Is HYBE too greedy? | reacting to your kpop hot takes 🔥🔥🔥

[@DKDKTV]

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[@qtacontessenu]

no way people are actually saying "bitch im a star but no patrick" is a good line omfg lol

[@michellemckinney4678]

It’s trash 😂

[@statingtheobvious9698]

Its a random silly but a clever one... Patrick is supposed to be dumb so this line implies although I am a star but not dumb... lowkey pun maybe 🤔

[@reginamoura2239]

@@statingtheobvious9698 pls don't even try lmao

[@sollyrose]

@@statingtheobvious9698 Stop, you're making it worse 😂

[@Grim-mler]

@@statingtheobvious9698 It's clever to stupid people

[@ankomitarashi-488]

The first hot take doesn't just apply to kpop though. Even western labels - they don't sign anybody just because they can sing well..there's plenty of mediocre singers in the US that definitely didn't make it big by their vocal ability. 끼 is probably most comparable to the term 'star quality' that's used here, and it's definitely put on a higher bar than the talent itself. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can't capture peoples' attention, sadly it's not very useful by itself.

[@MikedieONE]

the reason is pretty simple. there are SHITTONS of people out there that are incredible at singing(technically). just look on youtube. soooooo many vocal coaches for example. Its actually nothing special. you need to capture people with the "IT" factor. for example, a unique singing voice/tembre is much more appealing to the masses than just technically being perfect at singing.

[@stacie1595]

Yes, this! Performers and singers ARE a brand and its not just the music they are selling. The person has to have the "it factor" to really make money.

[@ChillaX-7]

What like Lizzo??

[@nhjeihdu]

However, in Western culture they don't find people on the street based on looks

[@kdfkdf1711]

Yes. Some of my fave pop stars i call entertainers cuz they cannot really sing. Love Madonna and Britney but they cannot sing well. Bieber is talented but his vocals are just so so.

[@ICEcUBeZ1004]

"Stop trying to defend this." The way Donald said this made me laugh so hard.😂

[@ibewalkingwiththecheesecak2565]

Why are we calling him Donald now?

[@ICEcUBeZ1004]

@@ibewalkingwiththecheesecak2565 He referred to himself as Donald at the beginning of the video. It was a joke.

[@VMYeahVN]

I feel like the best Western/Amercian translation for Kki is like... In America we just say "It Factor". There's a jokey saying sometimes of like "I don't know what 'IT' is, but she has it!". There's no real definition for what "it" is, but it's generally just a combo of looks, stage presence, charisma, confidence, talents, etc, etc, all in one. Hard to put into words, but you know it when you see it.

[@wlcoston]

Yes…“Je ne sais quoi” in French…a persons appealing quality that cannot be described…their something something quality that you cannot put your finger on.

[@sleepyfriendstm]

IT is marketability. That's really all "IT" is.

[@shaylaaskew203]

I was thinking charisma

[@akolangto4622]

for us it's "appealing"

[@bungluna9211]

The constant harping on greedy companies is ridiculous. Nobody's holding a gun to someone's head, forcing them to buy merchandise. Supply and demand are a thing. Merch is worth what someone's willing to pay for it; companies will produce goods and price them according to what they deem the market will support. That's it.

[@reginamoura2239]

Louder for idiots to hear! Kpoopies are mad at Hybe for being successful. That's all.

[@EM-rm2xh]

Considering that streaming has basically made the artists' music free, I'm not going to be mad at a company selling merch in this day and age. As far as HYBE goes, yeah, be annoyed with merch drops if you want, but at least we know that money is being invested into quality MVs, a strong legal team, amazing concerts, etc.

[@lunali7209]

supply and demand is a capitalist myth

[@DoseofJikook88]

Danny "Donald" I love all the content you put out. I really like how straight forward you are with your answers. No point in bullshiting, it's your own opinion anyway. Also, I miss your weird ass shorts. Keep being awesome.

[@bbwalk100]

I don't think Hybe, is greedy its a business not a non profit organization. They have bills to pay not only to their artist. For people complaining its to expensive very simply don't buy it.

[@yukitochan21]

Thank god the HYBE fan is here to defend their multi-million dollar company, you really keep the lights on in their building. Poor poor company having "bills to pay" must be living paycheck to paycheck over there. Capitalists and weird company defends like you are really something.

[@bbwalk100]

@@yukitochan21 Obviously you no nothing about running a company. A company have to continue making money if they want to stay in business.

[@pao94]

@@yukitochan21 or poor envious, that your favorite group does not give enough money, it is not the problem of others, and nobody asks you for money to buy merchandise from that company

[@ZariDV]

​@@yukitochan21 It's not about being a HYBE fan or needing to defend multi-millionaires. It's simply stating facts, having some semblance of financial literacy, and understanding how a business operating under capitalism sustains itself long enough to grow and thrive. Especially with so much competition fighting to get to the top or fighting to remain at the top. Everything these companies makes are wants, not needs. People need to develop impulse control and learn that just because something exists doesn't mean they need to buy it. You can't blame a company for you not having the good sense to spend your money wisely. Acting like people don't have free will, personal accountability or autonomy over their selves and finances.

[@zeyv4551]

@@yukitochan21 wow, do you get pressed about every company out there? I'm guessing you buy stuff from multi-million/billion dollar companies. Everything you use and buy pretty much comes from a business, out there trying to make money. Stop wearing clothes, driving, using a cell phone...and everything else that you did not make yourself. Grow your own food. In every day of you life you make choices...what to buy, not to buy, transportation, and food...it's the same concept with merch, you choose what you buy or not. Grow up, this is the real world...take responsibility for your own decisions and stop trying to worry about other people and their decisions. Have a great day.

[@crystalsnow1138]

In the words of Lady Gaga "social media is the toilet bowl of the internet".

[@emptyteardrops]

Wait did she actually say that?? Lmao

[@crystalsnow1138]

@@emptyteardrops Yes. When she was on the jimmy kimmel show. Actually she said social media is the toilet bowl, so I should probably change it.

[@LEVI50372]

I mean that’s what every company do. Name one company who ain’t greedy? None!!

[@eight8592]

Agree

[@eight8592]

So many people are just jealous of Bighit / Hybe because we simply say from NOBODIES to Legends, RuGS TO RICHES, Greedy???? I DISAGREE......HYBE now has 3 big company .HYBE Korea, HYBE AMERICA, HYBE JAPAN. They're just all skilled thats why they produced so many ideas thats make a project successful and people love it, they do buy...now in CANADA, TORONTO the merchandise shop was temporarily closed because its all sold out.

[@reginamoura2239]

@@eight8592 exactly

[@WhippedForJeonJungkook]

It's supply and demand. And it's no surprise what Hybe do, they are still a business at the end of the day, their aim is to make loads of money

[@Human-jt7ho]

I think BTS will be the peak of kpop getting mainstream attention they had so many factors it's hard to imagine it happen again

[@blueminnie13]

I've only bought music and online concerts, nothing collectible. Most of the merch I like sells out so just gave up on that. If they were really greedy, I think there would be more merch available. BTS punched a big whole in Western markets making a way for other Kpop artists. But, as much as I like many other groups like TXT, P1Harmony, DKB, Seventeen, and New Jeans, I don't have the same interest or loyalty as I do for the BTS men. As several people have commented; they have the "it factor." I support and have enjoyed the solo activities, but to me, the energy is very different.

