Then unfollow them.
"I'm not following them, but they're in all the tags!"
Then block them.
"I blocked them but all the people I follow reblog their posts!"
Then unfollow those people.
"But I like their other content!"
Then add the person's username to your blocklist.
"But—"
No. Stop. Listen. You cannot control what other people post or how they interpret your favorite characters or what ships they like. All you can control is your own actions and your public responses. Block them, filter out their username, then post your own stuff to carve out a space for yourself and people like you in your fandom. You will be a million times happier if you focus on what you're doing and what you enjoy instead of on the people you don't like.
"But this much desire, together we're winners"
For me this song is one of those that hits me right in my Jikook feels and today it winded me a little 😔 Really missing them, but knowing they are together is everything.
Credit for video to @abtjikook on X
💜💛🌈
G.C.F in Tokyo/Osaka - a director’s outlook
Well, Jeon Jungkook has done it again ;D
A few weeks ago, I decided to re-visit G.C.F in Tokyo, as I do very often, for some mental peace. I’d been wanting to share my two cents on it for the longest time, but since many of the reviews I read here on Tumblr were similar to my own thoughts and sentiments, I hesitated. But then I thought, why don’t I take an outsider’s opinion on the video and share that instead.
A professional director’s opinion, for instance.
So I contacted a close family-friend, who is a veteran Indian film-director/screen-writer. A brief insight into his background:
He is 60+ years old.
He’s been in the film-industry for approx. 40 years.
Won Best Debut Director award and several screen-writer accolades
One of his films won twenty-three international awards at the Cannes film festival
His first noted screenplay was for the first Indian 3D film.
He comes from a society where male/male romantic relationship is not seen as common-place, even in movies.
He is not familiar with Kpop groups/music or Korean entertainment industry.
To say that he took an immense liking to JK’s video and his skills as a director/editor/story-teller would be an understatement. He LOVED it. I had originally planned to post his thoughts as a stand-alone review on G.C.F in Tokyo, but since JK decided to drop his second bomb on us today, I jumped at the chance to show him his new video.
Needless to say, he LOVED G.C.F in Osaka too. And since he had a lot to share about both videos, I think it would be better to share his comparative thoughts on both.
(Disclaimer: I did not disclose any info on both videos as well as about BTS, to keep his opinions as unbiased as possible. The context he perceived was JK as a semi-professional director and the videos as his ‘short films’. He thought JM to be an actor in the first video (deduced from the end credits). In the second video he concluded that all the boys are JK’s actor-friends)
Initial impressions:
(on G.C.F in Tokyo)
“The actor in the movie is a personification of the director’s happiness, pleasure and joy. He uses the actor’s actions to show us his own emotions, reflected off of the other. The immediate narrative we get is that of a love story. He uses [JM] to showcase his love for the city he is in, the company he is with, the events he goes to etc. But the focal point, the crux for all of his emotions is [JM]. Without the actor in it, this becomes a travel video. With [JM], it becomes a movie with a story. More than a simple recording of the trip, it’s a narrative with a purpose. Every shot was intentional and in tune with the music and the lyrics, meaning he’d already picked out the song and was likely humming it in his head as he shot the clips.
Contrary to the title, this video is not about Tokyo.”
(on G.C.F in Osaka)
“The narrative here differs from the first, but not entirely. It is more of a sequel I’d say. Here, [JK] balances out his focus between the city (Osaka) and the actors. He paints the city as a caricature but he uses a very limited range of motion. There a lot of elements referenced from the first video, especially the shots with the first actor [JM], which means that he is continuing his narrative of ‘love and happiness’. The added narrative from this video is ‘friendship and fun’, as showcased by the rest of the actors, mainly by the masked actor’s [TH] and [JM]’s playfulness.
I wouldn’t use the same actor [JM] to portray the same narrative unless I am filming a sequel movie, since without correlation the original narrative could easily get lost. Had he not filmed the first video and posted it before this, we would miss out on this double narrative and only take it as ‘friendship and fun’. The reference to the first video was intentional, hence the double narrative is made clear. Here the crux of his emotions branch out among all the actors, but with a very biased focus on [JM’s] narrative.”
On the song choice and focus of the lyrics:
Was the song choice random or deliberate?
“Given the amount of detailing that has gone into capturing each shot, it is clear that the songs for both videos were chosen intentionally. When a director wants to tell a story to the audience, every single element requires careful planning. Similar elements in both videos - the traffic signal shot in the first referenced in the clock ticking shot in the second - can attribute to this fact. However, the level of planning put into both videos is very different.”
What about the lyrical focus? Does that have any significance?
“It is indeed interesting to note how he carries over the narrative from the first video not just via the shots but also through the song lyrics. Lyrically, the message from the first video aided the single narrative. ‘I’ll be there for you’ was the message, spoken with a clear focus on the actor in the movie. In the second video however, the message is not to the actors in the movie, but to the audience watching it.”
Which part of the lyrical focus stood out to you the most?
Around 3.43-3.50 in the second video, the focus is particularly interesting to me since it is a direct correlation to the clips in the first video. We see the lyrics ‘I got me someone else instead’ being focused on the first actor a lot, indicating the first narrative. The lyrics that immediately follow, ‘He’s taking your side of the bed’ focuses on the masked actor, the second narrative. From a story-telling perspective, this tells me that the first narrative of ‘love and happiness’ takes precedence over his second narrative of ‘friendship and fun’. This is only seen if the second video is taken as a sequel to the first video, which he has already made clear that it is.”
What do you think about the bit where the music cuts off and we hear them talking/laughing?
“That bit was beautiful, I applaud him for including that. Not only was it a very direct link to the first video, where he showed [JM]’s, and by extension his own, happiness through the actor’s goofy dancing and bright laughter (referring to JM ‘dancing’ in disneyland, the street, the suits shop etc), this time we have the sounds along with the visuals. He did it only with [JM], meaning he dived deeper into the first narrative and not the second. That clip was not about Osaka, it was about Tokyo. I’d say he was reminiscing Tokyo in Osaka. The correlation between both videos is the strongest in that clip. Now when I go back and watch the first video, and the clips of [JM] laughing, I will be able to clearly hear his laughter. To an unfamiliar audience, that bit is very very precious. It’s like a color blind person seeing color for the first time.”
On the overall editing:
“The editing is beautiful and differently done [in G.C.F in Osaka], yet in a familiar style reminiscent of the first video. He’s brought out a lot of similarities from the first video, mainly the shots with the first actor. I’d say he referenced the first video deliberately. Notable added elements would be the second actor [TH]. The director used him and the other actors to paint the city as a caricature, with a playful vibe. He’s excited to be here with them. While in the first video he is hugging that ‘city’. showing a huge infatuation, a loving vibe, he’s showing pleasure, love through the emotions reflected on [JM] in the first video.”
“What camera does this guy use? How do i make him my assistant? Or become his assistant, whichever works best.” (lol, JK you have a new fan looks like)
Any bit that stood out as funny or weird?
"There were a few shots where he included the filming crew I think? Who was that fourth guy? (I told him he was the manager-hyung). Nice of [JK] to include him but I wonder, if he wanted to show an intimate side to their friendship he would not have included that person. Considering the similarity to the first video’s elevator scene, he’s showing the same element - using the first actor - in different settings. With friends, without friends. I think his focus here is still the first actor. He seems pretty obsessed with [JM]”
Why do you think he’d be obsessed with [JM]?
"I don’t know, but if I were him I’d use both actors to tell different narratives. He used [JM] to show love and pleasure for the ‘city’, like I mentioned. In the second video, in a totally different city, he used the same actor to show friendship, fun and playful excitement BUT he was able to do it only with the addition of [TH]. Without him, the narrative is still the same as the first video. Every bit where he focused on the first actor alone was the same story re-told in the same fashion. Even the shots were similar. [TH] kept it goofy, friendlier. Clearly he has boxed them into these roles in his head so it makes sense, from a story telling perspective”
What do you think about the actors (JM and TH) in the second video? How did their acting seem to you?
