#also at some point I really want to an analysis of the choreo in the final fight

[the-wintry-mizzenmast]

When a dao isn't just a dao 笛飞声的刀不只是刀

A quick and dirty analysis of Di Feisheng's dao

Following up from my previous post speculating about Di Feisheng's dao 刀, I think the configuration of Di Feisheng's dao is quite clever and consistent with his character, despite looking like nonsense at first glance. I know more taiji and kung-fu 刀 dao forms than I do 劍 jian forms, and this is what I choose to do with my knowledge and time, I guess.

Before I launch into his dao in particular, I think it's important that you understand what a dao is, and how you are supposed to attack and defend with one.

When you say 刀 dao (in English, it's also been called a Chinese saber or broadsword), this is what it's supposed to look like (I've annotated the image below from the Wikipedia entry on dao). They are by definition single-edged, and the majority are slightly curved (though there are some variants such as the Nandao 南刀 which are straight). A dao should have a point, a sharp edge (in red), and a blunt edge (in blue). The blunt edge (short edge, or inner edge, since the thing is curved) is usually quite thick.

One of the main ways that a dao does damage is through slashing/chopping motions, either down, sideways, or upwards (which my sifu always called uppercuts). All upwards slashes with the dao require that you turn your wrist so that the sharp edge, which usually faces down, faces upward instead.

The other way that a dao does damage is via forward thrusts, where the point of the dao is supposed to pierce enemy flesh. The basic attacks I've mentioned above are in the beginning of this clip, and I've added text to the original video below to highlight what's what and what they're supposed to look like.

(n.b. I was just randomly searching for videos to show what I'm trying to describe, no endorsement intended).

One of the things you'll notice from the above video as well is that the master is putting his hand on the blunt edge. This helps stabilize and give more power to the dao through its various motions, and is a basic part of how dao forms are supposed to work.

The blunt edge is also important because it helps in defense. One of the cardinal rules of a dao is that when you are defending, the dao should be kept close to your body, with the blunt edge facing your body. This is what a basic block looks like:

Should you get hit, you can brace the blunt edge of the blade using a shoulder or upper arm. In certain positions you can also use your hand as a brace on the blunt edge to stop (or execute) a particularly strong attack.

These are the dao basics. Now you have enough background to know what makes Di Feisheng's dao so unusual: it is double-edged, and it has a blunt tip.

These two things must follow if you have a dao that has two edges and is blunt at the tip:

You are limited to slash and chop attacks as your main blade damage. Thrust attacks won't penetrate flesh unless you have a serious amount of qi behind it.

Your defense is limited, because you can't use your dao to defend in the usual way.

But wait, does Di Feisheng's dao really have two full edges?

If you're a details guy like me, and completely obsessed over Di Feisheng (guilty as charged), you'll notice that one the edges of his dao doesn't actually extend the full length of the blade:

From the way that light reflects off the edges of his dao, you can see a bit on the short (inner) edge of the dao where the blade seems to transition from sharp to blunt:

And this shot, it's confirmed that there is a short blunt area on the inner edge of his dao:

In this memorable scene, Di Feisheng uses his hand against the very short blunt part of his dao to press his attack into Li Xiangyi's cheek:

One of the upsides of his unusual dao is also that he can use the inner edge for attacking as well. Upward sweeps using the inner edge aren't possible with usual daos (because they are blunt), but are possible with Di Feisheng's dao. I think we see an example of that here in the way you see his arm sweeping upward. (He has also added a substantial amount of qi to this sweeping strike, most of us plebs don't have enough qi to do anything like this.)

You can see how he gains some flexibility to his attacking capabilities, when he flips his blade mid-block into an attack:

While a double-edge gives him more adaptability in terms of attack on along the slashing and chopping edges of his dao, what he is losing out on because of the blunt end is thrust. You almost never see Di Feisheng thrust his dao forward because his sword just doesn't work like that.

In this final scene in the episode one fight when they are charging at each other, Li Xiangyi thrusts the Shaoshi Jian forward, but Di Feisheng, due to the design of the dao, has to slash:

However, most of the power of a dao is in its slashing and chopping motions. This is where the weight of the blade and its curved design (plus gravity and force) result in the most damage. Unlike the jian, the dao's thrusts do less damage. My conclusion about this is that it's a purposeful trade-off that Di Feisheng has made. He would rather maximize his offensive capabilities where they are strongest.

In terms of blocking, the design of Di Feisheng's dao means he's at a defensive disadvantage, since there's no blunt area to brace his body against for blocking (he can use his hand on the bit that is blunt, but because he has an edge along the rest of it, he can't use a shoulder or upper arm). This is a key feature of the standard dao that Di Feisheng's dao is missing.

In this move in the Battle of the Eastern Sea in episode 1, we see Di Feisheng execute a block, but he's got both of his hands along the hilt instead:

At this point, it should be noted that the standard dao is typically a one-handed weapon. The hilt is slightly curved, so you can get a good downwards chop with your wrist. There are other daos that have straight hilts and can be two-handed like the Miaodao 苗刀 (which is more similar to the Japanese katana 刀 than most Chinese folks like to admit). Di Feisheng's dao being straight-hilted and two-handed isn't that unusual because it's a feature that can be present on certain types of dao (it's way less unusual than the two edges!), but I thought it was worth pointing out in case any eagle-eyed readers noticed the difference between the Wikipedia image and what Di Feisheng has.

I could wax on about Di Feisheng's dao and his fighting style forever, but I think this thread has gone on for long enough.

I believe that the design of Di Feisheng's dao is very clever. At first glance, it seems utterly silly (what kind of dao has two edges?), but on deeper inspection of his style and how he uses it, it is consistent with his character.

He is always playing on Hard Mode because he is trading defense for more flexibility in his offense. And he is maximizing his offense where it is strongest (slashes and chops), and choosing to forego the offensive capabilities where it is weaker (thrusts).

...And that really is Di Feisheng's martial arts style in a nutshell, isn't it?

#mysterious lotus casebook #di feisheng #笛飞声 #meta #莲花楼 #Di Feisheng's dao #which is just named 刀 #刀就是刀要什麼名字 #i know more 刀 forms than 劍 forms and this is what i do with the knowledge #笛飛聲 #蓮花樓 #cdrama #cdrama meta #I'm sorry the GIFs are terrible quality I can't be bothered #also at some point I really want to an analysis of the choreo in the final fight #there was awesome shit being pulled by the choreographers that I've never seen in a wuxia

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

Seeing you say Jm has one of the best kpop album in 2033 made me so happy. Because i know sometimes you joke about being bias, but i know that if the album was trash you would have said so no matter what. And today rolling stone chose it as one of the best too, idk of rolling stone is considered like a good music critic or anything but it made me smile. I just feel like he deserves it more than anyone. Hopefully in the documentary we can see how face came up to be. Im also very excited about set me free dance i want to see the princess choreo and notice the little changes he made. He always put his own sauce in the choreo.

Thanks anon, but I'm not a music critic. My opinion doesn't mean much. Although I did my homework and read some reviews and shockingly (not) I'm not far off from what the critics are saying about Face.

Am I singing his praises with more passion because he's my bias? Yes, I do. I can't help myself but I'm also here to have fun and talk about Jimin, so there's that. But I'm not completely blind and if there's something that I think needs to be mentioned, I do it. I had no issue talking about the autotune in SMFPT2. As much as I understood the stylistic decision, the execution was bad. I'm not gonna ignore that or say it's perfect. It's the same with JK's Seven and some obvious and not some obvious preferential treatment. I don't care that he's my bias too. I can't let it cloud my judgement completely. The day that happens means I have to take a step back and reevaluate what the hell is wrong with me.

Back to Face, I think the Rolling Stone review was spot on. Also the NME one, although I think it was a bit too, idk, superficial? But then again, it's not required for all reviews to go really deep in some analysis, that's not their point. Rolling Stone adding Jimin's album to their top makes sense considering the coverage they did for Face. It seems they like it and they brought their arguments for that.

#m thoughts #jimin #jimin face

[rainytypology]

ATEEZ Yeosang MBTI Analysis

- INTP -

An in-depth analysis of an idol's MBTI type. Based on my opinion and observations, may change later. Not an expert.

MBTI: INTP (Ti - Ne - Si - Fe)

Dom: Ti - Introverted Thinking

A judging function that uses subjective thinking and logic to make the most rational decisions

 Yeosang is known for his bluntness, which is honestly the most Ti dom thing ever. He admits this himself, even saying the members are scared of his honesty. He isn't purposely mean though - Ti doms are just straightforward. They often don't see the point in sugarcoating if they see something wrong/irrational. Ti wants the truth always.

Aux: Ne - Extroverted Intuition  

A perceiving function that creates new ideas through connections and patterns in the environment

His Ti - Ne shined in ep 5 of the Salary Lupin series. The way he thought of the theory of MPD being an obsessive lover of San and of Seonghwa being genderfluid was quite astounding. He connected the details so well that it was highly convincing. Although he was wrong, it was still impressive that he managed to come up with that (even if it was given to him by some sort of script - I doubt it would've been that descriptive). He even has a witty sense of humor that I've noticed in high Ne users (e.g when members were wondering about Woo's apple watch model and Yeosang proceeded to put a literal apple on his own wrist, calling it an old model). 

Tert: Si - Introverted Sensing  

A perceiving function that is focused on the internal sensations of the body. Prefers familiarity and internal structure

Yeosang seems comfortable keeping some sort of routine (e.g working out). He's quick at picking up choreo and can dance correctly not too long after, making him a perfect lead dancer. He likely has a good eye for detail.

Inf: Fe - Extroverted Feeling

Extroverted Feeling places importance on the values of others and group harmony. However, Yeosang is known to be quite blunt. He isn't rude on purpose, he's just honest (which seems to be a lot of IxTP's problem). A higher Fe position would likely sugarcoat or phrase their words carefully so that they still receive a positive reaction in the end.

For Yeosang, it seems he struggles with that. Like the time he was having some issues with Wooyoung, he didn't know how to talk about it. He didn't even want to bring up the issue for fear of disrupting peace. However, it ended up slipping out anyways accidentally on live. A lot of Fe inferior don't really know how to face issues they have with others properly. How to bring it up, the apropriate timing and setting, etc so they may end up having an emotional outburst.

He also tends to keep things to himself, only going to Hongjoong when he was struggling.

___

Why he's not an ISFP (Fi - Se - Ni - Te) or ISFJ (Si - Fe - Ti - Ne):

I don't think he's an ISFP since I don't see him use ISFP's functions at all. San is an ISFP and comparing the two, they're completely different. Of course not all ISFPs are the same, but Yeosang does not have a dominant/auxiliary feeling function at all.

Or an ISFJ...although same functions as INTP, just different order, I don't think he's a Si dom or Fe aux. He definitely does not seem Ne inferior.

ISFPs: San, SF9 Youngbin and Yoo Taeyang, BTS Jungkook

ISFJs: Seonghwa, SNSD Taeyeon and Yoona, TXT Soobin

___

Kpop typology list

___

Other analysis

Enneagram | Birth chart

___

My other blogs:

My kpop + astrology blog @rainy-astrology

#yeosang #kang yeosang #ateez #ateez mbti #ateez yeosang #mbti #kpop #typology #cognitive functions #myers briggs type indicator #myers briggs #intp #kpop mbti #introverted thinking #extroverted intuition #introverted sensing #extroverted feeling #ti #ne #si #fe #intp mbti

[spaceorphan18]

Glee Musical Retrospective: My Life Would Suck Without You

Sung by: Rachel Berry feat. New Directions Original Artist(s): Kelly Clarkson

I really adore this number. I have no idea if they knew when they made it if they'd be picked up for the Back 9 but if they hadn't been, this would have been the closing number for the show. And while there would have been some definite loose ends not tied up - musically, I think this little number was a perfect way to end the first stretch of episodes.

Story Analysis

So, this song about a dysfunctional relationship is really being used to service the two major story lines not only of this episode, but of the series so far.

The first is the relationship of the glee club and the varying relationships and dynamics found throughout the group --

'Cause we belong together now, yeah Forever united here somehow, yeah You got a piece of me and honestly My life (My life) would suck (Would suck) without you

The language in the song is very informal - and very apt for a bunch of teenagers to be singing it to and for each other. And I think it's the perfect sentiment for this group of kids to be singing to each other after everything they've been through.

Coming into the group, even the popular kids, their lives did suck. And then they found a place to belong with each other. Even long after glee club is over - they will have a little piece of each other, because they've bonded in an experience only they know about.

I also find the 'forever united here somehow' line interesting, too, on a meta level. This cast of young people are forever bound by this show -- and not matter how far they grow from it, they will be united for all of television history because of the impact the show made on everyone. Of course, they didn't know it at the time of making it, but it's an interesting after effect.

The second story it services (and maybe to a greater degree?) is the Will and Emma romantic plot - which has been simmering to this point since the beginning. Something I find amusing is that while both stories can take the chorus, the verse fit the Wemma story really well.

I know that I've got issues But you're pretty messed up too Either way, I found out I'm nothing without you

Being with you Is so dysfunctional I really shouldn't miss you But I can't let you go

Even though I could easily highlight all the lyrics - I think these really hit the nail on the head for Wemma. Unlike the kids who are still navigating their youth - Will and Emma have lived a bit -- and through their stories they've both acknowledged that even though they're adults, they can be pretty screwed up to. But the point is that in finding each other - they've made each other better people.

And really - we've had 13 episodes to see how much Will and Emma's lives do suck without each other. And throughout this song - the message of the song really hits at Will as he wistfully think about Emma leaving. Likewise - Emma is in the same headspace, she doesn't really want to go, but sometimes (especially because it's TV) you just need a moment to get your priorities straight.

As an aside - this might be the most functional I've ever found Wemma? And probably their most beautiful moment on screen together. The song building to their beautiful first kiss in the hallway is really one of the sweetest moments on the show -- and the song underscores it perfectly.

Life is a bunch of dysfunctional relationships. But man would it suck without them.

Technical Thoughts

The song is a little heavy on the autotune - and I always find it a little distracting in songs that are supposed to be sung live. (The audio on this clip also seems a little out of whack - but that might just be YouTube.) But - I still think it sounds good. It's a fun and upbeat song and you can tell the cast is, seemingly, having a good time with it.

The thing that really stands out to me -- something I don't think they ever really do again -- is utilize choreography from nearly every other number they did. And thankfully - someone else did a break down so I don't have to!

The New Directions' beginning formation and opening choreography is just like Hair/Crazy in Love from Hairography.

The New Directions doing choreography with cowboy hats from Last Name from The Rhodes Not Taken.

Mercedes on top of the chairs, just like in Hate on Me.

Kurt, Tina, and Brittany performing their dance routine to Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) from Preggers.

Quinn, Santana, and Brittany performing their dance routine from I Say a Little Prayer from Showmance.

The boys doing moves from It's My Life/Confessions Part II while the girls doing moves from Halo/Walking on Sunshine, both from the episode Vitamin D.

The New Directions doing a move from Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat from Pilot.

The New Directions performing the choreography from Keep Holding On from Throwdown.

The boys clapping their hands over their heads while the girls slap their thighs like in Push It from Showmance.The New Directions also does a couple other moves from Push It.

In a scene that's cut, Tina slaps her thighs like in I Kissed a Girl from Pilot.

Santana does her iconic hip drop like in You Keep Me Hangin' On from Throwdown.

Brittany does hair flips from Hairography.

Artie rocks in his chair from Proud Mary.

I think that makes this one of the most unique and fascinating numbers in the whole history of the show. It's so cool to watch everyone and try to pick out what dance move is from where. It must have been a pain to both work it out and edit it -- but it's so worth it -- as it highlights all the previous performances in the Front 13.

I love this number so much!

Also, I'd like to add that everything that went into doing the Wemma kiss at the end was brilliantly done. The colors and the hallway and the way the shot was lit. It's really beautiful - and despite my mostly disinterest in the storyline, they crafted this moment with such care. It's so wonderfully done.

Glee Live

Well, this is super cute! Though the video yearbook thing is a little weird, though. Something interesting - the fact that in the show version - the girls' voices stand out more, but here, you can definitely here the boys' voices come through. The balance is nice, actually.

Also, unsurprisingly, they don't do /all/ the choreography. That would have been somewhat insane to try to recreate everything they did for the show. But the cast looks like they're still having fun jumping around everywhere.

vs. The Studio Version: I always think the mixing is stronger on the studio version. The balance is better -- intentionally so, as you're more focused on the music over the visuals. I think Cory and Lea sound better blending together -- Cory sounds a little strained in the show version. Plus, they're still doing that thing where it sounds like they're doubling the tracks. And, as usual, there's about a minute of added song - where we get to hear Tina's verse!

vs. The Original Version: Oh my goodness, look how young Kelly Clarkson is here. Also, I think it's kind of fitting that they use a song from the original American Idol season. I mean - Glee premiered after American Idol - and part of the reason it shot to popularity so quickly is that it did, in a way, tie in with the reality show. So, it seems kinda fitting that they'd use a song that is attached to it.

The arrangement is pretty much the same - other than Glee using more back up vocals, they made it pretty close to the original.

And, interestingly, the way the video portrays a somewhat dysfunctional love relationship - with a pair of people who have grown up together - seems about right, fitting in thematically with the show. It's one of those things where Glee is not only able to really capture the spirit of the original song but make it its own in an iconic kind of way.

#the great glee rewatch #so's musical retrospective #glee #glee music #Youtube

[sirensunrise]

Ok I am curious about an individual analysis on aespa girls but I don’t want you to feel like you’re repeating yourself since you’ve covered them generally with the main points of 1. They are probably expected to look very pretty, and 2. They are inexperienced, especially with live performances which would give them real time feedback (also a possible 3 which is a result of their concept literally being compared to these ethereal AI beings, not only do they have to be pretty, they have to be inhumanely so and also kinda robotty?). But anyways. If you had anything to add about the specifics and if any girls seem more natural with it than others, I’d love to hear it.

OTHERWISE! Wanna yell about 3racha rapping? + the rest of skz raps.