[@ebony7177]

Thank you!! If they were truly greedy, the whale and the member created merch would still be for sale. I think too many equate "HYBE is greedy" to "we see them selling stuff all the time" but not knowing that most of it is one-offs that never get sold again. There are very few things that are sold consistently and that's mostly albums, the latest tour merch and some special things like piano music, lyric books and the language sets.

[@yukitochan21]

We get it, you're an ARMY, we don't need you to tell us every two seconds. BTS is already leaving, and to be honest, quality left over 2 years ago with how poorly produced their english music is and how frankly basic Yet To Come was. Their solo work is the most refreshing work they have done in a while, and its really funny that you as an ARMY don't see that. BTS got YOU into those groups, a lot of people don't enter kpop by BTS these days because there are other more prominent talents, many I see that do enter into kpop with BTS often leave when they find groups that are active, do fun content, and have better vocalists and consistent dancers across the board.

[@ebony7177]

@@yukitochan21 I never can take people serious when all they ever mention is the 3 ENGLISH TRACKS when they did a whole KOREAN ALBUM in there and several Japanese songs. It shows you no know nothing about the group other than the 3 English songs. You don't have to like BTS but she can claim to be ARMY as much as she wants IN HER POST.

[@blueminnie13]

@@ebony7177 THX.

[@yukitochan21]

@@ebony7177 A whole Korean album when? Yet To Come/Proof? We waited almost three years for that and it had nothing on it and then they tried to scam us. The MV looked like a poorly done Ford F150 commercial. If you are talking about BE, then yes, that is a good album, but it was a long long time ago at this point. I was in kpop before BTS even debuted, I am well aware of all their work and own most of their albums after TMBM Part.1. I expect quality work from them because that is what they have presented us for years, but then BangPD decided to sacrifice quality for some TikTok songs trying to get them a Grammy and it showed. At least HYBE learned their lesson and the solo work coming is high quality and is the BTS we have come to expect for years. A lot of time was wasted unfortunately.

[@EnLAre]

Is HYBE greedy? How? People get mad becuz merch is expensive…uh merch is expensive!! They act like companies only have money coming in and nothing going out! It costs money to produce quality items in bulk…that’s not free! Like Jin’s pajamas! Tiny Tan fabric isn’t sitting in some warehouse somewhere - it has to be custom made & then the garment sewn for MILLIONS - that costs money! Let them sell something made cheap…! People were pissed about the cassette tape - it’s a cassette tape; tf did you think it was gonna look like?! Everybody wants the best, but no one wants to pay for it! HYBE invests in its artists…but if it’s not exactly how fans want it to be; it’s a problem! Fans pay for no costumes, no music videos, no production equipment, no workers, they write no songs, choreograph no dances…but wanna tell companies how to do their jobs! Fans need to learn how to stay in their lane!

[@Rockermom59]

The fact is you don't have to buy anything. HYBE doesn't "make" anyone purchase merch; the fans decide what to buy. Isn't DKDKTV selling items now? Everyone wants to make money - it's capitalism at its finest. 💜😊

[@charlotteanna]

I decided not to buy any hybe merch, coz I hate them. they squeeze out bts and then want to get rid of them. txt is next, if they have "it". I don't follow any other kpop group than BTS and never will. I didn't know the full extent of a trainee's and idol's life before, now that I know, I will never again be into kpop after bts. bang pd saying "I know how to make another bts" hahahaha. I love to see him and hybe go down one day. shares won't be worth a penny without BTS. borahae.

[@_nt.lpn.st_177]

@@charlotteanna bang pd never said that, all the contrary

[@RoxiePoxi]

THANK YOU. I'm so confused by this narrative. Hybe has never bust down my door and put a g%n to my head.

[@charlotteanna]

@@_nt.lpn.st_177 he said it in the press conference about going public.

[@_nt.lpn.st_177]

@@RoxiePoxi is it so rare that they are demonizing a company for selling things? , if you do not want to buy and it very expensive for you, obviously you leave it, nothing that they offer is a priority, I believe them (the people who complained) if they sell the official albums at those prices or the tickets, but no, they actually sell them at much less, considering the production and the show the guys give, but no they complain about a album "collector", others artists sell their collector for more than 1k

[@explore.express.love.3483]

I don't think kpop will loose its charm right away after BTS. As long as people see authenticity in the group's music it will keep flourishing. That's why bts grew. There are other groups these days that do have that x factor which they are building on actively. Like skz. Maybe a few others too. Especially after how many have become accustomed to the Korean Culture, I doubt people will just stop looking into it.

[@prazynagc7645]

what you don't understand is a lot of people who are keeping up with BTS sees kpop contents in their tl and watches it. western media inviting all these group nowadays is thanks to BTS and them hoping they get the hype they do when BTS is there. ARMYs watches music shows and awards shows if BTS are performing and the more they talk about it, more the hype around it increases. Kpop is feeding out of hype and it is nowhere near mainstream. Honestly for me i see me going back to how it was plus listening and watching to old BTS stuffs when BTS goes completely inactive and i think that would be true for so many people in our fandom

[@explore.express.love.3483]

@@prazynagc7645 that's why I said 'right away'. There are many factors that keep kpop relevant. Am an ARMY and in the previous hot takes part 1 video I had written a comment explaining how kpop will keep calling bts overrated and discrediting them without knowing what makes them an anomaly. There I explain the many different factors that bts has worked on in terms of music, promotion, communication etc. from day one, which made them ahead of time. Saying another group will never be able to is no different to those people who said bts won't be able to make it when they started. I cant predict about who will be mainstream next. But people who work on these factors will surely catch a dedicated audience. Like even though most people think their recent music is just a show, if only they really payed attention to the 'BE' album and their numerous works (solo etc.) apart from the 3 English songs u would realize they never stopped that meticulous process behind each song. Making such kind of music, results in long term relevance. Cause even if you strip the group of all the hype, twitter trending, KZbin trending, award craze etc. etc. Those who really gained out of their music will keep coming back to it. If other groups are capable of the same genuinity, and meticulous behind the screen input then anyone can make it. What is rare is that ability to be that meticulous for more than 10 years.

[@prazynagc7645]

@@explore.express.love.3483 you wrote too long but i expect you agree with me

[@explore.express.love.3483]

@@prazynagc7645 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaaUpZ9jZclrodk What I said in few words is if a group is capable of resonating with people like how it's shown in this video, then any artist can become big. It is just that it's rare.

[@zeyv4551]

Even now, the only kpop name that has people in the West really listening and looking is BTS. They are the only ones making big waves and can back it up with numbers. A large part of their fanbase are only here for them and them alone...myself included. Sure there is always a possibility that some other kpop group can rise to BTS's popularity and level of success, but it surely isn't now and it doesn't seem to be anytime soon. Kpop was around before BTS and will be around after BTS, but it's hard to say if the rise it's seen will remain stable/continue when BTS are no longer active.

[@liss2503]

Collectors edition isn’t available for sales charts because they asked for it to be that way. Many US artists have put out a collectors edition of their albums. It’s priced around the same as the US ones and it has way more items than others o have purchased.

