ANOTHER MASTERPIECE?! | TAEMIN 태민 'Criminal' MV REACTION

[@thespianoge]

Taemin has said that the general theme of this song is “Stockholm Syndrome.” While one normally thinks of that as another person inflicting it on another, the inner psychological idea of Stockholm Syndrome within oneself is worth exploring and I’m so glad for your thoughtful and intensive interpretation of this song! The main theme, as you’ve gathered, of Taemin’s solo work is about duality. Even his role of the little scamp makane from SHINee into intense sex god Taemin exemplifies this. Also, the recent news about his battle with depression anxiety (which I deeply understand myself) it further supports the idea that he has been forced to live in the public eye as someone who is always doing okay while suppressing that hurting part of himself. Taemin is my ULT, hands down, and knowing his struggles makes sense about why I’ve been so attracted to his work. I’m so glad you’re beginning your journey discovering his work! IDEA is technically the middle part of the trilogy that is Criminal, Idea, and Advice, so I’d recommend you do that one next. Move is also an iconic one to touch on early because it inspired a whole dance craze with its extremely atypical style. Then there’s “Danger” which was his solo debut. I personally love his Japanese stuff, sometimes even more than his Korean stuff, but I know that reactors have usually had difficult times with Japanese video reactions being blocked. Sorry for this long winded comment but bottom line: I appreciate your thoughtful analysis and you’ve brought more insight into my perception of this song!

[@commedesasteria]

Ahh, to add to the list, Famous. I think it complements well some of the more personal works of his.

[@shannonunruh-hallock2522]

Definitely. If you’re old enough to remember the Patty Hurst case, this video mirrors her experience!

[@DGReacts]

Another masterpiece by TAEMIN, I hope at least a small portion of my thoughts made sense here hehe! Hope you're having a lovely week!

[@KaraIblis]

Man your insight is so incredible, I am blown away.

[@lori4021]

You’re honestly amazing!

[@violetlilith]

You are hands down the most interesting and insightful reactor I've seen and I've seen A LOT. You not only get the themes immediately but you actually help me expand my understanding of the songs and mvs. Thank you so much for this reaction, I think Taemin would be incredibly proud.

[@beverleyanncarto8728]

You did very well I also think the message that came in was trying to portray he wants us to remember him by Taemin the artist not Taemin the idol he tries news things because that's his way of growing in the industry becoming his own voice not what a record label wants him to be or a fan wants him to be or the world wants him to be he wants to be himself he wants to have his own thoughts his own voice his own mind his own creation that's what he's trying to show us that he has grown so much and he's developed.

[@marinal.]

loved hearing ur thoughts ty

[@patriciamartinez9027]

The King of Kpop is just another level.

[@nahyek5961]

진짜 마음에 드는 리액션 비디오! Thanks!

[@naylavaz832]

CRIMINAL IS JUST I C O N I C.

[@damarisherrera6873]

It always amazes me how he watches the video once and he points out things I have never noticed after the 100th time I’ve watched the music video

[@sajjadali-taeminsteppedony8434]

I agree he is amazing and everything he is the dancer not just another dancer or K-pop idol he is art and the idol's idol he is superior in everyway and form. He has also a whole journey from the beginning of his career. He is in criminal discovering the fact about how not accepting his dark side will never make him happy. He in IDEA is basically talking about an ideal self that he is looking forward to. He also showed his dark side trying to take control in IDEA. In the latest song ADVICE he is reborn as not only the embodiment of all corners that he hide as in having a perfect torso but the tattoo symbolises destroying the torso hence, the dark side took control some theories even say advice is about taemin raising the dead in the beginning as dancers rose up from the ground and at the end scene with crop top and crying tears it looks like taemin is in control now and is having dancers as kind of his acolytes symbolising his hold on K-pop industry. You should react to taemin shadow, pinnochio, and taemin move(the song that made history), also react to taemin want! Watch Taemin love taemin danger taemin ace!! I can recommend everything about him and his group shinee the man has no bad song!!

[@Ca-yr2rz]

Pinocchio is criminally underrated!! it's such a good and meaningful song!

