BTS: More Than K-Pop

TW: mentions of the Sewol ferry accident, (very) mild flashing lights
analyzing three of BTS' most important records and their sociopolitical contexts, and addressing the journalism that fails them time and time again
bts thoughts' video on "ON": • BTS, 'ON', and Cultura...
pdogg interview: tonguetechnolog...
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[@bbygang]

"Na told the reporters, in what he now says was a fug of drunkenness and fatigue, just how he viewed the overwhelming majority of the society whose children’s education was his chief responsibility. Ninety-nine percent, he said, were equivalent to “dogs and pigs”, requiring only to be fed and kept alive." www.aljazeera.com/features/2016/7/13/s-koreans-angered-by-officials-dogs-and-pigs-remark

[@bbvistas7596]

This is currently the mentality of how they treat people for mandatory military service.

[@bbvistas7596]

...With only $350 a month...

[@rando9326]

Honestly, amazing video and great job on covering bts’s difference from other kpop artists However i’d be interested if you do an essay over the songs that focus on social commentary on most-all BTS albums And your thoughts on them or a review on their most prominent albums such as the love yourself trilogy or the map of the soul duo logy

[@arpitavk7062]

Trust me 50 years from now, when BTS will not be considered a threat to US and K-pop music industry, we would see music scholars writing thesis about BTS and their political- social awareness.

[@AngelaSealana]

I hope so.

[@em5522]

Yeah, that does seem to be how it goes, doesn't it.

[@nycy6783]

Yeah, in fact I don't see it very far...

[@aggeyboii1753]

Of course, just a matter of time. It won't even be long

[@theresaf3688]

Yup. See how now everyone is hyping up the Beatles, but in the past they were mocked for having a dominating female fanbase

[@monimuppet6132]

Back again because I keep watching this and finding gems. The mention of how using BTS as an example of how Idol groups and the Kpop industry operate is ill-advised, was on point. In almost every context, from almost every angle; BTS is an outlier. How negatively or positively one wants to take that is up to them. I take it positively. Every entity in that industry has an opportunity to shift and become "more" but it's up to them to move. Their stagnation is not BTS' fault nor problem.

[@diannaa.62]

It’s so crazy how “music critics” even Korean music critics are influenced by fandoms who have this rhetoric about the authenticity of BTS. Lol I’ve never believed media was unbiased but this is absurd. At least don’t make it noticeable.

[@Jaguar470]

Exactly!! It’s very aggravating! Because they have music history info!! Imagine what they could bring to the table in terms of music info if they just saw and admitted and explored and explained about how BTS are changing the game!! Perhaps changing the game forever if BTS have a big enough impact on global music (and it appears they are well on their way to doing so if true ARMY have anything to say about it)

[@nebularhobi]

you really popped off in this one, especially towards the end. 34:39 this!! it’s the same thing that happened to ‘tomorrow.’ the song that literally saved my life is reduced to a sexy dance, even by armys too. it’s mind boggling.

[@Jaguar470]

Yeeees!!! It’s infuriating when I go online to talk about the depth and beauty of the symbolism and metaphors and commentary BTS gave through their lyrics or video or dance moves, and all I come across in general spaces on the Internet in comments are their looks and funny moments! Don’t get me wrong, those are great too and deserve a place on the Internet to talk about, but these convos often overshadow the convo on general spaces of the Internet when talking about BTS, turning superficial stuff sometimes into the main convo of BTS, instead of being another part of the convo of BTS.

[@nathh1998]

your bts video essays are always so insightful and eye opener for new ppl that get into bangtan, theyre much more than just a typical boyband great video!

[@litepaw7]

Yes it's better then those weird fan videos focus on shipping.

[@nathh1998]

@@litepaw7 ngl those are entertaining af is funny how ppl can be that delusional haha

[@eileencritchley4630]

@@litepaw7 I wouldn't call those fan videos myself they are fetishists.

[@litepaw7]

I wish music journalist hired you or at least there were more people like you. These videos are perfect to new fans of Korean music.