"Goofy friends doing goofy things. [TH] is very aware of the camera. [JM] doesn’t bother about it much. i think he’s the one the director films the most, that shows why he’s more natural here. He was very natural in the first video as well, his ‘acting’ was not acting at all. It reflects in the second video, and the way he ‘directs’ [TH] in some shots. When an actor is attuned to a director’s style of filming, he ends up not acting on camera and projects his actions naturally.”
"Where are the other two actors though? They just ate and left. Guess their narrative was not important here so he fired them. I can relate to that” (lol)
Concluding thoughts:
So, any final takeaways from both these videos?
“Plenty. This person is telling us a beautiful story, one that is abundant in love, happiness, friendship but with the undertones of longing, apprehension, an ache of some sort. It’s beautiful yet bittersweet and he can only express it with the people around him. He masks his frown by using their smiles to reflect his smile. It’s subtle, but to me it is very hard to ignore. I want to shake his hand for a video well made, but also hug him tight for a story well told.”
“A director always uses references that are symbolic to him first and foremost when he is telling a personal story. Both these videos, while professionally shot and edited for the most part, convey narratives that are personal to [JK]. The creative romanticism in both videos are very apparent, portraying very different vibes yet staying true to [JK]’s personal style. He is someone who writes a lot in between the lines, but leaves very apparent hints on where we can find them. There is no need to over analyse, everything is laid out neatly, artistically. He sings to us through his videos, and the actors in them, especially the first actor [JM] whom I feel is the most attuned to his style, dance beautifully to his song.
[JK] is already a wonderful director in my eyes.”
MANIFEST
MANIFEST
Hi sky do u know any blogs or websites where they have all the bts content for free?? Like the whole package lmao(im super broke rip)The blog I used to go for is now locked out so yea I have no other choice.
namuspromised on twitter, 0613data on tumblr, brielives.wixsite.com, btslinkita.dyjix.fr, dwellingsouls.com, deokdeokgoose.com, 3cmgoogie on twitter
IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE CULT'S DYNAMICS
Disclaimers: Sensitive topics are discussed below the cut; please do not incite drama, speak hate, or engage in bullying. I am not a mental health professional; I make no claims of expertise (in anything). This is a collection of my thoughts about what is currently happening on the Taekook side of ARMY, in the hopes that it may help us as a community respond more effectively to the toxic parts of our fandom. If you click below this cut, you are assuming responsibility for your own behavior and agreeing to engage with my blog respectfully, or you will be blocked.
THE NARRATIVES AT WORK
I submit that shipping Taekook is both an evolving conspiracy theory and a living cult.
There are various narratives within this subgroup, but in general, to ship Taekook, one must believe Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook are in a closeted gay romantic relationship.
One also likely believes that their company (both BigHit and Hybe) and everyone around them have always actively hid their gay relationship.
Initially, Taekook (the “real” gay couple) was being hidden by Jikook (the “fake” gay couple) because Jikook was somehow more popular in Korea and therefore considered to be more profitable.
And this was the main narrative for years. It got Jimin dragged and hated online and in real life, to the point there was even a credible shooting threat at a concert.
Now, the narrative is being modified in light of the video footage revealed this week involving Taehyung and Jennie.
If Taekookers accept at all that Jennie and Tae were indeed photographed holding hands in Paris this week, then they likely believe both their companies are using this as a PR Relationship stunt to hide their real gay relationships before military service and comeback projects.
This belief includes:
1) assuming Taehyung and Jennie are not being honest;
2) believing Taehyung and Jungkook have no agency or power within their own companies; and,
3) all of their members and managers are also in on this nefarious plot.
Whether they believe Taennie is just cosplayers in an orchestrated smear campaign, or two actual idols in a PR Relationship, regardless, a large segment of this subgroup still believe that Jimin is the company favorite who gets special treatment.
Therefore, things that should be Taekook’s (such as songs and subunits and couple-like interactions) are instead given to the company’s king of fan service, to the point where Jimin “assaults” Jungkook with “unwanted” attention and physical contact.
THE LOGICAL FALLACIES
As amazingly popular as our Korean It Boy is, I have serious doubts about Jimin being the “company favorite” ever since Hybe took over two years ago.
As the “company favorite,” I’d love it if he got more lines in group songs, or was allowed to film as many music videos as he wanted, or could be given more than 10 days of promotion time for a project he spent a year working on. It would be stellar if the “company favorite” had in-ears that worked correctly during live broadcasts, or was invited onto IU’s show, or could host streaming parties or sell exclusive merch. To say nothing of the “company favorite” getting far more reality show appearances and magazine interviews and a Disney documentary with behind the scenes footage! Heck, I’d settle for his songs not being split on Spotify, his views not being culled on YouTube, and maybe just one congratulatory statement to the press or even just a CAKE celebrating his historic Hot 100 #1.
At least Jimin was “allowed” to include a hidden track with Jungkook (that wasn’t advertised or available to stream, so not fan service) and he was allowed to queer code his Like Crazy music video. So I believe he has some agency and say over his projects. I’m not sure he’s entirely understood or appreciated by his company—frankly, I think his potential was underestimated—but I don’t claim he’s a victim. Victim narratives play into cult dynamics.
But I digressed. I was talking about logical fallacies.
Let’s entertain the idea that for more YEARS, Jungkook and Taehyung have been horribly abused by their management and forced to hide their relationship.
They never thought to address this issue when they were renewing their contracts?
Also, what’s up with all the footage during RUN episodes when they are standing together, or on the same team, or hugging and cuddling, or leaning their heads on each other’s shoulders and legs?
Why were they allowed to flirt and dance and do skinship on stage—and all that stuff even made it into official footage?
Now let’s entertain the idea that Taennie is a PR Relationship.
So… two rival companies, just coming out of a bitter failed deal around a music industry monopoly, are now working together to make people believe Jennie and Tae are dating?
Even though idols LOSE popularity and company stocks take a DIVE when couples are revealed?
So Taennie is the strategy to promote solo albums and upcoming projects?? And both companies’ PR teams say “We can’t confirm it as it is their personal lives.” So no PR statement is the PR strategy??
We know it’s bullshit. It makes about as much sense as Hillary Clinton running a child sex trafficking ring out of the basement of a pizza parlor that doesn't have a basement.
But many in the cult believe it’s Absolute Truth.
The question is why?
The answer is in the dynamics at play here.
CULT DYNAMICS
It starts with a MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN.
Baby ARMY get curious about BTS, hop on YouTube or TikTok, and are bombarded by the algorithm that claims Taekook is real.
Unless they go searching for original content (which takes up dozens and dozens of hours to sift through and much of which sits behind a paywall), they will not have much to contradict these claims.
Most older ARMY are understandably so sick and tired of the ship discourse that they don’t go into Taekook spaces and duke it out in the comments. Plus, content creators know that Taekook content gets hits and likes, which translates into passive income, so they keep making it.
See this video where a cult leader shows you she made over $109,000 in a year just from her Taekook edits:
So in the din of all this nonsense and noise, it’s up to Baby ARMY to seek out other voices, other input, to form an opinion. They have to be proactive. And sadly, a large segment of the population lacks critical thinking skills and do not WANT to seek facts.
We live in a very busy, post-fact world, where “credible messengers” (i.e., someone you know and trust) tell you their opinions. Then you try those opinions on for size, and they eventually become your opinions. It’s faster, it’s easier, and…
It lets you be part of the IN-GROUP. Next thing you know, you're part of a group chat with 400 indoctrinated members, spitting conspiracies like gospel truths.
In today’s globalized, fast-paced, hyper digital world, most people cannot tell you the names of their neighbors or local butcher or even their state’s politicians, let alone what all they stand for. But they can tell you how the Kardashians feel about organic salad in a plastic bowl, or what Trump believes about election results.
There’s a lack of real-world relationships that tether people to a shared reality.
And yet, there is a human need for Tribe.
A cult uses that instinct for TRIBE by constantly re-enforcing the notion that People Out There don’t understand, aren’t very nice, will even persecute you for knowing the truth.
