Taemin - Guilty - UK K-Pop Fans Reaction

[@havok97818]

I think a great description I’ve seen is that he’s singing as the abuser, but he’s dancing as the abused.

[@moonlightmoonchild1133]

I highly recommend watching the trailer for this mv, it gives a lot of context for this concept. the amount of symbolism and meaning he put in this is astounding, to be honest. I could write a whole essay about this, honestly. this mv, the trailer, the photobook for the album - all works together to paint a picture that can be interpreted in so many ways. the general consensus of most shawols/people who watched it is: taemin sings the part of the abuser while performing the role of the abused; it deals with themes of being sexualized since very young; forced conformity by institutions (be it a boarding school like in the mv&trailer or the industry or the military), trying to break away from these past experiences and be fully yourself. taemin basically flipped the spotlight on the audience and made us watching think if it's right to find these things he's going trough and doing "sensual" (especially in the photobook for the album and the trailer). he's fascinating, isn't he.

[@Ofra8191-]

Taemin's music goes DEEP, he loves putting layers of meanings into his work, he also loves referencing different philosophies from around the world. The obvious meaning is rarely the correct one, or at least it's just a small piece of the pazzle..

[@I_LOVE_NMIXX.ITZY.Red_Velvet_2]

TAEMIN is PHENOMENAL !

[@bea_hae_tae9392]

Taemin has talked about the literature that inspired this concept: Erotism: Death and Sensuality by Georges Bataille and Demian by Hermann Hesse. Love that Taemin decided to do things his own way with his own colors. I don't see anyone else doing this concept, or even the way in which he does it. Just stunning! Great reaction

[@pastora7651]

Maravilloso ,sexy, artista ,❤❤❤❤ TAEMIN ❤❤❤❤

[@QqQ-uw6ic]

Taemin is the best dance slayed in K-Pop

[@annalee7802]

Thanx for reaction to Taemin. He is such an artist!

[@Taywuxiang1961]

Taemin is a true artist. His songs are deep, dark... You need to have some knowledge to understand the genius of his work.

[@4eyesinthecorner399]

I honestly think that Taemin is purely just an artist. He’s able to communicate stories and emotions through every sensory experience, through the song, his vocals, his dance, the visuals. His discography is genuinely some of the best out there and I would love if you checked out IDEA and ADVICE as well as they’re two of my favourite songs and videos of his.

[@alittleaboutalot1602]

Taemin really encapsulates one of the big things I love about kpop in that the music video is an extension of the art. They're often art films in their own right set to music (which is a whole other topic). Rather than a lot of what we are used to seeing in the West which is usually flexing wealth, status or just them singing the song in a nice/interesting location. Taemin is an artist in all areas and the themes of his work are always deep and intriguing, often dark. He's the King for a reason 💙

[@ailynortiz8175]

❤ a Taemin para mí él es más q un solista de kpop, es un gran artista por su versatilidad y conceptos en su gran discografía.

[@kimmicheleingram9193]

Taemin is my #1 King of dance & song. Ive watched Guilty at least 50 times and even become emotional & cry as he reveals his soul through his outcry in dance. Im not a young fan, Im near 77. I found Taemin several years ago when I had my 1st bout of severe anxiety. I walked the floors for nearly 6 hours. My husband put on KZbin & there was Taemin. For the 1st time in 6 hours I layed down & watch him and became calm. He has become my healer. I have been anxiety free for years. Amazing how his whisper can live inside your head & heart. I am so glad he is getting the recognition in the UK, USA & around the 🌎 that he deserves. I sent a link of Guilty to my granddaughter. She has French relatives that loves Taemin. God bless Taemin.❤

[@milindawilson9175]

I think "Guilty" is a continuation of the themes surrounding Taemin's previous releases. Particularly connected to his Never Gonna Dance Again trilogy of albums -- "2 Kids", "Criminal" and "Idea" -- and Advice album themes. As Taemin has explained, "Guilty" is about a lover who DOESN'T feel guilty about all the bad things they have done in the relationship and they feel no shame or remorse for the pain and suffering they may have caused the other person. Which, if you connect it to the messages from his previous MVs, this easily could be interpreted as a metaphor for everything Taemin has gone through in his career and life. As an idol, he has been manipulated and controlled his whole life. Debuting at 14 years old, Taemin has lived his entire life in the public eye under a microscope, he is expected to be flawless and perfect, and people are constantly telling him what to do and how he should act, etc. However, now that he has turned 30, I think he is embracing a new chapter in his life where he is saying he is no longer going to allow people to manipulate him and he is officially taking back control. In other words, he's not going to feel guilty any more for being himself and doing what makes him happy. The story in the MV also makes more sense if you pair it with the 2 teaser videos that were released a few days before the MV dropped. In the teasers you will see Taemin being manipulated even more by outside forces and people who literally at one point hand him a gun and force him to shoot something or someone, which is all part of the metaphor that has to do with taking control of his life, etc. If you delve in deep you will see that "Guilty" could be interpreted as his relationship with fame and the different sides of who he is as a person and artist. Everything you see and hear can be thought of as a metaphor for life told using biblical references as an underlying theme showcasing Taemin's Catholic faith.The majority of Taemin's songs and MVs touch on concepts, stories and themes from the Bible, as a metaphor to explain what he has gone through growing up as an idol and the journey he has taken in order to find confidence in and acceptance with who he is as a person and an artist. "Guilty" is his title track on his 4th mini Korean solo album. Taemin has released at least one song or album -- most of the time way more than just one -- as part of SHINee, as a member of a project group, as a solo artist or as a member of SuperM every year since SHINee's debut. (Except for 2022 because he was on hiatus while he carried out his public service duties as part of his military requirements.) Therefore, including his full-length albums, mini albums, and singles, etc., as well as his Japanese albums, Taemin has more than a dozen solo albums. Not to mention the 2 albums he has as a member of SuperM. And on top of all that, SHINee currently has 14 full-length Korean and Japanese albums, just as many repackaged albums, numerous mini albums, etc. Plus, he has held many solo concert tours, as well as a world tour as a member of SuperM, and SHINee has held more than 100 concerts within 6 world tours so far. You have a TON to catch up on. :D