OK so, I did a little of both. tbh I put this off because, at first I wanted to do the full skz rap rant but I was getting super stressed out about putting that with the aespa bit? I also wanted to do a more in depth aespa analysis, but, I have decided to compromise to appease my weird brain and do a little bit of both. (it did get too long again so it'll be under the cut, bc I'm trying to not clog up your dash)

AESPA

Aespa. Those girls. There are many things that could/probably are contributing to their problem, and I've touched on the reasons they might've chosen to shy away but I think you bring up a good point with #2. I don't think I really mentioned this previously, but experience is a huge part of stage presence. I have to give the girls some credit. They're very new and it takes a lot to get really well and truly comfortable on stage. From what I see, it could also be that they are too afraid to get out of their own heads. They might be focusing too much on technique, both vocal or dance, that they aren't showcasing any personality. (I was taught that the whole point of practice is to get that shit down and memorized so it's like second nature, so you can focus on performing). Also in terms of stage presence, they are a bit like RV. They have gotten so so SO much better. I have another ask abt RV (I assume from you) so I'll dive into that more later. I haven't done as deep a dive into RV yet but they as a whole have gotten so much better performing with experience. I do think that it takes a few years for a lot of people to truly settle and feel comfortable on stage.

As for #3 I really hope that's not the case. I would really hate for a concept to get in the way of performing. I'm having trouble articulating exactly what I mean, but hopefully I'll make at least a little sense. Overarching concepts like that, while cool in theory, don't seem to have that much staying power. Take EXO and their superpower arc for example. It's not the first thing you think of when you see EXO. They exist outside of the concept. It's not consistent enough for it to be something that can negatively affect their performance if it's not explained. To make having aespa purposefully give little to nothing in terms of stage presence worth it, they would need to push that AI thing a million times more than they currently are. I would need it to be consistently there in the majority of content they create. A good example would be the early years of the Gorillaz, when they did the smokescreen performances and hid the touring band. Or even TWRP. Either way, I really hope this isn’t the case, it would really be shooting themselves in the foot, especially in terms of non kpop/western growth.

In terms of most potential/most natural? Karina. It makes sense, seeing as she has been performing during her trainee/predebut years, that she would be the most comfortable, while also still being a little rough around the edges as she has never performed as an idol with aespa. 

All in all, aespa is not my favourite. I’m not a huge fan of their choreo, their songs, their performances and honestly I haven’t seen like any personality from any of the girls that would get me interested. They are however, still an SM group so their vocals are godly and their ability to execute choreo is strong as hell. I don’t hate them! They just aren’t for me and I do hope we can see them grow stronger in the future. (if only to actually prove that they deserve the help that sm gives them.... (coachella))

jesus that was long ok wow. so much for doing a little, because that was so much, I’ll just do a little about 3racha.

Also I took a little break and now I’m getting tipsy w bexie so this’ll be messy.

3racha. holy shit

changbin and han are so fucking insane. the FLOW god it’s so. the aggressive style of binnie, holy shit the ability to ride a beat is insane i mean the mirror verse is JUST INSANE. the ability he has to switch his flow and his lyrical talent is fucking wild im in love. and JISUNG god the way he can ride beat is so cool and wow im starting to get just tipsy enough and my meds are wearing off which sucks and i’m also talking to becks now which ahhh. Send in another ask and i will answer in depth then for all of skz i promise, I just need to get this ask out bc i’ve been sitting on it for too long imo

#mailbox💌 #anon #OH MY GOD I THOUGHT I POSTED THIS I #THIS EAS WHEN IW AS DRUNK WITH BECCA #FUCK #I AM SO SO SO SORRY

[plutoswrath]

Hi Luca! I was wondering what kind of indicators in one's natal chart can point to someone who's talented in a certain genre of music/dance, in particular NCT members' charts? I'm pretty sure the members are really hard workers, which is why they're so good; but I often get fascinated on how there's a certain dancing style that just fits each member well. For ex., Winwin's personality matches really well with his forte in traditional Chinese dance and Mark's swag-like vibe matches really well with his strength in hip-hop/urban dance.

Lol I hope I'm making sense here... but thank you in advance!

Hello! x

Uhh, that's a really interesting question! I will be honest here, I don't think talent is limited only to certain placements in astrology, but I agree that certain placements/signs have a natural affinity for certain creative outlets and there can be a style to how you express it or what motivates and inspires you based on the placement! Even though I think that it's funny that certain signs that correlate with specific themes can match with the theme/style someone chooses for the artform, it doesn't have to be the norm. I hope you understand that I won't go through every single chart since it's a lot (when I'm re-opening my ask box you can request a certain member if you're interested in it!), but I will pick a few selective charts which stood out for me personally! This analysis is not to determine anyone's preference in self expression or to create narrow boxes, especially since all of them got trained by the company and mostly had to go through the same/similar procedure! Also: it's the mix of the chart what counts in the end! It's important to notice that we don't have the Ascendant of most members, so there's only so much I can get out of the charts without getting too vague!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ

✧ Taeyong: I think Taeyong's attitude towards tasks and daily practices in general can add to his highly defined dance style - thorough, his dancing is extremely precise. He has a Virgo Mars with a Moon in the 6th house, so naturally can not only be very body conscious in that sense that he has good body control (high bidy awareness when it comes to dancing at least), bUT what's interesting is that he also makes sure to bring lots of energy into his moves, pact with the definition, which not only results into very precise moves but simultaniously a rather grandiose dancing style (the beauty of Virgo and Leo energy mixing together, we love to see it here). Watching Taeyong's freestyle videos I feel like he likes to be extremely expressive with dance, like dance can be a language, it conveys emotions and moods! I mean next to his Leo Moon in the 6th house, he also has Sun in the 5th, with the 5th house being more of a direct correlation to dancing, so that adds for me to a desire to use creative or grandiose outlets for the self, truly shining when deciding to. Adds to the fact that his stage presence and dancing is perceived as very eye-catching.

✧ Yuta: Yuta has such a smooth and cool way of dancing, it looks extremely effortless, sometimes it feels like he's in stand by mode because he is just completely in the flow and I will be fair, I need his frickin stupid houses to investigate further into this theory!!!!!!! I think there's some nice contrast visible when he's dancing, generally he is a ball of energy and he can have that all consuming presence when performing (yes I'm looking at you cherry bomb yuta fancam), but often in dances, especially in group choreos when you compare him to the rest he can really stand out with his cool and effortless demeanor, some people might perceive it as 'underdancing', you know? But only because it's so easy and comes so naturally to him. But this kinda seems to be generally a Yuta thing. Like when he wants to or gets the moments to shine he goes all off and really effective but he can quickly reside and be really lowkey (don't mistake it though, when he's in the back he's like a black hole in the back, eerily noticable, in a good way ofc)

✧ Ten: the mutuable sign energy in that dude, he's extremely flowy, , to meat least. Ten's dance style was always defined by the way he is extremely smooth in his movements (water-like, they really transit gracefully from one to another), but there's also something extremely enticing about it (like fantasy, really pisces of him ngl), again, conveys emotions and messages well with his dancing style aka underlines the songs he dances to well aND he has his Pisces Mars conjunct his Sun, so it does make sense for his bodily expressions and stage presence to be quiet strong, also dancing is definitely his strong suit and what he's mostly known for, being an extremely skilled dancer. We don't know in which house unfortunately, because I'd love to see in which house this conjuncion actually happens!! Also, I'd love to see in which house his Jupiter and Neptune are, especially his Jupiter since it trines his Sun and Mars conjunction! Might explain parts of his hyper-creativity and making so much use of it! (Also since his Neptune sextiles his Saturn, you know, make dreams more of a reality with this)

✧ I would love to include Yangyang in this since he's personally one of my favorite dancers out of nct, but his birth data is just too vague, there's no point in even trying getting into it lol

✧ Also since we have his apparent birth time I just want to say that Johnny's 5th house stellium and Leo Mars really pop off gracefully on the stage and in shootings, it's all about the mighty energy of the lion coming through and I think his facial expressions on stage make his movements big (not intended as a pun due to his height lol). Sun is in his 5th house, same as Taeyongs, so maybe that's why it amplifies this strong aura around him.

✧ that brings me to Mark and Xiaojun because both are Leo's with a Scorpio Mars and UGH I'm convinced that Xiaojun has to have ANYTHING Mars/Scorpio/Pluto in his 1st house, while Mark already has an Aries Moon so this doubles the Mars energy. I'm mentioning this because a) I'm getting off track and b) the vibes while they perform/in photos are just too similar for me sometimes (especially the look they give to the camera, it's all in the eyes I'm telling you lol), with Xiaojun leaning more on the watery/nymphic side (it's gotta be the Cancer Moon, I tell you) while Mark has more of the 'swag' thing going on for him, just as you said anon! Mark is another one that can give off 'effortless' and cool vibes while dancing, like he doesn't even need to try, but it doesn't look like he's 'underdancing' or swallowing any movements, there's still enough precision to make his moves stand out and look really defined. I guess this is where I'd love to have houses, but generally he has two grand squares/crosses and two tight incojunctions in his chart, I feel like there's a lot of drive and finesse behind that immense tension that his chart holds.

(I'm also very interested when it comes to Shotaro's dancing! Man has been dancing since he was little and it shows (!), so far I want to see him on more stages and also see him freestyle a bit in order to get a better grasp at his dancing style! But whatever happens he'll keep being phenomenal in dancing)

#this made me rewatch so many fancams and i realized that yuta cherry bomb will forever be one of the best fancams to exist its literally #HIS choreo like common #also made me rewatch so many dance fan edits of mark Aasdfghjk i went down the edit rabbit hole again #astrology #zodiac #nct astrology #kpop astrology #nct #wayv #nct 127 #nct headcanons

[tsuzuruteeth]

Vil Rant: Why His Overblot was Valid

So I’ve seen a lot of not so hot takes on Vil’s overblot. Some people believe that his reason for overblot wasn’t good enough in comparison to the others. Most of the others overblotted due to some trauma from their childhood that never really got resolved to sum it up very vaguely. Vil on the other hand, it seemingly wasn’t like that. Vil’s overblot was due to envy. Pure envy. 

Or was it?

It wasn’t. So as the resident Vil stan, I am going to take my time to explain why Vil’s overblot made sense and it isn’t as petty as some people think it is. 

Vil himself is a very mischaracterized character, so it’s no surprise that people are not seeing the full picture. 

Vil’s whole character is based on hard work. Most people would assume it’s beauty but it isn’t, at least not fully. For Vil, beauty isn’t his end goal but a tool to achieve his end goal, this is made clear in his overblot flashback. Now some people might not be convinced, but this isn’t a character analysis, so I’m not going to delve too deep into his values and why they’re his values for now. 

So the reason he overblotted, for the people who take Vil at face value anyway instead of learning his motives, is because he was jealous Neige was more beautiful than him. He overblotted out of envy because he couldn’t stand being second best. 

Now this isn’t wrong, but it isn’t the full picture. Too see the full thing playout I’m gonna run through a little Vil timeline with you. And “because I am so kind” and I know not everyone out there is a fan of Vil, so probably wouldn’t take the time to read his personal stories, I will stick to things mentioned in chapter 5. 

So starting from Vil’s childhood. We see this part in his overblot flashback but even as a child Vil would always get villain roles and because of this he is ostracized by the other children, apart from Jack (Just as a reference this is also mentioned in his robes sr personal story).  This didn’t really bother Vil much from what we saw, but it showed us that Vil was a bit more mature for his age, as being in the industry he probably had to be. 

Next thing we see is how Neige always gets the main parts while Vil is always the villain. So this is where Vil’s envy of Neige starts. However, at this stage in his life it’s not about his beauty, it’s because he gets the roles Vil wants. Vil then goes on to talk about how all he wants is to be the heroine for once, yet he knows this will never happen. He is mature enough to realise that life doesn't work that way, no matter how hard you work something can never be achieved, hence his frustration begins.

So throughout Chapter 5 we can see Neige be mentioned and Vil’s vows to defeat him. He constantly asks Mira about the beauty rankings only to see Neige be number one. Which doesn’t seem such a big deal at first, until you think about how much hard work Vil puts in. Although, if you think about it, it’s still a bit petty at this stage, which is why it doesn’t cause overblot just yet. However, it does make his previous childhood frustration towards Neige grow. 

Another thing that I feel I should mention quickly, is that Vil personally doesn’t really have anything against Neige himself per say, if it was someone else in Neige’s place he would be salty towards them. He really just hates the situation and circumstances, not Neige as a person. 

Anyway back to the timeline. This is where it starts to go wrong. The VDC rehearsal. Vil put effort into the performance. We saw how strict he was, how dedicated he was to make sure everything was perfect. He put his all into it. He even made the song and dance himself, and played a key role in the actual performance. He made that performance to perfection. He even was number one on the search results for the word “beauty”! Only for everyone to fuss over Neige. Neige did a remix of a nursery rhyme and it is mentioned that the choreo wasn’t in sync.When Vil checked Mira again, Neige was back to number one. This is what tipped Vil over the edge. 

I have seen some people claim that his actions were uncalled for and petty, because music isn’t just about being perfect, it’s for having fun and making everyone else enjoy your performance too! You don’t need to be perfect to perform well and make the audience love you! Vil should hold himself to lesser standards and realise it’s not a competition, everyone is beautiful and talented in their own way!

I see your point. I really do. But, I think you need to change your perspective a little to see what really is going on. 

Put yourself in Vil’s shoes for example. Imagine you worked really hard on something, like an art project. You slaved weeks over it, making sure it was the best quality it can be. Finally you put it into a competition. Only to be beat out with a drawing that is half complete and was finished the night before. Could you manage to tell yourself to just let it go? There’s value in all art right? So shouldn’t you just be happy for the winner? It might be the right thing to do, but can you honestly say that you wouldn’t be absolutely seething inside? After all you went through? All that effort? I know for a fact I would be fuming with rage. Maybe I’m just a bad, selfish person but it's true. Although I think most people would at least be a little upset at this outcome. And Vil was.

Now you may agree with my point above, but how does that justify Vil trying to KILL Neige? That’s the beauty of it. It doesn’t. Just like Riddle, all of Vil’s views came crashing down before him the moment people started to fawn over Neige. 

He always thought that hard work would get you to where you need to be, but he worked as hard as he could yet he still failed. Instead someone who hasn’t worked hard, someone who didn’t take the VDC seriously, someone who was only there for fun, beat him out. It didn’t help that he was given hope by being number one, only to have that hope snatched from him right after Neige performed. What is he supposed to do now? If he can’t beat Neige with talent, if he can’t beat Neige with hard work, how will he beat Neige? Easy. All he has to do is get rid of Neige. 

So yes, trying to kill Neige was extreme, but to Vil, that was the only way he thought he could beat him. 

You might be wondering why is it a competition in the first place? Simply because that’s the type of person Vil is. He doesn’t want to be second best, he’s a perfectionist so the only number that matters is being number one. 

But this doesn’t cause his overblot. This isn’t the snapping point for Vil. The snapping point was him realising what he had done, what he was about to do. He was about to do something ugly. He even mentions that it doesn’t matter if everyone forgives him, he can’t forgive himself. Then, he overblots. 

So, Vil’s overblot was a combination of frustration, high expectations and just all together feeling like he isn’t good enough. It’s probably the most relatable overblot so far, as I’m sure we’ve all been in a position where we’ve snapped because something seems hopeless no matter how hard we try. It’s easy to tell someone to stop holding themselves to such high standards, but as the saying goes, it’s easier said than done.

In terms of his after overblot, I don’t see Vil lessinging his normal standards, he will still try his best and make sure everyone around him does the same. He just maybe won’t compare himself to others as much. 

In conclusion, Vil’s overblot wasn’t uncalled for or petty, it actually made perfect sense. Thanks for listening or should I say reading my Ted Talk.

#vil #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland neige #neige leblanche #vil schoenheit #twst vil #twst #neige #overblot #twst neige #twisted wonderland vil

[btsandvmin]

Vmin song analysis - Winter in August - Part 2

Since this analysis ended up being so long it has been divided in parts. This is part 2. If you haven’t read part 1 yet I recommend doing so.

This started as a Spring Day analysis, but it has since grown immensely. I actually rather call it a thematic analysis or something, and while Spring Day is still at the core of it all, I go through many songs and details outside of Spring Day connections.

Taehyung obviously loves Spring Day a lot, and Jimin does too. It might seem weird to make a Vmin analysis out of Spring Day, but I just felt there was enough surrounding things to talk about. Even if they might be coincidence I do personally think they fit it very well with the other song theories I have made, and I have even mentioned Spring Day a few times before. As usual I suggest reading my other song analyses before you get into this one. You can find them all in My masterpost

I am going to talk mostly about connections that Taehyung has made and how he seems to use a lot of similar themes and references, but also things possibly connecting Vmin and Spring Day.

Lyrics and theme

Choreo and MV

Taehyung’s (and Jimin’s) love for Spring Day

Connections to Vmin’s songs

Overlapping themes

Other connections to Vmin

Taehyung's songs not being all he wants to say

Taehyung’s mixtape

Summary

In this part I will go through Vmin’s (mostly Taehyung’s) songs and some direct and some possible connections between the songs and Spring Day.

There is a lot to keep track of, and I might have to repeat things a lot as I go through their songs, but I hope you’ll get a sense of the connections and how many there could be. So let’s look at Spring Day and their other songs with a Vmin perspective. This will be the longest part of this analysis.

4 - Connections to Vmin’s songs

Now I want to go through these lyrics and themes used in Spring Day and how I feel Vmin (in particular Taehyung) might have been inspired to use them in their own songs.

Taehyung has in many of his songs a similar theme in the form of longing, wondering about the past and future and wanting to be closer to someone. These are all themes that Spring Day uses as well. He also uses the night references and winter references to varying degrees and meanings. We have Winter Bear, Happy Christmas and most recently Snow Flower using winter or snow in different ways. Meanwhile Sweet Night and 4 o’clock use night in the lyrics (and so does Jimin’s Promise). This tells us it’s something Taehyung likes to use, and considering his love for Spring Day I would not find it too far-fetched that he could have found inspiration for his own songs and a way to express himself through the themes and lyrics originally used in Spring Day. Especially since the poetic expressions are something that Namjoon might also help with to add the feeling that Taehyung is looking for at times, for example in 4 o’clock where they focused on how to express Taehyung’s feelings.

I wrote about it in an ask in regards to Taehyung liking to use winter and snow as a theme before, but Taehyung doesn’t just like the theme of winter, it seems he could have specifically referenced Spring Day a few times already in his songs and in his promo for his songs which you will see by the end of this post.

