The Kulture Study: JAEHYUN 'Smoke' MV

[@ichigoretsugo]

from what i've read, this is inspired by the greek myth of narcissus who falls in love with his own reflection to the point of hurting himself by not eating or sleeping and ends up dying by a pond gazing at his own reflection + jaehyun covers every reflection possible and even the cameras so he won’t see his reflection and it makes sense because if I looked like that i'd be obsessed with myself too

[@kathy.0318]

RIGHT!!!!!!!

[@FlowerLotusThe]

It was first thing I thought of but then I thought it's way too simple😅🤣

[@SpookyDarling]

he is a LITERAL GODDAMN PRINCE

[@heylo757]

Dandelion, Roses...and Narcissus flowers in the mirror scene. So he's clueing us in on the myth ref and keep the flower theme going.

[@ireneserrano4570]

I also interpreted the duality of him being a normal human being, him being a famous idol/actor... It may look as of both Jaehyuns were in conflict with one another, his hand coming out from the window is he comforting himself or os he trying to trap him? Him being sucked from the sofa where one usually tries to disconnect and relax, and into a chaotic/dirty looking world with the yellow/green tones which usually represent the gossiping, the jealousy etc Is that him being sucked into popularity, the world where he is the famous idol and he is completely wet as if in all of the people who desire him (dripping...) and see he is dressed and styled more in an idol way, but somehow he yearns for the warmth of that sunset sun and he finally falls... Very deep imagery related to their hard life as idols etc. As PD said in the end it seems the other Jaehyun, the star one, gets to go in, take off the tape, but we see him dancing in the hallways, and yet again he will once again tape the cameras. So, maybe he wishes to be a star, a performer, an artist and he enjoys what comes with it except for the toxicity that comes with that exposure! He sure gets dressed and styles, dances like he was born to be that star but still will hate be the focus of cameras, specially in that setting. Idols are okay by being the centre of attention while performing but not while at the hotel or place where they are just humans off work trying to rest. Surely critisizing how they are followed around even inside hotels, their belongings stolen, people filming them inside hotela and then publishing Iies to bring them down etc We all know well, they never stop going after them😢

[@jannm3347]

Jaeehyun is so elite. He's really proving that he's more than just a pretty face. In this album, we can appreciate Jaehyun's impressive music taste, his creativity, vocal ability and amazing dance skills. Smoke showcases who he is so well, without trying too hard. Very mindful, very demure! I love the jazzy riffs and R&B drums and smooth vibes. So proud of Jaehyun for choosing art over what's popular.

[@staciii]

The fact that some people think he's just a pretty face after listening to NCT's and DJJ's music is crazy 😩 he proved himself since debut imo

[@jannm3347]

@@staciii He served so much in this album, haters will have no choice but to keep quiet and respect the art

[@myaleigh149]

The irony of him using the narcissistic approach because SM mainly focuses on his visual, and he specifically wanted to show us that he’s much more than his looks. 100/10 for the whole album👏🏽🤎🔥🔥

[@JAEHYUNCentral]

Yea!!

[@chanmer1]

"he delivered everything and more" - he usually does. he's not messing around with this solo.

[@anoushkabose_ts]

The depiction of narcissism based on the Greek take of narcissus and the whole cinematography of the mv WAS INCREDIBLE

[@anoushkabose_ts]

the song explored his VARIETY of vocal tones so well, sometimes it really doesn't feel like it's sung by 1 person😭

[@itsme.a.n]

jaehyun said he "Since this is my first solo album, I wanted to create something that best represents who I am right now. I hoped the songs would be easy to understand at a glance. Since this solo album is entirely mine, I feel like a lot of my thoughts are reflected in it." highly recommend watching journey of j.. it’s a documentary format that allows jaehyun to say everything he needs to about his motivations, what he felt preparing for his solo album, the behind of each song and MV

[@kath_23_]

The whole album is just pure perfection like 100% recommend. I might be a kpop stan but this was the first no skip album in like 2 years for me. Like its genuinely incredible

[@anoushkabose_ts]

the way you blushed when the chorus hit and his vocal tone suddenly changed CUZ SAME

[@jesse2900]

him becoming a babygirl for jaehyun is so me ijbol

[@staciii]

Having Jaehyun, V, and Baekhyun on my playlist currently is perfection

[@anoushkabose_ts]

the r&b/jazz peak fr

[@vindstilla]

Exactlyy. Love that they don't do regular pop songs for their solos. Their vocal really represented better with R&B/jazz. And having them on a playlist must be heavenly

[@RoyalSubject]

100% freaking agree with your album take! Each song in this album feels like it is handled with such care and quality - it's incredible. Any song in this album definitely has an audience out there and it's great. Also, 'Roses' raised my expectations too, so I was shocked when 'Completely' and 'Can't Get You' took my top spots on the album

[@user123xyz47]

Yes, “Completely” caught me off guard. It blew me away.

