Ep04 Mortal Man

[@ljl6185]

"When the credits roll, do you hang tight?" ~RM First, hip hop artists absolutely are philosophers. 100% The rest, can I tell you, and it sounds so dramatic but my heart was broken by the behavior of the media and others on the internet. Just broke my heart at the cruelty. And the rules are not the same. I had some anti fan tell me "It's just a meme!" but it's not just a meme. People are behind those. Real living people and you are hurting them. I agree with you about grace. Anyway, strangely, it's easier to give unconditional love than not. I'd rather open my heart than close it. None of us are perfect either, so that's actually okay and we should embrace it. That last exercise you're having people do is seriously EXACTLY RIGHT. EXACTLY RIGHT. The internet culture needs to change and have compassion in it and as you said, grace. And thank you for this. It means a lot and heals my ridiculous heart.

[@JennyPurplesBTS]

You are so right. "How does that feel?" It's like people forget that's a human being. We're all flawed, none of us has a manual for life. Kindness matters. Grace matters. RESPECT matters.

[@mandymolala]

This is one of the times when I'm proud to be ARMY. The way we fight for him, the way we call out those trash media and got some of them to apologize, the way we send him handwritten letters to convey our love. He apologized, but there was never a second of disappointment from the start. We're family. We fight for each other.

[@Llts1061]

We all worry about the isolation this creates. I hope he’s in a better place than he used to be and that he has a solid support system in addition to ARMY. Social media tends to create outrage and entitlement with zero curiosity. Life in the limelight is walking a tightrope every day. Thanks for all the other references.

[@elly3868dayday]

Been remiss in saying I love the theme music for this series!

[@Ladyspeedstar]

What comes to me right now is HUH?! from D-DAY Album featuring JHope. Kinda fitting.

[@opheliase7473]

Much food for thought, reminding me on an individual level I can choose not to join in as judge and jury from my laptop. The repeated phrase “perfect people” had me smile with a tinge of bitterness. Well-done with a difficult topic. 💜

[@skterentiev8338]

Damn this hits so hard. Add to “when shit hits the fan are you still a fan,” a ton of Suga’s own lines about this same issue. About stuff the group had gone through, but also stuff they just saw go down like this kind of thing. The flipped part of this is that I don’t think international Army looks at this as all that serious, in terms of what he did. People I know feel bad for Suga but also… all he did was fall over in a turn. The worst that should be said about it are memes, and looking in from outside it’s completely wild that it blew up like it did. Because Korean Army and Korean media seem to look at it very differently. Which I can understand, there is a different culture and different standards all over the world. But this has been nuts (in my humble opinion just looking in from outside). And the point of how celebrities who are members of minority groups have a different road than those who are part of the majority, is legit and real. Idk how that works though when it’s K-media driving it? When Suga is part of the majority group in Korea? But the international fans? I don’t see anyone who I know has been Army for a while, saying or posting anything jumping on Suga over this. I see a ton of random accounts or accounts from other fandoms popping off, but I don’t see Army (irl or people I know only online) running their mouths against him. What gets me too is he CAN’T say anything himself about it. He can’t go to bat for himself over the exaggerations and injustice of how this was reported etc because of the constraints of his service. It’s total BS and awful. Army has weathered worse storms, and this one will pass over us just like the others. We’re still here, BTS is still here. The rest is just hot air.

[@cboz6137]

Agree 💯on all of this.

[@MsDanatech]

Back to be clear that those you can't accept him owning his mistakes and apologizing and be truthful with the situation, don't see the tannies as humans. Those people aren't ARMY. That's requirement number one.

[@mzkie0410]

That's the reason why i became Army.. i see them the most human in all artists who thinks they are at different level just because they have fans and money. I expect them not to be perfect but was amaze how they lived thru this chosen life. Its a lot of struggle being in the spotlight all the time.

[@MsDanatech]

@mzkie0410 how can a human being be perfect? That's impossible. The first thing to do is acknowledge that we are flawed by nature. The way you try to live your life the best way possible is on each of us.

[@yinho95]

Your content is very valuable. You give me a lot of peace. I take this opportunity to thank you for supporting Bangtan.

[@peacedove3287]

Superb commentary.. Especially love the end, such kind and compassionate words. You are a man with high emotional intelligence. I hope Suga can hear this. These are healing words wisely given.

[@bora7wings]

Thank you, Mr. Sleep. Hope many many people are able to listen to this and have enough courage to do the last part, specially that kind of "people" playing on-line video games with real human beings lives.