[@sajjadali-taeminsteppedony8434]

@@Ca-yr2rz omg I could say taemin is underrated even being pretty popular in work I still feel like a legend like him deserves to have his name on every tongue! Yes pinnochio is super meaningful and addictive one of my fav song of all time from taemin and the choreography is amazing too!! I utterly love pinnochio ❤️

[@RapnFreshD]

Taemin king of kpop

[@SnowRivera]

My comment on any Taemin video will always be......MORE TAEMIN PLEASE 😅

[@gybelimarguerra2734]

He's talking about his musician self, how that world hurt him but at the same time give him the best version of him that he have learned to accept that it was meant to be, that's his happiness and he can't deny it even if his is literally in hell

[@LUMI_MBB_STAY]

That's why he's the prince of Kpop. He's so insane!

[@chumchumanonymous6978]

Truly, I love your reviews because of how perceptive you are and all the connections you make. A great approach to Lee Taemin's music and performances since he's truly an artist. I think you'd have a field day interpreting Taemin's Want MV. For some straight up great/charismatic performances, please watch his earlier stuff too - Ace, Danger, Soldier.

[@robgreenwald4993]

Glad you are checking out Taemin, I told you he is amazing. His song "IDEA" is really cool. When the drop came in my my wife looked at me and said, "damn, this could be music for the next James Bond film." So, remember that when you are watching it. Let me know if you think she was right :) Keep up the great videos!

[@DGReacts]

Definitely gonna keep that mind when I check out IDEA :) Thank you so much Rob, as always!

[@jebalifyouplz]

You see what we long-time fans of Taemin see when we watch this video. Bro I am so glad you do reaction videos. Seriously, the way you talk about the symbolism etc., and you actually GET it is so refreshing and important to put out there. So many people seem to refuse to accept that while yes, the aesthetics and the dances can be face value entertainments and there's nothing wrong with that, deeper meanings are waiting for those who want to see them. Great video as always. 🖤

[@pinkseonghwa]

This was THE song that brought me back to kpop! I listened to it quite a bit in 2013-15 but quit after I learned more and more of how horrible the industry was. Back then, Shinee’s Sherlock was one of the IT songs for me, and Taemin’s solo debut Danger.. *phew*. Then in december 2020 I came across Criminal and I was lost once more. I had it on repeat non stop for at least a week. There’s something about it that’s so addicting. The hypnotic ”la la la”s in the beginning, the ”destroy me more” and then the explosion of layered vocals in the last chorus, the DANCE. HIM. It’s no wonder that I fell. It’s been confirmed that the song is about Stockholm Syndrome, named that from a bank robbery/hostage situation in Stockholm, Sweden where the victims caught feelings for and defended the robbers, even after the victims got rescued. I interpret the song’s criminal and victim to both be Taemin. The criminal is TAEMIN, the idol, and the victim is Lee Taemin, the private person. It’s also notable that Taemin’s Never Gonna Dance Again album is the album that he had (from what I’ve gathered) the most influence over. And imo it shows and that’s a huge part of what makes Criminal (and the follow up MV for IDEA) so special. Taemin’s artistry here shines so so brightly.

[@roseoftheday582]

In the Korean entertainment industry “idol dancers” tend to get a bad rap among professional dancers. Take for example Chaeyeon formally of Izone and her part in street woman fighter. Before the show, she was PRAISED by fans for being an incredible dancer, even CEO’s believe she’s an incredible dancer, but the MOMENT she ended up on SWF the script was flipped. She got criticized and beat down repeatedly by the other dance crews. Because in the professional world of dance in Korea, idol dancers are not taken seriously, at least not by the majority. However, any professional dancer in Korea will attest to the fact that Taemin is not an idol dancer, he is a DANCER period. They have incredible respect for him. He’s absolutely an icon in so many ways.

[@martahagyari7174]

I really enjoyed your explanation! Please do more Taemin.

[@yunqb1519]

I love your highly analytic reactions so so much! You rarely see that in reaction videos anymore I appreciate your insights a lot

[@beckyunderwood5753]

Love your reaction to this one!!! He’s really phenomenal, isn’t he?