[@lilackpop]

Essa música é muito amada pela indústria toda! Taemin é realmente o melhor 🙌🏼🛐

[@Saddlemomma]

This is a perfect example of what I was talking about with Taemin's music in your Killing Voice reaction. This is not about a toxic relationship between a couple, but rather the continuation of Taemin's toxic struggle between the relationship of the two egos in his mind (indicated by the hand inside his shirt grabbing himself -- it's coming from inside himself): the demon tempting him with the perks of his celebrity life clashing with his Christian self desiring to adhere to his Christian worldview. Taemin LOVES what he does, but the temptations to go astray and embrace a worldly lifestyle are many. This is the cause of his guilt--the urge to do forbidden things. The person clinging to the attendant's leg is Taemin himself. He's trying to cling to his faith-based identity. He digs his fingers into his own flesh to feel pain and bring himself back to, or hold onto, reality. This personal story concept, initially introduced in his 2016 MV for "Press Your Number", also runs through his 2018 Japanese song, "Under My Skin, as well as 2020's "Criminal", "IDEA" (in fact the entire "Never Gonna Dance Again" Acts 1 & 2 albums of 2020), and 2021's "Advice". It's a very personal storyline that traces his entire history and experience as an idol. For this particular song/MV, Taemin indicated that he researched both "Demian" by Hermann Hesse and ""Eroticism: Death and Sensuality" by the French philosopher, Georges Bataille. His concept is that of guilt and how humans process their guilt, especially with respect to dealing with the forbidden, sensuality, and death. For Taemin, this toxic relationship is within himself and is displayed through the character he plays of Abraxas (wearing a headdress and representing the mythological gnostic demigod of a heretical sect, later referred to as a demon). However, Taemin also plays the character of himself being tormented by this internal demon who constantly plagues and entices him to embrace worldly desires. The entire song is a dialogue between Abraxas and Taemin. During the dialogue, Taemin is struggling (the choreo) to fight off being possessed and swallowed completely by Abraxas. We see even more of this struggle in the b-side performance video for "The Rizzness". IT'S WILD! I hope you will also react to that. In that performance video, you clearly see the demon, "Abraxas" alone (as he's in Taemin's head) all in black, pointed ears, and brow ridges, and Taemin, with backup dancers, dressed in white (associated with innocence, righteousness, and goodness in religious symbolism while black represents death, evil, darkness, and chaos). Continuing with "Guilty", we see Taemin walking through institutions of his memory such as an abandoned school (which, as an introvert, he hated), or hospital/mental institution (brainwashing-Taemin was extremely sexualized by the industry as a very young idol specifically because he was so pretty and just 14 at debut), and/or training center (SM?), always being controlled and in situations that produce temptations to go against his values. If he is not constantly vigilant, "....when you've caught on (Abraxas), I'm already gone (Taemin)." In other words, he will lose himself instantly because the temptations are so appealing and addictive (as illustrated in his MVs for "Want" & "Famous"). The "poison apple" is the bait, (again just like in 2019's "Want" & "Famous")..."want a bite?" "Just a little more, that's all it takes." "Gift you once as a bait, then I (Abraxas) take everything." The demon is the father of hundreds of lies. The pre-chorus and chorus are actually further dialogue between Taemin and Abraxas: [Pre-chorus] Ooh-ooh (On that vague border between good and bad - Taemin) You played the fool for me - Abraxas (My judgment in the final moment - Taemin) [Chorus -- all Abraxas] Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh You got me G-U-I-L-T-Y - Trick and take everything from you Again, just playing a game all for fun Hundreds of lies Ooh yeah Taemin is a genius when it comes to interweaving layers of meanings into his lyrics (which he often rewrites/tweaks from SM samples to make them fit his concepts), choreo, basically every aspect of his performance, and leaving us mesmerized, trying to arrive at the deepest look into his psyche. This is why he is the ultimate artist for me. Yes, I love his dancing, but it's his lyrical and musical prowess that truly captivates me, while also gratifying my desire for deeper, meaningful Christian messaging that is usually lacking in actual Christian music.