[@SLiPinBoise]

I have always said that the BTS members are reliably genuine and that is why I like them so much. Mistakes are something that happens to everyone. I saw the first report and then Suga’s apology and saw he had to pay a fine and had his license revoked and did not feel the need to go searching around the web for more details because I trust him. I trust that he is sorry and that what he said was true. Idols are real people and they should get the same treatment others get. Not harsher nor more lenient. It seems to me, as an outsider, that the expectation Korean culture has on celebrities is not realistic. I hope we all can keep the example the guys have set for us and spread love. I hope everyone can love yourself first and don’t get dragged down into spreading hate. Just support our guys.

[@Hermione87]

Thank you Sleep👌🏻🙏🏼💜

[@chunkycloud_]

I wish this could get korean subtitles so it gets shared over there. They’re in dire need of these perspectives that seem to evade them completely.

[@midnight851]

++++

[@kara-karina8530]

Thank you! This whole shxt show in the last 2 weeks made me feel so frustrated at human stupidity but also not surprised. We make ourselves idols and worship them, and then rip them into pieces when they don't meet out expectations since the dawn of times. I hope Suga is surrounded by people who love and support him unconditionally and that he knows that majority of us are good eggs and are right behind him against all the hate. I almost wish that if he is forced to walk through a photo line at the police station, all bangtans are there with him, and Namjoon is playing his saxophone in an abnoxiously loud way. 💜💜💜 Thank you for yet another excellent podcast!

[@fy3845]

I was thinking the same thing. If all the guys show up to be there together it would be the best way to tell those sharks in the media, FU! Together, along with ARMY, we are strong! Fighting Yoongi! APOBANPO!

[@Solny_army]

Playing games with the lives of people, exactly! It's chilling how detached people are nowadays. They treat others, and especially celebrities, like characters in movies, books, videogames, not real people. There's no empathy, it's character assassination.

[@Emma.00.00]

Omg...so true

[@hsewvandi]

People like to throw stones at others while sitting inside a glass house. Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. And Yoongi accepted his mistake and gracefully accepted it. To throw away all the goodness he gave to this society just because of a simple mistake is what angers me the most. This whole media circus needs to stopped. Whatever happens we will never stop supporting Yoongi. I'll never forget the way his music helped me in my difficult times. We just wants to see him happy. And we will always support his music. 💜💜💜💜

[@janetamano4606]

Sleep Deez, thank you for in the informative breakdown of RM's writings and music💜; thank you for your support of BTS💜; thank you for your words to the younger fans who might not realize yet that written words last long and can hurt deeply even after the emotional outburst passes by. Choose our words of hate and disappointment carefully. Speak our words of love and appreciation more frequently. 🙇‍♀️🎶🎵💜🎵🎶

[@DrCheryl_Army2021]

It has been a really heavy couple of weeks to be Army. I support Yoongi because people make mistakes we are human after all.

[@amm2195]

thank you sleep, for speaking out

[@jedidar]

Heavy, you actually had me in tears. It's so sad to see and feel others' judgments. My own family has gone through Long Story, which might be why Suga's story has hit so hard. A stranger passing judgment and verbally attacking and trying to destroy and friends abandoning. I'm praying for Suga for his mental health that he knows millions love him and believe in him. Thank you.

[@Imavibeanywhere]

As always, there is so much to unpack. This conversation could go on for hours, and that still wouldn't be enough time to clarify how each piece of this puzzle affects the next. 🤔 my thoughts unleashed on Twitter coming up. Thank you for your time and perspective 🤓.

[@jucoffeecat]

You're speaking from my heart in this episode! It's so easy to judge from behind the keyboard and the anonymity of the internet. And to forget that the person on the other side is a human too. This episode couldn't have come at a better time, thank you so much for this! Every fan, every jounalist, every keyboard lion should take this to heart. This comes from a 47 year old Army with a 16 year old kid who is a huge Kendrick Lamar fan.

[@cissyk104]

The reference to Moses in Kendrick's song really hits home. The entire OT is full of stories of the people wanting a perfect king. It's a human failing that has been with us since the beginning. I agree we need to treat each with more grace. Thank you for this.