[@ninawilliams9647]

Wow what a great reaction thank you. You will soon find out that taemin really only makes bangers. I have not found one song of his that I don't love. Taemin needs alot of love and support from his fans more so now and I am here to give it. Pleeeease continue showing your love for taemin and the fans of your channel! More taemin please

[@stevenma5610]

Man you should also check out the dance pratice of this song. Taemin’s dance practice is just another level.

[@taengoonim]

I especially love how he sang the last chorus freely coz it really felt like he finally let loose himself

[@sunrise420]

love your analysis here so much it's so spot on just like with advice. i definitely recommend you watch IDEA next (pronounced the greek way as he's referencing plato's theory of ideas) since it's act 2 of this story. i'd also really love if you reacted to his bandmate Key's recent solo Bad Love, it's a song that on surface level could be interpreted as a standard story about an unhealthy romantic relationship but i think you'll easily be able to see the deeper meanings of what he's been through as an idol based on how well you picked up on things in Taemin's videos so far

[@belindajay8797]

Move has always been one of my absolute Taemin favourites. Highly recommended.

[@maryqueenmaryqueen2523]

I LOVE your analysis and whole "decoding" process of Taemin's criminal concept. It's such a beautiful, dramatic, and even religious story that Taemin unfolded, glad there are people who really appreciate his art and review it in your proper manner ❤❤

[@clara7904]

I really love how you break apart and analyze everything. I like that you don’t take things just on the surface level and instead you try to find the deeper meaning and symbolism. I think it would be interesting and stimulating to talk to you about many different topics and that is, in my opinion, a rare and beautiful trait to have. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts!

[@whereisja]

Yooo I love all of your analyses so much. Even though I've listened to his songs many times, you make me think about some of them in a way I haven't before and it's so interesting to hear lol I feel most of his videos are very closely tied to the lyrics or support their message so he's the type you have to pay just a much attention to the MVs as the lyrics. That man puts a lot into his solo work and is definitely an artistic visionary to me. Anyway, I hope you keep enjoying discovering Taemin as an artist like this! Love the vibe of your channel!

[@cocotaem5101]

Great analysis. I agree on this song being him processing himself in relation to the toxic music industry, the mask he puts on in the music industry vs himself, him grappling with his singer persona being both good and bad for him.

[@smbfor1769]

these lyrics are so sophisticated and beautiful

[@micheleg559]

You do such a great job breaking down songs/videos. Love Taemin-thank you for reacting to his music.

[@tidus_1135]

Enjoyed your interpretation of the MV. Thanks for reacting to Taemin. He’s special.

[@Meriem1603]

Out of Advice, Idea and Criminal, though all 3 r masterpieces Criminal is my fav this song just sth else 😍😍

[@milindawilson9175]