[@babanaki8528]

My hot take: People callig companies greedy is mostly because they overspend or they are frustrated they can't afford the products. If you overspend, it's not the company's fault. Learn to handle your money properly. If you can't afford, either get a cheaper product or be content with the free options. Assigning so much meaning in a product, that it's painfull not to get it is a you problem. The only times I agree with calling companies greedy is, when talking about exploitation (e.g. former slave contracts) or a decline in quality in favor of easy money (e.g. Disney's live action remakes).

[@RoxiePoxi]

PERIOD!

[@ManJojo000]

Amen 😌🙏🏿

[@ryu4ever]

LOUDER.

[@yukitochan21]

So you want to defend poor multi-million dollar companies who use under-handed tactics to make their money, release more than they can reasonably produce in good quality, and even more than they can adequately ship? Capitalism is a poison and you're sick with it. This take is pure nonsense and blames fans for ridiculous amount of greed that saturates every part of the process, of which HYBE is now top company. Get a life.

[@mikanjjj6357]

I hope you continue this series Danny!. Really enjoying it

[@Armtiny]

Twitter is a mess, there's always sth going on there. It's definitely healthy for me to stay away from there

[@_anetty]

Yeah, I have account on twitter only to vote for BTS if there are any award shows or events and for some information

[@erikad0511]

Hybe is doing the same as any other agency...its the same as __ releases an album and then a month later the repackaged album comes out with 1-2 new songs

[@yukitochan21]

The fact that you say this means you literally don't follow any HYBE merch accounts, they release an insane amount of merch in an unending manner that has nothing to do with promotions or albums. And many times the quality is poor, the shipping is awful, and it is clear they put no thought or care into how they do business, but luckily they have people like you to defend their poor practices.

[@erikad0511]

@@yukitochan21 well you're right I don't follow their merch accounts... I would never waste my money honestly. I'm not trying to defend them, but agreeing with Danny that they are running a biz, and just like all the other agencies they release 1 thing and then the newer, better version a few weeks later

[@mommychubby7562]

i don't think HYBE is that greedy... there is an option that fans would buy or not. Im loving the band without any merch onhand.

[@zeyv4551]

Exactly. Merch is made available for anyone who wants it and can afford it...and it comes in many levels of pricing, because not everyone can afford everything. People complaining just to be complaining.

[@CeciliaDjanOfficial]

Hot take: can we talk about how fans will easily defend their artists when they’re clearly in the wrong but then be the first one to call someone else out. They like to make a lot of excuses for the artist.

[@ICEcUBeZ1004]

And the companies.

[@zeyv4551]

That's nothing new...happens in Western industry as well.

[@emptyteardrops]

Hot take: not all kpop songs need rap Kpop lyrics can be pretty cringe sometimes lol

[@sollyrose]

Yep, and not every kpop group need rappers.

[@em5522]

I agree that Hybe, as a corporation that mostly focuses on marketing and merch, does not miss any chances to profit, esp with merch. But making a profit is the point of corporations, and that profit is also needed for artists and their staff to continue doing what they do. Tbf, since there are ppl willing to spend thousands on BTS merch like this, there's no way _any_ corporation would close itself to those kinds of consumers. I'm just glad their control is separate from the actual music production (at least, for Bighit Music). My problem would only be whenever they were taking unfair advantage or misusing their artists or staff. Or if they don't produce the product they explicitly advertise and in the quality consumers already expect from them. As for the collector's album, I don't really have a problem with it bc there's nothing really substantially new added to the collector's edition except for a bunch of photos. It's not even counted towards the charts, so there's no real push for regular fans to buy it. It's more marketed to the fans who were already into buying all their merch (and generally, those kinds of fans can afford it).

[@nicoleloss7987]

Plus all the groups make money .

[@zeyv4551]

What company will want to miss on making profits? All companies want to make profit.

[@missmolls3150]

I love the little logo design for the Hot Take series. Someone did a great job!

[@littlebluefishy]

me too, it looks cute

[@normroy172]

Now they calling HYBE greedy????!!!... let me laugh for a second... ok... yes maybe they are... but back in 2011 till 2015, there no one.. literally no one care about them.. They've been struggled a lot during those years... when they are become more successful nowadays, when they produced very good damn groups of idols... when all of their artists are very talented... they won lot of awards... produced very awesome songs and music.. and now they calling HYBE greedy?... i dont think they're greedy... its just business...

[@Lorena-eh5cl]

I like that Danny keeps it real. Edit: oops, I mean Donald

[@emilyl1094]

I feel that any corporate big or small is "greedy" coz they're running a business which has to be profitable to support or "feed" their stakeholders, management, staffs/crews from all levels, all their artists (income earners) and also to produce high quality products, music and concerts for their consumers/fans. As the business grows, they need to expand, innovate and create so as to improve, evolve and provide their consumers with new products. Edit: The above also apply to other entertainment companies, most types of businesses and not only HYBE. If a company is dishonest then it'll lose its customers.

[@k.p1157]

agree

[@TacseraEpSekahs]

There's still levels. And some behavior is borderline predatory towards your fans. It's not only K-pop companies, many other big companies in various fields do the same. But it doesn't mean they are justified. Many times fans can turn their back to the company if they feel like just being scammed.

[@reginamoura2239]

@@TacseraEpSekahs it's not a scam. Y'all talking out your @ss.

[@pao94]

@@TacseraEpSekahs supply, demand if a company delivers the service that the consumer wants, what levels according to you can interfere with that

[@elenymm]

I don't think kpop will go right away after BTS but things will change. What I worry about is kpop groups being assimilated into the western mold of pop music. Something we don't talk about enough is the business side of it. You see the USA music business trying to get their piece of kpop and I wonder if the Korean labels are strong enough to preserve the identity of kpop. Also, all of the focus on the usa market is great for the companies but not so much for individual idols. New big groups will come and go and then what are idols supposed to do after their "prime"? Especially boy group members. You already see that even the best known 4gen boy groups aren't that well known in Korea. So the idols don't make a profile for themselves at home where they are more likely to create a long term career.

[@alinac6068]

My thoughts exactly!!!! So many groups, actually their agencies, are focusing on the western market, so much so that those groups are barely known in their home country. I mean take BTS for example, the gp knows about them as a group, of course, but they can hardly say who’s who. If that’s the case with a group as big as BTS, what can be said about the rest, especially those from 4th generation. What will happen if/when the western market will loose their interest in kpop? I’m pretty sure it’s bound to happen at some point. It’s great to gain international popularity and success but making a name for yourself in SK and other Asian countries should be at least equally as important, since kpop has better chances to maintain its popularity over there, than in the west.

[@RoxiePoxi]

But isn't kpop already heavily influenced by western music??? Even older groups

[@kristin123a]

Exactly. The 4th gen groups of TXT, SKZ, Enhypen, Ateez and so on do very well now, but we have The Boyz who doesn’t have a big international following, but has slowly and steadily made themselves among the top groups in Korea. They might get better opportunities in the long run if the keep it up compared to the ones going for the foreign markets.

[@elenymm]

@@RoxiePoxi it is but it also held to it's core elements so far, but to appeal to the gp in the usa... just compare Idol and Dynamite from BTS.