[@VaderRising]

This was handled so badly in the media, and I feel sad that an artist like Suga has to go through it. Idol worship can be so very toxic, and I know that BTS has really tried to break the mold saying that we are not perfect we are human and will make mistakes, but will always try to do better. Is that not all we should ask of them? I think that Suga handled it appropriately, apologized for his mistake and resolve to learn and do better. I know that a lot of hate was thrown his way, but fans of him and his members really do stand by his side. Things like this bring out the best of his fans, and the worst of his antis. And really the song Ugh! has the perfect response for this situation. Esp with his line” the truth becomes a lie the lie becomes the truth. Here everyone had moral thinking and It’s funny how you become a person with perfect judgment .” Is that not the truth. So easy to hide behind a profile and bash or troll people because you don’t have to face them in person. That is why I have some issues with social media, because it seems like basic courtesy and respect can be so easily pushed aside for a few hundred clicks, likes, and shares. It’s not all bad, it can be used for such good as well, it’s just how can you justify such hate that it can cause another person to take their own life. Mental health is not something that should be played around with. And honestly I’ll stick to something that I grew up with. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. No need to go out of your way to be negative or toxic. Don’t comment unless you have all the facts first, and being respectful and honest doesn’t cost a thing. You don’t have to agree, but when is it a crime to agree to disagree? If you don’t like BTS or a member, no worries , and do yourself a favor… don’t watch them focus on yourself and who you like, and be a better human. Simple.

[@susanconnolly600]

Excellent commentary Sleep. Thanks so much for the well considered thoughts.

[@jmomm]

I absolutely love the "when the shit hits the fan" line.

[@linseyv0613]

What makes me so mad about this whole thing is so stupid he wasn't driving a car! He literally wasn't driving anything he was riding kickboard with a seat! He took a sharp turn and fell then proceeded to get up pick his helmet up put it on and pick his kickboard up all before the police officers was behind him yes he made a mistake but it's so over blown!

[@Sherluck93]

But you know about the other scandals, yes? It's not about HIM.

[@yoongistongue4163]

​@@Sherluck93 what scandals

[@Vlomhug]

​@@yoongistongue4163maybe about first lady? Something about dr*gs and the death of the policeman, who Investigated it all

[@Sherluck93]

@@yoongistongue4163 Kakao/SM, MHJ, gov corruption.

[@JoSedunary]

So enjoying the podcasts and also the YT vids with Varnell... very informative and interesting to me when you guys delve into the industry side of your work... agree with every issue you raise and thank you for your time and effort supporting and showcasing our 7... Much appreciated ... 💜Borahae💜

[@roguechevelle]

You talking about how difficult it is for minorities to come back from something like that it generally is much harder to be "forgiven" by the public or society. What I think is most shocking in the situation of Suga is not only how differently he is being treated for a minor offense but that the k-media was so aggressively spreading lies and fake camera footage knowing it's not the truth. To me it crosses a line from being sensationalist to being absolutely vile and malicious, we are just coming off the heels of losing actor Lee Sun-kyun who took his own life after a huge hate train from media and police. And there have been celebrities in S.Korea that have done way worse things that barely was mentioned in the press by comparison. It feels very targeted because of who he is specifically, some say it's cuz his level of fame which may be the case with some journalists but others have been trying to end BTS' careers specifically for years. The level of toxic hate by jealous people is so excessive it's ridiculous and they are some of the kindest giving human beings that have been leading the way in positive change especially in the kpop industry and for kpop artists (some companies don't want that to change).

[@Anna-TheaLittek]

Yeah they have been waiting for this moment for a long time with BTS that's why its so overblown.

[@AttiyaBakhtiar]

Was working on a work assignment while listening to this. Thank you so much for sharing your insights on this matter in general. Cancel culture is becoming extremely toxic, and what makes it worse, like you said, is that this culture prevails even when there is lack of information. That is a dangerous trend to set. And the part where you referred to everyone being human, and everyone being capable of making mistakes... I have been consciously working on myself, reminding myself of this for a few years now, and the difference it has made to my life! I can't even begin to explain how mentally calming this practice has been. Thank you for being so mature about this. We need more people like you in this industry! 💜

[@cdurlan]

Thank you 💜

[@cuesegue]

The podcast was spot on! Listened to it this morning and as soon as I saw the title I knew what it was going to be relating to. Anyone who hasn’t listened to or read the lyrics of Mortal man by Kendrick Lamar should definitely do so…the Q&A toward the end is so damn good but the entire track is real deep and thought provoking. They’re definitely the philosophers of our time. Regarding Suga and BTS, it’s almost as if they’re in an abusive relationship with a narcissistic society. The powers and people just want to use them and abuse them, but they still don’t want to lose them.

[@elinhelleren8553]

I thought I understood that famous people are real people. I thought I had compasion for human mistakes they do. I thought I knew how the media just want's scandals to talk about. And I do, all of the above, but... When you told me to close my eyes, I knew what you would say. I wasn't expecting the tears...