"Criminal" is part of Taemin's 3rd Korean solo album called Never Gonna Dance Again. It is part of a trilogy which started with his prologue "2 Kids," and continued with "Criminal" which is part of Act 1 of the album. And it was followed up by "Idea" which is part of Act 2 of the album and it brings the whole concept full circle. As Taemin said in an interview: "The two acts put together tell a story. '2 Kids’ is about growing pains and depicts the story prior to the story in the album. You can think of '2 Kids' as a teaser before the movie called 'Never Gonna Dance Again.' Act 1 shows a new side of me. I think it’ll be something you’ve never seen in K-pop before. And Act 2 is the end-all-be-all. It’s the ultimate level of intensity. Never Gonna Dance Again’ was originally the name of the concept. Because it doesn’t make sense for me to stop dancing. But I wanted to give a sense of rebellion with the irony of the title.” And just so you know, Taemin is not the criminal in the song. He is the victim who is being held captive by the criminal who is the lover that he is singing about (i.e. the pressure he feels under as a Kpop idol). The song is about living in a toxic relationship and being brainwashed by a lover to the point where he is suffering from stockholm syndrome and he has now fallen in love with the person (or thing -- i.e. his career) who is inflicting all the pain and suffering on him. Even though he is being abused by that person (possibly a metaphor for the pressure he is creating for himself with the need to always be the best in everything he does) he can't help but love them and allow them to continue to hurt him, etc. As part of the story, he has been held captive for so long that he is now suffering from stockholm syndrome, so he is no longer fighting the abuse and that is why you see him throw his bindings away. The criminal (which is a metaphor for the pressure he has felt in his career) no longer has to tie him up to keep him there. (Because he has fallen in love with the pain and suffering he inflicts on himself as a artist, etc.) The backup dancers represent the forces he is struggling against as he fights with his mind over whether to stay or go, etc. Fun fact: It was Taemin's idea to include the police blotter/news clips in that part of the song. If you notice, the sound bites are from all over the world and they are speaking multiple languages. This albums whole concept is a metaphor for his life and career. With every release from this album, the concept was designed to be darker then the last. In "2 Kids" he was emotionally and physically beating himself up with regrets and in "Criminal" he was living in a toxic relationship. And "Idea" takes the theme one step further, and says that even though it was my idea and my plan to live this life, nothing comes without a price, and because of that need for perfection, any chance of being average or living a regular life is pretty much dead. Taemin has sacrificed everything to become the magnificent and unique performer and person that we know him as today. But there really is no one that pushes him or holds him to a higher standard then himself. Taemin has said that he really has never taken a true vacation since he was a trainee -- he started with SM Entertainment when he was around 11 years old -- and he doesn't know what to do if he isn't constantly working and training. As he has said, there has never been anything that has come easy to him and he has only gotten to where he is today because he has worked hard to accomplish everything. He is constantly pushing himself to become the best of the best in everything he does. All of Taemin's dances tell a story. As he has said, he specifically designs his choreography to be a part of the story within the song and MV. So, "Criminal" is supposed to be slightly creepy, as well as sexy. He is literally being abused and asking you to please "destroy me more." As a member of SHINee, Taemin has trained his entire career to be able to pull off this type of intense and intricate dancing while singing live and always sounding flawless the whole time. That is what SHINee are known for. So not only is Taemin an amazing dancer, but he is also one of the best singers in the industry, and his group SHINee make up one of the top groups, that everyone looks up to and dreams of even coming close to being as good as. What you just witnessed was art in its purest form. If you are impressed with Taemin's dancing, not only should you see his live performance, but just wait until you see his dance practice video for "Criminal." You will be even more blown away.

[@MBella123]

Taemin never misses! He’s an incredible artist 🥰

[@johannacusmecampos8125]

You need more Taemin, he's just amazing talet

[@Ca-yr2rz]

Agh I love your reactions SO much. Your interpretations are always in one way o another right!! I'm super bad to catch those things, so I'm happy to be here lol And YES Taemin is a standard by himself uwu you're gonna die with Idea and his inspiration on Plato!

[@eveningbun]

Criminal is definitely up there being one of my favorites from Taemin, thank you for reacting to this! And I love how he took something like Stockhol Syndrome for the guideline of his song, it's original and refreshing since so many songs are about general love or haters or whatnot.

[@johannacusmecampos8125]

Taemin = best solist

[@6221-]

Criminal is one of the best release from Taemin. Legendary stuff.

[@blimRichardson]

Increíble canción la amo

[@monicajuanah.a156]

Taemin is a Masterpiece himself, please react more to Taemin

[@beverleyanncarto8728]

Taemin music is his voice he speaks to the world through his music. it is like he is letting us know, what he is feeling, how much he is hurting, he is letting us know that he is struggling with life. Taemin just really need a broke from all this, maybe not the military wasn't the broke he needed he need a place of peace to recharge because he went from one hell to another. so of course, it will destroy him even more. This is just my opinion i know what is to suffer from depression. if you cannot find that balance the darkness swallow you more it is difficult to get out.

[@vvelop3123]

You reaction is the best 👌 just to add something ,the part when he says destroy me more in the Korean pronounce have two meaning destroy me more and *runaway from me ,when they asked taemin he said I want it like that so everyone can hear it in there way Who wants to run away or wants to be destroyed Finally someone gives the MV and the lyrics their value 💜💜💜💜🤌🏻🤌🏻

[@carolinepersson1839]

Please do "Want" as well!! Taemin is fantastic! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@carriemorgan2704]

Want, Move, Idea.....just some other Taemin masterpieces. You also need to check out the dance practises

[@senhoritanadapopular]

OMG, I'm addicted of seeing your reactions. I met you today and I saw so many reactions until now. I can't resist it. So good, good job ☺

[@eyla107]

Thank you for reacting to taemin 💖

[@all4asia]

Lee Taemin = Art

[@keira9737]

Yes! Taemin only has Masterpieces, the most perfect discography with the most artistic mv, songs, choreo etc I really like this type of reactions and your breakdown. When one just looks or listens to Taemin they’d be in awe and sees he’s iconic but when you really see the lyrics and all the symbolism in his MVs/dance you can truly appreciate his artistry. Excited for you to explore more. Idea(which is act 2 to this), and Want

[@fabianr4761]

Taemin is unique!