But People In Here, the IN-GROUP, they appreciate you, they are reasonable and open-minded, they will be there for you when everyone else turns their backs on you and puts you down.
All you have to do to belong to the IN-GROUP is subscribe to these CONSPIRACY THEORIES.
First, you should think about becoming Anti-Establishment.
You cannot trust the Authority (company, government, scientists, whatever). The Authority is corrupt and will lie to you because it wants something from you (money, votes, microchips in the vaccines, whatever).
Do not trust what your eyes show you and what your ears hear. Believe your in-group. Be loyal to your found family. Your found family is SPECIAL.
Second, you need to begin to wake up to the Signs and Wonders.
Once you’re willing to see the truth, suddenly there are all these hints. All these little “Q-drops” of information. Like Taekook touching face moles during a song. Or seeing slowed-down, edited videos of facial expressions that look like evidence of jealousy. Or maybe hidden meanings behind tattoos of tigers and green mics. Or making a secret handshake or symbol with their fingers. These Signs and Wonders are FOR YOU.
*Now, I’m inclined to give Taekookers a bit of a break on queer couple coding because, culturally speaking, similar clothing and jewelry are couple-coded in Korea. And there are just as many if not MORE theories about Jikook using similar black and white clothing, matching jewelry, related tattoos, using special numbers in songs and timestamps, and even changing up lyrics as secret messages.
The issue here is that Jikook ACTUALLY DOES SOME OF THOSE THINGS. They actually deliberately type out specific numbers on some of their social media messages. They actually have dressed in the exact same outfits or worn each other’s clothes. They actually have changed up lyrics and sung them to each other.
Even so, any reasonable Jikooker will say “all of this is suspicious as hell, but not proof.” Like when Jungkook says his J tattoo stands for Jungkook—the placement over the M is suspicious, yes—but all sane Jikookers accept that Jungkook has spoken about that tattoo and he did not say it was for Jimin. We don't sit around calling Jungkook a liar just because we preferred our theory.
Taekookers, however, want what Jikook have so badly, even as they scorn it for merely being fan service.
Half the time the hints they claim are completely made up.
They see sandal footprints in the sand, and their leaders say it’s proof that Jungkook went on a secret beach date with Taehyung. Even though Taehyung went out with a friend and his parents that night.
Taekookers will see a photo of shoes all neatly lined up and say it’s a secret ski date with Hobi. Even though Jimin owns the exact same pair of shoes and there were no photos or accounts of them ever being at a ski lodge the day after Jin went into service.
Taekookers will swear they hear Jungkook’s voice off camera during Taehyung’s vlog and insist he was hiding in the trunk of the car during the drive to film. As if JK would hide in the trunk for hours instead of just… go in a different car that didn't have a camera??
All of these Signs and Wonders require a huge leap to arrive at the conclusion that Taekook is a romantic couple.
Meanwhile, evidence of Jikook spending birthdays together and couple holidays together and going on trips alone together and having integrated families and inner circles (stylists, tattoo artist, boxing coach) are ALL fan service. Every single person is in on the conspiracy.
Yes, even when JK’s mom screams “I love you!” to Jimin and makes her son eat seaweed soup on Jimin’s birthday, (JK was clearly FORCED to make up that story) it has to be fan service.
And when Jimin’s dad posts a photo of JK’s old dog on JK’s birthday (a birthday where Jimin visited him in the middle of working on his album, but Taehyung did not even though he wasn't working on anything), it's fan service. And when Mr. Park hosts a give-away event at his café where JK’s music is playing and cap and photo are proudly displayed next to JImin? Absolute fan service; he’s a money-hungry, attention-hungry cad, don’t you know? Even the charity he and his son do are fan service!
But JK went bowling with Wooga, so, Taekook are married. (Legally married. Not in Korea. But you know. They ARE married. Coming up on their third anniversary already!)
It’s all there, if you’re just willing to see the Signs and Wonders. And believe your cult leaders when there's nothing to see or wonder about at all.
Third and perhaps most important, is the Star-Crossed Lovers angle. The VICTIM CARD.
You see, it’s not bad enough that openly gay couples face pure hell in conservative countries anyway—losing their jobs, their families, sometimes their will to live because the stigma can be so bad. But on top of all that, for years and years, Taekook have been forced apart.
They’ve been just tortured by Jimin’s attention-whoring greedy nature, and made to endure fabricated fan service skinship!
(When Tae and JK look happy to be around Jimin, it’s just because they are professionals and such good actors!). Darn that Park Jimin, the abuser and sexual predator!!
And after so long being forced to hide, now in solo era, poor abused victimized Taekook can be loud. So loud. So very loud and wild and free!!
After all, during the Vegas concert, Jungkook sat on Taehyung’s lap!! He's NEVER sat on any other BTS members' lap (except for all of them).
And when Jungkook came online and said “Keep being jealous, I’ll keep holding Jiminie!” and that Jimin was HIS! Then fans kept asking him about Taehyung, so he also said Taehyung was his. It was totally his own organic idea (except for how it wasn't).
When fans kept pestering Jungkook during his camping VLive about Taehyung, he said he was forced to admit that Taehyung was attractive, he’d never seen a man so attractive! (FORCED to admit it! So romantic!)
Meanwhile, as all this shakes down, there’s this scandal in the press that Jimin didn’t pay his insurance premiums because his mail was omitted by the company. News of this dropped EXACTLY the moment his first OST With You came out, and he went totally quiet.
And then, Jungkook also went quiet for a while too. He deleted all his previous Insta photos that were personal and changed the layout to be totally professional. He went to the White House. He did a collab. He partied for JitB. He went on a Meat Tour of Korea. He did a concert with his members. He headlined World Cup. But mostly he was getting quieter and quieter.
Eventually Jungkook deleted the app entirely. Sometimes he stayed in his home for six days at a time. He stopped working out or going into Hybe; he started drinking whiskey. And nowadays he doesn’t even want to look at the comments on lives. Not because he was sick of the Taekookers or anything, but because “the company is forcing them to hide!”
Of course.
And all throughout 2022, Taehyung and Jungkook are paired up for things, and Tae's talking about a fortune teller saying he and Jungkook were “fire and water.” And rather than be taken as cute moments between friends, these are just VERY LOUD SIGNS AND WONDERS.
Then there are leaks online of all these photos that involved Tae and Jennie.
And thus begins tons of lives where he mentions Jungkook.
I'm not saying Kim Taehyung had an agenda to throw fans off the scent of his actual relationship, but I'm also not NOT saying that.
Whatever his motivations, the cult interpreted this as a direct message for Taekookers to keep the faith!
And indeed, Taekook do hang out—sometimes openly. (Sometimes where there’s press that make them hold up signs while cameras are going off—but that’s not for work, that’s a date, because the security team there wasn’t Hybe’s, and it was a friend’s premiere.) Sometimes quietly, where they share photos of hanging out afterwards.
But it cannot be just two friends hanging out. It’s Signs and Wonders!! SO LOUD!! SO FREE!!
So many reveals—mostly coming from Taehyung, but Jungkook doesn’t often deny them. And it’s mostly Taehyung stroking Jungkook’s hair or laying his head on Jungkook’s thigh or whatever—but Jungkook doesn’t stop him. And Jimin seems totally unbothered by all of it, which is strange because it sort of debunks years of his efforts at fan service.
Yet, clearly THIS cannot be fan service or misdirection.
It can’t just be friends playing games, or a TikTok made for work. It can’t be recording someone without their informed consent for attention. It can’t be going to a concert with other members and sitting in separate rows as friends. Or going to a musical or movie to support friends. Unlike all the things Jungkook has done with Jimin, this has to be Real Love!!
So just to recap:
When the cult had no evidence of Taekook hanging out, they were a private couple.
When the cult had ever-increasing evidence of Taekook hanging out, they were being loud.
When the cult had evidence that Jikook hang out outside of work, that was just fan service.
When the cult had no evidence that Jikook hang out outside of work, that was just fan service getting exposed.