On top of lyrical similarities there are also outside references from Vmin themselves that for me is the point that really makes the whole theory more plausible when it comes to them having a special connection to Spring Day. Of course one reference or two being direct doesn't automatically mean all others are definitely correct. This is still just speculation when it comes to the whole narrative existing.

The easiest way to do this might simply be to go through all the solo songs in order and point out the similarities and connections they share with Spring Day.

Singularity and Serendipity

Now I want to go through these lyrics and themes used in Spring Day and how I feel Vmin (in particular Taehyung) might have been inspired to use them in their own songs.

Taehyung has in many of his songs a similar theme in the form of longing, wondering about the past and future and wanting to be closer to someone. These are all themes that Spring Day uses as well. He also uses the night references and winter references to varying degrees and meanings. We have Winter Bear, Happy Christmas and most recently Snow Flower using winter or snow in different ways. Meanwhile Sweet Night and 4 o’clock use night in the lyrics (and so does Jimin’s Promise). This tells us it’s something Taehyung likes to use, and considering his love for Spring Day I would not find it too far-fetched that he could have found inspiration for his own songs and a way to express himself through the themes and lyrics originally used in Spring Day. Especially since the poetic expressions are something that Namjoon might also help with to add the feeling that Taehyung is looking for at times, for example in 4 o’clock where they focused on how to express Taehyung’s feelings.

I wrote about it in an ask in regards to Taehyung liking to use winter and snow as a theme before, but Taehyung doesn’t just like the theme of winter, it seems he could have specifically referenced Spring Day a few times already in his songs and in his promo for his songs which you will see by the end of this post.

On top of lyrical similarities there are also outside references from Vmin themselves that for me is the point that really makes the whole theory more plausible when it comes to them having a special connection to Spring Day. Of course one reference or two being direct doesn't automatically mean all others are definitely correct. This is still just speculation when it comes to the whole narrative existing.

The easiest way to do this might simply be to go through all the solo songs in order and point out the similarities and connections they share with Spring Day.

I put these two together because I feel they are more Big Hit related and I don’t know how much influence or inspiration either of Vmin have had with these songs. But since I want to include all there is, I still want to mention the lines I find possibly connected through the theme. I have talked about these songs and how Big Hit has made them mirrors of each other in my post Taehyung and Jimin - Yin and Yang where I even briefly mention Spring Day.

We also know Namjoon (and also Slow Rabbit) had a hand in many of these songs and as such it could either be written with intended similarities or it’s simply themes he likes to use and get inspired by. Namjoon has a very clear taste and likes to use similar themes (Like his love for the poem “Flower”), so having that in mind I do want to be clear with these choices not necessarily having anything to do with Jimin or Taehyung whenever Namjoon is involved with the lyrics. In fact, since Namjoon himself said no to helping write Friends due to its content and finding it hard to write about Vmin's relationship, I don't think it's likely he would specifically write about them on his own. Unless, like in 4 o'clock, he is helping with putting their own feelings into words or perhaps if it’s in more vague feelings/expressions rather than directly about a relationship. It's also possible some things were always intended as an overlapping theme in certain BTS songs, but Tae chose to add it to his own songs as well. Basically these two songs by Namjoon likely don't count much. But let's look at them anyways. 

In Serendipity (full length lyrics) we find these lines:

When you called me I became your flower As if we were waiting We bloom until we ache

Simply put these lines can when linked to “Until the days of flower blossoms” be about being each other’s spring or hope or what they long for. Serendipity also speaks about waiting, which of course is in Spring Day as well.

Come to my side now So we can become one I don't want to let go- no Do I just have to treasure it

Although you say nothing I feel it There are many more stars Together we're flying It's never over

Don't be nervous and grab my hand Cause now we are one Let me love you

These lines fit pretty well with the beginning of Spring Day “Wanna get to the other side of the earth, holding your hand”. So what we have from Serendipity is the flower theme, the longing and wanting to be together with “Come to my side” and not wanting to let go and holding hands. One could say Serendipity is the part when they are finally about to come together and the more hopeful spring part of the relationship. It’s also asking the other person to “let me love you” and of course it all can tie in with the persona and coming to terms with loving different parts of yourself. But it also works as a love song of wanting to be with someone and finally taking the step to be together, perhaps especially in a relationship you are scared to enter.

In the images from the MV we also know it’s happy and dreamy, and while Jimin is awake at night he finally ends up in the sun by the end of the video. Both songs have a theme of day and night, and opposites like warm and cold and have been made to match. Both videos have longing, and it seems the additional photoshoot might have been made with the same idea.

Two parts of the same whole (dark/light, yin/yang), but also two people wanting to be together despite both their differences and obstacles. Two people with one soul, reaching out for each other.

Considering the way Vmin describes each other and their relationship I can’t fault Big Hit in choosing them to represent these two very different sides of the same coin.

“Me from the moon, you from the stars.”

Meanwhile if we look at Singularity, even with the imagery we can tell it will be more focused on the winter, and the difficult time of separation. The first matching line in Singularity is “Try to cover my ears but can’t go to sleep” as In Spring Day we have:

And how many sleepless nights do I have to spend To see you (to see you)

Then we also have more on the winter theme in Singularity of course.

A crack again on this frozen lake I dumped myself into the lake I buried my voice for you Over the winter lake I was thrown

It’s clear we have a winter theme and that it isn’t something pleasant, and it’s possible this winter was partly forced if we look at how he was thrown over the lake. But the person also dumps themselves into this cold lake and to me this could be read as a “I will do it because I don’t have a choice” type of feeling. Especially since it goes on to say “I buried my voice for you” it also feels like hiding a part of themselves is very painful, but in the end their own choice simply because of this other person. (The Persona theme and what they show ARMY is of course very distinctly being used here, but I think it also works with other interpretations.)

We also have this line which again uses the same theme as Spring Day very directly. 

Reach my hand out to cover the mouth But in the end, spring will come someday The ice will melt and flow away

You could also argue the line of covering the mouth and burying their voice as having something you are unable to tell, and talk about, which could also match the situation of a hidden or in some way not possible relationship (though likely it’s just the beginning of the persona theme and hiding who they are behind their idol masks).

I don’t think Namjoon wrote about Vmin in these songs, but again it could possibly be the case that they have afterwards taken a liking to the themes or imagery, like how Taehyung is using “penicillium/blue mold” as Jimin’s contact name, which is directly from Serendipity. (Which also then makes one wonder if Taehyung does see Jimin as his “penicillin/savior”?)

Either way both Serendipity and Singularity have some possible theme and lyric connections to Spring Day including holding hands, waiting, cold winter and most significantly, waiting for spring to come. We also know these two songs are connected at the very least in their imagery, and if you haven’t already you might want to check out my post Taehyung and Jimin - Yin and Yang.

You have also seen both of Vmin reaching out for each other, in Singularity and in particular in Serendipity as it is also in the lyrics, the reaching out with his hand and asking to hold it. (One reaching for the moon and one reaching for the sun.) It’s interesting because while Serendipity is seemingly happy, and he comes into the light by the end, he is still alone and seemingly reaching for something or someone. Again, maybe it’s just the other half of him he has to leave behind, but I can’t ignore how they seem to have used Taehyung to represent that other half and how well it fits with more romantic tones and themes like destiny and being soulmates.

That being said, though Singularity and Serendipity are Taehyung and Jimin’s songs, they are not by their own making, and thus will always be more of an anecdote in analysis like this.

4 o’clock

Moving on, I don’t think I have to explain how this song in itself is directly connected to Vmin (another song which Namjoon did help to write), but the short version is that Taehyung was inspired to write it after his and Jimin’s dumpling fight and reconciliation in a park at dawn. You can read more about it in my other song analysis, in particular in Vmin analysis - 4 o’clock. But let’s look at any possible similarities to Spring Day, because they aren’t that many and not that obvious for this song. 

In this case I would say it’s the theme of being in a difficult period but also in this case fearing the “morning” that matters the most for the whole context. Here night and day is used and not winter and spring but it has similar meaning. I have talked about this in my very first (though now slightly outdated) Vmin song analysis Vmin - The Sun, the Moon & The whole universe.

I said in that analysis how the night seemed like something sad (similar to winter), but that the sun and morning was also something very scary. Which leads to the dawn in between to be their time together that brings the most comfort. The morning will come again, and in 4 o'clock it does, but the sun is also suffocating. We also know 4 o'clock uses “You and I are the only ones here. Me and you” meaning we could see it as two people being in the cold dark metaphorical night together, crying and shattered, until the morning arrives. But also that the second person basically brings morning and warmth to the one singing.

Following into the deep night The sound of you singing Brings the red morning A step, and another step The dawn passes And when that moon falls asleep The blue shade that stayed with me disappears

The sun suffocates me And the world strips me naked I can't help it, there's no other way I collect myself that's shattered beneath the moonlight I call you moonchild We are the children of the moon I breathe the cold night air Yes we're livin' and dyin' At the same time

For me it’s possible that 4 o’clock could reference the struggle of hiding, and being in the night, but also being scared of being exposed in the light, even if they do want morning to come. There is some comfort in the night and dawn, despite everything. This reading becomes even more interesting if we look at other songs by Taehyung that he has written since. In a metaphorical sense the possible other person also brings the morning and we know bringing warmth is another common theme for Taehyung’s songs. Basically if we consider it as between two people (as opposed to a reading of it being more introspective about only Taehyung) they are both each other’s happiness and sadness, they are living and dying at the same time.

I want to point out once again that all of these themes work very well with BTS’s Persona inspirations and their own images and how they are seen by their fans and the struggles it leads to. But since in Spring Day it’s put in the perspective of longing, and in 4 o'clock we know Taehyung at least partly had Jimin in mind, I feel I needed to include this. If you’ve read my analysis of 4 o’clock you also know my guess on the song’s meaning and the lyrics, but that I also think it’s possible for the song to mean something else or have several meanings/layers to it. 

Further, when Taehyung released 4 o’clock both him and Namjoon posted about it on the fancafé. Namjoon mentioned Jimin being the friend that Taehyung waited for, though he later deleted that part of the message, while Taehyung didn’t mention Jimin at all. But if we look at the possibility of winter having a special meaning to Tae there is another interesting aspect of Taehyung’s note.

the dark (silent) dawn where the (listless) sounds ring with the cold cold winter wind you continuously close your eyes to the sounds as you realize the dawn fly the birds at dawn cry out with an anxious passion fly let me hear your voice fill this dawn

So the poem in Taehyung’s message includes a new detail we didn’t see mentioned in the song itself:

Taehyung mentioned the dawn, the birds and the cold winter wind. I don’t know if this was some of his original lyrics for 4 o’clock, but at least the theme of the cold winter has been used in 4 o’clock to some extent as well. Considering we know Jimin has some part in Taehyung’s inspiration, and then that Scenery references back to the park and has a winter/snow theme it truly feels like Taehyung either really really loves winter or has a similar inspiration and thoughts behind many of his lyrics.

I also think the themes (like dawn, the park, being bright and the night being cold but a comfort all the same) used in 4 o’clock being used again in other songs by Taehyung that are more clearly romantic could point at this possible other person to be Jimin above others that we know.

The day of 4 o'clock's release Tae also posted a few videos to the japanese fanclub, and while I am not sure if they were directly uploaded by him I had to include it. You see in the videos (a series of 4 clips labeled #Don’tCheatOnMe) one of them is Taehyung laying down with his head on a railway track (another one being just being inside a train and giving finger hearts). Which to me looks like it could be a throwback to his scene in Spring Day.

A few days before the release, on the 3rd of June, Taehyung also posted a series of photos from the Spring Day shoot.

However this was just one out of several posts by Tae with photos that day, so perhaps he just happened to have a set that he named “Spring Day” since he had photos from the shoot he wanted to share.

In the end the timing of 4 o’clock and it’s connection to Jimin is probably a bigger deal than the possible references to Spring Day that we can find.

Happy Christmas

When I first thought of this analysis and possible connections I really wanted to bring up Taehyung’s Christmas song, which was likely written the same year as Spring Day was released. It’s a romantic song that Taehyung wanted to sing with Jimin and that got denied because the lyrics wouldn’t fit two men. We know this song matters to Taehyung and that he even talked about the problem of it being sung by two men and that he wanted to sing it specifically with Jimin.

I’ve talked about it many times before, but having a Christmas song connected to Vmin could be a big deal. Christmas is a romantic holiday in Korea, and considering how he felt strongly enough to play it twice during vlives and mention he likely won’t release it I think this song was significant to Taehyung on a personal level. You can read more in my posts The Vmin Christmas song and  Big Hit, BTS, Vmin and LGBT.

But let’s look at the connection to Spring Day. Taehyung’s Christmas song, which I will call Happy Christmas, includes the Line "Happy Christmas, end of this winter, you and I will make together Christmas" as well as “End of white snow, There is you who is brighter”

This lyrical similarity could be argued to be coincidental since Christmas does occur during winter, but specifically using that line when BTS has used the winter reference so often to represent a period of difficulty, I personally think it’s intended that way. He also says at the end of white snow, so it does seem to mean after everything “cold”, and at that time this person remains, brighter than anyone else. 

Their Christmas together, in this sense something very happy and also something very romantic, is what will come at the end of the metaphorical difficult period of Winter. Not the literal end of the winter season. In particular since the winter season in Korea does not at all end with Christmas and in fact Christmas would be somewhere in the middle of Korean winter.

This is Taehyung’s own song, and the timing of it in combination with using “end of winter” and it having a direct connection to Jimin, it’s one of the pieces that to me indicates Jimin could be part of this whole puzzle that we find in Taehyung’s songs and the common themes used.

Another similarity Happy Christmas has to Spring Day in it’s lyrics is the use of “Never let go of my both hands” which as you know we have with “Wanna get to the other side of the earth, holding your hand”.

If Taehyung is singing about his own feelings for one particular person across many of his songs, and if these feelings are romantic, the fact that we have Happy Christmas and 4 o'clock in different ways be tied to Jimin becomes very significant. But of course it’s still possible for Taehyung to have these feelings and write about them and it being about someone else (or several others) as well, or it could be platonic feelings simply translated to sound more romantic in the songs.

I also think we need to remember how Jimin himself said the year before Tae started to write Happy Christmas that he would like to give a song as a Christmas present to the one he loves.

The fact that Taehyung made a romantic sounding Christmas song that he wanted to sing with Jimin, but that also got denied because of them both being men and the lyrics “not being fit” for them to sing together, should not be understated. Especially since it clearly meant enough for Taehyung to talk about it, twice. And also because of the timing of it and the way it works very well with how Taehyung talks about both Jimin and often the person present in his other songs.

It also works very well with the themes of being together “but apart” or hiding parts of themselves from the world until the time is right, since Christmas is something that they will have, but doesn’t seem to have yet. Just as in Spring Day it depicts waiting for better times. Taehyung is mostly positive in the song and when describing this other person, and maybe it is just the English translation, but to me it seems Christmas is what happens when they finally come together.

Promise

Though I know Promise being connected to Spring Day is a stretch and I don’t want to downplay the meaning Jimin has given behind the lyrics I will mention some things very briefly. Following with the themes of night/day, light/dark and winter/spring we could find some similarities in Jimin’s song lyrics.

I want you to be your light, baby You should be your light So that you won't be in pain So you can smile I want you to be your night, baby You could be your night I'll be honest with you tonight 

You're hurting too 'cause you're mine I just want to blow your mind We're drifting apart again "I don't feel it" That's what I say But to be honest that's not it

Promise is a song of fear and doubt but also hope and wanting to be able to stand alone and be happy. It’s also directed towards another person who seems to struggle and Jimin is asking them to be their own light and night. Which if put with 4 o’clock’s ambiguous relationship to the night makes the lyrics quite interesting. Even with Happy Christmas where Taehyung is waiting for the winter to end and the person with him being brighter, could in context of Promise feel like it is Jimin’s hope that Taehyung won’t just, well, wait for him and a better time. But to find his own joy and comfort and happiness even in the night outside of this other person (in this case Jimin). He is also reassuring the other person that he too is affected, even if he tries not to be.

The song doesn’t have any real direct connections to Spring Day, but for the full context I decided to include it. Mostly because of the night and light themes being so common over their songs and because of the difficulties described in the “relationship” and having to be apart but acting strong and being independent. For me Promise tells us about a want and strive to have a healthy relationship with loving yourself and standing on your own, but that could also be about encouraging someone you love and providing them with hope while also being vulnerable and sorry towards them.

Of course there are other things that could connect Promise to Vmin, not the least the cover photo being taken by Taehyung, but that’s something you can read more on in my other analysis (Vmin - Scenery, Promise and song connections).

The timing of Promise could also be rather interesting as apparently Jimin got the idea for the concept of using a Promise during the New York Citi Field concert on October 6th 2018 (Where Taehyung also mentions a promise to ARMY in the ending ment (video). This was the day after Taehyung’s vlive where he talked about the Christmas song for the first time, which was also the same day Jimin showed off his phone cover made by Taehyung with the Serendipity reference (Fungus) for the first time.

Anyways, Promise could be outside of this theory since most of it is based on Taehyung and his repeating themes, but it does fit to some degree so who knows. Of course the timing of when Promise was written also matches with when Taehyung wrote another song of his.

Scenery

Now, Scenery is an interesting song for sure, but I can’t bring up all there is to it in this post, so again I suggest reading my other song analysis before anything. The most important part is that it seems to reference the particular scene in 4 o’clock that we know is connected to Jimin, meaning the park at dawn “In the park of the early morning, I have my feelings now”. It also brings up the theme of longing and hoping to make the other person his and having a better future together. Let’s look at the lyrics that fit with Spring Day.

In the streets full of flowers I see you today too

So, first of all the flowers is a very common theme and the “street full of flowers” or “flower road” is of course something else BTS uses a lot in various songs and messages. It’s about being on a happy and successful road together, and hoping for things to be better.

Taehyung said in his Festa 2019 profile "Receive more scars and be happier than anyone else, no matter what life you are living. Only walk steps where the scenery is nice” and some say this is of similar meaning to using the expression flower road. Scenery in itself could be a hint or hope or wish towards a happier life with this other person that he wants to pull closer and be his or to simply see things from the bright side when possible.