[@elenymm]

@@kristin123a I've noticed they get good results in Korea. It will be interesting to see how their strategy plays out. This is all new, uncharted territory in kpop. The landscape has changed a lot and very quickly so all bets are off on what will work in a long run.

[@michellemckinney4678]

Can I just say how much I appreciate everyone, and their views on here? I am ARMY forever and I don’t like BlackPink’s music. I think they’re overrated, and that’s ok. I find some Blinks and ARMY take their love way too far and start battles they usually can’t finish. I’m a grown ass woman with a mortgage, and I’m choosing not to engage with immature, rude people who come for me, bc I’m not BP fan. Off topic…I’m really excited and happy about NewJeans’ music! They are too cute. What are NJ fans called? NUJEES? 😊

[@Ykoz2016]

I’m enjoying this series. Hope there’s more to come! 👍❤️

[@Mariwil74]

I guess people are still under the impression that HYBE is some kind of charitable organization. They’re a business, and a public one at that with shareholders to report to, so the bottom line is important. Am I a fan of big business? No, and I’m not defending some of HYBE’s decisions. I do agree that SOME of the merch they release is nothing more than a blatant cash grab-$20 bottles of BTS branded water for example-but I have no complaints about the Proof Collector’s Edition. Unlike a lot of companies, kpop and otherwise, HYBE releases far fewer album editions for fans to spend their money on. Proof had two and the standard edition was very reasonably priced. Collector’s Editions are always a much bigger deal and generally aren’t released at the same as standard editions, so neither the price nor the timing is an issue. If you can afford it, that’s great. If you can’t afford it but choose to get it anyway even though it could be a financial hardship, well, that’s a you problem, not on HYBE. And that goes for any merch. A company can keep releasing things but the buying decision is the consumer’s. There will always be those who can afford to buy and those who can’t and neither side should be shitting on the other. And at least BTS is still alive and kicking. True greed is a company continuing to release product long after an artist is dead. Like, how much unreleased stuff could Tupac or Hendrix possibly have left behind?

[@cuesegue]

While I agree with pretty much everything you said, I think eventually this is going to be an issue if Hybe continues to put products out like this. People purchasing the original Proof album at release were also increasing the album on various music charts so of course we’d want to purchase as soon as possible as it’s a win/win all round. The same could be said for JHopes digital album. The problem now becomes whether people will purchase a new release or will they save their money and wait to see if a newer, shinier version will come out in a couple of months. Clearly there will still be those who can afford to purchase the entire lot plus extras, however, I don’t believe it will be enough to sustain certain levels of expectation especially with charting being more and more dependent on physical sales as opposed to streaming. They should have waited until closer to the end of the year to release the Proof Collectors Edition. Of course this is just my opinion as a consumer so…what do I know yeah?

[@soboksobok9488]

@@cuesegue proof collectors edition will NOT count for charts btw. you should read hybe's article for it. they said bts themselves didnt want it to count for charts :))

[@cuesegue]

@@soboksobok9488 I realize this which just adds to the point I was trying to make. If people hold out on purchasing the regular edition because they want to purchase the collectors edition a couple months later it will have an effect on the charting.

[@Mariwil74]

@@cuesegue The Collector's Edition is a one-off thing for Proof ONLY, which is why it's so big, so hefty, so expensive and limited as well. It's wrapping up this "first chapter" and it was never intended for the charts. There may be deluxe editions for future releases, either solo or OT7, but that's completely different. And I think only BE didn't announce the two versions at the same time. THAT kind of pissed people off and in that case, I don't blame them.

[@cuesegue]

@@Mariwil74 I understand, I’m looking at the timing for release…I guess I didn’t explain myself very well.

[@bpc0077]

My only concern on merch is the environmental effect..BTS have been starting a sustainability campaign . , HYBE shld also show how to follow this and set an example This goes for all company as well

[@OT7_DopeOldARMY]

RE: Proof Collector's Edition - Standard and Deluxe editions were both about record sales, charting, etc...the normal things for any music release. The Collector's edition is for the ultra fan, and for posterity's sake. I don't find it greedy in any way, shape, or form. I can't afford it, but it doesn't bother me one bit that HYBE is offering it for those who can afford it. More power to both HYBE and those fans.

[@AggressiveOtter]

I agree. This whole 'Hybe is greedy' thing makes me laugh. A company wants to sell different types of products to its consumers?!?! How dare Hybe try to make money and satisfy customer wants? Smh. As long as the artists are getting their fair share, it's all good.

[@OT7_DopeOldARMY]

@@AggressiveOtter I think artists actually get a bigger share of the pie for merch, don't they? I feel like I saw that somewhere.

[@AggressiveOtter]

@@OT7_DopeOldARMYI've heard that for U.S. artists, but I'm not certain how it works for artists in the Korean music industry. It would be interesting to find out.

[@OT7_DopeOldARMY]

@@AggressiveOtter I think I saw it as a part of a comparison of what BTS's agreement looks like versus the agreements of other, traditional k-pop groups. It's been a bit since I saw it, so I have no idea how/where to go find it now...lol

[@keepgoingfwd]

I agree. I do think Danny bought up a good point about timing. Personally, if it was announced that the CE was coming out back in June, that would've given me time to save up to buy it. Some ARMYs may feel the same way. The bottom line is I have the choice to buy it or not, no one is forcing me. I feel it's definitely a souvenir item for those who will be at the concert in Busan, and it's being made available for ARMYs who won't be there. It's not greed at all. If SM or YG can come out with 213 versions of the same thing for their groups -and they know fans will buy all 213, Hybe can to do it, too. (But I really want it for the book!! 😭)

[@gazzakeh26]

First, about HYBE or maybe other company being greedy, i agree they're being greedy but i also know they will especially when they knew the potential sales of massive group like BTS and Blackpink, because they're company not an individual artist that priorites art and value aspect, and all those money might be spend on the artist next comeback and the company itself operating cost. Blackpink lyrics are sometimes silly, but it's not really bad since it's always been like that and it also happening all over the kpop songs. Is it clever? yeah, not really, maybe for kids

[@ysabelleortiz4138]

these companies can be greedy all they want but the decision is still in the consumers in the very end. if they can afford it then go for it. if they can't afford it then its okay cuz there's nothing wrong with that.. ur still a fan in the end. u still support ur fav. artists

[@gazzakeh26]

@@ysabelleortiz4138 agree, there so many ways to support them nowadays, even if it's just streams their songs whenever we want to. Also, company will always keep or maybe increase the price tag as long as there are people who can afford it.

[@beany1944]

If they don't get the funds, how will they pay the travelling, accommodation and food for the Idols, also, how will they pay the bodyguards, makeup artists, staff, concert venues, production of music, videographers, photographers and clothing? Please answer this. etc. Use common sense. Honestly most seems not to know how a business operates.

[@ysabelleortiz4138]

@@beany1944 true...

[@zeyv4551]

This is not exclusive to kpop, it's every company in the world...capitalism & supply and demand. Companies will sell at prices they think they can and need to, to cover costs and make a profit. As consumers, it's your choice to buy or not...especially metch, it's not a necessity. Just because it might be expensive to one person, it might not be to others. If it is too expensive for you then, it's wasn't made with you in mind, that's why there are various types of merch and of all price ranges...if one wants to buy merch, buy what you can afford. It's like Louis Vuitton was made with every consumer taken in to account.