[@karik.8291]

The editing on this was off the charts, great attention to detail! I kept pausing and going back in order to not miss anything. The thing is, I'm not looking to BTS for validation of my politics. If they gave an interview tomorrow, saying that their music was actually completely apolitical, no sir, no commentary here - I'd be raising my eyebrows to the heavens, but it wouldn't throw me into a pit of despair. You're right, they're not revolutionaries, and pretending like they are would cheapen the value of on-the-ground activism. But yeah, this aspect of their music is one that excites me a lot, and gets very little coverage. It's the mixture of introspection and looking outward at the systems you're influenced by. I get chills every time during the pre-chorus of N.O because no, we shouldn't need to endure injustice for the chance at a (possibly) better future. It can't be any later, it has to be now.

[@AndreaDiaz-rc3iy]

9:30 okay but this made me laugh and wow! I didn't see it like that, thank you for another chef kiss video! 32:24 this reminds me of when in my country, Colombia, we were protesting against our president and police brutality in the manifestations...on Twitter there were ppl mostly who were approving the police brutality,spreading misinformation, and basically trying to dismiss the protest, so Army started to upload a lot of fancams and videos with songs like not today to boycott those hashtags and it worked!! I want to mention that of course there were other fandoms that joined but the ppl who started were armies and it was bc these kinds of songs...I remember that a lot of locals were more interested in BTS and were like is not what I thought.

[@louise4029]

Am I Wrong is such a great record. I wish more people would know about it, hoping people will be thanks to your video!

[@rachelorrebecca7338]

okay first off incredible video essay, you clearly put a lot of effort and research into this!! and second that ending - YO THAT ENDING - "are these kinds of pop analyses helpful to kpop artists at all? ........well....that's not bts's problem" please the sass and honesty I'm here for it, say it louder for those in the back

[@Jaguar470]

Looooool yes girl! 😂😂 Yes Elliot! High fives all around! ✋🙌🙌

[@teddy1642]

Great video essay! Now I want to read up on all the citations you added too 😅 also side note back when I was in highschool and first was introduced to bts it was actually no more dream and on and that spoke to me the most because in these songs they were talking about what I was going through and how unfair it is to actually have all this pressure put on you from such a shitty education system, coming from India at the time and well still to some extent their message in these songs resonated with me so much because As I was going through it struggling to keep up with a broken system when I heard these songs I felt heard and comforted and more importantly acknowledged. Acknowledged in a time where people where I am from would just straight up dismiss any real stress pressure or even mental health problems young students had (there are definitely some similarities between Korean and Indian education systems) so yeah these songs are so important to me

[@KpopGrandma]

Hi Elliot! Brilliant explanation and summary of BTS's true commentary and impact through their music. The songs you highlight are perfect examples of how BTS is one-of-a-kind and why they have achieved their success. Their collective voice resonates and gives others the reassurance that the status quo doesn't have to remain. I've often thought of how their resistance to society is so much different and encouraging than what was sung about during my time of youth. They approach the need for change in a less rebellious but more required sense of duty. Once this pandemic settles down, I'm looking forward to more of their hard-hitting lyrics and messages of encouragement to be the change. I always enjoy your video essays on BTS because you bring intellect and precision to your reports. This video should be on the list of must-watch videos for every baby ARMY. Thank you.

[@Jaguar470]

This is an amazing comment!

[@KpopGrandma]

@@Jaguar470 Wow! Thank you! 💜 I truly love BTS, what they're doing and what they stand for. I'm old, but I recognize the rare and positive impact their message makes. And Elliot is just so smart and cool. 😎

[@Jaguar470]

@@KpopGrandma He really is!

[@loveyourself3235]

EXCITED How do y’all not have 1M subscribers 😠 every single army should watch and sub this channel y’all are amazing !!!

[@coomacp9194]

I agree 💜

[@tjohannam]

When over 200 children die and you call it "just a ferry accident"... how much more sociopathic can you be? (I find the Sewol ferry incident so horrific and maddening I had to stop watching media reports about it.)