[@Belbecat]

It just makes me think of Interlude: Shadow. Him begging in that chorus "Don't let me shine, don't let me down, don't let me fly - I'm afraid". They knew, the higher they climbed the more they couldn't even breathe without someone using their fame for something. Sigh, that's more the reason to be thankful for those guys - they do it for us. All this over a bloody scooter ride.

[@pupupu_7]

I want to thank you for this channel, for the podcast (I really love your content and always enjoy listening to you and Varnell) and especially for this ep. It's pleasing and important for me as an ARMY to hear the understanding and words of support for someone who is very dear to me. The last two weeks have been terrible for me and for many ARMYs too. I remember waking up a few minutes after Yoongi's apology as if I sensed something, and I was overcome with fear. I never doubted Yoongi (he's only human, let him make mistakes and take responsibility proportionate to his actions instead of inhumanely trying to destroy him) or his words for a second, and my love for him never wavered, but I was scared of what he would have to endure in the following days. I try to hold on as best I can, but I see so much anger and injustice towards Yoongi that I can't even believe that all these people are real, that such baseless evil somehow exists and is not only not punished, but even encouraged by rotten media. Money can or has to be earned in different ways, but to remain human or not is a conscious choice of each person, which I cannot justify. It hurts me to think about how hard it's for him right now. After everything he had been through in his life he was finally so happy, he was shining like never before, and they want to extinguish this light in him. He doesn't deserve any of what people are throwing at him now. Yoongi is a person who brought so much love and kindness to this world, he really made it better as well as my life. BTS and Yoongi are a huge part of my happiness, I don't know how somebody can hate them and wish bad things for them. I hope that what is happening now will not affect him too much and will not break him. Yes, he is strong, but I can’t help but worry about him. I also remember Jin saying that he doesn’t know a single person who would not pay attention to one negative comment out of many good ones, and Yoongi is currently being tormented by the media of his own country, which he contributed to as an artist and a citizen. ARMY is doing a lot right now to protect and support Yoongi, and I'm glad to see that our efforts are not in vain, although they don't always lead to 100% desired results. I believe Yoongi sees that we are fighting and going through this trial together with him. ARMY, if you see this let’s be united and strong. The best moment is yet to come.

[@Deb.Blakley.Rasmussen]

I always enjoy your podcasts, The way you tell a story is engaging and incredibly well thought out. Your voice is amazing to listen to. I am living this journey and everything I am learning from you, and enjoying the different and thought provoking perspective. Thank you. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 I learned about Suga's situation from his post on Weverse, rather quickly after he posted. I believed and trusted him then, and still do. He has, and is, taking responsibility. I hope he knows ARMY is behind him, and he comes out the other side, writes a few songs, then moves on. Sadly, BTS has way too much experience with this sort of ridiculous attack. I want karma to repay the "journalists"and misinformation spreaders a thousand times over. APOBANGPO. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@meganw.4457]

Thank you for this. 🙏🏼 It's so infuriating, bc what he did was totally understandable. He didn't realize that it was illegal to ride his kickboard while under the influence. He thought he was choosing a safe option. And now there are many people who want to crucify him. Even many people in SK didn't know that law. And now the media is in a feeding frenzy. Something I've noticed is that people don't like to be wrong, even if being wrong is a less upsetting situation. Like people who believed the incorrect cctv footage are doubling down, even though the truth came out. 😢 I hope he sees that the vast majority of ARMYs are absolutely by his side. We aren't saying that it's ok to drive drunk. But the malice and unfair treatment is deeply disturbing. It's as if all these ppl were just waiting for their moment to tear into a BTS member. It's devastating to see. But we are fighting back. We won't just sit by while the media and haters have a field day. I am praying that all of this is just noise pollution, and that he's given a fair penalty. But at this point, I don't trust anyone to do the right thing..😢

[@rozaliyah]

Great Topic! I'm proud to report that there was no way they would get me to cancel SUGA over this incident! :P I'm so happy the media had egg on their face after released CCTV verified everything SUGA said in his apology while exposing them for their lies. I'll check out that song now, thanks for the recommendation. I really appreciate you speaking on how cancel culture impacts minority groups more. And how there's a redemption path available but only to one group. Unfair and unjust!

[@nataliacastillo1003]

Yo estoy es preocupada por la sociedad que sera de nuestro futuro too much drama. Ocupemos el tiempo en cosas positivas! Bien dicho Sleep

[@tulip5751]

Once again thank you for sharing your thoughts and insight Sleep 💜.