[@selaxix43]

My hot take: Maybe it's because I'm a classical musician, but I find the violin sample used in Blackpink's "Shut Down" to be kinda cringey. I like the rest of the song and think it's a cool concept to have all the members rap, but I just can't listen to it and take it seriously.

[@iGotBulletproof-Insomnia]

Re 10:49: Yes! Being an idol is more about being an entertainer with a specialty in music/dance, than just a singer/dancer. It's actually what I like about Kpop and idols compared to Western/American musicians. I'm not intending to "compare" per se, but since getting into the Kpop fandom, I've wished that there were more variety show content in America, like Running Man, Law of the Jungle, Hello Counselor, etc. They're a lot of fun, and your get to know/understand celebrities better (to some extent).

[@sardinesandpyjamas]

Loving all the Seventeen Hoshi memes lol and the Monsta X Hyungwon memes, Hyungwon bullying Kihyun as a girl one lol

[@AllMyInkHybrid]

I do usually buy every BTS album because I am a fan and enjoy their music...different versions of the same album though? No it's okay. If there are different posters among other things, ofcourse I will be wanting to buy different verions but... lately the quality of the album packaging and the posters are worse quality than fanmade, unlegitimate ones. Not that I will WANT to even buy the unlegitimate one but think for a second: the label themselves produce bad quality merch? Will I buy it? No thank you. The bigger the label, the more power and income-hungry and unregulated they may become. I do like Hybe for being partly "Big Hit Ent.", but there will always be something with companies regardless my bias for them, that makes me rethink my choice of purchase going forward. :Edit, there ARE a lot of good quality merch from Hybe, don´t misstunderstand :) But the posters and album-covers lately? Hmm

[@yoonjimin9227]

I believe Seventeen put out 22 different versions of their album this year so at least ARMY don't have to deal with that lol

[@MeLadydhampir]

The not socializing and not dating thing is mainly due to the fans. LEts admit that the company wouldnt bother with it if the idols marketability does not suffer because of the dating and socializing. As long as they profit they wont care. Its the fans that turn lukewarm if not all out hateful whenever their idols date someone they dont think is deserving. Making it a rule just makes it easier to deal with

[@elenymm]

It is kinda funny to see how fans go crazy when idols interact in public. I think western fans are more used to it so you do see companies dipping their toes into the tiktok challenges, and now idols talk about their friendships more etc. But let's not kid ourselves. The idols are supposed to be available because if they're not, the fantasy is over.

[@oliveb.]

This is so funny to me because idols do both of these things. They date and socialize with each other all the time

[@MeLadydhampir]

@@oliveb. well they do have lives. It just becomes an issue when crazy fans are suddenly presented proof that yes they are regular people😒

[@AiBkomachi]

As twitter being cancer is true, now that I am on it, I am happier as a kpop fan liking what I want

[@mell4248]

8:51 idols writing all of their music and having songs written by multiple people are 2 different sentences. One does not exclude the other. Being self-produced is amazing but I don't think anyone thinks they're doing that all by themselves lol that's not humanly possible. However, the order of the credit tells you how much part they played in the production. You're mentioned first if you were the most involved

[@gerrigigi]

If they had offered Proof Collector's Edition first I would not have been able to buy it right away and it might have been sold out by the time I was ready. I'm okay with the original edition. At least I know the music on it if I choose to purchase the collector's edition. This edition has a lot to offer.

[@penelopepitstock]

I totally disagree with the comment about kpop being finished and niche once BTS are gone. I'm Australian and just the last year or so I've seen so many people who have become new fans of kpop and kdramas, I think actually this is just the beginning of kpop becoming more "mainstream". Look at the VMAs this year for instance, so many kpop groups nominated and awarded, not only BTS. The 4th gen groups are getting a lot of attention, and deservedly so. Stray Kids are phenomenal and their music defies boundaries such as 'kpop' (and I'm not just saying that because Chan and Felix are Aussie lol). And I've just started following BTS, tbh I have this feeling like they will always be BTS no matter what. Even if they go off separately and do solo stuff for a decade, those guys will always be BTS in their hearts, and people will always love them, together or apart.

[@pineapple7352]

I really think Kpop is going to evolve the way metal has. It has a huuuge following and a lot of metal bands are very successful, but not mainstream

[@Human-jt7ho]

BTS is the peak of kpop getting mainstream attention now they're just like oh it's another kpop group.. cool

[@elenymm]

I think there is several reasons why the topic of vocals pops up in kpop a lot and it all boils down to this: it helps reveal that the point of kpop is to sell stuff (a.k.a. the star power is actually marketing power). Sell you a personality, sell you a face, sell you a feeling, sell you attachment, and also some music along with all the merch. Yes, that is also true for western pop (although kpop is next level), but kpop is supposed to be a bit different. You'd think with all the hell they put trainees through they really would demand the best in all areas. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is how photogenic someone is basically. I think kpop used to pride itself much more on vocals before, now it's all rap (even when there shouldn't be) and performance. Visual over audio. Hearing beautiful vocals shine is a pure human experience. I think of Love Poem performance during the Mnet show Kingdom last year. Three idols on an almost bare stage, singing their hearts out and you get goosebumps. People were too stunned to applaud after, just in awe. But that pure experience is about feeling it in that moment, it's hard to bottle up and sell. Kpop is cheapening all aspects of itself, but with vocals it's more apparent?

[@MikedieONE]

So you are saying"rap" is less of an artform than singing? for rap you also need alot of skill(cadance, voice, tembre, flow(there are shitton of technical skills you need for rapping), timing, attitude/swagger). this all can make or break a good rapper. thats why many kpop rappers sounds rather cringy and others sound amazing.

[@elenymm]

@@MikedieONE of course rap is a skill and an art form, kinda my point. You wrote that kpop rap can be cringe and it's because too many people rap because now every kpop group has to have rappers and every song has to have a rap part even if it doesn't fit. Singing is a bit different though emotionally. How often have you been emotionally touched by a skilful rap? You know what I mean? It's expressing different things.

[@MikedieONE]

@@elenymm listen to 2pac - hellrazor. then you know how deeply emotional rap can be. as much as any singing.

[@elenymm]

@@MikedieONE Can you think of a more recent example? I still think singing is a bit more accessible. Especially if a language barrier is involved.

[@AleksG_0509]

I agree. I think rap can still be emotionally touching, what I like about it is that it´s usually very raw, and to me rap was always about conveying a message. Sometimes though (not only in kpop, mind you), it feels like the only reason there´s a rap part in a song is because rap has exploded in the past decade or so, and it´s just trendy to have rap in the song. Not every song needs a rap part in it, in fact it sometimes takes away from a song when it´s been forcefully integrated into it just so a member of a group isn´t left out. Not to mention, some kpop artists aren´t that much into rapping but someone had to take the role, so they got pushed to take it and it shows. I wish companies would focus more on where the artists´ talents actually lie, rather than trying to follow a model in order to appeal to a bigger audience.