When the cult has evidence that Taehyung has a girlfriend, that’s a punishment.
MARTYRDOM
You see, Jungkook and Taehyung would go on WeLives without permission, remember? And Taehyung set up a dual live chat on Insta and JK didn't seem that into it but he was persuaded. Then they giggled and couldn’t find much to talk about for ten minutes. And Taehyung said he would take full responsibility for it.
And the cult now believes that “taking responsibility” means pretending to be in a heterosexual relationship. Even their insider sasaeng accounts predicted it!
Never mind how mad all of this seems. And it would be one thing if just one or two ideas were far-fetched, like looking at a pair of shoes and making assumptions. But all of it is far-fetched.
Facts do not matter. Because you cannot trust the Authority. You can only trust the In-Group.
And the In-Group sees Signs and Wonders. So the In-Group knows the Real Truth.
The In-Group DECIDES TOGETHER what is real.
They can make entirely fake edits; cosplay; post false witness statements; harass models, coworkers, brands, businesses… they can hire trucks to circle the building with loud speakers, protesting and shouting their truth!!
And anyone who doesn’t believe the Real Truth is a Fake Taekooker.
No disbelievers allowed. Get out of the tribe. Only the faithful can stay in the Tribe.
Right now, you might be asking yourself: Why would you stay in a tribe like this??
Because the dynamic is ever-evolving, which is titillating, and participants get a sense of power, because they are able to help craft the narratives—by being so smart as to see the truth where others are blind sheep—so they can bond over how unique they are.
Plus… TAEKOOK NEEDS THEM.
The boys absolutely depend on their support. You see, Taekookers are the real HEROES here.
They understand the boys like normal people never could. If you know you know, and they are steadfast against any and all lies presented as evidence. They are loyal.
The whole world is against their baby bear and baby bunny!! They are the boys Only Defense. Just take a look at this video of their rallying cry:
If you've got martyrs, you've also got... CRUSADERS.
Yikes, right?
So, here are millions of fans who were lied to, misled, misinformed… They developed relationships over time with people who also believe this misinformation… They get a sense of power in crafting their own reality, in which the objects of their affection are victims and they are the heroes… And the only way to prove themselves worthy of the group is to stalwartly ignore anything that contradicts these narratives.
This is a literal, textbook cult.
Cults use deception, isolation, peer pressure, group-think, and suppression of critical thought. To varying degrees, all Taekook spaces do this too. (And yes, other ships and solos and mantis ALSO rely on these tactics. But I've never seen anything quite so open or pervasive in ARMY like the Taekook cult tactics.)
I feel I should make one thing should be made clear: a LOT of people sincerely believe in Taekook.
But there are also a lot of Taekook content creators who sincerely believe in the money they make off people believing in Taekook.
Like all cults, at the end of the day, it's a scam.
Now there’s evidence of a real relationship, and of course anyone who has invested time and money in Taekook is going to be pushing back—hard.
So how do we navigate this chaos?
Well, most cults end in one of two ways: an FBI raid, or everyone drinks the Kool-Aid and dies.
But more often than not, cults don’t really end so much as fizzle out over years.
Plenty of cults are still alive and well despite amble debunking (Scientology, Q-Anon, Illuminati, flat-Earthers, Larries—what they believe doesn’t really matter; it’s how they believe that makes them a cult.)
Cults are a bit like hydras—you cut off one head, three stronger ones pop back up.
They won't stop. They have to BE STOPPED.
HOW TO DEPROGRAM A CULT
Well, back in the 70s, in the early days of deprogramming, the only thing that was effective was to separate the individual from access to the cult (by kidnapping if you had to), then bombard them non-stop with facts (using imprisonment or restraints if you had to) and eventually they are coerced into re-integration. But none of that is humane or legal by today’s standards.
It also leads to relapses.
Really the only way to deprogram cult conditioning is for a mental health professional to slowly and methodically discredit the cult leader(s) and gently present contradictions.
(How can Jungkook really be in a relationship with Taehyung if he’s always mentioning Jimin? How can Jimin be hurting Taehyung and yet they are on FaceTime for hours, trading fan art and watching tv shows? Why would the two most rich and famous pop stars in the world need a publicity stunt?)
And even then, the cult member has to be sort of able to question things for themselves, and it just helps to have other supportive people echoing their own questioning sentiments back to them.
It can take YEARS until a cult member reaches the breaking point and begins to listen to Out-Group ideas. (On average, five years, to be exact.)
And then they may begin a journey of self-expression, where they openly voice doubts or complaints against cult narratives. They may even engage in transference, jumping off the Taekook ship and onto another (the need for tribe is very real). This is an extremely vulnerable stage and should not be taken advantage of.
At this critical moment when someone is tittering on the fence, trying to figure out what reality is, you need to REWARD THE BEHAVIOR YOU WANT.
You want them to question. You want them to express their grief and doubts. You want them to look for real sources of information.
This is NOT the time to kick someone when they are down, or look for “gotcha” moments to shame them publicly.
If you see a Taekooker wondering if they’ve been lied to this whole time—they HAVE. And that is abuse. And abuse victims need to be handled with care.
I know that Taekookers have dragged Jimin to hell and back for years so I’m not about to preach love and acceptance.
But it’s also fair to say that Taekookers have been gas-lit and realizing that can be traumatic.
Wounded animals are dangerous. A traumatized human lashes out. And you know who the prime target always is. They are already starting to take it to Jimin directly.
I strongly recommend you take a very cautious approach if you engage with them right now. Especially if you’re thinking about arguing with them.
People who defend Jimin or Jikook end up doxxed, suspended, harassed--and someday, I fear a wounded cult member will get physically violent.
Be especially careful because plenty of big accounts are closeted Taekookers. Here's a thread exposing some "mystery cult" members:
THE MOST EFFECTIVE RESPONSE
I normally don’t try to police people or preach too much, but I’m going to give you some unsolicited advice if you managed to read all this:
Don’t go into Taekook tags or spaces. Don’t debate them. Don’t talk trash about them or the members. Don’t slam-dunk or spike the ball with snarky words or memes. Don’t give them a taste of their own medicine. Don’t be cruel.
First of all, don’t do any of that because Jimin and Jungkook would be mortified by it.
But second of all, don’t do it because it just makes them dig in harder; it adds weeks or months to the deprogramming timeline.
The goal is to get the cult out of ARMY fandom. Because they thrive on a victim/hero complex, attacking them reinforces cult dynamics.
I believe there is a better approach.
First, you can and should go Gray Rock whenever possible.
Starve them of oxygen. Don’t acknowledge them. If you do, be generic in your responses—boringly bland, detachedly polite. Ignore them completely; their hot takes do not matter.
Block and report if warranted, but never engage. On some level, they really want to be persecuted for their beliefs. It's why they keep coming into Jikook spaces looking for a fight.
But their beliefs are so ridiculous that they aren’t worth our time. Instead, direct your focus on what you want, which is to promote and celebrate Bangtan.
Second, you can provide what’s called a Graceful Exit.
It doesn’t always work if they know that’s what you’re doing, but it is perhaps the most effective technique, especially if they are already questioning the cult narrative.
You see, a shamed human being gets defensive, doubles down, won’t listen. But a human being offered a Graceful Exit Out of a Bad Place gets to reinvent themselves in a way that allows them some dignity while they change direction.
A Graceful Exit has a few components to it:
“Hello, Taekooker. I also saw a lot of misleading content when I was a baby ARMY. The algorithm feeds you Taekook content almost immediately. Then you make online friends, and they all believe in Taekook. Suddenly everyone is telling you really complicated theories about how Taekook is being hidden. Once you believe that, you have to also believe that Taekook are lying by omission, that Jimin and the members are also lying, that the company executives and translators and managers and staff are all lying, that Korean ARMY is lying, that fellow I-ARMY is lying… and that’s a lot of people spreading a lie for no real gain. Now that you have some evidence that Tae is happily in a relationship with someone else, it’s only natural to question your beliefs, because YES, Taehyung and Jungkook absolutely love each other. But are they IN love? NO. For my part, I trust Taehyung. I love and support Taehyung. I don’t spread the idea that he or Jungkook engage in fake relationships. If you support them, then you’ll accept what they are showing you. When you’re ready to stop shipping Taekook, ARMY will be ready to welcome you back. We can stream together and vote together and help our boys achieve their dreams. We can watch their content and go to concerts together and enjoy fan-works. But what we can’t do is make up really complex stories around BTS’ reality. Our place as fans is to appreciate their music, and let them live their own lives in their own way. It’s time to let go of old ideas, and embrace the new things they share with us.”