[@monimuppet6132]

This vid is spectacular! Very easy to digest and comprehend all the points. You just get better and better. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@Umerue]

hard to follow for non-english speakers. I tried. I need to watch it more times

[@user-cb7mq4wb1u]

@@Umerue ​ it's a video essay so it is a different type of video to consume. i recommend changing the speed to slower, turning on captions, and searching terms and words you dont know

[@eileencritchley4630]

@@user-cb7mq4wb1u Excellent advice.

[@eileencritchley4630]

@@Umerue Just take your time, it's ok if you don't understand it all and don't be afraid to ask 'What did that mean' or can some explain this part for me.

[@tangerineville]

This is so so good. From the editing, to the essay itself. Just perfect. I can tell how hard you worked on this!! 💜 I love how you actually used their art as the driving force for this essay. I know that seems like it’s an obvious thing, but as most ARMY know, their art is often discredited, ignored or completely erased in some cases when it comes to discussions based around their career, success and legacy… which is ironic considering they are musical artists by career and definition. We often see the phrase “BTS paved the way” circulating on social media, which although true, is rarely followed up with effective examples as to why that is, in my opinion. Not that the examples often used aren’t true and valid, but honestly when we really get down to the core of who BTS are and WHY they are where they are, things shown in this essay are much more important than records and achievements. After all those records and achievements are AS A RESULT of all of the things mentioned here. Shouldn’t we promote these things more in that case? It’s all well and good saying “So and so group now has more doors opened due to BTS doing it first” but we need to talk more about WHY BTS was able to do these things first, which is what this essay addresses. Thank you so much for creating this for anyone who’s interested to be able to come to. Things like this are such a valuable resource, especially in a fandom as big and constantly increasing as ARMY. It makes me proud that we have people in this community who are dedicated to educating people in the correct manner, and also representing and respecting BTS in the way they should be, but aren’t most of the time by mainstream media.

[@eileencritchley4630]

The paved the way there is a very good essay on that topic, Boracity MagazIne is her youtube channel.

[@tiramiisu0]

another future masterpiece on the way! 6 hours till it comes out but i already know its gonna be spectacular :))

[@Grassuke]

Another excellent essay for the books! this better blow up

[@AuroraBorahaelis]

I just wanna put you and Namjoon in a room together and watch you talk for hours!!! You guys must have the most sexy brains on the planet, I kid you not this video is 🔥🔥🔥!! I will be sharing this with everyone who ever dismisses Bangtan or ARMY for being superficial or "just a boyband" or something equally stupid. Also considering kidnapping every "comedian" or "journalist" who ever said shit about the boys and force them to watch this until they know every word by heart. That is a beautiful dream. 💜

[@bbvistas7596]

Thank you, Elliott!! BTS has gained lots of new fans. Veteran ARMYs try to highlight BTS' origins and what was behind their rise. We should talk about it more. You really touch on so much, I was openly cheering and applauding when I heard these points; B.A.P, JYJ, Park, education, supposed hired experts on BTS.😭👏👏👏 15:06 , 26:01, 27:38 I encourage everyone to share this vid everywhere in ARMY and media circles. We should talk about it. Their past is not to be dismissed. I have concern for the pressures on them now with new challenges, but I trust BTS to always be BTS. 🥰🥰 #BTSPAVEDTHEWAY 💜💜🥳🥳👏👏 The changes BTS caused in their wake is the revolution. The fans have changed. This is the revolution of art/music consumption by way of BTS.😊👍

[@Nublet864]

Great vid!! I kinda already knew some of this history but always great to got some more details on these stories Often when I talk to non-fans I always try to explain to them the huge career risks bts took before they started blowing up in the west I love bts because of what they stand for and their musical songs!! 💜

[@lilsuzy6295]

Better watch out Elliot, you know here in good ol’usa, we can’t tolerate so much critical thinking! 😉 Seriously though, well done. I don’t know how many “older” Army you have subscribing, but this one is very proud to have such a smart and funny representative speaking up for BTS. I hope this gets the attention it deserves. 🔥

[@ygmews]

bby gang video essays never disappoint

[@quatzxice]

I always say, stan BTS for a better life. And I mean it everytime.