[@HoneyPyo]

The album is what I always expected and wanted of Jaehyun. Like you said, it is "Him". Love it so much!

[@nalyyyy3887]

You really need to listen his album. DAMN CAN'T GET YOU CAN CHANGE LIVES

[@itsme.a.n]

I'm glad and Proud he can finally put all his hard work into it. He has been working hard on his solo album since March while filming his new drama Until Dawn & preparing for 127 CB. he barely got enough sleep and rest. I hope more people appreciate his vocals not just visuals Thank you PD for reaction 🥹💚

[@leah3029]

this album is so good i actually went and ordered a physical copy on the sm website for the first time in yearssss

[@OscarDiaz-mx8ik]

i NEED a reaction to the whole album, but ESPECIALLY Can't Get You I think you'd LOVE that track, imo its the best on the album.

[@jannm3347]

Can't wait until you lose your mind when you hear Can't get you 😭😭

[@k____90]

My favorite song from his album ❤

[@vaanshichauhan9868]

My fav would be Completely and Roses but other songs are also A++

[@rauiry]

omfg i loved it so much i liked him at first like a week ago from his content with nct but after i listened to smoke.. i literally got obsessed the song is totally my type and it doesn’t sound much like kpop which i kinda like, it suits him perfectly and the singing style?? OH MY GOD Not mentioning his gorgeous face lol.. more people need to see this

[@anoushkabose_ts]

your jaw dropping everytime he stuns with his visual is so relatable

[@staciii]

I recommend watching The Journey of J to see and hear his thought process for this album

[@IvanesaIvkova]

Hes insane..... like im obsessed with his album.

[@amaliana-dd1hw]

CLASSY, that's so true

[@itsme.a.n]

I really like it too and everything on J album is SO GOOD . That's very Jaehyun. In one album Jaehyun's voice range is different is INSANE ,atmosphere of each song is different making it fun, also what I like is that Jaehyun hasn't changed his taste in music, he likes classic R&B/jazz by his father who likes to introduce him from childhood to his vinyl collection until now

[@ayenayen3806]

the kind ofvoice that can give you butterflies.

[@corinnal9586]

This song is so smooth and easy to listen to. I love his voice ❤

[@NiclasKPop]

I wish the chorus was more singing focused but still a DELICIOUS title track none the less.

[@Damonistique]

Delicious is the right word

[@Dagmarballe]

I know it probably wasn't the intention, since it's obviously meant to be somewhat inspired by early film history, but the grading in all the scenes remind me of 2nd generation kpop? Sort of slight Beast, SHINee etc? That type of grimy post-apocalyptic grade hehe. It took me a while to get used to, but I love how Jaehyun had the opportunity to go against his prince-like image and do something ~different and slightly uncomfortable~ for his solo. I also love the lyrics for this album, I rarely care because many songs use the same words again and again but this album just feels really personal!

[@jasminpizarro6702]

I was like you in the bridge 😅😊 Totally amazed is so freaking good

[@gemsimagine8486]

i always watch your reaction video to validate my reaction to my faves' mvs AND YOU ALWAYS VALIDATE ME!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kvabubbles]

So, as others said the mv is inspired by Narcissus, who falls in love with his own reflection and ends up dying because he can’t pull himself away. So with that overall backdrop, and thinking of his reflection being basically a drug, my interpretation is: He goes to a hotel room so he can have be alone to stare at himself. He covers all the reflective surfaces so that he doesn’t glimpse himself, he wants to set the perfect moment for enjoying his reflection. Staring at himself in the mirror, drinking from the flower, the nosebleeds, and cradling the hand that comes out…basically getting into intoxicated/high from his own reflection. During the “high” itself he is getting pulled inside the sofa and being “rebirthed”. I think of it as a rebirth because of the way me tumbles out covered in not just dirty water, but an actual layer of mucus. In this new apocalyptic landscape everything else falls by the wayside as he stares at the sun, and even when he falls it doesn’t matter. Back in the hotel room, what’s really happening is he’s just staring at his own reflection in the water (a very direct reference to Narcissus). The hotelier (himself) knocks on the door but ends up dancing away, I take this as there being a voice in his head that is trying to stop this addiction, but even it ends up giving in to this good time. Near the end you see him back on the sofa, and to me it looks like he is trying to recreate the high, he isn’t sucked into like before he is trying to PUSH himself into it. Anyway freaking love this video, and the album is so 🔥

[@MiMiShaMiii127]