[@erinmiddleton9522]

Respect. This was beautifully put together. Compelling and on point asking us all "How does that feel?". Exactly what needed to be said right now, in this situation. 💜

[@KitterCatter]

Thank you so much for breaching this difficult topic. It was well done. So glad you were willing to address it so effectively. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@jennycheng4486]

Listening to this brought me both peace and a different perspective, thank you. I've been so stressed about the situation for a myriad of reasons. The fear of what his penalty will be. My worry about how he is doing. My uncertainty about whether my bias for him lends itself toward forgiving anything he does. My insecurities about my strong emotions for a man I don't know. I dont think that love should be unconditional, but I will absolutely give grace to a man who has brought me comfort and joy for years. I saw people say that they forgive him, but who are we to forgive him? He didn't run us over. I can only show him my support and hope you he is coping well and knows he is loved.

[@christinebaukus8281]

Love your podcasts Sleep. You teach us and make us think.

[@robss.s]

As always, I love to hear your inputs and thoughts, and I'm grateful you discussed the relationship between being a fan and the entitlement that some people think that comes with it. I really think we need to be more compassionate and empathetic because, as Yoongi says in his song 'Snooze': "you never know if you'll find yourself in the same situation". We're not perfect. We're all human beings, after all. Therefore, we shouldn't judge others so harshly. We should create a community based on kindness and understanding, especially when the whole world seems to want to see a specific person fall apart.

[@Anna-TheaLittek]

It may be worth looking at the boracity video on the Suga incident. She covers it well.

[@Anna-TheaLittek]

BTS get dragged by the media at least once a year. Its has definitely spiked since they went into the military but there's a reason why Big Hit is so heavy on lawsuits.

[@lesliebowden5739]

Life lessons... they suck, but we all have them. We must accept them, deal with the consequences of them, learn from them, then move on. They do not define us. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@fractal2453]

I'm stuffed with all that food for thought! Thnx. Sleep.

[@Buttercup713]

Absolutely. Putting yourself in those shoes I think really gives a good perspective on this.

[@JJordan19821]

This was a thoughtful podcast. Really enjoying these 😊. The whole Suga situation is really disappointing. Its like he apologised , took responsibility for whatever the punishment is and yet ppl want more. I know i dont know him personally or anything like that but it must be just upsetting to be in his shoes and to work so hard to be in a mind space where he is at peace with what happened in his past ( with his mental health) to now to this.....i hope to God this dont send him back to a dark place.

[@tammarabg8174]

Thank you being a calm voice, with words that should inspire some self-reflection regardless of where we each fall in this.

[@yoongitrash2699]

I think there is a certain subset of the media that are extremely excited to "cancel" bts and catch them lacking, especially because theyve maintained a near squeaky clean image for ten years. It explains why media is having a damn field day with this 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sonablom]

I've got a long drive Thursday! Looking forward to having something interesting to listen to.

[@sunnyducker3170]

Wow... "how does that feel?" This was all so well said! Thank you! 💜

[@pamelamt8895]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts….really spot on! This should be on all social media platforms 💜💜

[@il3706]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Beautifully said!

[@rjs722]

Agre. We need to bring back compassion and grace in how we relate to each other. And a big dose of empathy. Reading some of the comments, I got stuck on the word detachment. It’s too easy to detect yourself from the real world and forget it’s real people on the other side receiving the comments, memes etc. Well said. So enjoy your channel. I am learning a new appreciation of music and artists that I don’t normally listen to.

[@BTS_07_Apobangpo]

What I love about each BTS member, is their humaness! That means they are going to screw up. Because as humans, that's something we ALL will do...so yeah, I'm here with them. And to me, this doesn't even register as a mistake. He was out drinking. Something nearly every adult Korean engages in. He didn't take his car. He took a kickboard and was wearing a helmet. He didn't know that you couldn't ride a kickboard if you've been drinking, which, according to a non BTS netizen discussion I've seen...a MAJORITY of them didn't know you couldn't do that. So what was the crime here? Drinking? Nope. Putting a helmet on and going home? Not weaving, not speeding, not reckless. Where the fuck was the mistake outside of not knowing you couldn't ride a kickboard after drinking? Just doesn't measure up for me. I'm with them even if they REALLY mess up...because they're human and the reason I love them is because they ARE human. BORAHAE

[@denisseairen793]

Tan acertado tus comentarios, gracias por compartir tan maravillosa canción 💜

[@Kyrdap]

Beautifully expressed, thoughts, Thank you. Reminds me, Show me the face, I'll show you the rules.