[@arpitavk7062]

Thank you Elliot and everyone involved in this... 😭

[@arpitavk7062]

Elliot taking shots at k-pop journalist... hell yes! I am so done with them.

[@Jaguar470]

Loooool right? 😂

[@Jaguar470]

I think I’m especially noted about journalists doing this, because it’s one thing for a regular person to be doing this, they can simply be ignorant or not know some info, but journalists, especially music ones should know this stuff!!! Why does a regular fan who isn’t a music journalists know more accurate info than a journalist who researches music as their JOB!! UUUGH!!!

[@Jess1013]

Ok damn, Elliot. You snapped on this one.

[@zihanhossain4295]

This is probably the best BTS video essay I have watched. Props to you man. Love seeing people actually going beyond the most shallow details of why BTS is what it is!

[@pratikshasarmah4842]

This solidified what i have been preaching about BTS.Thank you for putting it so cohesively, now i can just share this vedio with people because I am not good with words...

[@nepenthe_1610]

Thank you for such an insightful essay Elliot! I always leave with extra opinions planted in my brain and I wish your content finds more ARMY and non-ARMY exposure because this is the kind of research which needs to become mainstream in our fandom

[@griswaldgirl]

Fricking love you. Keep speaking out what should be obvious if not for the clamour of everything thing else that fails to do the most important thing. Listen and understand the fucking message and lyrics. It's hard to navigate SNS and see so much BTS content that just absolutely ignores the lyrics. If you ignore the lyrics you can just watch the dance and costumes and see anything you want. It's in the lyrics written by BTS and their intimate team, you see the heart, the message, the sincerity, and their story. Three frivolous and upbeat ear candy English songs do not take away over a hundred songs of intention, soul, exhortation, love, criticism and blood sweat and tears. Those netizens and journalists who try to say anything about BTS without consuming their discography with intelligent lyrical analysis are describing an unknown puzzle of thousands of pieces while only having seen a handful.

[@griswaldgirl]

I meant BTS related content.

[@Mariana-eh6fy]

Thank you so much for this! We need more videos about this stuff. I hope people who never saw the analysis of this songs watch this. Our fandom has grown a lot in the last years and baby armys have a lot to catch up on, I hope they find the right information like this.

[@lavi707]

sometimes, when i look at army twitter and army youtube, I get confused: what aspect of bts have my peers fallen for? and its truly is confusing when i see people viewing them through rose-tinted, idol glasses.

[@madhumita4377]

baby gang and BTS, my most favourite combination 😩!! Loved everything about this!!!!

[@Anya-fh7ni]

thank you!! this is the kind of journalism I wish was being done more

[@leerobertsonwood5140]

Wow! Excellent information and critical thinking/ideas! Thanks for validating BTS and their meaningful contribution to society and culture!

[@kkwho3663]

Man this video deserves so many more views! I learned so much!!

[@AnneLives81]

Your essays are so insightful. Thank you.

[@Tanishqa700]

Another amazing video essay yet again also the excitement with which u mentioned am I wrong, man I could feel it. Often it becomes difficult for me to explain to others why BTS is important, the legacy they created is something to be remembered but it becomes difficult because one I'm not eloquent enough and second, my words will be only seen as an obsessed fan's bias or as redditors put it 'its not too deep' But this video has put everything in a more structured manner for me or others to understand. I hope that u grow more and someone can actually learn from your videos

[@handayaniratih6567]

A massive thanks to you and your team for giving us this great content! Elaborating BTS, their kind of revolution of "social & political issue", their message to start the change from understanding self; re-defining things.

[@mahikamihan]

i will never not be so appreciative of how you mention Am I Wrong and its impacts again and again, it's such an underrated music and the performance was talked about all over my tl when ppl found out. It was wild, like you said, people were scared that bts would have been blacklisted for their actions, and it was just... very much rare if not unheard of.