If we take Taehyung more literally, it could be that the person he sings about is also a person he associates with his “street full of flowers” being a place, which could point at his career. I say this mostly because he says “In this street full of flowers, I see you today too”. Of course it could also mean ARMY or something like that, but considering the song has a possible connection to 4 o’clock, Jimin is not an impossible option. Taehyung also used “let’s walk on the flower road together” in his letter to Jimin in Bon Voyage 2 (2017). He wants the two of them to be happy together. So as in many cases when it comes to themes or expressions in Taehyung’s songs this is yet another one which he has at least used directly with Jimin.

Scenery of course also has a moon and night theme. Like I said Taehyng specifically mentions dawn again, which could be a throwback to 4 o’clock.

In the park of the early morning I have my feelings now

That park seem to be important, and we also hear Taehyung say he has his feelings, which I interpret as him being very sure of what he feels compared to before. We also know since before that a park is a place he associates with Jimin, besides the direct connection to the dumpling fight. Personally it wouldn’t be too weird if that night in the park was important enough for Taehyung to keep referencing it.

Illuminated by the moon Listen to the film

Collect a moonlight piece I'll make the lights

He is making his own light too by this point just like Jimin might have wanted him to in Promise. He has regrets, but all in all he seems to be in the night but having hope for the future and wishing to make the other person his. However they are not together, it's simply Taehyung expressing his own side and his wishes. Scenery is also written in a way that can be seen as more romantic. 

I still wonder wonder beautiful story Still wonder wonder best part I still wander wander next story I want to make you mine

If you leave footprints I'll keep it warm I'll stay in black and white

He also sings about the other person leaving footprints, and about keeping something warm. I think this might mean he is staying close, following this person, but as I said they are not together at this time. It could also indicate another winter theme, though more subtle in the lyrics.  But at the start of Scenery there is the sound of walking in snow and what is likely a train approaching, which I honestly think is meant to be a throwback to Spring Day.

As the first song Taehyung released that is all his own, I think it’s of great importance. It is another song about longing and it's also about wondering about the future, so while it might not have many lyrical similarities to Spring Day, it does have a thematic one.

Honestly besides the night and moon themes and possible connections to 4 o’clock, the most interesting Spring Day connections for Scenery are not in the lyrics. Just keep in mind the longing in Scenery, the hope for the future to change and the connection to 4 o’clock and possibly Jimin.

We have some direct references to Spring Day that Taehyung included in regards to Scenery which I have talked about to some extent in my Vmin - Scenery, Promise and song connections post. I also want to mention that Promise and Scenery were written and released very close to each other and while I didn’t bring up Promise and Spring Day comparisons in detail there are some similarities there in the stories as well. For example, about the love/hate relationship and using night. But generally some themes can be so vague or common they could just as easily mean nothing. (This is why we might want to be careful with seeing something in everything, because sometimes it’s easy to make connections that might not be intended at all.)

But let’s go back to Scenery and Spring Day as it’s not just about similarities in theme or lyrics. Some of the direct links Taehyung used are the backside of his cover being the landscape from where the ending scene of Spring Day was filmed and the release time teaser for Scenery being posted with a picture of the train station used in Spring Day. This is of course also why I feel rather confident about the sounds of walking in snow and the train bell being there as Spring Day references.

The time for the release of the teaser photo with the picture from the scenery of Spring Day was possibly related to 4 o’clock as the time when the tweet was sent 6:09 was the same as the date 4 o’clock was released. 

The fact that Scenery is about the importance of photographs and what feelings they carry should also not be ignored, so since Taehyung used two different pictures from Spring Day to promote Scenery it likely has a purpose and meaning behind it.

Also the name of the train station in Spring Day was Iryeong/Ilyeong station, which translates to 1 (il) and 0 (yeong) which also matches the time 10 o’clock when Taehyung released Scenery. Meaning they do pay attention to details on purpose at some points, we just can’t know for sure when.

It might be nothing but considering that the name of the station is basically 10 and Jimin tweeted two days before the release of Taehyung’s teaser (on the 28th of January) saying “10:13 o’clock” which is basically “Jimin o’clock”, I wanted to mention it. Jimin also tweeted a picture of him and Taehyung before the release of the song and a lot of other possible Vmin things you can read about in my bigger analysis Vmin - Scenery, Promise and song connections.

Still, for Scenery we get a very obvious connection and two links back to Spring Day with the photos posted. The photography theme and the sound of walking in snow could also be worth taking into account. On top of that we have the continued similar narrative about wanting to be with this other person and wondering what the future might bring for them. It’s a romantic song, and it has direct connections to Spring Day while also matching many other themes Taehyung has used.

Winter Bear 

Winter Bear of course has the theme of winter. But much like Happy Christmas it’s depiction of winter is a lot happier (though in Happy Christmas it was not the winter itself that was happy, but rather making Christmas when they finally get to be together). We have hope and the person Taehyung is singing about is able to sleep. I want to contrast this to earlier in Singularity and of course in Spring Day when they talk about “sleepless nights”. Following Scenery we get something that could indicate a comfortableness and acceptance of the night even further. Again, assuming night and winter have indicated difficult times we here instead see something like being content or even happy with the night/winter. 

She looks like a blue parrot Would you come fly to me? I want some good day, good day, good day Good day, good day

Looks like a winter bear You sleep so happily I wish you a good night, good night, good night

We have the sense of it being a lullaby, and it references both winter and sleeping, but again in a very sweet and positive light, for at least one of the two. They are not together, but Taehyung once again wonders if the other person would come to him. We also have a person being directly connected to the winter.

He is also happy to let them sleep. The Winter Bear lyrics point out how the other person is sleeping happily and Taehyung of course also uses "I wish you a good night" while also saying he wants a Good Day. Similar to 4 o’clock, we still have the night be some sort of comfort for at least one person, but it’s clear that Taehyung wants and wishes for a good day.

Going from Spring Day’s “And how many sleepless nights do I have to spend” to “You sleep so happily” this is a possible change in narrative that I think we see more of moving forward as well. We have started to move away from the sleepless nights. However, since Taehyung is watching another person sleep it is very possible his nights are still sleepless, but that he still wishes the other a good night and seems happy to see them sleep. He talks about imagining this other person saying Hello to him and how basically when they are together the bad days are nothing. Once again there is this person in Taehyung’s life that seems to brighten it simply by being with him. Maybe it’s ARMY, but there is also Jimin who starts off “Friends” with “Hello my alien” and whom Taehyung often talk about helping him cope with his difficulties.

Another possible interpretation is that Winter Bear is literally describing a period of hibernation. That during this period of winter it’s basically a period of being “on hold”, and they are simply waiting for spring to come.

Further there is also a direct connection between Winter Bear and Spring Day, believe it or not. The Day after Taehyung released Winter Bear he went on weverse and quoted Namjoon's part in Spring Day about there being Winter in august. Winter Bear was released in August you see.

The line about “Winter in August” if you can recall was a movie reference in Spring Day from a romantic drama named Christmas in August.

The movie also kind of has an emphasis on taking photos and capturing moments in time, so maybe that’s something Taehyung could like and relate to as well. With the whole theme of taking photos and how much it means to Taehyung and his storytelling I also keep thinking that Jimin using photos taken by Taehyung on the cover of Promise and Jimin posting a photo of him and Tae before the release of Scenery might have a bigger importance than what we might think.

(video)

Further it’s possible the scene of Taehyung walking in the Winter Bear MV could be meant to evoke the similar-looking scene with Jimin in Spring Day. Though that is definitely a stretch with nothing except similarity to lean on.

Credits to @haruzday on twitter

Winter Bear doesn’t really have any big direct connection to Jimin, except that we know that Jimin loves the song a lot and promoted it very much, and in a way that felt it might mean a lot to him too. You can of course read about this in Vmin - Winter Bear analysis. But there is the cover having two bears that Jimin gifted Taehyung, and the fact that Jimin has used the song as a lullaby. Which matches with the “you sleep so happily” theme. We have as I mentioned moved away from the sleepless nights at least partly or for one of the two friends.

Taehyung still wishes for a good day, a better and happier future for him and this other person, but he also wishes them a good night.

Friends

You might not have thought much of it, but Friends actually has a few similarities to Spring Day that are quite obvious. First there is of course the actual friend theme we have in Spring Day “How much longing should we see snowing down. To have the days of spring, Friend” and “You know it all. You’re my best friend. The morning will come again”.

But we also have “You know it all” from Spring Day which fits with Friends’ lyrics “I know everything about you. We gotta trust each other” and perhaps most importantly “Longer than seven summers and cold winters. Longer than numerous promises and memories” which of course matches very well with Vmin being caught together in the cold winter, waiting for spring to come for a long time during some difficult periods they have gone through together.

Lastly we also have ”For eternity, keep staying here, stay” which have a similar message as the end of Spring Day with “Please stay, please stay there a little longer”. Vmin are just like the friends in Spring day reaching out and asking the other person to stay. Though in Friends this request has turned into wanting to be together for eternity. In Friends they also finally seem to be together in some sense, even though there could be a wish for more hidden in there.

Looking at the lyrics and message of Friends it's possible that we have come to a change in their perspective. They are ok to wait in the night or winter. But they also promise to be together and hope for the other person to stay beside them. "One day when this cheer dies down, stay". Meaning in this case they want to be together after their careers as idols. If we can include Friends in the whole narrative, it seems they are sure of their want to be together, though they are still asking the other to stay.

If we consider romantic feelings being involved I would say they could be waiting for the right time to be together as something else than best friends. Considering it's from Jimin it could even possibly be considered a reply to Taehyung's uncertainties. And going from their wondering and confusion and longing they are now more patient and might have found some middle-ground way to cope. It could also literally be seen as a promise between them to be together. Being together as Friends and waiting is the dawn they share while they wait for the morning. It’s a metaphorical spring in winter, instead of the winter in August, because even if they haven’t actually reached spring together they are together now and content enough to wait together. Or perhaps spring is getting closer and they don’t mind the winter as much now when they know they are at least waiting together and want the same thing.

The line in Friends about "we are each other's mystery, is that why it is even more special" could also be an indicator that some "hidden" or even "forbidden" aspect of their relationship might have made it special. There could be a fear in what would change if anything actually happened or if they would be allowed to openly be together. Hence looking forward to the next song, Sweet Night, the hesitation to pull the other closer and how the night is something sweet even though it might have been their "only way" as ships in the night.

Having used these lines in Friends is of course possible on it’s own, and doesn’t have to connect to the other songs just because of similar themes, but there are possible connections and even if they could be nothing I don’t think they are to be dismissed either. 

While not in the lyrics we also have them holding hands in the performance of Friends, which of course also matches with “I want to go to the other side of Earth, holding your hand.”

Either way we know the feelings they have for each other are strong, and that they consider each other soulmates that want to be together even after BTS. They express their love for each other very often and in ways that are rather unusual for a platonic relationship (though obviously not impossible) and no matter what those feelings are they clearly love each other a lot. For a longer analysis on the song and all the references to Vmin’s memories, check out Vmin analysis - “Friends”.

Sweet night

Sweet Night is yet another song about night, and how Taehyung can’t sleep. “On my pillow. Can't get me tired”. He still has those sleepless nights that the friends in Spring Day suffer from. We also see the longing there “And would it be alright if I pulled you closer”, with some hesitance to do so, as he doesn’t seem to know if it’s ok or not. Even so, we can definitely tell by the title alone that the night in itself truly isn’t something he hates, but rather the opposite. The night is after all sweet. It carries hope, even though the lyrics indicate a lot of uncertainties.

It’s also significant that Taehyung is saying that he is “Sharing my fragile truth” with this song. To me more and more it seems like he has tried in many of his songs to tell us different pieces of the same complex story that he is trying to understand. 

Sweet night being a song by Taehyung released right after Friends is on it’s own quite a lot. Of course this means the theme of best friends used in Sweet Night “I'm wondering. Are you my best friend” is relevant both in relation to Spring Day and possibly to Jimin because of the timing and how Taehyung has literally named Jimin his one and only best friend, many times even.

In the song Taehyung has questions, and as in other songs like Scenery he is wondering about the past and the future with this person. He is also describing them as ships in the night, which makes us wonder if perhaps they are a product of the night only. Like the children of the moon in 4 o’clock the sun and day might not be for them. I think him wondering if he can pull this person closer could be about being more open and stepping out into the light. If you’ve read my post Sweet Night - Song analysis you might be aware I think the song is very unsure, and I think it’s possible the narrative could be about the past or possibly about still treading the line between friends and more despite knowing his own feelings. Taehyung might be wondering if there is something there between him and this other person, as he seems to think the other person might feel the same as him, though he isn’t sure.

I’m wondering Are you my best friend Feel’s like a river’s rushing through my mind I wanna ask you If this is all just in my head My heart is pounding tonight I wonder If you Are too good to be true And would it be alright if I Pulled you closer How could I know One day I’d wake up feeling more

What I want to say about Sweet Night is that we by now know it’s personal. Most of us already thought so, even though it wasn’t confirmed, thanks to the interview Tae and Namjoon had right around the song’s release.

However, him singing a romantic song about feelings changing for a best friend in combination with the way he is with Jimin is on it’s own significant for the whole picture. Especially since we now know that it was a personal song that was originally supposed to be on Taehyung’s mixtape.

The lullabys and Tae’s inability to sleep properly are definitely a recurring theme for his songs. I still don’t know about the timing of Taehyung’s feelings, but honestly if we consider a Vmin perspective  it could work with being something Taehyung felt around the time of the dumpling fight, as he might have realized his feelings changing. Meaning the actual scenario in the song with “how could I know one day I would wake up feeling more” could be based on older realization, but the sentiment of wanting to be with this person and pulling them closer could still be his current feelings.

Taehyung openly telling us that it is a personal song, and the contents of the song being romantic sounding, has now opened up discussions of his love life. I wonder if he is aware of this and if he simply doesn't care what his fans might think and speculate about at this point.

Inner Child

I debated if I should talk about Inner Child or not, but in the end decided to at least mention the lyrics. We have no idea if this is just a case of Tae having a preference for these words, expressions or themes, but he certainly uses them a lot.

Tonight, if I reach my hand to yours Can you hold that hand? I'll become you

You just have to look at my galaxies Be showered with all those stars I'll give you my world The lights illuminating your eyes

You kind of have the giving my world and “I’ll become you” which we have seen in Serendipity’s “You are me, I am you”, “My angel, my world” and the whole extra bridge in the full version:

Come to my side now So we can become one I don't want to let go- no Do I just have to treasure it

Although you say nothing I feel it There are many more stars Together we're flying It's never over

Don't be nervous and grab my hand Cause now we are one Let me love you

So we have Jimin asking the other person to let him love them, and we have him asking them to come to his side which matches with Spring Day’s “I want to go to the other side of Earth, holding your hand, put an end to winter” and then again with some of the lyrics in Inner Child about reaching out a hand and becoming one.

Besides the reaching out his hand theme being in Spring Day we have seen Taehyung use it in Happy Christmas, Snow Flower and Blue & Grey. Snow Flower also has the “I'll give you the world (I'll give it to you)”. But since this song is meant to be about Taehyung’s younger self, perhaps this is a good example of how he can use similar themes simply because he likes them and not because the songs are necessarily connected or about another particular person.

Honestly, if it weren’t for Taehyung telling us that Inner Child is about and to himself, I would see this as a very LGBT+ friendly song about realizing your feelings for someone and taking the chance and acting on them. Likewise I could even make a case for the lyrics of Filter together with Inner Child, but if anything it might just show how anything can be made to fit if you just look for connections. 

Inner Child: We gon' change. Filter: We’ll become a new us

It’s just funny how both songs uses a lot of similar words, and “we” when referring to themselves and how they will change, but in the end I felt it wasn’t enough to include Filter.

Songs like Inner Child and Blue and Grey are songs I wouldn’t normally use in a Vmin context, but I decided to include both as a way to show the similar themes, and as an example of me perhaps reading too much into all the lyrical connections.

Blue & Grey

There are of course also some references in “Blue & Grey” which I briefly want to mention, especially since it was supposed to be a song on Taehyung’s solo album. I know it’s about burn-out (very relatable) and Taehyung’s feelings of sadness. But the lyrics still work very well in the full narrative and seemingly include a second person (or ARMY) that helps him.

I just wanna be happier Melt me, I’m cold I’ve reached out my hand countless times

I still feel my heart Breathe faster like when I walked on the cold winter streets Don't say you're fine 'Cause you're not Please don't leave me alone, it hurts too much Please feel the warmth in my hands They're cold, that's why I need more of you

I think you can quickly see how the cold, the melting and the reaching out of the hand are lyrics we have seen before from Taehyung. Most recently in Snow Flower of course “Feel the warmth next to me. Hold me with your cold and soft hands” and where he directly references Blue & Grey “Your warmth will melt my blue and grey away”. Not only does it fit with Taehyung’s other song, but he has literally told us Jimin’s smile can take away his blue feelings, and that Jimin is the warmest person that he knows.

We once again have this theme of hands as in Happy Christmas “Never let go of my both hands” and of course in Spring Day “Wanna get to the other side of the earth, holding your hand”. I think that Taehyung has an image of the story he wants to tell as he seems to on purpose leave a lot of references back and forth between several of his songs. Or at the very least seem to be thinking a lot of similar things as tells his stories in his songs.

With the holding of hands and needing the warmth of the other we also see once again that what has changed is that they are together in the winter. They can endure the cold despite the hurt, but only together. Taehyung needs the other person next to him, he wants to hold their (also cold) hand because that is what he says will help him feel happier.

Don't say you're fine 'Cause you're not

Is also quite matching as a sentiment towards Jimin's lyrics in Promise "I say that it's all okay. The truth is, it doesn’t seem so". I know Yoongi wrote this line, but Taehyung did like it enough to even change parts of the song to match it. It also ended up being the part that Vmin harmonized together.

Further in Blue and Grey we also have the very end of it.

After secretly taking back words floating in the air I now fall asleep at dawn, good night

Once again in Taehyung’s style he also seems to leave a hint that this is a personal song and his feelings. As with “Sharing my fragile truth” in Sweet Night and later “I'll sing this song” in Snow Flower. Of course he has also told us it’s personal, but I mean he likes to include hints in his songs about it being his thoughts.