[@damarisherrera6873]

I need this man to react to Bad Love by Key

[@chumchumanonymous6978]

Yes!

[@yc2062]

Love ur analysis in everything.... It's really masterpiece... Thank you

[@MEKE_LEE]

Taemin 🥲💕💕💕

[@lucasalonso_r]

I just discovered you and I'm so glad I did. Loved the videos, love from Brazil! 💜

[@jessicapenaloza9321]

I totally thought he was referring to his fans as his leash. Wow, your perception is a lot more than I would have thought.

[@dudeperson5153]

The Dexter reference haha

[@margueritabonner4706]

Taemin suffers from depression and anxiety; You hit this song on the mark. In Advice, he comes into his own.

[@moussernadia9109]

Love your interpretation it can be true too thank you

[@iishilpisinhaii]

Waiting for your reaction to Move by Taemin and Want by Taemin. Personally my 2 most favourite tracks 😍😍😍😍

[@ireneserrano4570]

i can't wait for you to react to Want and Famous MVs and their symbolism and lyricism

[@yunqb1519]

As many said the concept is “Stockholm Syndrome” and Taemin said he is both, the criminal and the victim. He has a video on youtube where he explained the MV a bit btw!

[@marinal.]

Hi, good reaction, ty. Love this one too. Such a bop. So catchy. Taemin uses a sample at the start from Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head. That is so cool. Great visuals. Loved the chain mail in the MV. He so hot. New Taemin bias here. I see so much that Jimin learned from him. Dang. Lots of MJ stuff too. Laters. -NY USA 2019 Army💟 Charitha Venkatesh.B said on 1/30/21 The song is actually about STOCKHOLM SYNDROME 😳..... The police scanner u heard was actually news reports reporting on a suspect being arrested and rescuing someone who had this syndrome... It is both in ENGLISH and KOREAN (8 different people recorded for those reports it seems) For the "destroy me more" part, in Korean the lyrics is "Do Mang Cho Jo" has 2 meanings. it is said as "Do Mang Cho Jo" (a split second gap after 'Do') and also as "Do Mang Cho Jo" (no gap) , the meanings can be either "run away(from me)" or "destroy me more"..... This was done deliberately (maybe to signify both the pursuer and the pursuit are him?)

[@k-aki9176]

We told you this is a masterpiece, Taemin himself is a MASTERPIECE! Criminal is one of my faves songs of all times, thank you for react to it!! Edit: Since you talked about his dance too, you definitely should check out this video I'll link bellow, you don't have to film a reaction, but I really recommend it to you. It's Taemin teaching the choreo to 2 NCT' members. The part in chorus "it's okay", he just says that the movement was inspired by how a dead person would dance and the NCT members go whaaaat??? kzbin.info/www/bejne/enaylpJ3nLiIbpY

[@idil8967]

PLEASE REACT TAEMIN IDEA❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ LOVE FROM TURKEY

[@fabianr4761]

yess a masterpiece 💎 pls review Taemin's Want mv! thank your for your video!

[@lari5891]

Criminal is based on Hermann Hesse's Demian, in which Abraxas, a gnostic god, represents the interdependence of good and bad. The story is about someone in the process of self discovery (based on Hesse's psychoanalytic experiences) which results in freeing oneself from traditional interpretations of the world, including religion (the bird rights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world.). Like Plato's theory of the forms the book establishes a duality between the transcendental and illusory (also present in Hinduism and other religions). Demian is a very popular book in Korea, and describes the process of going through adolescence. Another song based on the book is BTS's Blood Sweat and Tears.