[@melgaye0]

Nicely done. 😁 The whole "gang" did a masterful video essay. Not only insightful, thoughtful, well paced and great narration tone but it's great seeing POCs continue to take leads of BTS subject matter. I came to BTS thru the Harvard Case Study so I love finding this type of content. 💜💜

[@lenabenke1692]

I rarely comment on videos but with this one I felt like I had to. I think your videos have such high quality and are so much better in terms of information and detail than other 'documentaries' about BTS. Thanks for putting in so much effort :)

[@coomacp9194]

👋Thankyou thankyou for this amazing video. Excellent work!!!! 👌😁🔥👏👏👏👏 - I do have just one small suggestion perhaps to consider for future videos - please leave the text that's intended to be read on screen for a bit longer, perhaps after you've finished talking on the screens contents, and take a slight break from talking. It just means less pauses and rewinds on the video to see that content and therefore less break up to your verbal essay flow. Borahae 💜👍

[@saarahnafeez2221]

continue being enthusiastic !!! :D i loved this, thank you bby gang team

[@raspberrytaegi]

I found this video really fascinating and insightful and I will definitely keep coming back to it! I'll admit, I was a bit surprised by the conclusion because of how much firmer it was in the "btspop" stance than the one of "bts vs k-pop". Folks can change their minds of course (just like BTS eventually changed their mind on basically refusing to do all-English records), but I am still pretty firmly in the "dear god please don't harass people for calling BTS k-pop, they are k-pop" camp, probably partly due to my own experiences (e.g.watching people get harassed on twitter for merely including BTS in k-pop playlists, the spooky "dark side of k-pop" narrative, etc). Fundamentally I agree with what y'all are saying -- K-pop is a part of them and they are a part of it, but journos, fans and others absolutely need to stop defining them by it and forcing everything they make, do and say into the "k-pop" box, which, as you have already explored many times, is already misunderstood/misrepresented.

[@yvesmix]

I totally agree with this. IMO, honestly as with any artist you care about we shouldn't be putting them into boxes in the first place, weather u think they're kpop or not I believe if u respect them as ARTISTS you wouldn't make an effort to call them either or but stress their artistry as a band in the industry not just a "boy band" or "kpop group"

[@angies6pack]

This was exceptionally well done and so informative. Thank you so much for your hard work!

[@AngelaSealana]

Thank you for a new essay!!

[@hoanhuynh7059]

Thank you, I love this video because it’s so educational. I thought I already learned about the songs from DKDKTV, but they left out some points.

[@meiong5206]

Your channel is so underrated

[@enyonamdzathor2298]

Another banger, bbygang. Keep em coming 😌

[@iamjulie22]

I always love your videos. I learn so much from them. And thank you for the hard work and time you put in these it really worths it because the content you make is always spectacular.

[@twosunies]

Finally!! I will show this to my friends

[@WilliamsAK07]

This is great! I continually search for more understanding of BTS music. I admit, I was really pulled in by their choreography, but watched some reactors, they suggested finding, reading and listening to materials out there on BTS, their lyrics and what they stand for. I also admit, I'm not really into K Pop, but because of what I've been finding out more about BTS, reading, listening, and watching videos, I'm very into BTS. I will continue my journey, so thank you for sharing.

[@ancip485]

You did an amazing job on this video essay. 👏 I am especially loving the last part. Because yes... fuck them kpop and western journalists who focus on the appearance of the artist rather than their music and art itself. Its a cover up to hide the truth.

[@stunningchick2]

Elliot you and your team are always on point 👌 💜💜

[@itsmelody3771]

You never disappoint!!!! 💜

[@xcoxco_]

thankyou thankyou thankyou sm for doing this. all of your videos are so helpful, very good narration, you make your point crystal clear. you're just a treasure. thankyou elliot. keep doing this. we appreciate you sm best friend.

[@jaamni3706]

yall are so cool for this 😪🙏

[@dedinna5930]

Yesterday. i saw one of my friends said that he was ex-Army. and then completely going on about how BTS is Overrated, BTS have changed, They didn't stay true to their root, and completely saying that BTS Music after Fire era is completely...not pleasant( i had to soften this a bit because he use a very disrespectful words ) then i saw this video.... i really want to show him..this...