Not only are there words he is secretly taking back, but they are floating in the air. Of course this doesn’t have to be a Spring Day reference, but it does fit Jimin’s part “Like the tiny dust, tiny dust floating in the air”. It also feels like Vmin. The way Taehyung has over the years mentioned Jimin in various ways or even told us about how some of his songs are connected to Jimin. The words are out there floating in the air, but revealed in small doses, sometimes even getting backtracked as when Namjoon removed the part about Jimin in his 4 o’clock message. It's all out there but not explicitly. Taehyung expresses his feelings but takes it back, secretly. To me even if this isn't about Jimin it does indicate there are things Taehyung wants to say, and even does say, but that he has to be careful about.

Then there is the fact that Taehyung finally falls asleep and can tell us all good night himself. He really loves the night and has used the theme very much in several of his songs. He finally seems to be at some peace. 

He also directly references dawn. Which feels like it could have a connection to 4 o'clock and Taehyung's feelings and in extension Jimin. Once again the dawn, somewhere between the night and the morning, seems to be where they are the most at peace. Similar to my interpretation of 4 o'clock in my very first song analysis, this in between moment is the place they have now and finally Tae is able to fall asleep somewhat content.

However, I don’t know how much of the song was changed from the original, so I also think we need to acknowledge the lyrics of Taehyung’s original version of Blue & Grey including more sombre words (if the translation is correct):

I just wanna be happier Baby don't let me go I feel tired in the winter sky Wish I could be stronger...

This makes the song both romantic, includes the theme of winter and has Taehyung express worry about the other person letting go and that he wishes he was stronger in this whole ordeal. All very fitting in the full narrative if we consider Vmin and their songs pointing at the struggles of wanting something they can’t truly have right now. For example having to be only friends at the moment.

I really have no clue if Blue & Grey is or was meant to be a possible Vmin song, but if there is a cohesive narrative that Taehyung is taking parts from to use in his songs it wouldn’t really surprise me if he at least sees Jimin as a comfort in his difficult times, similar to as when he wrote 4 o’clock.

(video)

So while this song is not only Taehyung’s and has been changed a lot, I still felt the sentiment in it (together with the earlier version) was interesting for this possible narrative that Taehyung has someone he loves and wants to be with. It could be ARMY, it could be someone else, but it also works with Jimin in particular.

Christmas love

I have yet to write a proper analysis of Christmas love and Snow Flower, so I might have gone into a bit more than just things related to Spring Day. But the most important theme is the thing both songs have in common with each other and with Spring Day, which is of course the winter and cold and what it could mean to them.

If we look at some of the lyrics from Jimin’s Christmas love and how much he cherishes the snow and Christmas in a very romantic way, if there are connections between the themes it could further point at how “winter” has become something that is theirs and that they cherish. So let’s say winter and snow and cold represents not being together, hiding and difficult times at first, then the view might now have shifted and that while they are together in difficult times, they do have each other. Maybe not fully in the way they want, but with the promise of a future together. Just as the night now seems sweet, the winter is happy as we see with the Christmas season.

In Christmas love “For me who's been waiting for you, Could you stay a little bit longer?” We once again have the theme of staying and waiting for someone (though in Jimin’s song it seems to be about waiting for winter/Christmas, but it doesn’t always have to be about a singular thing). 

For me this could bear similar meaning as the night vs. day references of being together and having each other in the dark, while being blinded and scared of the light. Even though they do wish for being together in the day or spring, the dark and winter is what they have now and they in a way cherish that too simply because they go through it together. (We are each other’s mystery, is that what makes it more special?)

Just as with Promise, this song’s possible connection will be much more vague and possibly coincidence. In particular since it is after all a Christmas song and having snow as a theme won’t be weird at all. But, it does fit very well with the transition from winter being harsh, to now having come to love it and even looking forward to parts of it. We also can’t completely ignore that both Jimin and Taehyung did write a Christmas song each, releasing them right after each other.  Especially after Taehyung letting us know about his original Christmas song and how he wasn’t allowed to sing it with Jimin. 

Let’s see some of the more particular similarities. 

Oh I been waitin' for this Christmas Day My heart is already on this white street It snowed in my dream last night You've been waiting all day under the covers

We once again have waiting and if we look at the difference between the narrative in Spring Day and this song, we have gone from “Time’s so cruel, I hate us” to “I hope today lasts forever”. Similar to going from waiting for spring or the morning to finding some happiness in the winter and the night, we can suspect that the waiting either has changed or that they have come more to terms with the time and state they currently are in. Jimin sings later again that he has been waiting. “I've been waiting for. Today it's Christmas Day”. There is both a “I’ve been” and a “you’ve been” waiting which also makes the waiting from two perspectives.

We have the mention of a street, but now instead of a flower road it is a white one. Jimin’s heart is in winter, and he associates snow and Christmas with something positive, similar to Taehyung in Happy Christmas or even Winter Bear.

We also have the theme of sleeping and dreaming. If we include the perspective of Winter Bear here it also aligns with Jimin being the one seemingly able to sleep but Taehyung having trouble (or at least being more honest with letting it show). There is also waiting under the covers. It seems possible Jimin could be dreaming and sleeping while Taehyung still has trouble sleeping, but has come to appreciate the night nonetheless. In both the cases of night and winter the tone has gradually gone from sadness and longing, to acceptance and love.

If anyone is listening to me Will you let the time stop now? Christmas I love you Like the white snow Fallen snow You come down on my day Christmas I love you Oh, you're the one I hope today lasts Forever To be honest, I'm afraid you'll leave Because today is short I've been waiting for you all this time Can you stay with me a little bit longer?

There is also some insecurity, in having waited for so long, now they are afraid it will end too soon. Something we also see in Spring Day with the “Yes I hate you, you left me. But I never stopped thinking about you, not even a day” but we also know both songs end up with the perspective of wanting to be together.

Once again we see the use of “stay” which can relate back to both Spring Day and Friends. Same with forever. But all in all considering the feeling of wanting time to stop, there really is a huge difference over time. It’s like the waiting is almost over, even though they still seem to be in Winter. 

What we hear in the lyrics is that Jimin wants this to last, to stop time, and be together forever. Using “you are the one” also makes it feel more like a romantic declaration than simply just loving the Christmas season in itself. But we also have to keep in mind this is Jimin’s song, and most songs have been Taehyung’s. So perhaps it’s not part of the same changing narrative at all, but is simply something unrelated that Jimin wrote. (Again, most songs could be argued to be to or about ARMY).

Jimin said this when the song was released:

I do find it a little odd how he speaks about hiding his emotions, though I guess it could simply be him being a bit embarrassed to share his “childish” thoughts and emotions with us or the struggles he feels in regards to not being able to perform and meet fans. It’s also funny how he talks about wanting to turn back time to simpler days of his childhood. But at the very least this shows that BTS certainly can get inspiration and sing about things they have felt that they aren’t feeling or experiencing any more.

As for Jimin’s message about the song it seems straightforward enough, but with the way a magazine phrased it I couldn’t help but include it.

“BTS’s Jimin is doing his bit to brighten up everyone’s Christmas by dropping a special festive song.  On Christmas Eve, the K-pop star released his solo effort Christmas Love, in the hopes that ARMYs would embrace their inner children around the holidays. The sweet song is all about Jimin’s memories of Christmas, and is packed full of jingle bells for that festive feel. After dropping the surprise song, Jimin shared a blog post for ARMYs explaining the inspiration behind Christmas Love.”

Obviously this is just one person’s comment on the song and doesn’t actually mean anything, but considering Taehyung has his song Inner Child (and that Jimin has said that Taehyung still has that innocence of a child) I just thought it was a fun little anecdote.

I remind you that Jimin himself back in 2016 also said he wanted to sing a Christmas song as a gift to the one he loves. Accidentally saying "we" and also matching well with Taehyung starting to write a Christmas song for them to sing together. That same Christmas they also released a clip each of them singing a Christmas song with Jimin's being a reply to Taehyung's.

In the end it’s the timing and the repeated themes of “stay” and “waiting” that he talks about in a way that sounds rather romantic that fits this narrative the most. 

Snow Flower

Just as Happy Christmas and Christmas love this song has a positive attitude towards the winter and of course Christmas itself. We can tell that we are in winter, but they are in both songs fairly content with that at this point.

Hey snow It's coming today What else should I prepare? I’m ready to greet you, ok (Ok) Grey is Fallin' on the canvas You can just cover it white I'll give you the world (I'll give it to you) In this cold season You are my special event Your warmth will melt My blue and grey away (o-o-oh)

What we see is that Taehyung is ready. Ready for the cold and accepting of the snow. He says this other is their special event and their “warmth will melt my blue and grey away”. It’s this other that helps him through the cold, makes him ready to greet it and makes it all special. It’s very similar to the sentiment of Happy Christmas where it’s the two of them together that basically makes Christmas. We can also see that the white will cover the grey, so we literally have him getting comfort out of the snow and winter at this point if we put the songs together.

We also have lyrics like “I'll give you the world (I'll give it to you) In the cold season” which could honestly represent the same thing as in Spring Day, with the cold season being the time of difficulties. (We also have him use a similar line in Inner Child which is partly why I decided to include it: I'll give you my world) 

But they are in this together, which means that if Taehyung is inspired by Spring Day and the theme of winter being a difficult time, he has in his songs (Winter Bear, Happy Christmas and Snow Flower) managed to find even happiness and beauty in this difficult time. In particular together with this possible other special person.

Christmas without you would just not be Christmas at all Bright mistletoes up above us, it's just you and me (I love you)

Just as in 4 o’clock it’s just “you and me” there in the song. And just like in Happy Christmas, it’s definitely a romantic sentiment. If we look at it in a possible timeline, perhaps Christmas is the last step before we come into the actual spring. But at this point or at least in these songs, it seems there is no hurry to leave. Christmas is basically being happy and finding something good in the middle of winter. We also see that to Taehyung this happy time exists because of this other person being there. Which works well with Winter being harsh turning into a Happy Christmas simply because of this other person.

When the world is full of white flowers May our times be more special (eh-e) When time is standing still May these flowers fall on your sad smile (e-e-eh)

We can see that not all is happy, but perhaps something in between? He describes a sad smile and it really seems Taehyung and this other person have a difficult time but being together helps them. We have white flowers falling and metaphorically or not it reminds us of the snow in Spring Day perhaps being mistaken for flowers. The flowers are now falling in winter in Taehyung’s song. We also have Taehyung hope for their time in winter to be more special, which again could match with Friends' "We are each other’s mystery, is that why it’s even more special". They have each other to warm each other up in the cold season now.

When the world turns beautifully white I'll spread those fading colors with you There's a lot of white angels here and there this year Take a deep breath and look at those flowers that look like you Feel the warmth next to me Hold me with your cold and soft hands I'll keep you safe Let the white snow fall on us forever

An alternative translation “I'll let the white snow fall forever with you”. If we all put these songs together, it’s really possible that by now Taehyung has accepted and doesn't mind the cold winter seasons as long as they get to be together in some way. He will keep them safe, away from the suffocating sun. Just as "Christmas without you would just not be Christmas at all" he needs this person with him to be happy in the winter even if it's in a way he doesn't want or at least isn’t the ideal way he would wish for. If we talk about keeping another person safe it also of course matches with Serendipity’s “You're my penicillium, saving me, saving me. My angel, my world” which again has a direct line between Vmin because of Taehyung’s choice of contact name for Jimin. (You could also go back to Lie and Stigma, but I won’t in this post as I have talked about it before.)

He is by now happy to be with this person forever, even with the snow falling. Again, remember the use of snow falling in Spring Day and how they wish it will be flowers falling instead? “How much longing should we see snowing down” and “Maybe it’s cherry blossoms and this winter will be over” but here Taehyung thinks it’s more ok for the white snow to fall forever and there are still flowers present.

Did you see the snow? Like your eyes Believe in Santa Claus? I'll take away A warm gift with you Every time this season comes, like the tip of your nose, let's Fall in love I'm just feeling Stay by my side I'll match your footsteps I'll sing this song (You make me wanna be a better man)

Once again you also have it clear it’s a romantic song, and once again we also hear the plea of staying, like in Spring Day and Friends (and Christmas Love). I also think the line of the footsteps could be a possible link to this line in Scenery “If you leave footprints I’ll keep it warm” and about the two now being side by side instead of one following the other trying to reach them. 

(A small detail here is that the line “You make me wanna be a better man” could likely be from the movie “As good as it gets”, and while it’s not part of the main story or connected to the quote, there is a secondary character who is gay man; an artist that has a small dog. I mean it’s probably more of a stereotype of the time but I wanted to include it.)

I think you can see the overall changes matches no matter if we talk about night, winter, waiting or being together. We have gone from being apart to being together and from being sad about winter to finding some joy in it. There is sadness there, and they know it, but they can still give each other some happiness and warmth.

When the world is full of white flowers May our feelings grow deeper and deeper May the flowers land on your smile Below the streetlamp frozen in time (Yeah-e)

There is also a mention of a smile, and together with holding hands that is another one of Taehyung’s favorites to include. He has it in Happy Christmas where it is also seemingly under a light, though not specifically a streetlamp “Under the light, at your smile, the stars are shy”.

The flowers are now white, and possibly instead of hoping the snow will be flowers, to them the snow really has become flowers even if we haven't gotten to spring. Basically their own spring is in the winter now. Or perhaps rather than waiting for spring the same way they have instead found their Christmas together.  It's a change in perspective.

Looking at the cover art for Snow Flower we also see the boy protecting a purple flower from the snow, which matches with the lyrics “I'll keep you safe”. This might be a reach, but if the purple flower is to represent “I purple you” and someone that Taehyung wants to protect, we do have the possibility of that being Jimin because of his previous comments about “Not Tata” being the face of I purple you. Basically Jimin could be a person that represents the feeling of “I purple you” to Taehyung.

You can read more about it in my posts Tata and Jimin and Big Hit, BTS, Vmin and LGBT but in short Taehyung used to draw Jimin the way Tata looks, and in the vlive when he talked about Happy Christmas and how he couldn’t sing it with Jimin he also holds up a picture of “Not Tata” and says it’s the “face of I purple you”.

The flower in the cover is likely supposed to be a crocus, which is a purple flower that blooms early in spring when there is still snow left. I don’t know if it’s the same in Korea or if Taehyung is aware, but the meaning of the crocus is actually hope, and that “Winter will indeed end, and spring will come again...”

If so, the whole meaning of Snow Flower might indeed be to hold on as the season is about to change. 

Before moving on I just want to point out that Jimin and Taehyung both released Christmas songs back to back, and a different translation of Snow Flower has the line “I’m gonna sing this song in step with you” and honestly if that translation is accurate it does seem like a possible nod to Jimin releasing a Christmas song at the same time. Which is also interesting since both Taehyung and Jimin seemed to hurry and write their Christmas songs and Jimin apparently wasn’t even sure he would make it on time at all.

Each of them also have the lyrics include “I love you” and “Will you let the time stop now?/When time is standing still.” along with the themes of waiting and this time being happy about the falling snow. Also of course asking the other to stay “Can you stay with me a little bit longer?” and “Stay by my side” which at least in sentiment matches with their feelings for each other as expressed in Friends.

Spring Day (Taehyung version)

Let’s also take a moment to look at Taehyung’s version of Spring Day, which was not used but which we have heard him mention and even play snippets of a few times. He seems to be really proud of it, and rather salty to be frank that they ended up using Namjoon’s version.

We have him tweet a short part of it on march 19th 2017. The same day he also had a vlive that is no longer available since it was only put on the vlive + channel where he played the version for the first time. 

It’s also around the time they recorded their Spine Breaker MV (Tae plays the song in his vlive) while in Chile, aka Taehyung’s “if I am feeling blue your smile will cheer me up” period and in general just a height of Vmin moments. (Tae/kookers have a lot of theories here, but sharing a room was something Vmin did literally two days before this live so I am not sure it proves anything even if members are sharing rooms at this point). 

This version is clearly romantic, and the lyrics are something like:

Remember that Spring Day, Don't Forget it Remember your dreams, Don't Give up I fallin' you, I fallin' Cause maybe for your love (or forever?) Cause baby for that love Cause baby for love

Of course guide lyrics don’t have to mean much, and since he has mostly talked about making the melody I am not sure if the lyrics are even his or not. But it does at least show a somewhat romantic theme that also feels a bit similar to Tae’s “Happy Christmas” with “Hotter than coco, i'm fallin'”. I wanted to include it because Taehyung really does seem to use very romantic words and expressions in his songs quite consistently since 2017. But mostly because behind the scenes there was at least a time when Spring Day was romantic.

In his version we also have the possibility of Tae being of the perspective that they have promised each other spring and he doesn't want the other person to forget or give up on that dream. Or perhaps that they will focus on their careers and to reach their dreams but to remember their love and that waiting to be together is worth it. Imagine if they actually have promised each other to wait for a better time, after the cheers die down, and keep reminding each other of that promise and their wish to be together in their songs? Reassuring each other of their promises and asking the other to wait for them.

In Friends you also have them singing, reminding themselves of their promises and this section "Never forget. More than the plain “thank you”. You and me. Decided not to fight tomorrow for real."

So imagine if they use songs to express patience and the hardships of waiting while reassuring each other of their longing and promises. They want the other to remember what they are waiting for and why. Which also makes me look at Vmin singing "I remember" several times to each other during their shared part in Life goes on a bit differently. After all most of this post is about how they can relate to songs even if they aren't about them specifically.

In fact the whole lyrics to that song could easily be included in this analysis, which could point at it not being personal or at them really just liking to use these themes a lot. It also matches the lyrics of Friends and at this point I feel like I can just make almost all songs connect in one way or another. (Check out the lyrics if you want to know what I mean, because truly with the way all these other songs sound Life Goes On fits right in with them, even if the narrative becomes a bit odd.)

But, in short, considering their “numerus promises and memories” mentioned it Friends and in line with their songs it’s possible Vmin know what they want from each other, but are prepared to wait, and have finally started to find some good compromises with being stuck in a winter or night where they have to stay hidden or even apart to some extent. They have promises of the future, and they constantly remind themselves and each other to wait and to stay together.

Sleep

Before moving on to things outside their songs there is also the small unreleased teaser song Taehyung has shown us that might end up on his album that he posted on the morning (4.24 am) of the 21th of April 2021 that he captioned with “Sleep”. Here is the translation provided by @btstranslation7 on twitter.