This tactic allows the cult member to feel sympathy for being human. It provides understanding that they’ve been deceived. It appeals to their higher nature and love for the objects of their affection. And reassures them they could have a place in a bigger tribe if they let go of the in-group.
It invites them in, instead of calls them out.
Now, you guys might not be willing to do that. Especially considering the hate trains and rape jokes and death threats they gave Jimin for years. Believe me, I get it. I GET IT.
So if you see someone spewing vitriol, now is not the time to call them in. Now is the time to block and report.
However, if I take out my anger on them, it’s serving my own feelings.
And I’m here to serve Jimin, Jungkook, and BTS, not my own need to be right.
So I believe the best way to do that is to Gray Rock the Die-hards and provide a Graceful Exit for the Questioners.
Many cult members are not going to believe in Taennie unless Kim Taehyung makes an announcement directly--and even then, he’ll have to do it in such an emphatic way that they buy what he sells.
So we should accept that the cult is going to be around for a long, long time. Conserve your energy, my dears.
But for the ones who just got fooled but don't intend any harm, we can either hope they let go of their own volition, or we can try to make room for them as part of true ARMY.
What we shouldn’t do is get down in the mud and start slinging. Everyone loses ground that way.
THIS WAS THE LONGEST EVER POST; I AM SORRY!
But these have been my thoughts over the last few days. I’m okay if you want to comment, but I would like to ask that you DO NOT reblog to tag Taekook and that you don’t weaponize this post by spreading it around specifically where it could cause drama.
Drama is the exact opposite of my intention.
My desire is to provide some better understanding around how cults work and how to disband them.
In conclusion: Keep it classy. Ignore assholes. Be gentle with people recovering from gas-lighting. Stay true to the principles of BTS and ARMY. Apobangpo.
Love, Roo
BTS Car Sharing Saga
The airport video that is all over my TL is filled with both glee and despair just because two people shared a car. I want to talk about this.
I am going to rant a little bit about this car sharing business. Specifically, why certain members share cars and others don’t. I am not going to say anything here that all of you haven’t thought about at least once. Even if you haven’t consciously come to a conclusion, you probably subconsciously had an understanding of the truth. So let me try to articulate what we are probably all thinking.
First, let me share some common sense thoughts. As a family member of someone in law enforcement (in fact my uncle helped with security in Dallas for the BTS concert) I have always been told that when you are responsible for securing someone’s safe transport whether it be driving, walking, riding a scooter etc. There are several things that law enforcement will tell you, 1) It is often easier to keep your “protectees” under close surveillance when they are together as opposed to being scattered across vehicles going in all different direction. It takes less resources as well. This is not a steadfast rule but it makes protection easier when all of the members are going to the same venue. 2). They want to avoid any delays or unnecessary stops when trying to get their precious human cargo delivered to where they need to go (hotel, concert venue, home, etc.) 3) They try to be as efficient as possible, ie: leave on time, arrive on time. Don’t delay unless absolutely necessary. The longer that your human cargo is in an exposed area sitting and not on the move, the more chance you have of a potential breech in their safety. The rule of thumb is to keep it moving and get your passengers safely to their destination without any unnecessary stops. Again, these are not steadfast rules, but they are definitely best practices.
Does all of that make sense? I hope so because it will play a role in what I am about to say next.
For whatever reason, right or wrong, we as fans mmmkay - mostly shippers, have made an unsubstantiated conclusion that if two members ride together in the same car, then it means they live together or close to each other. To go even further, some fans feel that car sharing is a confirmation of an intimate relationship between two members. Every time there is a sighting of two members either arriving or leaving together, there are screams of “I told you XXXX was real and this is proof.” Personally, I don’t feel that random car assignments are proof of anything. (I’ll tell you later what is proof). Unfortunately, the car sharing saga has become so polarizing that the instant two members don’t ride together, there are screams and hand wringing from fans who claim “they broke up” or “they are being forced apart”. Some fans will even go to the extremes of making up excuses as to why the members aren’t in the same car. Exhibit A
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to shade this particular account. They have a right to their opinion. But the lengths they are going through to try to prove that these two were “forced” to travel separately and later reunited, is a bit heart breaking. I can’t even make sense of it. They wrote, “They moved to that car only when the cameras disappeared or no one can seen them.” Then dear OP I ask you, if “NO ONE CAN SEE THEM”, how do you know this even happened? There were no witnesses, you said it yourself.
I feel for this OP because we all know that EVERY ship has at one time or another, used this same excuse to explain why their faves were not riding together. No ship is better than the other in this regard - its just that for most ships this is spoken privately in gc’s and not in the wild like this person unfortunately did.
For a while there during the break, even MiniMoni’s, the least problematic ship ever, were claiming that Jimin and Joon were in a relationship because they were constantly riding in the same car after Jimin moved to 9-1.
https://www.koreaboo.com/news/bts-apartment-new-buy-rm-jimin-nineone-hannam/
I am going to go off topic for a moment to unpack the OP’s claim above because stating some common sense is important here. My points not only apply to this scenario but all scenarios where fans think the members magically switch cars all the time in the middle of a transport. So let’s go back to the OPs statement and think through their claim.
1). They claim that there was a car following Tae’s car and that person following them saw Tae’s car pull into an “elite location”. Full STOP. Referencing my police transport rules above. There is NO way that a protective detail and driver is going to allow another car to follow closely behind the car that their human cargo is traveling in. ESPECIALLY in such a high profile manner where everyone at the airport saw the license plate, the faces of the inhabitants and the direction the car was traveling. Everybody knew that BTS was traveling in those SUVs. There will be at least 1-3 cars trailing the main car to make sure they are not followed - possibly even a police escort that will pick up the caravan after they pull away from the airport. We have seen how crazy fans get, and we have seen their police escorts in America. I strongly doubt that “a witness” saw what they claimed.
2). They claim that Tae’s car and JM and JK’s car pulled into an elite location and the members jumped out and switched cars so that JK and Tae could ride together. FULL STOP. That is so incredibly dangerous that no security detail would ever allow that. THIS IS BTS. Even back home in Korea, they must be as safe as possible and not do things to put themselves at risk. Remember, the OP also claims that these cars were being followed by “the witness” so under no circumstances could I ever see a scenario of them pulling over in Korea to allow JM, JK and Tae to play “red light green light” after a 14 hour airplane ride. It just doesn’t pass the smell test.
3). They claim that the car JM & JK were sharing, pulled over into the elite spot so that Tae and JK could ride together blah blah as mentioned in #2. FULL STOP. First, why play this game? These are grown men who can do what they want and ride with whomever they please. Secondly, the timing of this scenario doesn’t work. Please watch the original video. I am trying to be as honest as possible when I say that Tae’s car was one of the first cars to pull away as soon as Tae sat down. There had to be at least a 10 min gap between Tae driving off and JK emerging from the airport after what I can only assume was COVID protocol. How in the world could the two cars have pulled over TOGETHER to make a switch? Tae’s car was already gone and had BEEN gone for quite some time before JM and JK even pulled away from the curb. Did Tae’s car secretly duck into the “elite area” and just hang out there for over ten minutes with one of the world’s greatest superstars fiddling his thumbs in the back seat waiting for JK and JM to show up? It is doubtful isn’t it? My guess is that Tae was tired and Tae went HOME as quickly as possible. He waited for no one and definitely didn’t engage in “car switching” shenanigans. He’s a grown ass man.