[@magic_shop4144]

Why the HYBE only?? Which company isn't greedy? Name one. Which company does not want to make more money? I am not trying to defend but the fact that only HYBE was mentioned as greedy sounds off! People also forget that they donate the money raised from all the merchandise for a good cause. They once were on the verge of bankruptcy, so let them try new business ideas (which is why they are called companies, not charity associations)

[@hoseokiihope6139]

So true, no one here wants to talk about their old days when they were literally close to getting bankrupt, when they were cut down from Korean music shows, or when they faced such harsh criticism and backlash on social platforms, also even now when Korean media doesn't even appreciate their achievements when it comes to the western music industry or SIMPLY PUT THEIR IMPACT GLOBALLY!!! AND NOT ONLY JUST IN TERMS OF MUSIC, because now that they've made it this far and are successful enough you think it's good to target them in every possible way just so you can justify a point. Hybe never forced armys to buy their merch, I've been an army since 2017, and not once did I feel about going my way out and buying stuff just because it's BTS. It is your own DAMN thing if you want it or not simple. HYBE is not a non-profit organisation nor it is like a clothing business that suddenly appeared or got popular over a year or so. AND HYBE alone isn't a company selling goods, If you really want to talk or have a concern about these issues then why not target big luxury brands or companies who are making and selling out stuff continuously for DECADES! Do you see Apple just making a single-model iPhone? do you? People here always want to target HYBE. Why don't you target western music labels for selling bundles and every unnecessary item in their albums, their fans also buy each and everything but no you only want to target HYBE and BTS because you know in the end you'll easily attract a massive audience once their name is mentioned. Literally calling out them for being "greedy" when you have your own stocks in that company

[@kitfash]

The best thing I can think of for Kki in English would be when people say - They got IT. Or That person has the IT factor. - IT that special something some people have.

[@dulcemariaoviedo123]

That "I'm a star but no Patrick" line is not clever, but hilarious nevertheless

[@red0silver0blue]

I don‘t know if I would call the Patrick line clever, but it‘s definitely hilarious for the people who get the reference.😂

[@erikad0511]

Interesting "hot takes", personally agree with most as well Good video Donald...

[@vids26]

Hybe isn't greedy. Greedy isn't the right term. It's all business and they know how to get money out of pockets. And as a Fan it sucks. I m a star but not Patrick 😂😂 it might appeal teenagers but yup that's a stupid line.

[@fi0rella]

Hybe isn't greedy?.. are you a new fan? I have yet to see one label that's not greedy. They have to be, they're all sharks swimming with sharks. None of them makes it out of the kindness of their hearts

[@vids26]

@@fi0rella Bro. I said greedy isn't the right term. I never said they are doing everything fine or they are the best. It's their(every label's) style of doing business, they don't care about the consumer all they care about is their own profits. And I have never seen a businessman who don't catch up on the opportunities to make profits. Why are people buying if these stuffs are so expensive. The proof collectors edition sold out as soon as it was launched. Stop buying the stuff, prices will come down on their own.

[@fi0rella]

@@vids26 yes, exactly! btw I don't think being greedy for them is wrong though. Morally, yes, but from a business perspective they do what they gotta do even if we find many of the things they do embarrassing and wish they didn't

[@vids26]

@@fi0rella Yes I totally understand that, even I don't like this approach of business specially when half of the fandoms are broke.

[@ysabelleortiz4138]

@@fi0rella every business is like that.. all for money... they do business to earn money.. you study to get a nice job and to earn money... that's how life works sweetie

[@angeladonato5096]

8:16 I can definitely see this as being true here and there. Obviously idols themselves can’t vocalize their own opinions on whether or not they actually like the music they out out cause they need to ✨SELL✨ it.

[@kayredhawke1522]

editing on point!!!

[@mysteriogaming478]

I have a hot topic when company’s say they are having a global audition they don’t really mean global they only pick Asian Americans that live in America ,Australia or Canada the company’s are probably scared to pick a none Asian through the global audition cuss they are afraid of the backlash they might get from International fans and it’s not really global cuss the only countries they go to for global auditions are just America Australia and Canada and Hawaii so they might as well not call it a global audition

[@keepgoingfwd]

OMG DANNY DONALD READ MY COMMENT THANK YOU! I like these hot takes! I'm not a Kpop fan, but I do enjoy listening to news and finding a few songs here and there I like. I do find it sad these idols endure in toxic environments, but you made a good point that it's marketing at the end of the day.

[@anulkaaw]

I guess the term you were looking for was either as someone mentioned the "it factor" or maybe "star quality"?

[@shennanoona7917]

Also, idols who goes on variety shows tend to bring more spotlight to the group. And if you are a long time kpop fan, you would know that kpop isn’t the mainstream music in Korea lol

[@CeciliaDjanOfficial]

Hot take: Can fandoms stop assuming what their K-pop idol is thinking in a certain moment. For example, during an interview they see the idol not paying attention and people will start to assume that the artist doesn’t like the interviewer. Now where did you get that from? You’re just making stuff up and assuming.

[@littlebluefishy]

yes, some of those videos were just for fun but a lot of people are taking those assumption so seriously arghhh

[@thelastmoonchild.]

100%. I hate this. It's completely ridiculous and the fact that people will comment stuff assuming idols thoughts and intentions and get thousands of likes is so insane to me. People will literally make things up in their heads, think to themselves "yeah I'm going to comment this" and then thousands of other fans like the comment and agree. It makes me feel like I'm in another dimension or something. Lmao. It's sad but true. It makes me feel so defeated and hopeless for the kpop community.

[@jalinnaplace0613]

My Hot Take is… I think these Kpop companies coming in making American Groups will put a bigger wall up for Korean groups opportunities in the Us and around the world. With the American groups there will be a relatability factor with language and other things. Sooo. I’m excited for the new groups but man who knows how this will go.

[@MGZetta]

Although the US has the richest music industry, it ain't the rest of the world. I think people should be less obsessed with what Americans are listening. It's literally American validation and it's kinda pathetic.

[@obiekat53]

enjoying this new effort, very informative

[@cynthiakent4033]

This was interesting. A new take for you and I like it.

[@vanadu238]

People love to talk about things they don't like. Why not just focus on the things you do like? I personally keep finding more groups who I think are incredibly talented and I'm specially amazed by the idols who were scouted and are great overall performers. I'm not a Hybe fan, but I don't blame them for selling all the merch and album versions. The IN THE SOOP merch although it's very cute, it doesn't say BTS or SVT or anything related to the bands and people still buy it. They sell different album versions because people buy them. I don't see a need to complain, I just don't buy it.

[@theonakhubulava1850]

Love Hot Takes already! Short still pretty solid answers. As for the ⭐️ lyrics, don’t think it’s a very good one. Probably for me if you include references to the song it should be easily recognized by the majority and still sound nice and smart.

[@Grim-mler]

To be honest, I feel like the primary reason why people want idols to interact more comes from a parasocial craving rather than a "I just want the best and healthy life for idols".

[@edd8460]

Guyss the audio sounds softer than usual, maybe coz Danny is speaking like, in a chill way/ lower tone.

[@jwnglarybargayary9389]

Hype is greedy??? No all these expensive limited items are for rich Armies n celebrities who wants them as memory or collection of BTS. Every brands have variety of prices on their products, u can go for low or high price accordingly. Maybe after 5/10years they will disband n physical appearance changes n when company may stop selling products fans will gonna miss every single things related to them .