[@sharonnelson3713]

Thank you so much for this video. I now have a better understanding of K-pop and BTS. As a baby army I’m always looking for information that is accurate and insightful.

[@Kalakeiko]

One small correction though, there are several Kpop groups that do write, compose and produce their own music as well and also have a large variety of different genres, concepts and styles, but other than that, it's a good essay.

[@harinimarchadi1204]

Amazing video as always

[@lemontea417]

26:01 SDKDJKSDKS YOU DID EM DIRTYY LMAO

[@thecopycatcustomvintage]

This was outstanding.

[@lia00123]

This video deserve more view 🔥🔥🔥

[@epicechoes1122]

Once again a wonderful essay ! Than you so much for your hardwork. Who is this burlesey guy?

[@emanomer2288]

Elliott went off thank you even though I knew all this it's really good seeing it put together in a better words

[@imcold2023]

great video again bby gang

[@melanieromero486]

I love this content and video!! With a lot of information, well done. 💜

[@reginasuangco8563]

Iconic 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@raiyahh]

Wow Elliot I'm am always so amazed at your video essays Always so well researched and well put together Well done!

[@andsprite7071]

Please use hashtags in your description to get more people to find your video ! I only watched this because I already know you, but a lot of people miss out on your gems

[@syedanidafatima8614]

Great essay!

[@bonjoon]

Amazing video!

[@XaxyBoo]

Love your work!

[@aindrilagoswami5353]

BTS is BTS !!!

[@hotshamesatsuma7942]

2:18 "you can tell they're radical because they hate squares" *bus drives into empty boxes* 😂😂😂😂

[@Danae_O]

I'm glad someone caught it lol

[@missheju169]

26:09 I heard it Yeah I’m laughing so hard right now

[@gemma3335]

hi! so wanna start this comment with big support for lots that you explained here. i for one was really drawn to bts when i first became an army (in 2017) due to their messaging and how they just 'felt different' to most of the us/uk pop music i was consuming at the time. this is something that has stuck with me since (i still remain a huge fan) especially since i can understand their political messaging far greater as a young adult now, instead of a teen back in 2017. but i have a few questions / disagreements about the final portion of your video. while it's clear that bts still incorporate radical/political messaging into their content, you cannot deny that their material conditions have changed too. their class position had changed, they are literal millionaires. they have effectively become diplomats to moon's govt (a highly neolib govt). i cant help but believe these things are shaping what content they are allowed / choose to release these days. i feel as if their sound (and message to a lesser extent) are playing it safer these days and well that's quite sad to see imo. their image seems to be exponentially shaped by western and sk capitalist ideals and that's reflected in their latest hits, which, lets be honest, were made with us radio play heavily in mind. bts has become synonymous with sk cultural capital, and it just doesn't make sense for sk to allow them to be their anti-neolib selves anymore. anyways, those are just my thoughts and would be happy to hear others' opinions. also this is just a yt comment, so keep in mind that i can't fully express everything here.

[@monimuppet6132]

For all this fuss about their English singles, don't they have a good amount of Korean sappy teenage romance bops as well? (rithorical question, I know they do and I love them). They are no longer in the position they were pre-2017, their life circumstances have changed - something ARMY helped make happen. Releasing Baepsae now would sound so disingenuous, just like if Lord released Royals today. We grow and change and so must our activism, if it was ever sincere in the first place. Yes, they are millionaires so there are certain situations I will not sob for them in. BTS, understandably, shifted from talk on issues of material and social hardships to the more mental, emotional, and identity struggles that have come with their fame; something Idol groups still famously DON'T express in the same raw and direct terms BTS does. BTS doesn't ask ARMY for pity or charity. They make sure they are always grateful and diligent in producing their music and content to repay us for the immense support they know we provide. Songs like "NO" and "AM I WRONG" are no longer their territory, it is for those that still have to live it to speak on now. It'd be like them speaking over a minority, we all know how THAT looks. I honestly would be disappointed if they went those routes again. Ppl think Butter was pandering? That's nothing compared to a King telling the peasant that they don't need to worry about money. Like, tf? Lol. I understand your sentiment but if BTS actually continued to make music with the same subject matter, there would be far more questions on their integrity than there are now. And those questions would be justified.