[@bonzina]

Kerry's happy wiggle and giggles thinking about all the abs is adorable! Guilty had a long trailer for the MV that provides a lot more context for the story if you wanted to check that out on your own, there's definitely an element of him holding a mirror up to everyone who over-sexualised him when he was very young and new in the industry

[@leydarachadey465]

TAEMIN SUPREMACÍA del KPOP .Es la mejor.definicion de el. Es un ARTISTA en toda la extensión de la palabra .Es capas atravez de su danza su voz. Transmitir un sin fin de emociones. ESO solo lo puede hacer un gran artistas. ❤❤pliss reaciona a SOLDIER y RISE de su concierto Sirio de Japón .MV RIZZNESS .ADVICE WANT .para comenzar. ..Tiene una discografia que es unica maravillosa .❤

[@thezircadia]

I just cried and cried after I saw this I was raw. I think a lot of comments really gave you a decent amount of interpretation but. Yeah. I also saw some other possible interpretations that resonated with people in the LGBTQ+ community, especially with the pieces that feel related to being institutionalized, I've heard it being discussed as a portrayal addressing conversion therapy and thoughts about being made to feel guilty due to the actions of our judgment of others. Because I felt so strongly that his performance was communicating from the place of someone having experienced trauma, rather than interpret the lyrics as I'm singing the part of the abuser, I was thinking it it as those being the lies told to him to absolve abusers, placing the guilt on their victim. I know the songwriter wrote this song about a bad ex boyfriend or something, but Taemin really really communicated something totally totally different with his performance and all of the production and narrative elements for the project, I think it's one of the most powerful works of art. Taemin is just.... incredible.

[@Enferis-wm6vm]

Such an amazing song, amazing MV! Taeminnieeeeeeee, our forever maknae!

[@vlad5042]

i love him taking on the "toxic" role in his lyrics here. so many pop songs tend to default to a "you hurt me" mindset, or maybe a "i hurt you but you hurt me first so it's not my fault" one. indulging in the darker, less innocent, "i hurt you, i knew i was hurting you and i did it anyways" feeling makes his whole discography feel more honest and complete, even if he's not being autobiographical in the song his ability to empathize with unhealthy mindsets makes some spicy music.

[@marinal.]

@Saddlemomma said on 11/4/23 I had to really chew on this one. I know that Taemin really loves philosophy, just like my daughter who is getting a minor in philosophy at college. In "L'erostisme" the author argues that eroticism is "a psychological quest not alien to death." As a Christian, Taemin has often used his music/MVs to illustrate his conflict with being a Christian while also being in a world that thrives on eroticism and all sorts of worldly temptations that are considered sinful for those with a Christian worldview. Therefore, I instantly was reminded of is songs "Want", "Famous", the NGDA trilogy, "Advice", etc., when listening to this -- almost like it was the final amalgamation of all those songs combined. The situation only intensifies when you couple those temptations with celebrity status and the institutions that facilitate and mold you to achieve that status. Things become more easily attainable and acceptable through money, constant peer pressure, and the desire for acceptance from your peers, the company, and fans. For Taemin, an additional factor thrown into that already mental chaotic mess is the fact that from the time he entered the celebrity world as a very introverted youngster at the tender age of 14 (intl. age), he was constantly sexualized by the company and other celebrities. In Asian countries, it is considered high comedy to cross-dress, wear long hair extensions and act girly. Due to Taemin's innocent "prettiness" as a child (and later on) those in the industry made full use of Taemin -- constantly dressing him as a girl, fawning over him, petting him, making lewd jokes, etc. As much as Taemin cried out that he was A MAN, the more tone-deaf everyone became -- all except his SHINee brothers. This situation prompted Jonghyun to pen the song "Pretty Boy" for Taemin, which stated that "I am more than the imaginations in your head." The lyrics are quite scathing to those who would make Taemin something he wasn't. Taemin has said in many interviews that, as an artist within an industry flooded with great artists, he had to find a niche that would make him stand out and use that unique niche to build his career. That's just what he did. In his 2020 interview with Ravi on "Ravi's Close-up: Taemin", he also revealed that he despised school. In fact, as a Kindergartner, he would leave home with his lunch, not say anything to his mother, and go to the park for the day. However, not understanding the concept of passing time, he would return home within an hour. His mother caught on quickly. One of the reasons Taemin became an idol was to get out of all the extra classes Koreans take after school to boost their studies to do well on standardized tests. Finally Taemin's mother, tired of fighting him told him that if he passed the open audition for SM Entertainment, he could drop all of his after-school classes. Taemin went and did just that on the very first try. There are only 8 other idols (I think, or less) who have done this in the history of these open auditions attended by thousands. Despite not enjoying school, Taemin is extremely intelligent especially in science and math. He finished school and college while navigating an insanely packed schedule. Lastly, I feel like Taemin is giving us a very real picture of just how horrendous his military service (another institution) was in the very beginning, on top of how the anxiety and depression medications made him feel (symbolized by the inhaler), and fighting against himself and his demons to stick through it despite how awful it was. Remember, he never said a word about wanting a transfer. The decision was made for him by military personnel for his well being. That says a lot. Taemin was asked by Suga on "Suchwita" how he prepared for "Guilty, and Taemin responded that he reflected a lot on his past, where he had been and what he had done. He wanted to reveal his story on a much deeper level. I feel "Guilty" is that revelation of how parts of his childhood were good, but between school, the challenges of being an idol at such a tender age with no control, and his military experience -- all these "institutions" -- have affected him tremendously. He is constantly treading that fine line of wanting to remain that innocent kid (good) that entered the celebrity world and "died" by losing that innocence with the constant temptations of embracing all the eroticism and sinfulness of the world (bad). If what I am just speculating about is true, releasing all these bottled up feelings and frustrations have not only released his greatest work to date (IMHO) but may also have been very cathartic for him. Addl. Note: "Guilty" was originally slated as the title track for his 2021 mini-album. However, at that time, "Advice" suited the project more. Taemin resurrected "Guilty" for this comeback but said (during "Suchwita") that he had to rework much of the song to get it where he wanted it for this release.