[@LovelyKissess]

To answer the question in the title, YESSS

[@penelopepitstock]

I hate the toxic dating rules, it's the worst thing about kpop in my opinion. It has to stop. It means that idols are not respected and treated as humans. It's actually really mentally unhealthy for the fans who think like that too, not to mention the mental health impact on the idols. I really hope the younger idols and fans will change this ridiculous and unnecessary culture.

[@bbwalk100]

They have dating rules for a reason especially for rookies idols. They need to stay focus on being a Idol, also to avoid unnecessary scandals.

[@kevl0rneswath]

IMHO, celebrity dating publicly can never be normal because of the fans and is not really healthy for a rookie idol to deal with. Even if companies allow their idols to date, it should still be done with absolute secrecy.

[@DEE-305]

Companies being companies I don't understand what people want from Hybe. It's not a NGO lol. Anyways, their job is to literally make money, the people within that company as artists producers make music & even for them it's is essentially both a passion & a job that they hve to earn from. Hybe isn't stealing money or robbing your houses. If u hve no control over you buying instincts don't blame them lol. And they probably don't even do half the bad stuff all major music labels even Universal or Sony or the big 3 in South Korea or any other company like Spotify does. And given that the collector edition doesn't count for charts at all, I wud say most people wud not hve bought it & wud hve bought the standard version. And the collector edition is limited so I mean only the ultra rich are buying it anyways & I think there's enough of them in the fandom. Like I'm sorry but I'm not spending 200$ on it no matter how much I love BTS lol.

[@ysabelleortiz4138]

1. people can do all the things what makes them happy. who are we to tell them what to do in their own life right?? if they are happy with buying those things let them enjoy their life. 2. stop the hate.. why y'all making everything a big deal?? 3. if ur broke? it's not their problem, don't project ur insecurities to them just cuz they can afford what you can't afford.. be happy for them. 4. just enjoy life... focus on positive things. stop seeking for negative things cuz its not good for ur mental health cuz everybody is just doing their own thing.

[@angeladonato5096]

11:14 Kpop was already big prior to BTS becoming a global success, it wasn’t ever a niche. Both 1st and 2nd generations of Kpop built the foundation that allowed BTS to begin expanding their reach outside of South Korea. And sure no other Kpop group will likely be as successful as BTS because their fame was such an amazing phenomenon like The Beatles.

[@zeyv4551]

Boy, you are one of the delusionals. Kpop wasn't a niche. Biggest joke. It most definitely was a niche market. You couldn't even find kpop albums in US stores prior to BTS and Army. Most people in the Western world never even knew what kpop was...even with Psy, they thought he was Chinese. Again. lol...try again, even professional who study the markets and industries have pretty much all daid BTS made kpop global and mainstream.

[@fi0rella]

also not blaming on the groups trying to follow Bangtan's footsteps! this is a business. They're selling 4+(20?) copies of the same album in different colors? it's valid! Wanna make songs in Eng. trying to reach Dynamite achievements? go for it! it actually could happen. Esp. now with tiktok (Bangtan success has nothing to do with tiktok) now it's quite possible to get a hit. What they won't be able to get is ppl falling in love with your personalities and human synergy and chemistry like it happened with our boys. Can't buy personality and actual selfless love between members in a store!

[@magicshop3431]

Patrick line... Well, it's fine as long as it's not called a bar. And my hot take is... There is no NEXT BTS. But the opportunity to be the NEXT BIG THING has always been open in kpop. The secret code is to be original and create something fresh that's can revolutionize the current kpop scene. For example, New jeans. If they can keep it up, they can be not the next BTS but the next big thing. Others can do it to.

[@fineappledot__1]

12:06 Mr thinking the bar referred to Patrick Star 💄 this whole time 🤣

[@kevl0rneswath]

'Kki' sounds like 'x-factor' or 'star quality' There is a very popular TV franchise that is all about finding people with the 'x-factor' called X-factor. 😉

[@dr.sharmavet]

Love this new series

[@cucumberlaz6428]

My hot take: Nowadays kpop has become a crazy dance competition. With crazy and synchronised dance movements, they start to lip sync during their performance the weekly performances on various music shows become very repetitive and boring. I am a kpop fan since 2009 and didn't realise such huge difference in quality as it was a slow decline until i watch one of bigbang's performances. KPOP has changed and i hate it

[@lisi2315]

I recently got into SNSD because of their 15th anniversary comeback and watching all of their old performances from back in the day when idols still sang live without being drowned out by the backing track I have to say I completely agree with you. Like I already knew this but seeing 2nd gen performances makes the discrepancy between them and current day idols so obvious. Tbh I would pick imperfect live vocals over a pre-recorded/lip-synced dance performance any day. Otherwise what's even the point of putting on a live show? It's basically just another dance practice with fancier outfits.

[@ICEcUBeZ1004]

The backing tracks irk my soul!

[@pao94]

well stay with that then no one forces anyone to listen to what they don't like

[@tinyrick6264]

The Male choreography is more aggressive which is easier in the sense that it’s bigger movements hard finishing etc. the choreography for the female dancers isn’t as aggressive and not as Big. It is softer more feminine. Rounded movement where the men have sharper more black and white movements. On the whole I find the women’s choreography more interesting. I am probably in the minority on this.

[@thelastmoonchild.]

Question, why is volume in your videos always so low? Even with the volume all the way up, the sound is so low. I even made sure all my settings were correct. I don't have this problem with any other video so it makes me think it's the way it's uploaded. Does anyone else notice this?

[@katkaat]

My biggest kpop hot take is that BlackPink is far overhyped for what they are. Their music is pretty basic, and they really don't do that much. Yet they're considered a top group? Nahhh.

[@zeyv4551]

It's the mediaplay and $$$ that YG does and he'sbeen doing that all along for BP. Just look at what he did this time around...1 week free premium streams Spotify deal with Jeremy, mutiple discounts on certain versions of their last album, which had over 17 or 18 versions, because it wasn't doing well in the West...all the way down to $3.99 (for a new album), paying influencers to fake demand for their album, sponsored for VMA (attendance) award show and getting nominated and winning awards that they weren't qualified this year for. I said what I said.

[@katkaat]

@@zeyv4551 🔥🔥🔥

[@michellemckinney4678]

I’m back. I also think fans are given too much access to idols. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous they have to date or be friends with other idols in secret. News flash: fans will NEVER be in a relationship with idols.

[@nikraven1998]

at 3:21 what's the name of that kdrama?

[@serendipity6277]

Lol, money don’t jiggle jiggle😂. Also time to change the toxicity, stalking and death threats should be punishable by law (reinforced) and I feel that saessang mentality should not be acceptable because it’s K-pop culture. Wrong is wrong. Letting them date and allowing them to be friends would change that but it’s a money game as companies know saessangs spend the crazy money on their favourites and fans thinking they will marry the idol do as well. It’s sad really. Separately, Hybe really knows how to make money which was commendable but the metal proof box after fans spent their money was sketch and the game in the Seom is over the top crazy money grabbing from the second you open the app. Entertaining segment!