💚JAEHYUN's MV Commentary its his own idea and his own word about the making the MV 00:48 it seems that many people like the first scene. to provide a bit of explanation, this scene depicts a narcissistic character who desires to confront themselves, escaping from the stifling gaze of the outside world 01:06 i had to act out a scene where i fall in love with myself while looking in the mirror. it was a moment where i focused as if i were face-to-face with the object i truly love 01:18 the scene where i get sucked into the sofa was completed in just one or two takes after rehearsal. it was so fun. since this music video is a loop, i'll leave the interpretation of the sofa scene that appears again later to your imagination 02:02 the group dance scene, with the ventilation, objects, wind, and background, was perfectly executed with just the necessary elements alongside the dancers. we also cooled off with the wind blowing from below every time we took a break. the costumes that highlight the effect of being blown by the wind are also a key point 02:36 many people seem curious about the identity of the man in the white suit. this character is a different divine being from the one that appears earlier. i'll leave it at that and let your imagination fill in the rest! 03:13 i wanted to create a music video that wasn't cliché, and after seeing the MV proposal, i was excited. we filmed with the hope that every cut would be convincing to the viewers, while continually discussing with the director. i think it’s a masterpiece. i hope the fans enjoy watching it too!

[@SpookyDarling]

I don't know what this otherworld slime situation is about, but I am here for a wet Jaehyun.

[@hellothere1381]

I think it symbolises rebirth, so ya know, placenta

[@miraaa14]

You should hear the bside!!! My favorite one is Can't Get You and it was so good 😭

[@ichoosemeimsorry]

pd. I genuinely look forward for you reactions for every release. nobody dives into the music and the videos of the songs like you, you’re channel is the reason I got into so many groups. I hope you keep making the reviews for as long as possible. you’re a blessing

[@g00dmorning]

jaehyun has been working on this for so long. endlessly proud of him

[@nahanna]

Just fyi, Jaehyun release new single song, Unconditional. I hope we can watch your reaction about the song and the mv.. :)

[@Damonistique]

So many artistry for a music video. I wish we had more of such.

[@twisted_introvert]

I watched the MV & thought "PD's gonna lose his goddamn mind." 😄 I love getting to see him, actually all of the NCT soloists so far, get to explore & express their very different colors & styles. Smoke brilliantly showcases Jaehyun's sultry, sensual side and f**k me if my bias wrecker isn't doing what he does best. 😅 I'm looking forward to his music show performances & promotions. (Now of SM could get their heads out of their butts & slot Haechan in for a solo debut...)

[@taepletae8191]

Can't wait for the full album reaction...Jaehyun...really showcases his music flavour so so so damn well~

[@arinastarkk]

27 is his age! :)

[@deehernandez501]

this song and mv are so good and interesting, the best song of the album is can't get you, a masterpiece fr

[@mxcoups]

jaehyun is very much involved in his album from A-Z, he said it in his Journey of J contents

[@dak9039]

I really like your reaction you always noticed all the small little details that many don’t and it gives more depth understanding his music thank you really

[@aeae7257]

im not a fan of his but wow the music video was amazing. the visuals (as in the artistic direction lol) were so amazing i was gagged when i first watched it

[@emi7480]

Your reaction is truly my reaction lol. Jaehyun is so classy and effortless sexy, everything about this is the perfection.

[@hieneih]

Bro I think you gonna love his incredible b-side which is "Can't get you", absolutely amazing. Love your reaction as always 🙌

[@eaamaouh1228]

it’s perfect

[@Damonistique]

God, I hope Jaehyun sees your reactions. He deserves all the appreciation in the world 💚

[@jojoanis98]

5:10 - I would also like to add _'debonair'_ to the list 😊

[@Damonistique]

As I understood it, he is narcissistic and falls in love with his own reflection. The nectar of narcissus gives him a chance to meet his perfect match, but first it's Jaehyun who needs to go through the mirror. So he's called or poisoned by the nectar, and is drowning into the dream. He stands up in a flower dimension: a world where you pretty much feel the pollution and see the sun as the most precious thing. Him being in dark tones and unable to move much is probably him being a pistil or stamen, covered in nectar. The dance formation here resembles a flower opening, and the candelabra with Jaehyun in front of it looks like a narcissus. He does what the flower wants the most, finds happiness and gets to transition it to the real world. Now, narcissus is a person in white. He goes to the one who summoned him while Jaehyun tries to repeat the experience to no avail - as the myth goes, the one who fell in love with himself can't have his happy love. Anyway, the white Narcissus can live with that - the most important is that he's free, so he dances victoriously. Now that I'm writing it, I think about the timeline of events. We were shown that it's the flower that knocks into Jaehyun's door, and yet the second time we see him, he stares into the water trying to find his reflection and tries to get into the couch. Maybe it's that you need the flower on the other side to get there. Or maybe we see the connected events as the separate ones: Jaehyun became scared of the knocking and a possibility of breaching into his perfect private worls, ran to where another reflection could be found and decided to go to it directly through the water. Thus, he drowned and died, almost as the myth goes. This is still puzzling, so maybe another rewatch won't hurt 🐾like, at all... EDIT: WAIT Thank you, PD, for pointing out that there is no dance before chorus! If I'm right about the flower imagery in the dance, it doesn't start before the flower appears on the screen.