[@creolivia4830]

I love your analysis. This song really is about a relationship with a Psychopath. An abuser, a toxic person who emotionally abused. Although “ he” knows that the person is bad for him, he so immersed with the person ( karmic) he can’t leave the person no matter what they do. This is for sure about an abusive relationship. The Criminal is NOT about him, but about a bad relationship

[@iyanshi9765]

Pretty sure it's about him ,his idol self and him,well Taemin but a song is a song and can be interpreted in many ways

[@valoriec]

I love your interpretations of his videos. This is part of a trilogy, Idea, Criminal, and Advice. I'm not sure of the order. I think Criminal is first, followed by Idea and Advice.

[@lucyordonez651]

Amo a Taemin , amo a SHINee 🙏💎🌹, grandioso nuestro talentoso maknae 🥰!!

[@Saddlemomma]

Yes, you are definitely on the right track. Taemin intentionally chose Stockholm syndrome for the concept for a reason. It depicts the love/hate relationship of the two egos (criminal and victim) within his own mind. As you stated, there is a lot of symbolism here and most of it is religious in nature, as Taemin is a devout Christian. We'll get into that in a moment. Please bear with the length of this but there is a lot of history built into Taemin's music and how he reveals it to us. Taemin has been battling the duality of his identity for a while. As a 14 YO who debuted with SHINee in 2008, he was considered very "pretty" for a boy. SM and variety show hosts thought it was fun and adorable to dress him up as a girl for skits and performances. He also always had hosts talk about his girlishness in the early days. SM also gave him hair extensions and many commented on how he was prettier than most girls in girl groups. This messed with Taemin's head and self-esteem. He was constantly asserting that he was a "MAN". The struggle was so real, even his SHINee members got upset. Jonghyun, SHINee's main vocal at the time, said enough was enough and wrote a song specifically for Taemin called "Pretty Boy", in which one of the lines reads...."I am more than the imaginations in your head." It was a direct slam to those wanting to make Taemin something he wasn't. In 2015, the MV for his song, "Press Your Number" were, again, depicting images of Taemin being both a "criminal" and victim. In 2019, he gave us his Japanese MV, "Famous" where he speaks about how being "famous" is fabulous but also dangerous, as it lures him away from his faith-based morals to become more self-aggrandizing, avaricious, selfish, and all the deadly vices directly opposed to his worldview. This brings us to his 2020, 2-part full length album, "Never Gonna Dance Again" (NGDA). Taemin built a storyline based upon this struggle which runs throughout the album. Each song references this theme, but the most demonstrative is contained within three songs. "2 Kids" (Act 1-NGDA) is the prologue of the story which introduces the schism of Taemin's ego into two separate identities and portrayed through the song as the break-up of a loving relationship. "Criminal" is the resulting love/hate relationship where the "criminal" ego wants to burn away all those restrictions and indulge in the decadence of the world. Meanwhile, the victim ego wants to remain true to who he is in his faith. Christian themes running through this MV are seen right from the beginning. Taemin in a fiery pit - Hell. Themes of heaven and hell are often represented in Taemin's videos, as it directly tells us there is a Christian message hidden here, pay attention. While he is in Hell because he is a criminal (dark suit & eye patch), he is also bound like a victim. A red scarf covers his head to hide the criminal like his mind trying to hide those dark thoughts in his mind. The resemblance to the "Ex Nihilo" sculpture behind the dancers in the opening harkens to Taemin's victim ego being absorbed into the "criminal" ego and completely taken over. Then we see the victim ego being suffocated with crows flapping around him -- signifying death and a stone statue with Taemin in the pose of the sign of the Cross imbedded in the rock, frozen and sealed off, seemingly to never be free again. However, we then see Taemin, still suffocating, but surrounded by butterflies - a sign of metamorphosis and resurrection. As far as the "Destroy me more" line, any Christian understands that through this life we are constantly being "refined by fire" according to the Bible. We go through trials and tribulations, but those very trials refine us and get us ready for our lives with Christ in Heaven. After all, Christ went through the ultimate trial, tribulation, and sacrifice on the Cross. In short, our old selves must be destroyed in order to be perfected. Taemin understands this. As for the other symbolic images and references, I think you hit on most of them. The third installment, "IDEA" (Act 2-NGDA title song), reveals the climactic battle and resolution through the concept of Plato's Theory of Forms" which states that any created being (form) cannot create itself. Only an outside power/being can be the creator and only that creator can make perfection -- a Messiah. This philosophy fits in perfectly with Taemin's Christian worldview and can also answer the question tormenting him: who is the real Taemin -- the criminal or the victim. "Advice" is the epilogue to this story and reveals the new and perfected Taemin to the world telling his haters, the industry, and anyone who wants to hear, that he is done taking their advice and will now take control of his career, confident in who he is and in his faith as he once again pays homage to his Messiah in his iconic representation of the sign of the Cross. If you choose to react to "IDEA", I'll go through that as well. Thank you for this wonderful reaction and your patience with this essay...lol.