[@antidave]

He's the abused one but as always Taemin sings about the sides of him too. Also, this song is supposed to make you feel guilty that you are sexualizing him because he was feminized and sexualized a lot as a child.

[@antidave]

He's only gotten comfortable and taken his title of androgynous recently and loves it and uses it to the full extent.

[@baek_so]

Taemin is not called the king of kpop and Idol of Idols of the whole kpop for no reason. Taemin is the best male soloist

[@avotia]

Oh thank you😊! I am waiting for surprise.)))

[@fluffinator3701]

Taemin is amazing, Shinee is amazing - Key is from Shinee is also amazing with great hits. Another one I could recommend if you like Taemin would be Ten, great singer and dancer. Check out Ten - Birthday (dance practice ver to appreciate the dance) and Ten - Nightwalker.

[@lionelcrews1422]

Taemin's artistry, stage presence, vocals, and dancing are top tier, perhaps only equaled by his groupmate, the late Jonghyun, who quite obviously inspired him and helped him become the idol he is. You've got a LOT of awesome tracks to go through with Taemin and then SHINee, but at some point it would be worthwhile to check out some of Jonghyun's solo work. He tends to get overlooked a bit because of what happened, his music is VERY complex, and there aren't a lot of videos to watch. But even if you don't react to him on your channel, listening to him on your own will be worth your time.

[@audeai4021]

I'm here on "Not Friday with the 13" because I love this song and I wanted to see your reactions ... You did not disappoint. Every time I watch it I'm conflicted - do I love him or do I hate him? Is he the victim or is he the bad guy? Is he asking for forgiveness or just bragging? does he even feel bad or is he worried that the other is feeling bad? I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!! Kerry, I'm glad you are doing well. I may go for the next one, if not, see you Friday ❤❤❤

[@marinal.]