[@anasanchez3431]

The issue is just making them idols instead of artists without ever wanting them to be human. They can't date, they can't drink, they can't be happy living their lives. They are my favorite artists, and as a true fan I will support them when times get hard and try to lift them up.

[@gemmahernandezdelatorre9223]

This is one of the reasons everybody say that Army is overprotective there is no way we not to be with such so hardships along his career ....

[@Sherluck93]

We're not over-protective. Unfortunately, it's always needed! 💜

[@gemmahernandezdelatorre9223]

Es lo mismo que quería decir que nos vemos obligado a serlo perdona inglés no es mi primer idioma y a lo mejor no lo expliqué bien

[@pinkladies66]

That’s why I’ve always been uncomfortable with any human being labeled an “idol.” These people start to worship them as gods almost and so when they make the smallest human error they are disproportionately devastated by it. As a Christian I know only one perfect being has ever walked the earth and as much as I love his music I know it wasn’t Min Yoongi. 😉

[@babsjand]

Deep thoughts. Appreciate your insight! It’s so easy to judge others.

[@stormkive4356]

loved this episode, very timely, very human. (very mindful, very demure 🤭)

[@filanthi3660]

Well said! People are really quick to condemn and sensationalise for their own gain from behind the anonymity of the internet. Also equally quick to delete their comments and accounts when proven wrong. Where's the empathy? These celebrities are people with human emotions

[@dreester]

Thanks Sleep.💜

[@pollykam-j3b]

Hi, Sleep. I'm here. Just finished my chemotherapy and I was listening to you halfway (I got sleepy ... um...not, not because of you - it was the pre-meds). But anyway, am home, listening to this till the end. I am glad to hear your perspective on these situations. It all makes sense - what you said. I agree as well. These people who spew things 'from a distance' and as if they would never get into those situations - they were never fans. They were never people. They were never human. How could someone who is a son, a brother, a father et al - do such a thing - creating untruths - just to make money for themselves or just to get that promotion or clicks or whatever. How do they? Over someone's suffering? Over someone's possible downfall - just generally speaking. Maybe they just don't have a conscience.

[@erindodich5362]

how much I enjoy hearing your thoughts and the way your brain works. It really feels like a one on one conversation, thank you. I mean, minus the part where I can't stop my neurodivergent random interuptions of course. 😂

[@katinacollier-xz4cm]

Hey 🤓 I enjoyed the episode and I hope you have a good and safe trip. I look forward to you getting to Tae's music 🎶 with everything going on with Yoogi 🤔 I know what happened was a bad choice. I believe he knows that and I believe he will take whatever comes from it. I knew what was going to happen with some people and the press. I worried about everything they would throw at him,but I hoped he was strong enough with people who cared about him, to help him through this. It's not how you fall,but how you get up, dust yourself off and learn how it happened. After that, you walk in a better direction to something better. I left Yoogi a message on Weverse with some musical inspiration. Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush and the song says it all.

[@MsQwest1]

Thank you for those words. It needed to be said. Few people have ever said anything as well as Kendrick and JCole. There is no way the boys could do anything to make me walk away from them. They think so much of the fans and Army. They have never turned their back on us and I hope Yoongi, and all of them, knows most of us will never turn our back on any of them. Thanks again for speaking up 💜

[@DrCheryl_Army2021]

7:15

[@geekyreader34]

You are phenomenal.

[@rosemarymillan5864]

Thank you for this! I am a huge fan of Kendrick Lamar and a proud ARMY 💜

[@ikamarec]

Words of Wisdom! 👍🏼

[@Mackenzie341]

W00T Writing from a place of peace. I don't know that space either. It's weird to think about that. Also no more work going walk about. I still can't wait for @VarnellHill to hear the first two mixtapes, because he will hear the roots of RPWP. I can't stop saying how much the current album can be found in everything else. Lord, don't get us started. Media needs to get a damn grip and do better, when did news stop being vetted? People don't sign up for stalking. People don't sign up for invasion of privacy, or lies. It's hard for fans to stay in their lane because they become attached and parasocial relationships are thing, but still I think it _is_ the public's responsibility to demand better from the media and start to get back to the place of expecting *truth* not sensationalism. This song is LONG, holy hats, but there are some bars, whoo! I wish that folks could really be changed by thinking about "if the shoe was on the other foot", but It seems to me that the world these days is full of people who not only are _incapable_ of empathy, but are also empowered by the destruction of others. We are increasingly a generation of sociopaths.