[@gemma3335]

@@monimuppet6132 i think we’re both agreeing over things here. i literally said that bts’ material conditions have changed therefore what they write about has changed…and ofc ik that they have written romance songs in the past, like i said, i am a huge army (and still am). i just get the feeling that this new ‘pop’ sound feels out of place with their previous discography, even with their pre-pandemic releases like bwl or on, and even if the messages they’re presenting suit more with their new found status…i find that disappointing because it’s not the sound i fell in love with and can’t help feel like us pop and capitalism has influenced that. or maybe that’s just my own tastes idk. what im trying to say is that we cannot expect bts to break as many boundaries as they used to do because they are so now connected to sk cultural capital and the us pop scene. ig i just hope that they stay true to their unique bts sound even if they have grown and changed as artists in their messaging etc.

[@monimuppet6132]

@@gemma3335 The argument over sound can never be settled. If that's how you feel about their music, there is nothing anyone can say. I, personally, only take BTS' word for reasons why they release anything. I know too well what it's like to have those external to you tell you who you are, what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how you've "changed". I enjoy music from one end of the spectrum to the other. I cannot and will not attempt to define a "sound" for an artist when I don't box my own interests in. If I can like anything and everything in sincerity, then any individual artist can also make anything and everything with sincerity. I recognize what you're trying to convey but only you know if it's genuine concern over BTS' agency or simply your own personal wishes.

[@gemma3335]

@@monimuppet6132 no i agree with you, my own tastes for their sound is simply subjective, and i, like yourself, enjoy a whole range of music when it comes from a place of sincerity. but the video is about bts as being beyond kpop, being a category in themselves and i worry that is being whittled away by the wishes of us media and even hybe itself to make profitable music and music that suits bts’ position within sk politics. what im trying to say is that i am afraid that bts’ agency over their releases may be getting smaller and that, to me, that’s reflected in my own subjective take on their sound

[@monimuppet6132]

@@gemma3335 I don't share your concern. MOTS 7 and BE are whole albums filled with exactly what I expect and enjoy hearing from BTS. I am not about to be fazed and thrown into doubt over 3 little English singles. Three (and I liked them anyway). If you have concerns over the contents of MOTS 7 and BE I'd be happy to discuss them. But I am genuinely bored by the English conversation. When have we ever been able to define BTS' sound based on any particular set of songs? Say they do stay with the Dynamite and Butter sound this cb, it will be gone by the next one and replaced with something else; that is the only pattern BTS has ever displayed. This conversation has also been had among ARMY and non-ARMY since their debut. HYYH, WINGS, LY, PERSONA - every single time it's "they're selling out, they've gone soft, they're too western, they just want money, BH/HYBE is ruining them." But what has ever actually come of it? Nothing. It's a mountain out of a mole hill at this point and I have a cb to prepare for; not to mention an OST drop from prod. SUGA and Jungkook. I may not be the best person to converse with on this, sorry.

[@rafaelsmith5737]

I'm mad because I completely agree with this I DID put BTS in the K-Pop box Which is why I wasn't interested in them at first But if I had known BTS from their Spine Breaker MV instead of their Dynamite, Butter, Permission to Dance, Boy with Luv, I would have been their fan from long time ago!!!!! If only I had known that they create songs like UGh!, Dis-sease, N.O, Spine Breaker, Bapsae, Am I wrong, Strange, etc. But why in the world is BTS popular for their songs like Butter and Dynamite? It's completely misleading It would create a lot of misconception And the sad thing is, I fell for it I thought their song lyrics were trash (no offense) and the only reason why they are popular because of their looks and high production and resources When it's totally far from the truth 😭 Why are their B tracks so UNDERRATED? Like Baepsae? They might not have any flashy MV's But songs like Am I wrong is worth more than diamond

[@rafaelsmith5737]

22:29 24:06. 24:04 27:17 25:22 32:30 33:53

[@Department_of_Justice]

This was dopeAF

[@rafaelsmith5737]

12:48. 13:28. 14:31. 19:44 21:33

[@rafaelsmith5737]

23:25. 24:04

[@andrevarian3744]

and here i think bapsae is about those 7 guy "spreading their legs" . this is what happen if you dont do reasearch on bts lyrics lol

[@rafaelsmith5737]

27:17. 21:50. 22:10.