Hi, i am back. Good reaction, ty. This is the 1st solo comeback after military. Taemin was in military for 21 months. He had mental health issues in band so they moved him to civil service. And he was not able to speak with fans at all. His album is called Guilty as well. Great song. On 1st listen I felt strongly like crying. The tears were held in though the whole song though. But at the end i had to wipe my eyes. I just want to hug Taemin. On my 2nd listen i read the lyrics. And after i wondered was my reaction all in my head. There are layers here upon layers. Loved the fits and makeup. Some of the subject matter was an issue for me. I know Taemin had lots of mental health issues in the military. Based on the teasers I thought he would talk about it. And it looks like he does in his own way. I really want to hear his views on this song and album. I watched Suchwita ep. w. Taemin right after this. This is Suga of BTS YT show. Glad he is back giving us headaches, lol. Perfect vocals in my opinion. The feathered headband is a Native American thing for me. I feel it has an important significance. The lyrics had nothing to do with the images in the MV. I think this is way over my head and i will watch some reactions to see what others think of Taemin's msg here. Feels based on imagery. Great choreo. U have to watch the dance practice too! 0.0 Borahae. -NY USA 2019 Army💟 Loved that long skirt. He looked so good, dang. I also was getting examination. After a few reactions i am thinking he is showing military and psych mental health area. Like a mix of places. I was thinking were ppl saying he was guilty of making them feel attracted to him? Does he feel guilty about something? Lots of thoughts going through my head. I am so glad u watched the teasers. The more i watch the more i think that he is combining the military facility with a mental health facility. And we know he suffered in the military and asked for a transfer. So it seems he is portraying his struggles here. @ireneserrano4570 said on 10/30/23 I'm still confused about the exact meaning, but again, there could be different interpretations as with his other songs. But from the visuals i get the feeling it refers to abuse, it can be at so many levels. It can have psychological and physical or both, you can suffer it under your own family, friends, at school, at work, in love relationships... Then who is the perpetrator? many times you can be trapped by those people, even in a group or the society, you don't even realise but by the time you realise you have been actually abused THEY are gone, who can you blame exactly? I have gone through my own dose of abuse, and after years you realise but you end up blaming yourself too, as if you hadn't known better but then you allowed it...😢 Also the images of classroom and rooms with beds, and a kid surrounded by a group...Taemin is watching him from the door as if he was watching himself as a kid... also at the end those kids in school uniforms, all spread around, one grabbing the legs of an adult that grabs his leg, bleeding... South Korea also has buIIying as endemic.. at schools (kids also teachers committing suicide as they can't either find understanding or help by their surroundings, on the contrary they are treated as the outcast and weirdos) also at the workplace, in the Military, in university... Their social rules, their stratification and obsession with seniority, comparing their ages, wealth, possessions, their marks, everything... the social pressure on kids and in general on everyone to be better, the most xx the most xx...). The crazy mix of their traditional values and the contrast to the monstruos capitalism that devours all traditional values... traditional collectivism versus wild individualism... @pamela-623 said on 10/30/23 this is an amazing comeback, so artsy so taemin, shawols had lots of interesting theories, my favorite being that this is an interpretation of the struggles in military enlistment, young men being taken, examined and given a gun, i find it so fascinating @princesssunshine79 said on 10/31/23 From what I have picked up here and there, I THINK, don't quote me, the song is about training at an extremely young age in a very exploitive industry, his horrible experience while doing his military service, and his own mental health. Again, I am not positive about any of this. But, for Taemin, it makes a lot of sense. Especially the last two bits because his 2 years away was a nightmare that really messed with his mental health and depression. I hope this helps a wee bit. 😁 @sumim2192 said on 11/1/23 Just a note, In July (I think), Taemin updated his Instagram bio with a famous quote from Hermann Hesse's famous novel Demian “The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas.” I think his outfit with the feather hat represents the god Abraxas. @prisonbreakd said on 10/31/23 The way he does dark concepts is so amazing to me. I think if you think about how guilt feels, the video/song represents it perfectly. The way he moves through the corridors and outside, and the choreography feels like he is out of control, and being suffocated by the situation, he is overwhelmed and struggling to understand up from down, invisible and visible hands push him around. You can't help but feel sad or sorry for him, despite him singing that he's done something horrible. And I think it's because, unlike in "Want", he is not proud or embracing it here; his pain, struggle and guilt are obvious. It's haunting. To me, the overall story of the video was that love (and life) is not always cutesy and sweet; it can come with a dark side, conflicting feelings, being intense and too much. You can do things you regret, and it can spin out of control, you can be aware of doing something wrong and not know how to stop, you can want things that are not good for you or someone that you care about. You can hurt people and be aware of what you are doing but not know how to do it better. You can love the wrong people, make mistakes and feel... well, guilty. It's just a very painful side of human experience that we don't like to look at because guilt and shame go together and make us very uneasy. @pandakholin said on 10/31/23 9:55 Yep. Rian, Simeez, Noze and Rozalin. They’ve been Taemin’s backup dancers since Criminal. Also here is Suzy Hong and Kim Haeun. Only the best of the best for Taemin. @lunemaline1338 said on 10/31/23 Taemin has spoken before how he regrets debuting so young in a very exploitative industry, that mixed with how hard his military enlistment period was for his mental health I see this being about him kinda losing his innocence and being thrown into violence. the shot of him looking at one of the dancers that kinda looks like a younger version of him having fun with everyone else to him being in this medical room and being moved like a puppet, forced to hold a gun and being stripped of his individuality by wearing this school uniform. That’s what I love about Taemin’s music and MV’s it starts to make you think and theorize, he’s super creative. @schuylernefcy3466 said on 10/31/23 Other note, It's like Taemin is singing the part of the abuser and dancing the part of the abused and I can't believe how hauntingly beautiful it is. @bea_hae_tae9392 said on 11/3/23 Taemin has talked about the literature that inspired this concept: Erotism: Death and Sensuality by Georges Bataille and Demian by Hermann Hesse. Love that Taemin decided to do things his own way with his own colors. I don't see anyone else doing this concept, or even the way in which he does it. Just stunning! Great reaction, thanks for giving so much love to his work. @carriemorgan2704 said on 11/1/23 Casper and Bada Lee did the choreography. Just amazing. Loved your reaction. You were as excited as me. The man is ART. I agree. My fav song he's ever done. Big call...but this was a literal experience.

[@marinal.]