These guys have to be protected in these scenarios and doing any of what the OP suggested above is just - dangerous. Although I am using the OP above to destruct the claim of musical cars, please don’t pretend that Jikookers and other ships haven’t made the exact same suggestion when we try to justify Jimin and JK not riding together.
OOK - I have already spoken about what I DON’T believe is real. Now lets talk about what I do believe is feasible. I do believe that there are some economies of scale to be gained by sharing cars. Two or more members traveling in the same car makes sense if they are going in the same direction. HOWEVER, I believe this is most important when traveling abroad. Going back to my police security standards, it is much easier to protect them when they are all together and you may not know all of them very well. Not shoved into one car, but definitely traveling in as few cars as possible. So when it makes sense, they double up or triple up their car rides when traveling abroad. Also, logistically it is probably easier to order three or four cars instead of seven when traveling abroad.
But what I have noticed is that, for some reason, the members really like to travel individually. My guess is that they really have different interests and want to do different things. We see them travel in separate cars much more often than we see them double or triple up - even in the states where we know it is safer to travel in a group. So why is that? One reason of course is because they all live very far apart so they travel independently when in Korea. Another one of my theories is (drum roll please) because they are rich bitch! Why should Tae and Namjoon have to sit all over each other when they can each have their own car and go their own way? Even if they are coming from the same place or going to the same place, they like to travel individually. I see it repeatedly. In fact, how many times have we seen them jump into separate cars all going to the same hotel and pop up together on VLIVE? Like dudes you could have just taken one single car. But they didn’t want to - so they didn’t.
In fact, we saw individual travel at the airport leaving for Vegas. With the exception of JK who was already gone and Hobi who left later, I believe (please fact check me) that all of the members arrived separately on the way out (maybe Namjoon and JM drove together?) and left separately in individual cars after returning from the Vegas shows. Anyhoo, these are GROWN men who could very well order their own cars if they were so inclined. They are free to do as they wish and they often do travel alone when not heading to a group event, even if it is slightly less convenient for their security teams.
So what is my point in all of this: The cars/couplings that the members drive in is NOT a sign of a relationship. It has absolutely no significance because it is 90% RANDOM RANDOM RANDOM (well almost with one exception that I will explain later) with endless possible reasons for why particular members are paired up. At the end of the day, we have no idea where the hell they are actually going.
So Dawnie, are you saying that Jikook riding together all through the Vegas tour and once they returned home to Korea was irrelevant?
BITE YOUR TONGUE! Hell no I’m not saying that. What I have explained above are feasible scenarios to explain the random nature of why we see certain members together on certain trips and not on others. I also explained why none of the randomness equates to proof of a relationship or proof of living together. I have also explained why the “switching cars sighting” post above was not logical IMO. But what I have NOT explained (which I will do now) is why Jikook riding together, amidst all of the random scenarios I listed above, is so important.
Jikook car sharing is amongst the most significant display of dedication that we have ever seen. While the others rotate between driving alone or driving with different members, Jikook consistently rides together about 80% of the time. I don’t believe I am over exaggerating that number. Even when we don’t see them arrive together on cam, we hear about it or deduce it based on clues. (Remember when they were stuck in traffic and were late for that interview and couldn’t stop smiling and flirting with each other across the table?) The 20% of the time we did not see them ride together was when they were not officially on business and had random meet up or trips. (Even then, I believe they were together much more than we think.) Remember, we would often see Jimin arrive with Namjoon and JK arrive alone (or with Hobi) which makes perfect sense if he and Hobi live near each other.
Dawnie, how can you contradict yourself and say Jikook riding together is significant, but other members riding together is not significant. The reason is because RIDING TOGETHER IS SIGNIFICANT TO JIKOOK. No other unit within the group makes such a consorted effort to stay together. None of them. They could really all care less. They either drive alone or hitch a ride with whoever is going their way.
But for Jikook it is very different. We have all seen how adamant they are at times with telling security, “I’m going with him” or “Me and him” to make sure that their wishes were known. We’ve never seen that from any of the other members. The other members are all ok with random, but not Jikook - at least not when they can control it. Cars are ordered in advance and almost everybody knows that Jikook is riding together. Jikook car sharing is not random at all. We all remember that heart breaking video when they arrived home to Korea after the LA tours and they had to be PHYSICALLY separated because they were set and determined to travel in the car together. It was the last time they saw each other before being forced into quarantine - which led me to believe they originally planned to quarantine together and gave no thought to how that may look to us as fans.
We know they are inseparable behind the scenes. We know they prefer each other’s company to the point where JK visits JM’s room and refuses to leave. We know that JM was the first person JK went to visit when he was out of quarantine for COVID and they “hugged”. We know that they openly express love and show love. We know that they CHOOSE to ride together and make certain assertions to make sure that it happens. We know they have shared a car for years and years back to 2017 (possibly even before that, we just were not shown that on camara). We know they are rich and can ride in whatever car they want. We know they have power to assert their demands because we have seen them do it. If they didn’t want to ride together, then they wouldn’t -nor would they be forced to. We know they don’t always ride together which is confirmation that they live their own lives and have a healthy respect for each other’s individual space. But we also know that more often than not, they are right there next to each other in that back seat, even when cameras are rolling, even when cameras are not rolling. And most telling of all - they are almost always ALONE. No one ever tries to hitch a ride with Jikook. It’s like an unspoken rule, at least that is how it feels.
So Dawnie do you think they live together? NOPE. I do not. Could they possibly have lived together in the past? It’s possible. The rumors from K-ARMY of them being seen together in convenience stores around Trimage was really hot back in 2018 after JK purchased Trimage and Jimin posted his vague tweet about it 10/13. But I have no idea what their status is today. I have my theories, but I won’t share that here. I also believe that they are super intensely reliant upon each other when they are traveling and they stick together like glue, even sharing a hotel room at times. I also STRONGLY believe that they have a special place in Korea that is just for them, when they are home. And when they leave the airport and leave in the same car, driving into the sunset, I believe they are going someplace to be alone and it may not be either of their permanent homes. And that is where I think they were going when they landed on April 18th 2022. And NO IT IS NOT BIGHIT DORMS! It is a private location for them. These are just my opinions, so please if you want to argue, talk to the wall. I am too chill for that and about to get ice cream so I will be even chiller…
Now, let me get to my final point so I can go have ice cream. Riding in the same car occasionally or randomly does not matter. Consistently and fervently insisting that you ride in the same car for over five years, both home and abroad does matter. Waiting for each other after RUN episodes when one is free to go and the other is still working - that does matter. Waiting for your car mate to finish snacking on chicken before you can leave for the evening does matter. Arriving early together for practice and then watching your car mate perform instead of resting, does matter. Waiting for over ten minutes for your car mate to get through COVID protocols (especially when you are tired and just flown for 14 hours) does matter. The other cars took off, but not Jimin. There was no reason for him to wait there. Even if he and JK were going to the same place, they could have just MET there and driven in separate cars. But the fact that JM waited for him is very significant, more so than just being in the same car. There is something special there. Maybe a sense of comfort and familiarity - I don’t know. But in my opinion, it is telling that we have never seen this kind of insistent persistence from the other members regarding their riding arrangements.
In summary, it is my opinion that riding in the same car is not proof of a relationship. But 10+ years of being virtually inseparable, even when it comes to your travel arrangements, is proof of two people who are in a certain type of love.
#Jikook#JIkooksharingcar #Jikooklove #Jikookcarsharing #jikookairport
Gender neutral Jiminie 🏳️⚧️🐥🏳️🌈
Remember the 'room' concept photos for BE?
Remember how Jimin subtly divided himself into masc and fem in that photo with the flower room?
And the Like Crazy MV?
He's done it again for this Blooming concept photo
Edited to add, because i didn't notice at first, the shape of his hair plays into this too....
It's subtle, like most of what he does.
if you don't know, you wont see it.
If you do know, you can't miss it.
BH chose the gender neutral singer emoji too. It's not accidental.