[@brynish3427]

Hi hi, I know Yoongi’s scooter thing has already been talked to death. However, there is a detail that I’ve not seen anyone talk about yet, and it might change the perspective for some folks. Yoongi wasn’t just out getting wasted on any random Tuesday…. I think it’s more than coincidence that the incident happened Aug 6th. Because, August 6th was the half-way point for his service. I think he was celebrating a milestone with friends, like anyone would. It was late, he had to go to work in the morning…and so he took the scooter instead of walking. Not that he needs an excuse to have a drink with dinner (and I also understand that this doesn’t excuse breaking a law), but I think the context might make the whole thing more relatable for some folks… Anyway, I’m sharing my thoughts in the hopes that folks with a big platform, like yourself, might add this idea to the narrative (I know we don’t know it to be fact, but it seems like an awfully big coincidence otherwise…) Please share if you feel similarly. As this goes on and on, I’m becoming concerned about how this will probably haunt him for years to come. Will he stop drinking in public out of fear? Will we loose Suchwita because of the link to drinking? Will they ALL have to revert to early days attitudes of pretending that they don’t drink because it might upset someone…? I’m not concerned specifically about the alcohol part of this, but what it represents as a whole. After all this time, any one of them feeling like they need to hide part of themselves (more than the things that they just keep private because they want to)… the thought makes my heart hurt.

[@LilTanuki]

another great episode! Also I can't do patreon right now but does listening on youtube or spotify benefit you more?

[@cboz6137]

The words from his song were spot on. I don't get the whole situation at all. Kids riding those things up and down my street all the time. No license needed and idiots getting drunk and ride them all the time and it is a non-issue. If someone gets hurt or property damages occur, that would have consequences. But this makes no rational sense to me. Keep hoping I don't really know the situation and it isn't as bad as some seem to be making it, but I honestly can't tell and I'm tuning it out. All I can do is just keep streaming and supporting. In the end, I just hope as a human being he is being Bangtan and letting it wash over him. I hope he's always who he is and I will always support him. By now people know his caliber. He's been measured and by no means found wanting in 11 years of public life or any of his 31 years of life. This incident is not something he should lose anyone over. And those that leave over this... are not the ones he needed with him to begin with. And I know he knows this. They got where they are without Kmedia and they battled past antis. They are international and international ARMies have his back. We're not going anywhere. Enjoyed this one pod cast too. Hope life is going your way.

[@yuklimka7251]

I'd been hoping we'd be getting some footage of your panel session at K-Con. Whenever you can share it will be fine. Since you've known Varnell for such a long time, do what you gotta do to introduce him to our boys. I'll be along for the ride. 💜

[@CSmitty3]

Up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right, B, A

[@ktredmane1209]

Thank you for this - all things that need to be said. Suga isn't innocent, he's human. And nothing really bad happened, despite the media attention. Agree about cancel culture - it's so easy to judge others and jump on a condemnation bandwagon. And in Suga's situation, things were amplified by the hostility/sensationalism/clickbaiting of Kmedia as well as folks pretending to be ARMYs who were actually antis. And a request - really enjoyed the references to Kendrick Lamar. I'm a 70 yo white woman who is slowly learning about hip hop (due to exposure to BTS and people like you) who could really use a good Hip Hop 101 course. Any recommendations? Or would you be willing to give us a list of suggestions for how to learn more? or whatever you think would be useful?

[@teena0708]

fellow ARMY here... if you are looking for recommendations I would definitely suggest Kendrick's "to pimp a butterfly" but also, BTS's "hip hop lover" gives some great suggestions as far as the hip hop artists that influenced them. i.e. Nas, KRS One, Tupac, Biggie, JCole to name a few 💜💜

[@blueedenise6539]

What is terrible is that antis and media are trying to break the BTS & ARMY bond. Most of the vile comments are coming from antis or solo stans pretending to be ARMYs.. Many even changed dns, names, headers to look like ARMY. And the ones that were supposedly ARMY because they bought merch, just proving to be surface level visual stans that most likely already never were loyal and have other artists to go to for "entertainment". As BTS are a group of brothers that have stated many times, if 1 of them had left in 2018, they wouldn't continue. They call eachother family and they mean it. ANY ARMY would know this and anyone that doesn't, is just an outsider. And while these people are less than 800... Media daily stating how the division is increasing, how ARMYs want him gone... This happened before as well, but because they are trying to break BTS through ARMY, we are more appalled since our bond is not something comprehandable. Even RM had said in his letter that people around him, including other idols don't get our bond. BTS & ARMY truly came here together, they never had media, they only had ARMY so doing this to them, trying to make BTS believe ARMYs aren't with them anymore is something so low and vile to us. Some media outlets even threatening Suga at this point, telling him to bow down lower and lower. We truly hope BTS are seeing the REAL ARMYs outdo antis 100000 times more, and can see our support and that Suga has his own support around him. This netizen and cancel culture is pathetic, once you make a mistake, some will never accept your apology even if you never repeat that mistake for decades, you stay as the "the person that did this one time"