@Saddlemomma said on 3/8/24 Now, let me give you my take on "Guilty". When putting of the things we need to look for in a Taemin MV together, we begin to see what is going on in this MV. In short, this is not about a toxic relationship between a couple, but rather the continuation of Taemin's toxic struggle between the relationship of the two egos in his mind (indicated by the hand inside his shirt grabbing himself -- it's coming from inside himself): the demon tempting him with the perks of his celebrity life clashing with his Christian self desiring to adhere to his Christian worldview. Taemin LOVES what he does, but the temptations to go astray and embrace a worldly lifestyle are many. This is the cause of his guilt. The person clinging to the attendant's leg is Taemin himself. He's trying to cling to his faith-based identity. He digs his fingers into his own flesh to feel pain and bring himself back to, or hold onto, reality. This personal story concept, initially introduced in his 2016 MV for "Press Your Number", also runs through his 2018 Japanese song, "Under My Skin, as well as 2020's "Criminal", "IDEA" (in fact the entire "Never Gonna Dance Again" Acts 1 & 2 albums of 2020), and 2021's "Advice" (look carefully at the black/white contrast & then Taemin's suit). For this particular song/MV, Taemin indicated that he researched both "Demian" by Hermann Hesse and ""Erotism: Death and Sensuality" by the French philosopher, Georges Bataille. His concept is that of guilt and how humans process their guilt, especially with respect to dealing with toxic relationships. For Taemin, this toxic relationship is within himself and is displayed through the character he plays of Abraxas (wearing a headdress and representing the gnostic demigod of a heretical sect and later referred to as a demon). However, Taemin also plays the character of himself being tormented by this internal demon who constantly plagues and entices him to go astray. The entire song is a dialogue between Abraxas and Taemin. During the dialogue, Taemin is struggling (the choreo) to fight off being possessed and swallowed completely by Abraxas. We see even more of this struggle in the b-side performance video for "The Rizzness" which you also reacted to. You clearly see the demon, "Abraxas" alone all in black (death, evil, chaos in religious terms) and Taemin dressed in white (associated with innocence, righteousness, and good in contrast to black) with backup dancers. We see Taemin walking through institutions of his memory such as a school (which, as an introvert, he hated), hospital/mental institution (brainwashing-Taemin was extremely se*ualized by the industry as a very young idol specifically because he was so pretty and just 14 at debut), and training center (SM?), always being controlled and in situations that produce temptations to go against his values. If he is not constantly vigilant, "....when you've caught on (Abraxas), I'm already gone (Taemin)." In other words, he will lose himself instantly because the temptations are so appealing and addictive (as illustrated in his MVs for "Want" & "Famous"). The "poison apple" is the bait, (again just like in 2019's "Want" & "Famous")..."want a bite?" "Just a little more, that's all it takes." "Gift you once as a bait, then I (Abraxas) take everything." The demon is the father of hundreds of lies. The pre-chorus and chorus are actually further dialogue between Taemin and Abraxas: [Pre-chorus] Ooh-ooh (On that vague border between good and bad - Taemin) You played the fool for me - Abraxas (My judgment in the final moment - Taemin) [Chorus -- all Abraxas] Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh You got me G-U-I-L-T-Y - Trick and take everything from you Again, just playing a game all for fun Hundreds of lies Ooh yeah Taemin is a genius when it comes to interweaving layers of meanings into his lyrics (which he often rewrites/tweaks from SM samples to make them fit his concepts) and leaving us mesmerized, trying to arrive at the deepest look into his psyche. This is why he is the ultimate artist for me. Yes, I love his dancing, but it's his lyrical and musical prowess that truly captivates me, while also gratifying my desire for deeper, meaningful Christian messaging that is usually lacking in actual Christian music. @milindawilson9175 said on 11/4/23 I think "Guilty" is a continuation of the themes surrounding Taemin's previous releases. Particularly connected to his Never Gonna Dance Again album -- "2 Kids", "Criminal" and "Idea" -- and Advice album themes. As Taemin has explained, "Guilty" is about a lover who DOESN'T feel guilty about all the bad things they have done in the relationship and they feel no shame or remorse for the pain and suffering they may have caused the other person. Which, if you connect it to the messages from his previous MVs, this easily could be interpreted as a metaphor for everything Taemin has gone through in his career and life. As an idol, he has been manipulated and controlled his whole life. Debuting at 14 years old, Taemin has lived his entire life in the public eye under a microscope, he is expected to be flawless and perfect, and people are constantly telling him what to do and how he should act, etc. However, now that he has turned 30, I think he is embracing a new chapter in his life where he is saying he is no longer going to allow people to manipulate him and he is officially taking back control. In other words, he's not going to feel guilty any more for being himself and doing what makes him happy. With Taemin -- and all the members of SHINee -- you will never get the same thing twice. Everything he releases will be a new style and sound and, yet, it will still be very "Taemin". As SM's experimental boy group, SHINee are meant to be the first to do almost everything, and they are expected to come up with something new that no one has ever seen or heard before with every release of theirs. As Kpop's trendsetters, the members of SHINee reinvent the industry with every comeback. Guilty is Taemin's 4th mini Korean album, but he has been in the industry for more than 15 years as a member of SHINee and he has been a solo artist since 2014. Therefore, including his full-length albums, mini albums, and singles, etc., as well as his Japanese albums, Taemin has more than a dozen solo albums. Not to mention the 2 albums he has as a member of SuperM. And on top of all that, SHINee currently has 14 full-length Korean and Japanese albums, just as many repackaged albums, numerous mini albums, etc. You have a TON to catch up on. :D Now you need to check out Taemin's Killing Voice performance. I have a feeling when you watch his Killing Voice you will find that hearing him sing "Guilty," as well as his other songs, live that you will be even more impressed. Plus, you need to see one of his live performances of "Guilty" to see the complete choreography. There is a reason why Taemin is like none other. @trixy1823 said on 11/10/23 TEAMIN says that CRIMINAL, ADVICE, and GUILTY are a collection(I think RIZZNESS could be included). I watched ADVICE first and then went and slowly read the lyrics on a lyrics site. There was one line that made it all click. No one would put that in there without a serious reason. Then I started taking everything in the songs seriously. To me GUILTY confirms it. I recently saw how the lyrics are the voice of the perpetrator yet he performs as the victim. The lyrics tell me he is NOT talking about “mental health issues”… he is talking about WHO and WHAT specifically caused his mental health issues. To me…this is a victim’s anthem for everyone❤‍🩹💪🏽💖. A retribution. @antidave said on 11/14/23 Its funny cause this has no pronouns and everyone just assumes she/her pronouns when in reality Taemin likes singing and having the concept of two sides of himself so he is singing to no one but himself and how he views different sides of himself. Very queer video and you can see how he's exploring his feminine and androgynous side again and even in the other videos. This song is supposed to make you feel guilty as he is being exploited and the viewer enjoys it even though you're not supposed to.