[@rafaelsmith5737]

19:41. 21:31

[@mrblvoch2168]

How not to respect BTS

[@NathiM03]

Wow, I think the reason why I relate with them so much is due to the issues that they address most of the controversial topics that South Koreans face are similar to those that we face as South Africans

[@marianadeem8498]

Thank you bby gang team for putting consistent efforts in the publications. You guys never disappoint!

[@monimuppet6132]

Now that I've watched it a second time I can say more. I love all the call outs, it can't even be called shade because you just straight up said, "You. Yeah you right there; you're wrong." Beautiful. Also, you're very funny. I didn't catch all the quips during the premiere but you had me on the floor! 😂😂💜

[@WillowDoux]

Amazing essay! I think when discussing BTS' success many focus on their use of rising social medias, their western inspired music, their relatable content,... but not many concentrate in what I think was definitely their key point: they have been BRAVE since the beginning! This essay does an amazing job in showing what I mean: since the start, they've always taken risks in their lyrics, in their music or in their messages. You also addressed one infamous counterpoint: "Yeah they used to, but not NOW". And I sincerely disagree. Not only because they have very recent songs with the same spirit (one of my favourite, which is UGH!, is such an incredible critique of today's Internet environment which damages public discussion and ultimately also political discussion... Can it get more political than this?), but also because with their rising status, BTS has began to show this side of them more outside of their music, often as spokespersons for the youth. I find it really disingenuous to conveniently forget this. Anyway, as armys I think we should always remember that BTS has many sides to them and while every fan will have their preference we shouldn't forget their start and their essence (cue J-hope explaining what Bangtan Sonyeondan means lol). Anyway, loved the Marvel movies call-out lmao

[@thai6687]

Thank you for such eye opening facts. How bazzar BTS must feel. Having to constantly fight against such incredible ignorance of their musical GENUIS as far as I'm concerned. Staying balanced personally must be such a tremendous chore. I am extremely thankful they had each other. Somehow they were all the perfect storm, meaning to be together. Even if they had fallout between them they still managed to reunite & even get closer. We all who they have touched & helped rejoice in their union. THIS VIDEO IS AN ABSOLUTE GEM. I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH & SUBSCRIBE. TRULY EDUCATIONAL.

[@arpitavk7062]

I have not seen the video yet, still I know Elliot is back with a banger.

[@ot7army443]

Who were this people reaction to BTS that you were talking about at 31:42 ? And, it was an AMAZING video!! Hope people start to recommend this kind of videos to reactors to actually learn anything useful instead of some of stupid videos some people recommend all the time..

[@VS-un6ow]

Elliot, it was an impressive essay. It was articulated yet very approachable because of the way you can explain things. I wish whoever engages with literary criticism would put the interest, honesty and effort that you put into it. I just hope that if in the future Hybe is going to release an in depth documentary about BTS, thrir relationship with the industry, the nedua, the "fans", they call you, because I can't imagine somebody more suitable for this task.

[@Grrness]

Fantastic job yet again 🙌🏻 Honestly I can see this video being used to give reactors a better insight to No More Dream, Beapsae and Am I Wrong as they tend to get seen at face value as BTS being "rebellious teens" "fun & quicky" and even unintentionally overlooked because "yeah there's social issues with class everywhere", which is true but as you said there's more to it historically in SK and I can also see this video used as an insight into why we say BTS is MORE than kpop too and why their rise to now was even more amazing. 💯

[@gw6735]

this channel is so underrated

[@janshi876]

Quality research went into this video essay. Good job 👏🏾

[@fleurdelastef]

Finally found the space to watch and listen to this and it's quite possibly your best essay yet! Can't recommend it enough. Already listened to it twice in a matter of hours and I already know I'm gonna be back here A LOT