The silent night approaches me and when i look towards the window with an empty gaze I see the clouds outside are still walking [in the sky] and the ruffling of my bed covers Slowly, slowly fades away Slowly, slowly the night fades away The night’s become warm and a comfort to me Can I go to bed & sleep tonight? May I lean my body on you now I’m leaving to sing another story of mine But I’ll be back again May i lean my body on you, tonight Day and night, I think of you In my dream

I think you understand why I felt like I should include it, considering the night and sleeping theme. First as you see the general themes are all things we have seen many times, but we also have similarities with Jimin’s Christmas love with the line “You've been waiting all day under the covers”. Being under the covers could of course also be another possible metaphor for being hidden away in some form. If the ruffling of the sheet fades, and the night fades and Taehyung is finally able to lean his body on the other person and also fall asleep, there has for sure been a change. 

This song speaking about the night fading away and how “the night’s become warm and a comfort to me” is very interesting. Because it basically tells the story I have suspected, with the change and progress over these songs and years. The night isn’t cold anymore and he asks if he can finally go to bed and sleep. It’s not a completely happy song, but it’s definitely a very positive progress. Just like the Winter having Christmas the night has warmth now. He also asks if he may lean his body on this other person, and it all just sounds like we are at a turning point. The waiting and the longing is in some sense over. They are here too just one small step away from being together properly and perhaps it’s the thought of them finally being together (in some form) that allows Taehyung to sleep.

The line "Day and night, I think of you" also makes me think of both Jimin's quote "In Taehyung's head there is only me" and that time Taehyung replied to a post on fan café asking "why aren't you sleeping?" with "so that Jimin can dream".

A reason this song is so interesting is also because of the “may I lean my body on you know”, because unlike many other of Taehyung’s songs this doesn’t feel as easily explained away as being about ARMY. Of course it could be that he misses being with the fans and adds those feelings in a more “romantic/sexual” setting of a one on one. But that line in combination with actually leaving the person in the night to go and sing tells a story I have a hard time seeing as something other than a wish from Taehyung about a particular person he wants to be with.

He also says he is leaving to “sing another story of mine” which also could indicate most of Taehyung’s songs are personal things he wants us to know and express as openly as possible. We can see a story, seemingly one story told in various ways over many songs in different times with different angles. But one story all the same; Taehyung’s story.

I think if we look at every song there are a substantial amount of similarities criss crossed between them. Once again it could simply be a certain love for the themes, but considering how well at least Taehyung’s songs match each other and how he has said several of them are personal, I think it’s very possible these songs could be about his feelings for the same person. Perhaps it’s just his love for ARMY or his struggles with fame and depression, but honestly there are many indications of there being a romantic love involved.  It doesn’t have to be about Jimin even if it is romantic, but it does fit very well.

And that will be it for this part. I hope you enjoyed it even though it probably had a lot of repetition. Please reblog, like and comment to let me know your thoughts.

Go HERE for part 3

#vmin #vmin analysis #song analysis #spring day analysis #vmin song analysis #Vmin song analysis - Winter in August #part 2 #winter in august #vmin gif #btsandvmin #my post #long post

[sanstropfremir]

(not sure if you have done this before) but how do you rank taemin's cbs/title trackss?

I haven't really done an official ranking per se, but someone did ask me about my favourite taemin songs which you can read here, but I can go a little bit more in depth if you like! i think these are his main title tracks? i know he released a bunch of japanese singles including eclipse (which is a song i love) but i think these are all the ones with mvs? i’m probably missing some because he has so much and i can’t keep track. also these are purely in my personal opinion on which songs i like the best combined with aesthetics and concepts, not full analysis of the stages + choreo + aesthetics, because that would take SO long.

advice - perfect culmination of his career up to this point and also a perfect note for him to fuck off to the military on. i wrote more about it in my taemin + masks post, but it has big fuck all y’all energy and i love that for him because he’s been so prominent a public figure for so long. also i’m obsessed with the styling and how grody it is. especially the charles jeffrey suit, who is one of my fave scottish designers.

famous - what do i even have to say here. the ropes. the bloody nose. all the half eaten apples. the LYRICS. the concept photos of him in the acrylic box. everything about the choreo is so weird and awkward and incredible. only taemin would make the point choreo of a title track straight up spasming.

want - i think we all know how i feel about want and the answer is i love everything about it. flawless. it’s so careless and deliberate and watching the choreo is so hypnotizing and he knows it. it’s really one of his best examples of perfect execution of concept + choreo + song all together.

criminal - i hate that criminal is fourth on this ranking but taemin’s discography really is that flawless. another example of perfect execution of concept + choreo + song all together, and i think i’d probably rank the live stages of criminal higher than those of want, but i personally like the choreo and concept of want that smidge bit better. if you haven’t already seen it please watch this kbs song festival stage because everything about it makes me insane. the lava suit?!?! and then you should watch the intro choreo clip that kasper posted. AND THEN you should watch koharu’s original demo choreo, just because. also the mv is an incredible work of art and one of the best mvs i’ve ever seen. my only complaint is that there wasn’t enough chainsaw.

idea - i hate that idea is fifth on this ranking. this is the only song i’ve ever had a visceral bodily response to: the first time i heard that bass and strings drop in the chorus i actually almost vomited. catholic fuckery? check. niche intellectual concepts that have no place being in a kpop song? check. boa? check. perfection.

move - it’s excellent but also it’s four years old now and so much of his newer work expands on the concepts that he first put forth here much better. do i still watch the mv occasionally? absolutely. is it still leagues ahead of most of kpop? 1000%. the choreo will be forever iconic and i don't think he's going to be able to ditch it anytime soon. patiently waiting for the day we get footage of him dancing it with his new boy crew in the military.

press your number - it’s a great song and a fantastic album; press it has my all time favourite taemin track one by one on it. but again, like move, it’s from early in his solo career and in terms of overall concept and aesthetics, his newer stuff hits harder as gesamkunstwerk.

danger - it’s great and i’m very partial to the remix with sherlock that he’s been performing at concerts, but it's the same as with press your number: it doesn’t read as ‘him’ in the same way as his post-move stuff. although at the time i’m sure it was genuine because he was 21 and wanted to shake the ‘feminine’ and boyish persona that he’d been pigeonholed into, but a lot of the aesthetics of the mv and the stages from his debut feel a lot like performative overcompensation when looking back at them from where his current work sits. honestly it’s kind of neat to see how far he’s matured; he was shirtless for danger and he was shirtless for advice too, but both of them have very different vibes. i think that’s why i like the remix with sherlock so much, it’s kind of like a sonic acceptance and embodiment of the journey he’s been on.

sayohito - it's fine i just don’t listen to ballads!

under my skin - it's fine i just don’t listen to ballads!

flame of love - it's fine i just don’t listen to ballads!

#taemin meta #kpop questions #kpop analysis #i dont dislike danger or dont think it's valid #i think it's extremely important in plotting the trajectory of his career and his evolution of an artist #and he probably would not be the same artist now without it #however it does make me snort every time i look at the concept photos #answers #text #im so rarely in the mood to listen to ballads #when i say rarely i actually mean never #i listen to music mostly as background to other tasks and i prefer stuff that has more of a driving rhythm in order to stay on track #i will watch PERFORMANCES of ballads and other more heavily narrative based songs because they deserve to have attention paid to them #and i do not listen to music to pay attention to it #am i the worst music listener in the world? yes

[prodbyteez]

kingdom dance analysis

BEFORE ANYONE TELLS ME TO CHECK MY CREDIBILITY

i’ve been dancing competitively since i was 7

i am a dance teacher 

i’ve done many different styles: ballet, contemporary, lyrical, modern, tap, jazz, hip hop, and musical theater

i will be OBJECTIVE - do i have certain groups i know more or follow more, yes. will that affect how i analyze each performance NO

i will not be doing rankings or places. there’s no need for that

if i make a statement about choreo - I UNDERSTAND THAT THESE ARE CHOREOGRAPHED BY SOMEONE 

these are solely my opinions and thoughts. please do not take offense to anything i say. please. but if you’ve got thoughts, let me know! i’d be happy to talk about dance :)

juyeon - the boyz

i love the beginning arch from the floor, it was different and unique and set the breathiness and lightness of the rest of the performance

his musicality is amazing, in hitting every piano key, his performance rely less on the core and the power and instead rely on subtlety and airiness

the short beat drop in the middle was pretty good, but i do feel like the choreo felt a little off for the theme

the silence was great, but the part where he like chokes?? himself?? (idk the bg is red) i feel like there could’ve been a little more drama and power at that point

his initial movements from that point on could’ve been driven with a little more sharpness and power, but the flow through it all was still great

overall - i think he did amazing and i really enjoyed the fluidity of it all

lee know - stray kids

okay contemporary pull through

the isolations are incredible

the beginning is already so incredibly structured, from the use of the wolf’s howl to demonstrate fluidity to the beats showing the intricate isolations MM yes

the main powerful performance is really amazing too

it doesn't feel rushed or like the choreo doesn’t belong

similar to juyeon’s i feel like there are some parts where the choreo and power could be heightened to add drama or this sense of urgency and attack

again though, the musicality is really really amazing

the part where the beats speed up and its like (pardon me) DUNDUNDUNDUNDUNDUNDUN and he’s doing a lot of things really fast, i do feel like that could’ve been a little clearer and sharper

overall - this performance is amazing, from the musicality to the power in a contemporary style,, loved it

san - ateez

if there’s one thing this man will always give it is face

and from the get go you can tell how his performance doesn’t rely on technicalities but on story 

his musicality and power from the get go is already BOOM just right there

i love the fast/slow play - it really heightens the performance but really does give him room to play with facial expressions

there’s some points of choreography that i feel could’ve been a little better or changed to fit the music better - i see this a lot when the really fast beats come in, the choreo feels like it doesn’t match the intensity of the music at times (not just with san but with the performances in general)

he did look like he was gonna fall out of his scorpion (that thing where he pushes off the ground to stand up - pls be careful bby)

the big beat drops at the end where it goes DUN...DUN...DUN...DUN - i would’ve like to see one more bit of choreo before he walks off (but that’s probably just for him in get in position for the flower) 

i love the kick at the end, especially how the camera moves with it, i think it really just seals this performance

overall - definitely love the story he gave through his facial expressions and through playing with the fast and slow parts + the intensity and power through his movement

minhyuk - btob

okay lyrical come through

he definitely is taking a more contemporary, lyrical approach to the performance which i do enjoy seeing

i do feel like there are some parts lacking a bit in power

the jump in the middle feels a bit out of place

i really love the extensions of his body though

he flows through the music and doesn't forget the gentleness of each step

it was short :(

i do enjoy seeing a good contemporary piece, and i think the music fit this perfectly

i would’ve liked to see a bit more power come through for him and maybe a bit more intensity

overall - i though he did really great with his extensions and lightness of the choreo nd i would’ve loved to see more

taeyang - sf9

the beginning already - hi sir who are YOU

UGH THE CONTEMPORARY

his turns were spotted and controlled and then the drop to the half split - the silence there is breathtaking i love it

oh my gosh this intensity in the breathing in the song but also how his movements literally break through the air like they’re sharp breaths

OH THAT BEAT DROP

his musicality is amazing, every tic is a new movement

OKAY ILLUSION (that thing where is leg is up in the air and his head is grazing the ground and he’s on one foot)

this musicality is insane im losing my mind here

i love how the breaths in the song are chances for him to really go and take those dramatic breaths for himself before he goes into another set of choreo

HE DOES A 540 OHHHHHHHHHHH (the turning jump he does towards the end)

oh and the ending pose

overall - wow, this performance blew me away, from the contemporary to the musicality, it was incredible, loved it so much

donghyuk - ikon

okay smiley

i’ve seen donghyuk as a dancer through who’s next and all the yg shows

honestly, i do feel this is a little lackluster for him

maybe it’s the choreo or the style or the robe

but some of his moves feel a little repetitive

there’s a lot of arm swirls i see which do fit the song quite great

but there’s not really a lot of choreo i see to be honest

akajfl i don’t want this to seem like im crapping on him, cause i know he’s a great dancer

the scorpion and jump feel a little out of place

hhh, i do appreciate his power and intensity in his performance but i just feel like it’s not quite there

overall - i love him so much and he’s so talented, i just feel like this performance couldn’t really show that, but i do believe that we’ll be seeing a lot more from him during kingdom

#kingdom #writingsbyteez #pls these r my opinions and i really tried to be as objective as possible #juyeon #the boyz #tbz #lee know #minho #stray kids #skz #san #choi san #ateez #minhyuk #lee minhyuk #btob #taeyang #sf9 #dk #donghyuck #ikon

[woogurl]

so i decided to make a short analysis and i say short because i don’t know how short it’ll be. 

this is in regards to the anon who said that kq seems to push woosan too much in choreos/taking pics together/high fives/etc.

don’t get me wrong, i’m not here to prove to you that these moments aren’t fanservice because as i mentioned before, that they often are. however, i do not think kq is always responsible for all these moments. i think they have many subtle moments that make me think otherwise. 

i know when we think of fanservice moments, there’s no doubt that fake love

and this legendary, sensational ass performance tops them all.

now before we rid these moments as just fanservice, can we talk about how comfortable they are with doing this kind of stuff. yeh many group ships do fanservice, but understand that MOST do not go this far. Nor do they commit to this degree. even with korea’s culture, there are just some boundaries most of these men do not want to cross. let’s talk about a fanservice moment with nct, and use mark and johnny as an example. there’s a moment where they get very close and intimate during superhuman but they always seem very uncomfortable. at least mark does. he simply does not seem to like this type of intimacy with males. and that’s completely fine.  

i also want to use nct as a whole as an example there’s many times where the company tries to get them to do fanservice but to no avail. they just laugh and joke around, and that’s because they see each other as brothers. i’m not referring to any specific ships. i simply mean in general. so the company makes them do fanservice but they’re not forced to “enjoy it or do it often”.

now let’s take a very intimate taejin moment didn’t want to do a popular ship for obvious reasons. sorry taejin shippers. 

the intensity is there on tae’s side, but not jin. it just seems like he’s doing his job and giving the fans a bit of fanservice. there’s also a more intense taejin moment where there seems to be a lot of sexual tension, but i’m not convinced that there is because they’re obviously doing it for the camera. they’re both good actors so. i’m sure they could convince anyone that they have incredible chemistry and sexual tension.

but let’s be real, it’s not convincing when it’s obvious that they’re just giving their fans a show. so i can understand why people are like woosan are doing it for show. esp because unlike any other ship there’s so many woosan moments in their choreos and they just dance together so often. and i’m gonna assume the anon brought this up because there’s woosan moments in their newest song inception and fever. LET’S NOT EVEN MENTION THE LYRICS. now ateez is one of those groups who does a lot of fanservice in choreo’s in general, but they def use woosan to their advantage. why? because it’s such a popular ship, but so is seongjoong as i mentioned before. they could capitalize on seongjoong as well, but their moments are often less organic when they do do fanservice. like i said they don’t pretend to enjoy it. hongjoong is very open about his disgust with skinship. so no i don’t think kq forces woosan to pretend to enjoy it. i think they just genuinely enjoy the fanservice.

so let’s take some subtle moments during woosan choreo’s.  

now, this iconic moment was during random play dance in budapest and it isn’t actually apart of any choreo, but mind you seonghwa and mingi were supposed to do a couple dance as punishment. but was like fuck fanservice. well they did give us a different type of fanservice hip thrusts. while woosan was basically like...

can u see the difference in atmosphere, like woosan didn’t have to do anything but they started dancing as if they were really at a club. san was literally eye-fucking woo and biting his lips and shit like damn. lmfao.

woo of course was like okay, that’s enough and pointed to mingi and seonghwa, u prob can’t see because it’s hard to capture but if u watch the vid u’d see woo was like. “ok, das enough, pay attention to mingi and seonghwa”. san was really feeling it tho. enfen.

next moment was during the expedition tour in lisbon. they were doing a random play dance. 

first of all i didn’t even know this moment existed. someone pointed it out in a dm. @ 1:48 there was a lot of tension between woo and san. it was just a random moment during the play dance. the way they looked at each other and san flicked woo’s chin. oomph. HONGJOONG WAS NOT HAVING IT and quickly intervened. san was lowkey mad at hj. 

in the end, woosan ended back up together, despite being separated. 

anyway next moment during Random Dance in Milan (Magazzini Generali). they were dancing to monsta x shoot out and woo wanted him and san to do it together. so he went the opposite way of everyone else.

at this point woo and san were trying to find a way to properly interact with each other but it was so messy because everything was unplanned. they were so attentive to each other that when jongho came and asked them to do the second verse(?) move they just ignored the poor baby. ‘cause they obv had other plans.

jongho ended up doing it by himself while woosan continued with their own plans. ooOOP.

woo wanted to do another song with san, and i guess he wanted them to do the same thing i’m not sure, but san looked just as confused as well. but he did his best in doing what i guess he figured woo wanted him to do. he was up for it tho, he was like what is it? i’ll do it. xD. i know some of y’all are like btch get a youtube channel so we could see the moments better. but idk how to do utubesokey;c

woo ended up getting shy and embarrassed for some reason and san was quick to comfort him. it was super sweet.

next moment is the Random Play Dance in Berlin. Where they were both shyly dancing to twice. They didn’t know what to do, or at least was too shy to do it so san just grabbed woo and started dancing with him. It was another cute moment.

the entire time they were just planning on what they should do together, and san literally waited on woo to see what he wanted to do because woo often takes initiative in general between the two of them. they would just constantly keep touching each other and looking at each other. he was so attentive to woo that he wasn’t paying attention to yunho and seonghwa dancing so jongho and woo both had to point at them so san would turn his attention there. lol. 

san’s attention was still mostly on woo because he grabbed him to dance with. what i’ve noticed during these random play dance moments during tour is that they absolutely love interacting with each other, touching and keeping their attention on each other. it would be foolish to think they’re forced to act that way 24/7 because of kq. they react this way because they’re naturally close to each other and are okay with psychically being close to one another.

next moment is the Random Play Dance in Atlanta. 

yes, it does include the famous fake love woosan dance, but i still think it’s valid because as i’ve said before they’re incredibly comfortable with these types of interactions. also would like to mention how attentive san is to woo once again. for the most part his attention is mainly on woo if you pay attention to him closely.

next the Warsaw ATEEZ My Way SAN focus, san was incredibly attentive to wooyoung. san locks eyes with woo multiple times. i’m just gonna highlight obv moments.