[@MinSung931]

I'm a Taemin bias ever since Sherlock (my first introduction to Shinee) and he is exactly 3 months older than me. This song is sooooo soooo soooooo good that it give me a certain feeling (iykyk) and tbh my very first Taemin qlbum was his comeback with this song. He is such an amazing dancer and reminds me alot of Jimin (these 2 are best friends in many ways especially hw they both move their body to tell a story. This song and MV is just so good I can't explain wht it does to me

[@audeai4021]

For Chooseday I hope that one day you will react to "Birth by Artms" 🥰

[@marinal.]

@thespianoge said on 11/5/23 Aaannnnd a specific reading based on childhood trauma in the industry: In the beginning, there are children’s drawings on the walls. There are old discarded clothes from the past. He stumbles through the halls of his memory with difficulty and trepidation. He spies something that may have been important or shameful to him (the two children in the room.) He remembers a fun time in the dorms with pillow fights and perhaps a younger him. He looks on with sadness and pity and regret. These memories creep onto him like the hands that caress his neck. An intimate violation. These memories are too much for him and send him spiraling. Cue tortured dancing. They can’t be contained underneath anymore and they escape through his shirt and reach towards his neck, attempting to suffocate him. Then there’s the manhandling in the medical-esque scene, molding and forcing him and invading his personal space. Wrapping him up tightly and restrained in the hoodie. Taking away his autonomy, as he looks on, dead faced. That was his childhood as an idol. The next look with the skirt, he graduates to his solo career. Was he made to wear the skirt, keys around it but no lock? He experiments more with his sensuality in his performance and perhaps in life in general. He begins to become a more dominant figure. Perhaps the crown symbolizes his rise to stardom. He stands in the middle of circles that seem to be almost worshiping him. But still, that old trauma snakes up once again and attempts to choke him. People pile on the bed. I know this is dark, but maybe it’s people the industry ruined in one way or another. People dance around him in slow motion. He looks around in a daze, seeing the people but not really in the world anymore. Completely dissociated from his life, realizing from the outside what the reality truly is. He’s in a car with an inhaler in a schoolboy’s uniform, trying to calm himself from what he knows he must do. He clings to an authority figure, the stability and manager of his whole life, for one last time. He claws at his leg, attempting to be an outlet to keep the pain inside. He raises his gaze and, with a look of determination, sets fire to his old home. Reframing the story of being a child, finally claiming his agency. He emerges beautiful and free from the flames wearing a costume completely different from the others, of his own choosing. He still wears the jean skirt sometimes, but because he chooses to. His dancing is much more free and loose.

[@lilackpop]

Sim Ten do nct se expira muito nele, aliás Taemin, Kai e Ten são os melhores dancers do kpop na minha opinião

[@dheu]

Maybe I’m the only one, but Taemin’s hand up the shirt to the chin move doesn’t feel sexual. Or rather, it presents a moment of sexuality but it indicates something so much more. In most of his recent music videos he has really delved into different concepts of duality, of being torn between the extroverted and sensual Taemin persona and the introverted and shy Taemin he really is deep inside, and struggling to reconcile these two parts of himself into one pure whole. In Criminal he presents these two parts of himself as in a toxic relationship, one dominating the other while that other side both resists and desires to be dominated. So in Guilty I feel like this dance move perfectly reflects that duality. The hand coming up through the shirt is controlling him (covering up his mouth and moving his head); it’s coming from within himself, a representation of the sensual side trying to dominate him. Throughout the mv he is fighting it. But this is only one interpretation of the Guilty mv. Honestly, I think there are multiple that are not only valid but I think are also rolled up together. Meaning the mv purposefully means multiple things that are all intertwined in representing who Taemin is a person and an artist. I agree with many of the other interpretations posted here and think they are all equally correct and important in dissecting this work of art. I think the song originally was just a toxic relationship song but it feels like Taemin has added many layers of meaning to turn this into a deep and personal mv and song. He really elevates anything he is part of IMO.

[@marinal.]