[@Tejiranshi]

💜

[@subobing3551]

Just want to say that if you actually care about someone, which I do for Suga and all of BTS, you don’t just give up on someone when things happen. I knew he didn’t do anything bad. It was absolutely ridiculous to me they gave him a ticket for driving a scooter for like 1/3 of a mile - give me a break - I think he was actually being responsible he didn’t put himself behind the wheel of a 4,000 lb car! My first and only response to this was that no matter what - I LOVE HIM AND STAND BY HIM. like a real ARMY would. He is HUMAN and things happen. He didn’t murder anyone or steal anything. He didn’t hurt ANYONE OR THING. not sure what it is in Korea where scandals are so prevalent for the most minute act. This gets people despondent that they can’t live it down and some take their own lives. It’s HORRIFIC. I keep thinking of the actor from Parasite, Lee Sun-kyun because he might have been smoking some weed at a place notorious for this. WHO cares!!! I feel so bad his name was dragged through the mud and he felt he had to do something so drastic. Just let people live their lives even if they are famous!

[@Super_Chamchi]

If those so-called fans don't know BTS's characters by now, they are not real ARMYs. Unfortunately, there are people who live their lives through celebrities. They couldn't be perfect so they want their artists or celebrities to be perfect.

[@SleepDeez]

❤️‍🔥 bars!

[@gnatalie003]

Wrote my novel on your Patreon post but on here to show love for the algorithms. ✌🏻 *Forgive my lack of culture 😆 but can someone tell me the intro song? I keep Shazam-ing but it's not answering.

[@BTSISMYHAPPYPLACE4VER]

Kendrick is a poet. Most of the greats are. The older hip hop/rappers are and was. Wow i had forgotten those particular lines in his song. Definitely applies now with Suga's situation. When one mistake happened to turn your back on the individual that you said you loved and changed your life. I will never understand how you can just change your mind like a light switch. Click on...i support you and love you. Click off...you made one mistake, now i don't. No, you never supported and no, you do not love them.Their is no possible way you loved them. As far the anti's that did the challenge. They really need to self reflect. I hope the younger folks will heed what your saying so that they don't jump on anymore hate trains and will remember what everyone has been doing to yoongi and pretty much every celebrity. Just stay in your own lane. Keep your comments to yourself and support who you love and stop spreading hate. Karma is strong and does not discriminate. Because one day it will hit you hard when u least expect it and some need to remember this moment in time.

[@Be_tea_es]

Ah Kendrick…Sleep, why’d you go and do this? So much to think about here. We aren’t perfect either, no one is. I hate fighting. We don’t go looking for fights, but folks underestimate (or forget about?) our intelligence, grace, the depth of our respect for the guys…and for each other. Just do your best to be a good person, apologize when you mess up (bc you will!), try to be genuine, remind people that you love and appreciate them. No one has all of the answers, but hate will never be an answer. Never.

[@yoongitrash2699]

Beautifully said

[@corgisrule21]

Meanwhile it’s crickets over there about the pro athlete who actually caused an accident with his DUI a few days after Yoongi’s “incident”…infuriating 😣

[@MsDanatech]

Nice!

[@carlasmith9988]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@healingthrumusic5291]

Yes, i think we need korean translations so that we can share it with them especially the reflection part.

[@natashambulo3510]

First viewer! Missed the podcast

[@Sherluck93]

18:34 Sounds like some Epik High. And RM in RPWP (ㅠㅠ - Credit Roll)... But I don't think in general it's how you perceived it. If you know BTS, you know how Army is. And how we will be. Seems to me like you're in a bubble hearing things. There are bubbles on both sides of the story. I can't connect, but others seem to. Thanks for your thoughts, anyways. 💜

[@monika6248]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@karynbailey20]

If you speak any more wisdom, you might just achieve that celebrity status that we all should rightly fear. But please, shout louder about not only the outmoded reaction and targeting on SUGA, but how unfair the media circus is when it comes to their application of finger pointing

[@stormkive4356]

5:14 definitely like take yalls time regardless of comments pressuring u, its definitely something to go slowly with and appreciate properly 🫶