🏳️⚧️🐥🏳️🌈
Editing again to include this: the Maison Margiela MM6 brand...
I have thoughts on Jimin's SGMB
It's the gayest thing I've ever seen.
And by that I mean it's joyous, light-hearted, bright, and fun.
We can all agree, I think, that this is a happy and totally harmless song. Who could criticise Jimin for declaring his love in such a sweet and innocent way?
Of course not everyone will like it, and that's fine. You don't have to like everything he does - or everything BTS does - you are an individual with thoughts and feelings of your own - I hope. But putting that aside you'd have to be a troubled person indeed to take offence at anything here.
So, it is definitely a fan song, right? Jimin is singing to his fans... isn't he?
Maybe.
But if it is (I and I'm not convinced) it's not just a fan song.
It's sweet, so sweet, but....
Maybe it's a little too sweet?
We know Jimin is CUTIE SEXY LOVELY and LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY, but let's be honest, he's also a grown man. And Army are not children (mostly). In fact we have had many many conversations about how ARMY are not children.
But this whole production is pushing the sweet and innocent barrow so hard that I can't help wanting to look underneath and behind and inside to see what's really going on because it's so sweet it's hurting my teeth.
Compare the sophistication and self awareness of FACE to the bouncy, bright and child-like song-and-dance in the SGMB music video. They are WORLDS apart and we were told very specifically that the albums were linked.
"Following his first solo album, “FACE,” where he sought to explore his true identity, “MUSE” documents his journey in search of the source of his inspiration." said the Weverse notification.
So what's really going on here?
What are you doing Jiminie?
And more importantly, why are you doing it?
You could call it a pageant, or a carnival, or a circus - with Jimin as the ringmaster.
But my view is:
This a pantomime. And it's very clever.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a pantomime is "A dramatic entertainment, originating in Roman mime, in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music." Yes, that describes it.
Merriam-Webster tells us "[A pantomime] is an ancient Roman dramatic performance featuring a solo dancer and a narrative chorus" That also makes sense.
Oxford also specified that it's a modern BRITISH tradition. "a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, which involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy." It's a perfect fit.
The British link is already there - Jimin clearly told us he's influenced by The Beatles' Sergeant Peppers Album. There's also the styling of his suit. The stovepipe pants, narrow tie, and fitted jacket are very 1960s (and 1980s) British pop.
There's something old-school about a pantomime. It harks back to childhood, and to the nostalgia of holidays. And the styling of the MV is in keeping with that nostalgic feel too - from the Mountain scene with the vintage film title, to the intertitles - or title cards , to the circular frame of the opening scene.
But back to the Pantomime itself...
A quick google search told me the following are important elements of pantomime. And we have most, if not all of them in this production.
Gender role reversal - TICK
Slapstick comedy - TICK
Colourful costumes - TICK
Audience participation - TICK (the children ARE the audience)
Exaggerated facial expressions - TICK
Take another look at the music video - it's all there.
Wikipedia tells us that pantomimes traditional told fairy tales or folk tales - often love stories - and that the primary role in a Pantomime was:
The 'Principal boy', a hero or charismatic rogue, traditionally played by a young woman in men's clothing.
Smart, very smart. With all the other conversations we've been having a round gender this is totally on the money.
Wikipedia goes on to say "Another pantomime tradition is to engage celebrity guest stars... Contemporary pantomime productions are often adapted to allow the star to showcase their well-known act.... If the star enters into the spirit of the entertainment, he or she likely adds to its overall effect"
Welcome, Loco.
(yes, I know collabs are de rigueur, but that doesn't change the fact that it fits - celeb guests are an established practice in Panto.)
So if this IS a Pantomime (and I'm not saying it definitely is but it looks like one to me), then it's intended to be a sung-story, told as much through dance and gestures as through words.
If it's a pantomime, what is it about?
I'm glad you asked! This little charade is the story of a young person called Jimin who is looking for love. He finds romance easily enough...
but real love takes a little longer.
Fortunately for our hero, he's brave (he will confess to his lover) and he is patient (he encourages them to do so too).
In between, there are shenanigans and goofing...
But our Charismatic Rogue is charming (if devilish) and wins the hearts of the audience - and his lover.
Let's take a closer look at how the story unfolds...
At the start of the MV, as the initial credits appear, Jimin is on stage vibing with his band. Loco is chilling on a rock like a lizard in the sun.
We get the ye olde intertitles, welcoming the audience and introducing.... SMERALDO Garden Marching Band
It's not Smeraldo Garden - Marching Band. It's Smeraldo *pause* Garden Marching Band. Smeraldo (secrets) has the emphasis.
After the intertitles, the scene opens on a group of children - they are ostensibly the audience of the band. They're playing paper-scissors-rock to see who will call for Jimin's attention.
The children run over to him and the tale begins.
Jimin, the main character of this story, immediately launches into song.
He starts off singing about Bangtan - mentioning their harmony (song and personal I think), he shows the Bangtan hand gesture we all know so well, and he sings "we gift happiness every day".
But he mentions June 12th.
Why June 12th?
Why not 13th, their debut day?
BECAUSE THIS IS NOT A SONG for ARMY. He's making it clear that at this point he's referring to Bangtan specifically, not the whole juggernaut of the fandom and fame. June 12th precedes ARMY.
He's made it clear from the start - this is NOT ABOUT ARMY.
Then he leans in and whispers to the children - and the camera -"lets talk about us".
Look at the kids' faces - they're miming shock. Ooooohhh! This is a big secret he's about to tell them - and us.
Look at Jimin's expression - he's just a tad smug. This is not a shocking secret to him, this is a fun secret.
Yes, he is indeed the charismatic rogue of this story.
He sings:
"All the things we couldn't say before
And your hidden feelings too (just for you)
Don't you worry anymore
Since we're together now**
Let's be a little more honest."
So it seems our main character has a LOVER. Someone who couldn't be revealed and who hid their feelings.
<Wow, I have no idea who this could be...>
Hang on, what's happening in the MV??
On his journey, it seems our young hero has a few short-lived romances. And if you look carefully, they are all with men.
He accepts the rose from a man, and plants himself on the bench right up close to .... a man. He jumps up unperturbed, and gifts the rose to (you guessed it) another man.
Jimin manages to sidestep (or completely ignore) all the women except one, who he sends graciously into the arms of a random man before continuing on his journey.
Wait one moment... his romantic partners were ALL MEN??
ALL MEN??
ALL MEN?!!!!!
Yes darling, all men. Let's continue.
So, it seems none of Jimin's previous romances grew into anything more, but he takes his own advice with his mysterious lover and confesses first.
He smirks. He flicks his jacket with pizzazz. He's ready.
He sings:
"Ooooh I love you babe,
I'll come closer to you
I want to hold your hand,
I want you babe (yessir)
Please note the hand gesture in this choreo - it's another one we've seen many times.
The dance ends and Jimin scans the surroundings and spots his old friend...
[Enter stage left: Loco]
Oh look, the friend is a rapper a few years older than Jimin. They seem to have a lot of fun together, Jimin and his rapper friend. There are ZERO romantic overtones here. This guy happily goes along with all the goofing and silliness even though he looks a tiny bit mortified. Either they are both very good actors, or a lot of the time, Loco was holding in his laughter. And Jimin seems incredibly amused by that.
They hang out together until.... something in the atmosphere changes:
The colours become richer, light become warmer, and oh look....
It's *The Golden Hour*
I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP, PEOPLE. HE REALLY DID THIS.
Jimin leaves Loco, chasing the golden light as he sings about "the dazzling sky." Golden confetti (champagne, anyone?) falls all around him and then ...
fucking sunflowers bloom.
SUN FLOWERS.
BLOOM.
FOR HIM.
<I need to lie down and process this>
SUNflowers...
Remind me again what sunflowers are known for? Oh yes, they are symbolic of the sun. Guess what else? They turn to face the sun.
Yup, the sunflowers all turn their faces toward the camera. I'm not crazy, okay?! I'm not.
SMH... let's move on.