@thespianoge said on 11/5/23 Some initial bullet points: I definitely think The Rizzness is a diss track to the industry. My interpretation of Blue is that it’s about/for Shawols. The pearl-aqua ocean of fan lights. Taemin’s variety is huge and I highly recommend going through his discography. He’s a stunning, creative, chameleon like soloist and I love his soft, soothing voice that can grow to an impressive belt. It could be interesting to go though his discography in order to see his growth, but ultimately I’d recommend Never Gonna Dance Again Act I and II (both have some of my very favorite songs and I honestly can’t pick between the two…) I’m not the hugest fan of his debut Ace based mainly on my personal taste. He’s incredibly involved in picking the songs, though isn’t a songwriter himself as a rule. Taemin has specifically said that this is the beginning of his “Act II” in his career and basically life in general from what he’s said. And now…you wanted to read a think piece on the MV. Boy, do I have one for you. Pardon the RIDICULOUSLY long essay. I have been meticulously and obsessively dissecting this video since it came out. cracks knuckles I have three main theories. I’ll talk about this later, but he experienced a traumatic military service and it could be speaking to that. It could also speak to being taken advantage of by the industry as a child, especially. And as a queer person who kind of finds queerness in everything, I felt gay conversion camp vibes from the time I saw the first trailer. There's also the book Erotism by Georges Bataille that the director recommend he read in preparation for this comeback. It’s about the intersections of sexuality, religion, death, the sacred and the profane and taboo. (Which has ironically basically been his brand from the beginning, more or less.) There’s also the quote by Herman Hesse that he's mentioned in interviews even before enlistment from the book Demian. "The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas." People think that the feather crown is a nod to Abraxys, which is supposed to be a heretic god, both God and Satan, without a binary. I found the lyrics somewhat at odds with the MV, but maybe to condense the most basic thesis is wrestling within oneself with their guilt, warranted or not, until one finds their way to set themselves free. They evolve like the bird fights out of the egg to destroy their prior world to find their inner god, both good and bad, the radiant and the taboo, but it’s on their own terms, like in Demian. For the queer theory: At the beginning he's wearing Homme Girls boxers (he's actually worn them before and they're HEAVILY featured in his album photo book) from the beginning. It could mean some sort of secret queerness kept under wraps. Then he graduates to a denim skirt but with a cross necklace, perhaps still trying to convince himself that he could return to the comfort of conformity, and finally, a skintight floral "feminine" look. Coming into his own personal expression, claiming it after the flaming arrow hits the target. To go further down the rabbit hole, my queer headcanon saw the brief scene featuring two young people in an intimate moment in a room off the hallway, walking in on something forbidden, which he quickly left at 21 seconds. The person on the left is the person in the long sleeves featured at the 36 second mark. Some people read it as young Taemin, with old Taemin looking at himself as a child, which totally makes sense. Except when I first saw it, I read it as an androgynous girl and was kind of confused about her significance. So I could be completely wrong but I read some queerness into that brief scene as well. Or it’s just Taemin looking in on his younger self in early sexual experimentation. In the original trailer, there were a bunch of kids playing in the creek. Some were male and some female, but they were indistinguishable from each other. I even didn't clock it until someone else mentioned it. But once they were in their uniforms, there was a clear delineation where the girls were now wearing skirts, enforcing the gender roles they were previously unconcerned about. I'll also mention a content warning for racy talk. There's also a brief moment in the scene in the bunks with someone holds the head of someone with a baseball cap in front of their fully clothed groin. In the split second moment at 1:45, Taemin’s hand is seen lifting up the chin of someone. They have an Adam’s apple. Finally, the most obvious line that people have latched onto is “loving is a crime.” With the military theory, he ended up having to leave the military proper and go into the public service sector for the rest of the time due to extreme anxiety and depression. There's been documentation of idols (G-Dragon is a good example) being treated extremely badly by other members, even as much as trying to take photos of them in the shower and such. It's entirely possible he had a traumatizing time in there on top of his preexisting mental health conditions. Especially as someone who has been sexualized by being beautiful and feminine since he was literally a child in the industry, this may have made him an even bigger target than just being an idol. So one interpretation of this MV is referencing the invasive nature of an institutional (military) setting. Medical examinations, forcing violence, having a hand help him him hold up the gun to shoot it as seen in the trailer, bunks, etc. With this theory, he would have to walk a fine line because it would be criticizing the South Korean military. Then there’s the theory of being an idol from basically childhood and the ways he has been taken advantage of. He began training at the age of 12 and debuted at the age of 14. There is literally a KZbin video entitled “The Sexualization and feminization of Lee Taemin” chronicling the way adults have been creepy and inappropriate to him since the beginning. The bunks are like like trainee dorms, and he looks back on his old self with sadness and pity. The clinging to the leg of a captor because there’s no other choice. The early loss of innocence, but ultimately coming out empowered by the end. Throughout the MV, he danced in an especially tortured way after depicting memories of invasive manhandling which tracks along any interpretation. There’s clearly a story about someone vulnerable and their journey to self discovery and purging themselves into their empowered "final form.” His hand-under-the-shirt move may have something to do with a secret desire or feeling that keeps trying to get out, perhaps like the temptation of the biblical serpent. Or, as per the title, secret guilt choking him. With the skirt look, there are many keys around his waist. Perhaps this could signify that he already has the keys that he needs to “unlock” himself and they’re all ready for when he’s ready to use them. It could be a reference to his song Advice when he says “you’ll never get the keys to my lock. Like he is the only one who holds the keys to unlock himself, kept safe on his person. In the scene outside in the uniforms near the end, there is the building of extreme anxiety with the inhaler and the gripping and scratching of his legs to try to cope and gather the strength to “burn it all down”/be his true self. The self knowledge that it must be done but he’s scared shitless. One last clinging to authority/the system with they leg, and finally the full acknowledgment that he needs to do it anyway with determination in his eyes. The I think that the lyrics aren’t projecting outwards towards another person, but rather a back and forth with himself, with his conscience vs his base desires. And the lyric “I can walk like that, talk like that, play like that" could apply to all three readings, be it “passing” as queer/cis, appearing to mentally and emotionally healthy, or the training and indoctrination trainees receive to behave perfectly as idols. In livestreams before the comeback, he spoke about how he was going to “walk the tightrope to see how far he can go.” He’s definitely toeing the line with any one of these topics. He and his team are BRILLIANT.

[@ewaoluwaakintemi3960]

2:45 facts 😂😂😂

[@sarahlittle6227]

Kerry singing Hsm icon!

[@StirsTooMuch]

I request a better secret. 😂