0:45

2:12

NEXT. let met just say 181118 was a glorious fansign. 

Pirate King SAN focus the moment at 1:36 during pirate king where san was like, 'c'mere' to woo.

the moment at 2:22-24 where he was trying to get woo's attention but woo's focus was elsewhere.

the moment at 2:26 he really wanted woo's attention. crjkc j fjmk. that tongue tho mingi.

he then decides to use seonghwa to make woo jealous at 2:39.

he tried to get his attention again at 2:56.

let's talk about the my way cam too, that was full of subtle woosan as well.

not subtle, but still includes moments that isn't part of the org choreo.

once again san is so attentive to woo. if i haven't said this before san is so much more transparent than woo. and u can see that during these moments especially.

san all up in my man's space. sxdrcfgvbjkl 

san being relatable. He's so focused on woo that the members have to push him to the correct spot.

anywaY the point is they enjoy these kind of things  because they’re naturally close and intimate irl. so it makes their interactions looks completely natural and organic. so u don’t have to worry about them being ‘forced’ to do fanservice. ‘cause what woosan has is just something u can’t compare to another ship.

#ateez #wooyoung #san #woosan

[jonghours]

Real ATEEZ or HALAteez, who are the protagonists of THANXX? + Analysis

I have two possible theories about THANXX and what role it plays in the bigger picture of the storyline (despite how little it gave us to work with) so I’ll present both of them and let everyone decide which one seems more accurate. The theories in question are:

THANXX is the origin of a rebellious HALAteez

THANXX is just the continuation of INCEPTION (1st level)

But first I’ll start it with a brief MV analysis of the thinks that caught my attention (not many) and then jump onto the theories!

1. Things I noticed in the THANXX MV

this is a reach (classic me.), but in the rooftop scene you can see a skate and a couch, with remind me of WAVE (vaguely)

“obligatory member looking back while everyone goes forward shot”

In THANXX we go from their “school” setting to this kind of fantastic one, which seems to be a place where they can rebel against the rules and the controlling enviroment of the school. It’s very evident in the scene where ATEEZ disregards and literally throws away the book that Hongjoong was “mocking”, as if saying “I’ll do it my own way”, which is the theme of the song

also, this scene was familiar since the moment I saw it, but I don’t know what to do with it

and as usual, Yeosang is the only one who stares back at us, which he has been doing since the INCEPTION 

I’ve seen some people talk about how San and Wooyoung turn around too, but the truth is that they all do, with the exception of Mingi and Jongho (that we can see)

now we move from this setting to the “parade”. However it seems more than that. They move onto this setting after black clouds invade their secret place. Now what these and the Parade represent could go various ways, but I’ll talk about those in the theories.

Seonghwa is the only one with this makeup symbols, who are very reminiscent of their WIN performance makeup

The Red and Blue make a comeback in the for of smoke and.. cars?

However the blue smoke seems to dominate the shot

Now the ship. 

A lot of people are drawing the parallelism with ILLUSION, and even though that is true, it doesn’t mean it is the same one. Even if it was, I wouldn’t know how to fit this in the storyline, so let’s move on!

now, onto the theories.

2. THANXX is the origin of HALAteez

Now, this theory plays in the theory that HALAteez are the ATEEZ in suits in WONDERLAND, while those in regular clothes in that same MV are Real ATEEZ. I wrote that a while ago here.  Also, this theory was shared by another person and KQ seemed to agree with it  so I think we can give it green light. Another point made on that video is that HALAteez might be soldiers or puppets who want to rebel against a bigger power, which fits the possible theory I present here.

This theory in a nutshell would be: the ATEEZ who live in a dystopia (WONDERLAND), also known as HALAteez, want to rebel against the bigger power and oppresive system and might embark on a journey to do so, or maybe they are forced to go against Real ATEEZ, thus the black clouds, since they don’t want to follow these orders.

But before all of that I had noticed the similarities between THANXX and WONDERLAND, so I will list them here:

1. The flag shot

2. Yeosang’s shot in the teasers of both MVs

3. The dance moves

WONDERLAND’s famous hand choreo makes a comeback disguised in the THANXX choreo. 

the Say My Name choreo does too, but I already explained the similarities in concept with SMN, and I don’t want to make this more complicated and entangled than it is already.

4. The flag holders

I didn’t notice these the first time, but after watching the teaser again I noticed the WONDERLAND robotic arms waving the flags

5. The uniforms (and why this isn’t INCEPTION ATEEZ)

There are two uniforms in the ATEEZ universe as of now. Those used in INCEPTION, and those used in THANXX. They are even in the merch KQ released, making a very clear distinction between the two.

THANXX ATEEZ are linked to SMN ATEEZ as well, because of the nametags

this doens’t happen in INCEPTION, except for the title, so I won’t count the SMN things as concrete proof of this point.

2. THANXX is the continuation of INCEPTION

okay I’m not a fan of this one, but that doens’t mean it can’t be right

for this theory I don’t really have much proof, and the storyline doesn’t fit as well but might as well entertain the idea that this might be a possibility too. THANXX could be the universe that INCEPTION ATEEZ/ Diary Film ATEEZ wish they could be in. One in which they are together and can rebell against everything that makes them feel trapped in their own reality.

The only thing that made this idea pop up is what Seonghwa and Wooyoung said in the THANXX reaction video, which is what’s making everybody jump

However I think this might be them telling us this isn’t a dream, since we’ve been trapped in the “Dream In Dream” concept for INCEPTION. Also, remember that HALAteez are real, they are ATEEZ to some degree, they just belong to another reality. Also Wooyoung and Seonghwa have a superior connection with HALAteez as seen on HALA HALA and WONDERLAND, so it might actually be even more real for them.

#ateez #here comes nothing kasjdska #ateez theory

[shyung-shoes]

hello jill! i have returned after watching dancer ggu!

1) ggu’s execution of that pose before the kick is gorgeous. i really want to say more about move but i kept getting distracted bc ggu is kinda devastatingly handsome in that stage. but i agree that move is great

2) thank you for mentioning runaway ggu bc this made me remember how much i love runaway?--not that I forgot but this reminded me specifically why i love it. but specifically on ggu, it’s interesting because you mentioned grounded movements bc i noticed that he’s lighter on his feet than i would have expected. but it’s weird because at the same time I feel like his steps must be ordained by fate. boy groups will use fast or complex footwork so I’ve seen boys occasionally stutter step or side step into the correct formation spot. I feel like I haven’t seen someone move with the assurance that ggu does. He sticks the landing every single the time. At some point he’s probably been a little off but he commits to every step so completely it looks convincing to me. So it’s a fascinating contrast between him being light on his feet but also completely steady in his steps.

3) ggu really gets to show off his light feet in shintoburi because it’s quite a bouncy choreo. his angles are great it makes the chorus choreo very legible. my favorite part of ggu’s performance is when jinho sings fire and he gets to go a little wild.

4) for the other songs i would watch a multiple videos to see what you said but i watched one fancam for do or not and i realized i really didn’t need to watch anything else to confirm! pentagon are really theatre kids huh. he has such a great performance face! he doesn't drop his performance face even when he’s not the focus. when people talk about great idol expressions it’s usually for really big dramatic expressions but i think ggu has great subtle expressions. he does ham it up more for do or not (as it calls for) but, i noticed his more subtle expressions in shintoburi

5) ggu’s cosmo solo moment is nice! cosmo has some great contrast between fluid and sharp movement too. i esp love that melt he does at the start of wooseok’s rap and his spin in the last prechorus. and he really delivers in the last thirty seconds of the choreo

love rain ggu is so 😍😭😍 i’m ready to watch the musical staring love rain ggu

also... watching all these videos brought me to some concert fancams. i will just say, yeo changgu do you really need to do that much??

-dance anon

ahh dance anon i adore you so

1) ggu is devestatingly handsome there, i understand. like i wanna use my Critical Dance Analysis Brain but... ggu prettyyy....

2) i went back and rewatched runaway and you’re right!! ggu is so light on his feet! i think i may have said grounded where i meant purposeful (but i truthfully cannot remember what i originally wrote). he’s SO confident in his movement and that’s what covers up any little mistake. i remember being a baby dancer and getting ready for my first competition and my teacher told me “if you believe you’re right, even if you’re wrong, the audience will probably not know any different”

3) yes!! the angles!! the chorus choreo could be SUCH a mess but ggu nails it :// oh i agree!! that’s such a good moment. my favorite part i think has to be during wooseok’s verse

4) pentagon are a bunch of theater kids its true :/ i agree!!! ggu’s really great at keeping a consistent character and adjusting it to the whatever he’s performing

5) the! contrast! god it’s what i live for. those moments of “ba ba whoosh” (my favorite dancer vocalization to use while teaching) are really what it’s all about. cosmo ggu does deliver. delivers right to my doorstep with the speed of amazon prime (no idea if that makes sense outside of my own head)

love rain ggu.... the main character of my heart! truly! and i simply think changgu does have to do that much. he is doing it for the people!

#sorry i feel like i didnt have much to add #just cause you said it all so nicely! #but ggu is doing the most all the time... and at what cost #dance anon #q&a reply

[thinking-ji]

Why does TXT’s “We Lost The Summer” MV work?

Hi, I’m back again to overanalyse TXT’s MV for “We Lost The Summer”. After first watching it, I was overwhelmed by sadness but didn’t know why. After all, there have been literally tons of videos and songs about COVID-19. Until 2h ago, perhaps the most heart-wrenching song I’d heard about the topic was FINNEAS’ “What They'll Say About Us". Yet I was more deeply affected by “We Lost The Summer” thanks to its combination of brutal honesty, clever cinematic juxtaposition and images of kids suffering (from first world problems, but problems all the same).

I think what makes the MV work so well are two things:

The song conveys a message of longing for the past, for the "normal". This complements all the contrasting shots of "what is" and "what could have been". It hurts to see kids who could have had a fun summer with their friends out in the warm sun be banished to self-isolation with no one but themselves (or in some cases, a soft toy or a dog) for company.

Their acting. Their facial expressions do tons in expressing the plot, especially in the scenes where they look longingly at the camera. As cheesy as that sounds, their expressions line up perfectly with the almost resentful mood of the song.

Click ‘read more’ for frame-by-frame analysis of what makes the MV work:

0:09-0:15 Taking photos as a group in front of the toilet mirror, probably in school. Bright. Just a normal day in school with ya bros, no problems hugging one another.

0:16 Cut to Yeonjun receiving a Public Safety Alert. He's using an iPhone - this feature was not available until a few months into the COVID-19 outbreak (20 May 2020). Two possibilities - 1) This marks the point at which everything changed i.e. when the pandemic became concerning enough that quarantine was necessary (note the strict warning on screen - "If you leave home, assume you were exposed to COVID-19."); 2) canon-compliant sequence of events - this was in May 2020, when there was also a spike in cases in South Korea (see: Itaewon spike). The former is more likely, considering the lyrics "left alone on the evening of an endless March 1".

0:16-0:17 Back and forth shot - we first see the Public Safety Alert (with a jarring alert ringtone), then the video cuts to the group's concerned reaction, then back to the Public Safety Alert. Almost as if they cannot believe what they're seeing. Note also that the second shot of the Public Safety Alert is clearer than the first - they're paying more attention the second time around.

0:18 Cut to awkward Zoom call (with dog!).

0:19 Intro to main protagonist Yeonjun. Interesting styling choices here - Yeonjun doesn't himself have tattoos; these are fake tattoos. I see this as an effort to represent every kind of young person - it's not only the studious, clean-cut kids who choose to stay home. Now, even the stereotypical bad boys who would usually stay out are forced to stay home as well (that is, if they choose to be socially responsible).

Yeonjun is also putting on a simple singlet here. This is a clear departure from his school uniform. He's chosen to dress comfortably and looks disappointed. Perhaps he feels that nothing matters at this point. This will be a recurring theme throughout the video.

0:24 He gets up to hug his teddy bear, likely a source of comfort. He appears to be alone. Maybe the teddy bear is his only companion when he's at home. A stark contrast to the beginning of the video, when he had a squad of friends to hang out with.

0:26-0:27 Yeonjun starts to dress up for the Zoom call with his friends later. He seems to be in a much better mood with this semblance of normalcy. Or maybe he's just practicing his smile for the camera. His room is bright despite the blinds being drawn; it's the morning.

0:28 We realise that Yeonjun was smiling in the mirror. His expression changes as soon as he looks away. He's not happy about the situation; guess he's just practicing his smile for later.

0:31 The squad's coming online, just waiting for Yeonjun. Everyone is dressed up in bright colours, against their very bright and cheerily-coloured rooms. Juxtaposed with the rather dull school outfits and blue walls at the beginning of the video.

0:33-0:36 For the first time since being at home, he appears to be truly excited. He waves enthusiastically at the squad. Interestingly, his curtains are drawn and the only source of light is a neon green light in the corner of his room. It's unclear what time it is.

0:39 Classic eyes closed, close-up shot of Kai's face. Sadness. Slight increase in exposure near the end of the shot - reminiscence of a time when the surroundings were brighter.

0:41 Flashback to old times in school with the squad. The setting is brightly-lit. We'll see that this changes as the MV progresses.

0:47 Sharing earphones. Ah, the good times.

0:52 Taehyun throws a baseball across the open area. Something you won't get to do inside unless you want to break something.

0:54 Cut to Soobin lying down on the floor of his room (peak relaxing position tbh). He's just dropped his phone on his face. First world problems. Sucks that even little things like this will happen more often now that they're home alone with their phones being their only connection to the outside world.

0:56 Guess Soobin is trying to preoccupy himself by putting together a (big, may I add) puzzle. Seems like he also tried to distract himself with whack-a-mole. But he can't help but watch old videos of him and his friends - this is marked by the school uniforms. Again, reminiscing the old times.

0:58 Closer look at the video Soobin is watching.

1:00 Dude fell asleep with a puzzle piece on his face omg. Clearly bored/frustrated/tired of being stuck at home with puzzles being the most interesting thing he could possibly do alone.

1:01 Yeah, he's not happy about it.

1:03-1:08 Beomgyu is at home with his dog. I can't tell much other than that his dog doesn't hate him, which is a good thing when your dog is your closest companion at home.

1:09-1:12 I can't think of this shot of them syncing the choreo over Zoom being anything other than a cool way to transition to the dance and juxtapose with them performing the choreography together (see: 1:13~1:19).

1:20 Jamming out to the song together.

1:21, 1:24, 1:25, 1:27, 1:28: Yeonjun jamming out alone.

1:31 It's raining/snowing...

1:32 In their hideout in school (remember it's only partially covered). Also note that the colour scheme in the school setting has gotten much duller than before.

1:34 Taehyun catches a baseball. Note that he isn't in his school uniform, so we can assume he is alone here while everyone else is staying in.

1:35, 1:38, The squad escapes the rain.

1:40 Yeonjun admiring his image in the mirror while trying on a different jacket. Compare this and the previous images of him looking into the mirror, with a later shot of him looking into a mirror. Here, we can see both him and his reflection, which gives us the impression that he isn't alone.

1:44 Beomgyu is on the floor hugging his dog. Maybe he's given up lol

1:46 Beomgyu opened the blinds a little to look outside. "Want to see you again."

1:48, 1:50 I'm not sure what Kai was trying to do, but he definitely messed up that smiley face. Seems like an allusion to how everything was fine and dandy, but then this virus just had to come and ruin it for everyone.

1:51 Seems like Taehyun is playing baseball with himself.

1:56, 1:59 Repetitions show that Taehyun is going through the motions. Has nothing better to do.

2:03, 2:07 These shots confused me at first, but "I hate my face drained of expression" clears it up. Communicating online has reduced us to avatars, profile pictures and our digital versions of ourselves. A pretty digital avatar void of human emotion - that's what Soobin has become.

2:13 Beomgyu seems pretty happy creating his personal Jurassic Park...

2:15 But yeah, there could've been better things to do.

2:16 I know Beomgyu is creating an obstacle course for his dog, but his constantly changing environment (e.g. additional bowling pins in this frame) makes it seem like he's trying every possible trick in the book to occupy himself while he's alone.

2:22 Again, the introduction of Beomgyu's dog makes it seem like he's exhausting all his sources of entertainment. I'm not complaining though, it's cute to see him try.

2:25-2:26 The transition to a wide shot showing that Beomgyu's dog is leashed indoors is jarring when you think twice about it. There's no reason to leash his dog when they're indoors, but maybe he's trying to simulate being outside.

2:28 From here onwards is where the structure of the MV changes. Before this, we'd been getting shots of TXT at home interspersed with flashbacks of their time together pre-COVID. But now they're out on a large, empty road on a bright day. They would not be dancing on such a wide road if it weren't empty because no one needs/wants/is allowed to go anywhere. Also note that these are different outfits from previous cuts of them dancing, where they were dressed in their school uniforms.

2:31 Taehyun pastes a sticker of pixel ver. squad on his drone. Perhaps highlighting the fact that the only reminder he has of them while they're separated is their online presence.

2:33 Taehyun is wearing a helmet to fly his drone even though he doesn't really need to. It's not like he's travelling outside or anything. But anything to escape the feeling of being stuck at home, I guess. You do you. Also, the fact that he's flying a drone is symbolic of his wish to travel or at least wander outside. He can't do it in person, so he lets his drone do it for him.

2:33 The squad arrives on the rooftop! Note that Yeonjun is wearing the jacket he tried on the second time - this is still during COVID times. How were they able to get on the rooftop with Taehyun when they were all supposed to be at home? REBELS. Maybe this is all just a dream... unless? Last thing - it's sunset here, which links to...

2:47 It's snowing and dark outside in their usual hideout in school. Note that Yeonjun is wearing the same outfit as in the dancing on the road cuts. Clear juxtaposition between hopes and reality.

2:48 Their bench and things are covered in snow, almost as if the winter has stopped them from doing whatever they were doing before. "Endless winter."

2:53, 2:57 They're taking photos alone. Interesting upside-down shots.

2:55 They're trying to have fun in the winter but for Beomgyu it's just not the same.