[@콩이-f5u]

재현! 스모그!💓

[@myaleigh149]

“Wow, this man omg..” 🙂‍↕️yeah, we understand

[@Damonistique]

Your reaction is literally me😂 IT WAS SOOOOO

[@Casper745]

Jaehyun Smoke good Song and vocal melodies and ad-libs with the mixing was good and very well produced but the music video very interesting

[@priki209]

need the full album reaction

[@FavourBabatunde-v2j]

Nice

[@jasminpizarro6702]

The album is freaking fire please react to it 😊 Same in the start with expectations

[@NathyIsabella]

the first time I heard this, it sounded soo Baekhyun to me, but maybe because it's the first song I am hearing from Jaehyun...

[@PhantamSam]

Jaehyun making that rookie mistake of falling in love with Bloody Mary

[@chingcollabs]

Looking forward to your reaction to the new Oh My Girl release~pretty sure PD will like it !!

[@melisme27]

He makes me feel drunk in love with him

[@16kma]

im literally dying waiting for the whole album reaction😭😭

[@VanessaSantos087]

Me identifiquei com a sua reação kkkk

[@jaehyun4ever]

everyone saying it's so jaehyun 😆

[@lilackpop]

Sua reação foi muito igual a minha kkk Jaehyun mitou com essa música e esse álbum

[@me-ty2ny]

I mean....... it's Jaehyun so😉

[@hellothere1381]

PD you need to react to the whole albummm

[@mokotomokoto5450]

not you saying demure LMAOOO

[@yaso_pexy3737]

Thanks for your reaction. I am excited to see your reaction to taemin sexy in the air ( first taemin solo comeback after leaving sm)

[@maghfiraputrikaharunia8953]

Im waiting for thisss!!! Please react to his other songs ‘cant get you’ composed by babyface😊 and ‘flamin’ hot lemon’ he worked with emotional orange

[@sora-bq3xk]

Please also release the unconditional reaction🥺

[@ARIA-mw6qi]

I love his solo debut. I love roses and completely. Also please react in NCT Dream Rains in Heaven

[@apapaputrh]

waiting for new woman reaction

[@MakeUpArgentinaPaolaRodriguez]

It reminded me of Justin Timberlake's "Suit and Tie" (wich I loved). Great song, vibes, style and performance!!!

[@hellothere1381]

He has had jt as his music inspiration :)

[@WilmaRosales-k5z]

Ritchie Bridge

[@corinnal9586]

You should check out the new japanese group "One or Eight" they come from same group as XG and they are pretty good!

[@carlouuu___.]

Black swan when🥹

[@libemsanachanu2357]

😊😊💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@4r4n3lm4l74]

please react to his album or watch and react his performance in a video titled "Leemujin Service EP 129 JAEHYUN"

[@SMJ91]

Wait until you listen to Can’t Get You

[@dawnbooker3542]

Winter Without You by XG !!!!!!!

[@josiechan6433]

大發

[@ilkpop-z1f]

Please react to Roll Up MV by the kpop group BLACKSWAN, and Double Down by the same group (this one don’t have MV so I think you should watch their stage performance on THE SHOW), loved your channel 🙏🫶

[@alynesoares8684]

you will not react to taemin's "sexy in the air"? 😢

[@7chill825]

im sorry, can u do reaction to lisa ft rosalia - new woman. thank you😊

[@dudaferro-e1y]

react to taemin sexy in the air please😭😭

[@daejangmi0701]

PDnim pls pls react to Jaehyun’s Lee Mujin episode pleeeeease🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@lisaliuable]

I am waiting for your reaction to nct dream rains in heaven. Do you perhaps want to share your opinion about it?

[@vampedtone]

they already have the reaction up on the patreon it will uploaded on here soon! so stay tuneddd

[@samsadorra2446]

Sir PD, please react to taemin's Sexy in the Air! I've been waiting. 😭

[@Kiki.kikiiii]

React to blackswan roll up please

[@thunderbolts48]

pd can you react to unis - curious mv

[@ommarcg3917]

lis new woman???

[@robynbrowne1277]

not demure. I'm leaving 🤣🤣🤣

[@hanaobad3677]

Can you please react to boynextdoor Earth Wind and Fire? It’s sooo good and I want to hear your thoughts

[@anshulsonker491]

LISA new woman reaction pls

[@FavourBabatunde-v2j]

Pls react to new woman by Lisa

[@LisaMT1218]

Stop with the demure. People have zero understanding of the true definition and it's getting OLD.

[@ireneserrano4570]

people can use dictionaries, don't worry about them