Jimin re-joins his band, and the sunflowers do their sunflower thing, and Jimin sings:
"So tell me how you feel,
let whatever you feel
wash over you"
Then he sings
"I love you babe, (yessir)
I'll come closer to you
I want to hold your hand,
I want you babe (yessir)
Please note the hand gesture again
👉 👈
The bridge is next, and Jimin takes us back to Bangtan. As all the stars appear (that ocean of purple light that surrounds them at concerts) and everyone takes their place on stage, they turn up the music. <Are my eyes watering? Perhaps>
"I think we're ready now
<NGL I may have shed a tear here>
Lets begin 1, 2
<Ok fuck, I bawled at this point. Goddammit Jimin!>
Put your hands up"
*cute wiggle-dance commences* and Jimin spots his good friend the rapper again, hiding on the sidelines. He pulls him into the chorus line and they do more silliness and everyone is having a great time.
Confetti- flower petals fall, there's laughter and happiness all around, and they bow and bid us good bye.
The show is over.
*THE END*
But wait, I am not done.
A few more things bear mentioning here:
I saw quite a few comments saying this song is for ARMY.
It is categorically NOT for ARMY. Besides the fact that we already have Closer Than This - a fan song - on this album, Jimin specifically chose a date before debut - before ARMY existed - to place in this song. No mention of ARMY at all. Accept it graciously, this is not for you.
I wanna hold your hand
This lyric is a reference not only to the Beatles song "I Want to Hold Your Hand", It's also a common theme with Jimin and Jungkook. We see them finding any feeble excuse to hold hands, shake hands, touch hands. Yes, we see you two...
I am you, You are me
The gesture used in the choreo when Jimin is singing his confession - I failed miserably to catch it in my screengrab but there's no doubt it's their "I am you, You are me" gesture. Take a look for yourself.
All Jimin's romantic moments happened with men.
I'm not saying in his life, I am saying in this MV. All of them. The only interaction he has with a woman is one brief moment where he grabs her wrist as she passes by and he swings her into the path of a guy behind him. He even scoots around the women and sidesteps them. That can't be accidental. He's making a point.
The addition of 'yessir' in the lyrics makes it clear that he's confessing to a man.
I cannot see any reasonable way to refute this. The BH subtitles include it even though you have to listen carefully to catch it. THAT IS A CHOICE, NOT AN ACCIDENT.
"Even though we're together now"
These lyrics could mean theyre an established, committed couple. But if we think a little broader than that, and a little more literally, who is he together with right now?
It's strategically brilliant.
This is his 'tell all expose' but he has built in a rock solid escape clause by using the panto format. Staging the whole love story - including the prior boyfriends and the man he's now in love with - as an over the top comedy show makes it easily dismissible as pure fiction. By including the fantasy/magical elements he just makes it more so. Deniers will be able to come up with a dozen reasons to reject this... 'It's a fantasy story', 'not all songs are autobiographical', 'he's making a point', 'he's raising LGBTQIA+ awareness'... all true maybe, but that doesn't change the fact that this is HIS song, about HIS muse. If you've been paying attention (and even if you haven't) you will know this is certainly not pure fiction.
AND FINALLY....
The most important one, I left till last. I actually want to scream this, in all caps, in the biggest font possible. But I will restrain myself.
The song is bookended by references to BTS.
That is hugely important. For those who may not be aware, this is a literary device. Bookending a story provides a start and end reference point. Here, the Bangtan bookends provide context for the rest of the lyrics - they frame the lyrics within them. That means the events happening in the song, happen within the context of Bangtan. Reading between the lines, the person he is singing to/about is within Bangtan.
This is not reaching. This is like mixing blue paint and yellow paint together. You will get green paint.
💛+💙=💚
So yes, this song is the gayest thing I've ever seen.
And I DO mean it's joyous, light-hearted, bright, and fun.
But yes, it's also absolutely and totally really really GAY
🏳️🌈🐥🦄🌈🏳️⚧️🌻🐰☀️🏳️🌈
Thank you Jiminie
This could save lives so I thought I’d share!
jeon jungkook called park jimin whos two years older than him by a pet name that only used by couples and even got KOREAN armys shook, jeon jungkook took park jimin to japan as jimin’s birthday present (keep in mind that jungkook ONLY gives birthday gifts to jimin, he doesnt give anything to other members and this has been confirmed by fellow bandmate kim namjoon), in that same trip, jeon jungkook made a 3 minute video of park jimin, not japan (even though the title says so), but jimin.
he used a gay song by a gay artist as the bgm and he always told us that he must knew the meaning behind a song everytime he listens or uses it.
jeon jungkook has a studio called the golden closet, through that studio he made a song cover of charlie puth’s we dont talk anymore along with park jimin, jungkook didnt change the pronouns.
golden closet also released many beautiful pictures and the majority of them are of park jimin. even people notice and admit that park jimin is jeon jungkook’s muse.
jeon jungkook went to japan A LOT, he had concerts there, meet new and talented people, went to disneyland, experienced a culture that is foreign and unique to him, but when asked what was the most memorable thing about japan, he answered that watching park jimin overslept was something that he will always treasures and will never forget.
watching park jimin overslept is more memorable to jeon jungkook than going to the disneyland
the hyungs of bangtan have said that theyd allow jungkook to use banmal with them, but jeon jungkook refused this with the exception of one person, park jimin. until this very day the only hyung that jungkook ever speaks banmal to is park jimin, even though in terms of age kim taehyung is a lot closer to jungkook.
jeon jungkook is the one who always waits for park jimin because hes slowest of all the members, jeon jungkoon deliberately starved himself to stop park jimin from doing the same, jeon jungkook would pay for park jimin’s parents’ birthday expenses even though its going to cost him a lot of money
but of course, since jeon jungkook and iu glanced at each other once for a second in the SBS Gayo Daejun, he must be dating her
She got so mad she wrote song lyrics and edited a video and everything omg
Okay I’m currently furious that migraines are often so blindly easy to treat and I had to find this out myself at the age of 26 when I’ve been to a neurologist since I was 11 lol so I’m about to teach you two neat and fast little tricks to deal with pain!
The first is the sternocleidomastoid muscle, or the SCM muscle.
This big red section is responsible for pain around the eye, cheekbone, and jaw, as well as some temple pain. Literally all you have to do is angle your head down a little, angle it away from the side that hurts, and then you can gently pinch and rub that muscle. I find it best to start at the bottom and travel upwards. The relief is so immediate! You can increase pressure as you feel comfortable doing so.
Here is a short and easy video showing this in action
The second is a fast and easy stretch that soothes your vagus nerve, which is the nerve responsible for calming you down. The vagus nerve, for those unfamiliar, is stimulated by deep breathing such as yawning, sighing, singing, or taking a deep breath to calm your anger in a tense situation.
You can stretch this out by sitting up as straight as possible (this does not have to be perfect to work) and interlacing your fingers. Put your hands on the back of your head with your thumbs going down the sides of your neck and, while keeping your face forward, look all the way to one side with just your eyes. Hold that until you feel the urge to breathe deeply or yawn, or until you can tell there’s a change. Then do the same thing on the other side. When you put your arms down, you should clearly be able to turn your head farther in both directions. If the first session doesn’t get rid of your migraine, rest and repeat as many times as necessary. I even get a little fancy with it and roll my eyes up and down along the outer edge sometimes to stretch as much as I can.
If you need a visual here’s a good video on it. I know some of the language they use seems questionable but this is real and simple science and should not be discarded because it’s been adopted by the trendy wellness crowd!
I seriously cannot believe I didn’t hear a word of this from any doctor in my life. Additionally, if you get frequent recurring migraines, you may want to see a dietician. Migraines can be caused by foods containing histamines, lectin, etc. and can also be caused by high blood pressure in specific situations such as exercise, stress, and even sex.
If any of this information helps you I’d love to hear it btw! It’s so so fast and easy to do. Good luck!
If you’re a Non-Muslim and you see a Muslim praying in public, could you please not pass in front of them?
Go behind them, but not in front. 👍