3:00 The brightly-lit toilet is juxtaposed with - gasp! - not its reflection. Without his friends, Yeonjun perhaps finds that staring into a mirror alone isi like staring into a dark void, or a duller version of reality.

3:02 Also, it's snowing on the other side. Note that in all the 'winter' shots we've been getting, it's always dark.

3:09 Is Yeonjun trying to check if there's a mirror, or reach into the void?

3:11 We get confirmation that there is a mirror in reality, but to Yeonjun it feels like a void. This image of him telling his reflection that "it's all gone" is honestly heartbreaking.

3:14 The squad is together, but the winter is depressing.

3:20 The most direct reference to COVID in this entire MV. "It's all gone". The masks serve as a tangible representation of the new normal. Their expressions are all gone now ("I hate my face drained of expression") since half their faces are hidden. It no longer matters if they smile or laugh; no one can see it anyway.

3:21-3:25 Direct reference to social distancing.

3:25 The toilet gets progressively darker.

3:36 It's snowing on the road now, almost as if the bleakness of their reality has permeated through to their imagination of a brighter future.

3:39 Interestingly, compared to the past few shots of the boys in the dark winter, they seem to be slightly happier here, getting used to the new normal.

3:40 Butterfly on Beomgyu's face a representation of summer.

3:46 Cut to someone's phone on the bench, the only thing that hasn't been covered in snow, the only bright thing in the darkness. Looks like this is the last video they filmed while they were out on the road dancing.

Overall, it seems that:

bathroom, bright school hideout scenes = the past

road scene = last time they were able to see each other, transition period OR a time between strict quarantine and "new normal" where cases were low enough that people felt comfortable going outside

home scenes = quarantine period

winter scenes = new normal

#TXT #we lost the summer #ji overanalyses MVs at 1am #instead of writing graded essays due in 3 days #kpop

[haus-of-wu]

Bonamana (미인아) 10th Anniversary Album Analysis/Rediscovery

Happy 10th Anniversary to Bonamana / 4jib !

I viscerally remember this album coming out when I was in the 8th grade and using my damn iTunes gift cards to buy the album tracks for my iPod nano. (WTF was streaming in 2010)

Bonamana was the first album of many in SJ’s discography that didn’t have the full lineup of members. Hangeng had departed SM, Kibum had announced a hiatus to focus on acting, and Kangin was starting off what would become SJ’s almost decade-long military rotation era.

We’ve come a long way, and we’re still out here !!

Track analysis and re-reaction below the cut - as a veteran ELF I find that middle school me fixated on certain songs (and was the biggest Ryeowook stan), and then completely forgot about entire other songs, so it’s always a fun time going back down memory lane.

Bonamana (미인아)

Even if you look and look, look and look, look and look There’s no one else but me.

It’s true, true that my feelings don’t have a place to go. You know that I adjusted myself to fit you

honestly the best iteration of the “SJ Funky” sound that started with “Sorry Sorry” imo

an absolute headbanger !! if you aren’t already bobbing your head to the bass line and percussion in the first 10 seconds you are not human

this has just the right tasteful amount of autotune that makes it age a lot better than sorry sorry over the years

i’m sorry but the choreo absolutely fucks especially with kyuhyun going out there being like “you thought i was a main vocal? i’m in this fucking dance break”

re:choreo, it’s understandable that they’ve pivoted to the rock remix of this for super shows bc there’s a squat move they do that is not friendly on the knees at all

if you wanted a club BOP about a guy trying his hardest to figure out how to get a girl’s attention, this is it

donghae doing a magic trick for every music show performance of this, while looking fiercely in character while delivering his line as a man who is hella stressed about what to get the girl as a present

the way ryeowook and sungmin (tenor line !!) exchange lines

this song made me go feral in 2010

No Other

Hearing you tell me that you love me, I have everything in this world, You & I, You’re so fine, Is there someone like you? I love you Oh, please know it, to me there’s only you, That I stupidly see you As my everything 

that feel-good cute love song that served as the foil to Bonamana

the softest MV !!

just super chill and smile inducing

all the music show performances of this are just...so cute (also featured so many shenanigans like leeteuk yelling HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEENIM/GOOD LUCK SHINEE, and random members playing rock paper scissors in the middle of the performance)

probably has the most evenly split line distributions for the time (each member has their own verse of sorts)

contains one of my favorite hyukjae rap parts - it flows in such a relaxing way

Shake It Up (Remix Version)

Hey get up, (Hey get up) everyone come here (everyone come here) Just shake (all your thoughts) Just shake it up!

your everyday repetitive life, right now shake it up your repeated thoughts of sadness- right now shake it up Are you separated from the world? It all depends on you

SJ said shake it up !

chill club song with the touch of autotune, heavy synth, and weird background “oh OHs” of the time

the predecessor to the electronic chill vibe that Skydive has

they really told us to have fun and enjoy

honestly the song i didn’t realize i’d need in quarantine as i jam out at my desk

All My Heart

The words I still can’t say The words that got stuck in my throat I love you more than anyone else It’s still you and me, me me me me me me me me

In this moment I’m really happy I’m really grateful that you came to me The one who gives everything to me It’s only you and me, me me me me me me just you

a simple guitar instrumental with soothing vocals, a wholesome r&b

composed by LEETEUK AND HENRY? fuck me up fam

as a kid this was just the “nanana nanana na” song (that’s the me me me part of the chorus lmao)

this is the happy song that you’d like wave your lighters to maybe

hyukjae’s been singing “don’t wake me up” for eons

god this song makes me so soft

A Short Journey

My heart that loved you My eyes that looked at you Are still here

Oh baby say goodbye, for a short while goodbye I’ll go back to the place when I once was When I open that door and take one step So that I can stand in front of you who I missed

My heart that loved you My eyes that looked at you Will wait

Kangin going to the military tribute song composed by Donghae and lyrics by Hyukjae? they really had all the rights in 2010

god the lyrics really hit me in my ELF heart. like we really went through a whole decade of military service and said goodbye for now so many times

the opening piano intro? i hate you donghae i really do

hyukjae these lyrics man. why. why you gotta make our hearts hurt like this

another simple instrumental with soothing vocals, but this time it hits you in the feels a bit

if you weren’t listening to the lyrics, this feels like a song you’d watch your parents slow dance to in the house

thanks for triggering the “i miss kangin” hours G O D

Boom Boom

From head to toe you are wrapped with all luxury things Hoo~ so eye-blinding, who would ever dare to touch you?

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star I’m trying to get a hot girl, I’m drawn to her bad look look look am I wrong?

It’s nothing but such a beautiful sin

THE OTHER BANGER IN THIS ALBUM

yeah i feel like 13/14 y.o. me only was here for bonamana and boom boom back in 2010 which is like...pretty valid given the taste of your typical middle schooler in 2010

but literally. if you thought bonamana was about a guy desperate to get the girl, boom boom was legit like “shit she’s hot like sin and hooking up with her might be a mistake for me but oh well wtf why the hell not”

kyuhyun’s line at the beginning “from head to toe/머리부터 발 끝까지” is apparently used in a lot of lyrics, to the point where D&E were like, Bout You’s Korean title is gonna be that, AND it’s gonna be in the chorus. this was totally off-topic.

the whiplash in this album honestly. soft love songs to trying to get girls in the club to i’ll wait for you to finish military service. they have the RANGE

Coagulation

On the window and on my eyes Dew forms, tears form, a small stream is made Where they’re from and how they form over and over even I don’t know The only thing I know is that I just really hurt My formerly burning heart is slowly becoming cold It seems even I don’t know what to say, or how to hold on to you

time for a KRY ballad (can you BELIEVE they are finally having their first whole-ass album in june ??)

break up crying song included with the album of two absolute bangers

just close your eyes and get taken away on the sad rainy day ballad

Your Eyes

I want to erase all of my insufficient former self It seems like someone like me has nothing to give to you

Do you still remember, do you believe that it’s only you for me Do you know how long you can keep me by your side In this large world, there’s only one person (I only want you) Did you know this about me

sad piano r&b time !! brought to you by yesung and kyuhyun only

harmonies

kyuhyun’s bridge though

easily a candidate for some drama OST

i feel like this album really just had two sides - party rock central and r&b feels

My Only Girl

Even if I cover my ears I can hear it, even if I close my eyes, I can see it Even if I shut my mouth I keep calling out for you I am stupid I hate how I can’t get over you

we really opened this song with “cause i’m lonely” huh (screams at how applicable this still is for them TEN years later)

i love everything about this song except the chorus

the chorus is very underwhelming

My All Is In You

Even though I’m pretending to smile Without knowing why In truth I want to cry

It seems love is ending like this Before I know it our parting is approaching You say “goodbye” To me, letting you go is still difficult Please give me a little more time I can’t live without you My all is in you

another sad breakup bop why are you guys so good at this genre

the percussion comes in so nicely

little strings in the background that help accentuate the words (chef’s kiss)

KRY really were already yelling not even halfway into this song - perf

we literally are only in the second chorus folks

this song is great, it’s only sin was that it said “rap line you just don’t get lines”, so rip heechul, hyukjae, and shindong

Shake it Up!

the original - way less electro, more acoustic

has a very lo-fi beginning and then it amps up

has some interesting high pitched synth piano twiddling up there

a tad slower than the remix, but not by much if at all

dude the horns coming in behind hyukjae’s rap !! it fucks !

if the remix version’s vibe is people having fun in the club, this one’s vibe is a summer bbq party in the backyard

god i really love the horn line - it gives it such a nice vibe

another point in the “feel good” bucket

In My Dream

She’s walking away Embracing another person My chest’s like it’s being crushed under a heavy weight

I’m dreaming again, right? Cold sweat runs down my body It hurts to dream about things, I hate to remember

I wish I would fall asleep forever like this I wake up with her presence still… although I hope I don’t dream again, Like today, it seems I fall asleep with her presence

piano and string sadness here we go

bring back SJ KRY + donghae + sungmin

this chorus for this song stabs me in the heart every time

i’m mad where’s the MV for the heart-wrenching sad ballad

kings of emotional power vocals

we really are out here singing our hearts out about that ex-girlfriend that haunts us as we try to fall asleep

if they ever perform this all ELF in the vicinity would immediately die

One Fine Spring Day

A warm wind is blowing like it was that night The flowers you lovingly planted have bloomed Before I know it spring has come again I still want to deeply sleep like it’s winter

You are so very far, so very far To be honest I miss you every day Even the very small, very small trivial things make me think of you every day

still laughing the ryeowook brought up bonamana as his favorite album on weekly idol bc it contained his first ever solo track ;kasjf;aksdf king of promoting only himself

this is v soft, v much aligned with the little prince image that wasn’t even in the works yet

the imagery of the lyrics man. cute winter to spring yearning uwus

s o f t e s t

like this is literally the song that inspired every fanfic writer that’s ever written ryeowook as persephone in some greek god au

Good Person

When you laugh I feel good too, even when you say it’s just pretend You bring happiness to the days when I wait for you, the nights when I miss you Even when I’m alone it’s okay if I can just see you I’m always behind you, I’m always looking out for you, but it seems like I have to share

The difference between me and the person who makes you cry is that all I can do is comfort you

this song sounds like something that would be in the opening of an animated show that takes place in a high school

now that i’m looking at the lyrics, this is literally an upbeat sounding song accepting that they’ve been friendzoned and all they can do is support her relationship with the other guy

bittersweet nostalgia bop i guess

Here We Go

cue family/action movie credit music vibes

i don’t have much to say about it - i just isn’t something i’d listen to on the regular

it’s just happy-go-lucky finale type music

it has a really old-school hyukjae/shindong rap verse lmao

vocal line is out here yelling, very on-brand

#super junior #suju #kpop #leeteuk #heechul #yesung #shindong #sungmin #eunhyuk #siwon #donghae #ryeowook #kyuhyun #kangin #henry #bonamana #sm entertainment #kylie speaks #kylie rates kpop things #am i seriously starting to become a kpop thoughts blog? who knows

[maxsix]

MVNALYSIS: GOD’S MENU by STRAY KIDS

Hello friends, seeing as 2020 is going down in flames anyways, there seems like no better time than to start my MV Analysis series, MVNALYSIS. Storytelling and cinematography are both important but the technical aspect is definitely more interesting to me. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’d know how often I yell about a good lighting scheme so this is just an extension of that.

There have been some great MVs this year but the one that really lit my fuse and prompted me to do this is God’s Menu by Stray Kids. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it first then come back. This is very long so if you’re not really interested in the technical aspects of music videos then I would definitely recommend scrolling past. 

1) The Cyberpunk-Anime Intro tracking shot. That flourescent-neon title card reminds me of cyberpunk aesthetic, especially if you’ve seen the trailer for Cyberpunk 2077. I really love title cards because they remind me of old movies and cartoons. To throw it up so nonchanlantly immediately sets the vibe and subconsciously triggers your mind to think about when you last saw something like that, be it a video game or anime or a movie. They use it a lot more often than other groups and I never noticed until I went back to watch a few of their videos for this post. 

The Intro to God’s Menu is both a sonic and visual assault. It’s so fcking good that I am almost sad I will never get to watch it again for the first time. 

That tracking shot for Changbin is just beautiful perfection because it has three levels of depth and a very controlled use of blocking. The deepest level is the chaos in the background, the main level is Changbin and the most superficial level is the one closest to the camera, with the marching band player. Interestingly, the movement and speed of each level progresses in descending order: the background is crazy busy, Changbin is moving through at a controlled pace and the marching band player is almost still, like a sign post to reiterate the depth of field. 

There are a few really famous and amazing tracking shots, so I’m just going to link them here if you are interested in camera work: Atonement (legendary tbh), 1917 (deserved the cinematography Oscar), Ava Adore (you can see the track they used for the whole video) and the Baby Driver introduction has one of the best tracking shots but I won’t link to it out of respect for people who might be triggered. 

Sometimes you watch something and you don’t know why it’s so cool. Well, this is why it’s so cool. This is why some MVs are so interesting to re-watch and why others have no re-watch value at all. 

2) Transitions and editing. Oh boy. The fcking transitions. Sometimes people think of them like a cheap trick in the vein of a horror movie jump scare but when you see a good transition, 'cheap’ should be the last word you think of. All the transitions are worth mentioning: Changbin seemingly changing the frame with his hand, Han’s mid-choreo transition and Hyunjin’s forced perspective to mimic the spotlight. I suppose they are are little flashy and tricked-out but it doesn’t change how cool they look. The video editer deserves all the credit for this one. 

It’s seems obvious but I can’t ignore the stop-motion DuDuDuDu editing either. It does exactly what the music does in that moment: it’s jarring and abrupt and literally like shots fired and bleeding red. Sometimes literal interpretations are cringey and don’t work but sometimes they work so well you wish everyone was on this level. 

A more subtle transition is one that I don’t see a lot of people talking about but it’s when the music shifts from the heavy rap to the smoother vocals. The first time it happens we went from the dark enclosed confines of Han’s kitchen rap to vast open air of the cars racing. The smooth flow of the vocals is echoed in the smooth silent roll of the car tires and then the smooth choreo from Bangchan with that bright God ray lens flare. It’s just like a smooth smooth smooth flow of water after total chaos and that’s exactly what the music is trying to do: the rap is a spicy meal, the vocals are a glass of cool water. Seriously, this MV is so well thought out and well planned. It’s like the director actually listened to the track. What a crazy notion, heh. 

3) Robot Camera. If you’re not sure which part I mean, it’s basically during Han’s rap, Felix’s 5 Star Michelin part and the subtle camera tilt for the group choreo. You can see it in action in their ‘Making Of’ video. You’ve probably seen this used before, most notably on Jungkook for DNA but I think it was made really popular in music MVs when Kendrick Lamar did it for Humble. Everyone is using it now but I still love it. No human can film with that precision and it’s seriously cool use of tech. I like that they didn’t overuse it though because it would’ve felt too repetitive. Restraint? In Kpop? Hell really has frozen over today. 

4) The colour and lighting. It’s generally really well lit and coloured but the most remarkable thing to point out here is that God’s Menu has only four sets. It feels like it has some meat and depth to it because they used those four sets to their full capacities. In contrast, I think I counted 9 sets for GOT7′s ‘Not By The Moon’ and let’s be honest, they were all kind of wasted. 

The scrapyard set is used four times with four different lighting schemes and you barely notice how repetitive it is because they all look so different. The garage scene is my favourite example of good depth of field because they’re in a tiny confined area for choreo but it doesn’t actually feel tiny or confined because of the huge open grandstand in the background. 

Also. It’s rad how the video goes from day to night. I didn’t even notice until the third or fourth re-watch. 

5) Kendrick Lamar. I just wanted to spend a little time on this point because I hear and see his influence on God’s Menu. Obviously, Kendrick doesn’t have a patent or copyright on use of RoboCams but the main backing track is very Humble-esque and the DuDuDu reminds me of old KL. It’s a little grating tbh but the producer at least showed some restraint with it. Any more of the DDD part and it would’ve been too obnoxious to listen to. 

6) Styling. I really love these black outfits because they look like a cross between a karate uniform/dobok and black chef aprons. I wasn’t really sure why they went with the racetrack imagery but there is something about this entire MV that reminds me of anime/manga...and then I remembered that Initial D existed. If you’ve never heard of Initial D until now? You’re welcome. 

Oh and Hyunjin’s hair. Damm. 

7) Bias: Okay, I’m Australian and I used to live in Sydney so part of me has always been invested in Chris and Felix. But. I have to be straight with you all, that tag-team of Changbin and Han is insane. Insane, I tell you! I wish I could hear that rap intro again for the very first time. It’s like when I heard Mingi’s rap in Wonderland for the first time. Some things are just inexplicable. 

8) Conclusion: This is one of the best MVs JYPE has ever made and it’s not even story driven. The modern tech and insane editing is truly next level and I hope people appreciate the work that went into it instead of just seeing it as another flashy kpop video with no substance just because it’s not “deep and meaningful”. 

#MVNALYSIS #stray kids #God's Menu #Felix lee #Bang Chan #hyunjin #Han #Changbin #Jisung #he gets two tags #Minho #Seungmin #i.n #i should write his actual name #but i'm tired now haha #text #music video #there are lots of links in here #i like to analyse stuff i guess #there just hasn't really been a lot of MVs that made me want to write #i'm really looking forward to the new CIX mv #anyways #i should've watched the Making Of video first hahaha