[@anulkaaw]

Omg, you're so right about Twitter tho. 😅

[@nhjeihdu]

As much as I disagree with what Hybe does on various levels, the ARMY is also to blame for what HB is doing. The fans hype everything and nothing... ie they will trend how someone is eating a sandwich, etc. If you hype sh1te, why do you think you won't be exploited. Until the fans realise that it is about music and other artistry, only then will HB stop being greedy. About the girl groups, I feel that they limit their abilities leading to their work being so monotonous and boring for me. Sorry girl groups of Korea, Little Mix did the dancing and singing while still looking pretty so you can do both. Women are capable of doing various stuff don't limit them to just looking pretty for the hounds.

[@ysabelleortiz4138]

don't forget that these companies are paying the staffs too... the make up artist, the hair stylist, the body guard, the manager, the janitors, there are so many employees in one company...

[@ebony7177]

And has HYBE sold a sandwich? If you mention the McDonalds thing I will know how unserious you are cause global stars do food promotion like that ALL THE TIME. That analogy is ridiculous. We all hype our Idols doing anything because we talk about it all over social media. ARMY can't help that there is more of us talking about a member doing something so it trends. Of course HYBE understands (just like any successful business) you play to your strengths. But what so many don't understand is that comparatively, prices for much of the merch based on its high quality is very low. As an example, the leather bag V made compared to designer bags was made of better materials and cost MUCH LESS than a bag of the same size from many A brand labels. What is the most egregious are shipping costs which they unfortunately can't do much about like they were planning to because of covid breaking shipping avenues. And talking about "it is about music and other artistry" ARMY says this all the time. This is how MOST of us became ARMY because of lyricism and artistry. Who else are doing art projects, classical versions of songs etc? ARMY frequently are made fun of because we always talk lyrics and melodies. HYBE isn't doing anything any other agency is doing, it's just the fact that they are doing it for the biggest Korean group of all time so it gets more attention. I know other idol groups that on albums alone sell like 10-20 versions of the same album. Plus BHM thru HYBE gives out TONS of free content all the time. They have taken financial hits to put out content for the fans many times, so trust that the fans understands where our money goes when we buy.

[@aishwaryaahirrao]

@@ebony7177 thank you for this!!! It was needed here

[@charlotteanna]

@@ysabelleortiz4138 sometimes I think there are way to many. it doesn't make sense to have so so many people on the payroll. security - you might see many of them, but if BTS really need protection they can't do it right. seeing the us security working for vogue to protect Taehyung, that was another level.

[@nhjeihdu]

All companies have to pay staff which is understandable. However, don't say that all their items are cheap. The limited Edition stuff they made was just a one time stuff. However, a hoodie for over $80 is expensive, the reason it was probably comparatively cheap (which in that case wasn't because the same material stuff in some shops in my country cost less and thats from high end stores)it's because it was a trial let's check when they next to do. Their shipping is rubbish too for a global company.

[@99txgh]

I think one of the reasons ggs have less hard choreo is also because singing stable in a higher register is much harder

[@sonxgong]

A persons take on that star line Cool = born in 2000s Cringe = boomer like Danny

[@niseybear4161]

Please keep this series going I really enjoy this 😂

[@justrey862]

I see Y**G still paying you well.

[@erikad0511]

Lol...Why bc he doesn't like that lyric?

[@justrey862]

@@erikad0511 that is not why i said it. i'm trying to explain but it keeps being deleted.

[@vistralle802]

album sales ≠ album success, the number of sales not from how many people buy it but because some people bought a lot even though the album suck

[@MGZetta]

People think if Americans are not listening to your songs, your group is a flop. People should be less obsessed with American charts, awards, and validation.

[@chanell3166]

I’m a blink, that lyric is not clever but I don’t care. Part of stanning BP is accepting sometimes subpar lyrics and this is one of them.

[@JesusOurLordandSavior]

I am really enjoying this series....

[@LostNTranslations]

🔥🔥🔥HOTTEST TAKE🔥🔥🔥: It's actually LESS fair for BTS to serve in (traditional) military service. They're not walking into that situation with the same anonymity as a private citizen. I.E. G-Dragon. His personal stuff was stolen, his naked body exposed, his medical contitions widely discussed, and his privacy violated in every capacity. Yeah, this risk is possible for anyone, but GD seemed to have a target on his back you can see from space. Sure you can be like "Well, they're rich, so they'll be fine to suffer for a couple years." By that logic, perhaps anyone earning under a certain income level should be the ones who are exempt? I agree they should still serve in the military in SOME capacity. The threat to the north isn't going away soon and SK is a great nation worth protecting. Yet there's gotta be a better use for their particular skills besides doing calisthenics and taking apart a riffle upside-down blindfolded, (which you know JK will do immediately.) Alternative service tends to get a bad rap as something "cushy" but rather than giving them "cushy" positions, perhaps just let them serve in a more private capacity, or under pseudonyms. Maybe in an overseas base where there's less Koreans that would recognize them. Hey, how about a military hospital, where everyone's too damn busy to creep up on their coworkers? When you clock out at one of those, you don't give a damn if the dietitian looks like the guy you saw at the MMA's. THAT'S the perfect solution right there.

[@B16pal]

I can't predict the future, but if another kpop group doesn't step up and be MORE than a flashy video and fun beat, then I think kpop will be relegated to its own award show category as just a fun trendy thing until interest dies out - what drives BTS' massive fandom and longevity is their beautiful lyrics and sincerity. And nobody else in kpop is doing that, they're all following the same flashy formula from years past. It's fun, it's a bop, but it's super shallow

[@charlotteanna]

watching award shows to wait for BTS is so hard. most of the other songs are boring, bad and just lalala. without bts you can forget kpop. and it's okay like that. south korea don't treat them right and many armys realize that now. military and that ominous free concert nobody wants to pay for. ridiculous. I think the commitee for the expo 2030 has already made his decision about busan.

[@blueraypriestess823]

Agreed. I do like some music from other groups, but none like BTS.

[@CeciliaDjanOfficial]

Hot take: I don’t like how K-pop fandoms overreacts over the smallest things. Even if it’s a misunderstanding, before trying to find out the truth they instead ruin someone’s career. For example, James Corden and his comment about BTS. The Army were so quick to bring his rating down for a joke that wasn’t serious

[@michellemckinney4678]

I don’t think they were old enough to understand the joke. He definitely wasn’t disrespecting anyone. I wish he hadn’t even addressed it. I find some ARMY (and other Kpop stans) cut from a different kind of cloth.

[@zeyv4551]

If James C.'s career is ruined, he did it himself. Look at you coming to his defense when it's known in the industry thst he has been an arse to his staff and all. 😂

[@CeciliaDjanOfficial]

@@zeyv4551 I used him as an example. You have your opinion and I have mine. Let's leave it at that. 😮‍💨👍

[@justvibing2171]

2:40 yup it’s always been like that since the beginning 4:12 we’ll that’s depressing 12:00 help me 💀 I can’t believe people are trying to defend that trash line 🗑 😂

[@rayanbzeih]

I love the bitch i am a star but no patrik lyric 😂😂😂😂

[@MariaHelena-ub9oc]

HYBE will Literally pay for the BTS free concert 4 Billion won. From their pocket.. And qhy people comlain about greedy companies realising merch? You dont want merch at all or u want them to be free?? Cuz u have an option to NOT buy it.