[@iyanshi9765]

Holy crap that was some deep analysis, I'm gonna have to listen to ngda again I think

[@NannThiri]

you’re the only person who’s theory makes sense lol. maybe you did your research but it’s fine either way. bc it’s frustrating when ppl don’t get taemin’s songs thinking it’s love songs when we can take several interpretations of them. the lyricist of criminal said it was supposed to be a another type of song but taemin wanted to make the stockholm syndrome concept with himself and the rest is history. and yes, he almost always has the two taemin persona in his music videos and concepts. it’s probably a result of him debuting too young and having to embrace stage personality way too earlier than it should’ve been.

[@morningcoffeesubs9008]

Me watching this MV for the first time :yes, this whole mv is a thirst trap! DG reacts talks about symbolism for 14 min. straight. Me: oh OH Thanks again for your theories! I notice that I usually take lyrics quite literally and immediately thought it's about a relationship where one person just loves the other one so much even though they get hurt over and over again. But your theorie is so much better!

[@yaneirigarcia9107]

Please react to Taemin goodbye on "Hit the Stage" ur gonna love it!!

[@anabellenavarrete9643]

I really need you to react to "idea" so that you have the complete panorama of the 3 songs criminal, idea and advice. the complete history.

[@Liv-jg1cy]

MORE TAEMIN AND AESPA PLSSSSS

[@wwhtalia9426]

WOW 😲😁 I love ur reactions Please react to Kang Daniel's PARANOIA

[@Jess_MW87]

There is a video he did where he explains what this song and video is about. He explains how it’s about Stockholm syndrome, you should watch it if you have a chance.

[@TheMylenamahatma]

this clip talks about the stockholm syndrome where the victim falls in love with the criminal, and even if it takes you to hell as it is possible to follow in several references in the clip like the larva you still trapped in this love! in fact the clip also shows a lot of taemin how he came to break free of the idea of ​​who he is. On the album he says that he will never dance again as he will not be the same anymore, and it is also the reason why the album was divided into acts because inside it there are several and that in each act he shows a new side of himself ! Thanks for the reaction 💚

[@helenas7948]

Rodin's Gate of Hell is in Want, not here. The artwork here is an original artwork.

[@Kora27]

there's a saying in the Kpop community: once you Taem-IN you cannot Taem-OUT 😆 I had totally forgotten that you haven't reacted to this song yet ... this is the first episode of the trilogy, along with Idea and Advice, so yes, a few of the themes and the foreshadowing you noticed in this video are escalated in Idea and resolved by the end of Advice...

[@Liv-jg1cy]

SMCU EP 1 BLACK MAMBA NEXT PLSSSS AESPAAAAAAA

[@6v622]

You should watch 2 kids by teamin! Criminal, Idea are the first and second episodes of the never gonna dance again album, and Two Kids is a song like the beginning of the album's narrative, prologue.

[@codebrker24]

I always thought the "you" represents his ego and his dependence on the fame.

[@ickyickyptang9433]

Dude... Have you listened to Akdong Musician? You should DEFINELY check them out. Hey Kid, Dinosaur, Melted, any of them really. They're brother and sister and have some of the best voices I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

[@zosha.]

I actually thought he basically talked about a toxic relationship with someone, and even tho I love the song, I was uncomfortable about it. Now you make me realize it can also be about a toxic relationship with himself. And then it changes everything, especially knowing (more like guessing actually) where Taemin comes from and where he is now, in terms of mental hardships. It makes me really sad. It's still nice he's able to express it through music and dancing, even tho it means embracing all the hurt (actually it feels like a vicious circle, he chose to destroy himself 'cause he can't escape it, it could be about so many things). I hope he won't explode with everything he must keep in his heart. Not easy while being watched all the time, while having a crazy schedule, and now while being in the army. Well, my point is: thank you for making me realize the truth behind this song. That's why I watch reactions even tho I do not have much time on my plate, it opens some gates :P

[@priiifrg]

I wouldn’t say his interpretation is the truth… but if it makes you feel better…

[@mariapaulas199]

Taemin explained the concept of the video before, I vaguely remember that he explained that he wanted to work with the concept of Stockholm Syndrome, but that he thought it was going to be very strong and as you said, toxic if it was about two people, so in his vision for the MV he ended up being both parties, the abuser and the victim. All in all I don't think DG's analysis is so misguided, a lot of Taemin's work talks about his identity as an artist. And we know from Taemin's words that Criminal is one of his most personal works. His personal struggles, on the other hand, I hope he gets better...

[@chumchumanonymous6978]

I can't help but connect this interpretation and the reviewer's with the theme of SHINee's seemingly lighthearted Married to the Music. The beginning that says "Marriage is a Slow Death" while the title is MTTM. The MV theme seems to be that making a career in music is brutal - the "bride" (that I take to represent music) has no qualms about chopping off Key's head, setting Minho's face on fire, poisoning Jong, etc. So a career in the music industry takes all the best parts of an artist and everything else about them - i.e., often their innocence or humanity - is just discarded or neglected. It is such a cynical theme but the song is so fun, bright, upbeat and the MV is colorful and hilarious. SHINee so complicated - no wonder Taemin turned out like he did!

[@zosha.]

@@priiifrg I don't think there such thing as "the truth" when it comes to art and interpretation. No one nows exactly what Teamin felt while creating the song, sometimes artis don't even know themselves why they needed to express this or that. I believe art is alive, and yes, it makes me feel ""better"" (I don't know if it's the right word tho, considering what we're talking about ^^"), to think the message is deeper than the classic and awful "you hurt me but I love it". ;) still, it's just my opinion ! ​ @Maria Paula Stornini is right too, it might be both, and its common in kpop to have a to sides meaning : just as @ChumChum Anonymous said ;)

[@zosha.]

@@chumchumanonymous6978 I know the existence of this song but never listened to it nor watched the MV, I'll put it on my list, thank you. But what you say seems right, there's a lot of double meanings in kpop songs, and it's often way deeper than it seams. And the music industry is indeed a toxic place (well, if only it was just music industry x___x), SHINee's history, even if you look at it just with one sleepy eye, is an obvious victim of all this.

[@kimecious]

Omg i love your interpretation, inputs and all! You're so articulate and eloquent! Pls don't hold back go crazy with your analysis with Taemin. Clearly you have an eye and appreciation of higher form of art, he is fascinating! When it comes to Taemin his artistry is beyond vocals music & performance it is literally crossing the art realm This quote is one of his inspo for Criminal "The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world." - Demian by Herman Hesse Pls continue your journey with Taemin, your beautiful mind needs to be heard just like Taemin. If you want to know about Taemin you can check this compilation of docu/interview and everything you said would be an eureka moment bec you are so right! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2PCfol4rdKXr8U Or you can check #IDEA his act 2 ofc on your own time or share your reaction to us

[@babywol_3782]

Please react to IDEA & WANT next

[@anabellabarreto82]

Heey

[@loveabigailmcguire]

hey can you pls do a reaction to every nct unit?? (nct 127, nct dream, nct u and wayv)

[@mubashirniaz8180]

There are some english songs/cover from pakistan Love to see your reaction on them "Resistance Sweet child of mine Love me again" these are some of the english songs/covers from "nescafe basement" pakistan. Please Please Please

[@anabellenavarrete9643]

Please react to SHINee!

[@MBella123]

Btw, I think you’re gonna love (G)-Idle. Specially Oh My God

[@davidpons3001]

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