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always-is-always · 3 months

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Post-June 2025...what will we see?

Hmmmm. Okay, so I'll just put this here, and we will either see just how wrong I can be 😁 , or just how spot-on I can be. 😇

With recent developments in the movement of furniture, from Jimin's place to his Dad's cafe', I'm just going to say what is in my mind. We are going to see Jimin moving into that big 5-level home, that Jungkook is building. Yeah.

Don't quote me. And, don't dog me either. lol... this is just my little ramble based on stuff that I sense (there's a ton of that), and simply observing what we have been shown (subtle as some of it is). Yeah.

After they finish this life-changing 18 months of literally living side-by-side, I think that they will not want to separate themselves from one another. Again, that is just my thought/sense, and that's that. lol... I'm not sayin' it is absolutely correct, but I am sayin' that it is absolutely a possibility. 😆 And, being free of their MS requirements actually takes the legalities of being a queer couple out of their future timeline. Meaning, they will no longer have to consider things quite the way they did in 2023, prior to their application to enlist as companions, and after it had been accepted.

After June 12 2025, they will be FREE. Sure, they have the constraints of their culture, the fandom and their industry. But they are also well enough established that they have far more wiggle-room, and they have more power in their personal choices. Honestly, they have enough money between the two of them that they don't have to work another day in their lives, if they chose not to. They are that wealthy. (I think we forget that they work by choice.)

It feels like this time that they have AWAY from the cameras, away from the fandom, away from Big Hit and HYBE, is the biggest gift that they could get. I'm reminded of 2020. I actually feel that the insanity of the 2020 lockdowns and cancellation of their public performances gave them the break they needed, and the time to be together that they needed. If I've really learned anything so far from all the original content I have been watching, it is that the members NEEDED to have their own space to live in, and privacy.

Right now, Jimin and Jungkook are in their military bubble, safe and sound, and exactly where they chose to be as companions. Afterwards, I think that they are planning to be housemates, once discharged.

So, there. I said it. We shall see what comes in 2025....

One more thing. I am not saying that they will come out, as a couple. That is a whole other can of worms. But as I have written before, if they can pull off applying to enlist as companions AND actually enlisting as companions, they CAN pull off being housemates (without putting any label on it publicly).

Another ramble that just kinda happened. Blame my fingers for just doing their thing, and that other thing called, "intuition". Yeah.

2025 is going to be an interesting year. For sure.

#jeon jungkook #park jimin #jiminie #jungkookie #jikook #kookmin #jk #jm #got my crystal ball #what will 2025 bring for jikook #cant wait

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leviisthings · 1 month

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Maze In The Mirror

synopsis when your boyfriend Yeonjun dosen't respond to your message in the way he usually does, you grow worried; and then you see him and grow even more worried, but you also the know the solution, a long drive.

pairing - idol bf!yeonjun x fem!reader

ps - I'm not making any assumption about Yeonjun, or what his life must be like. This is completely ficitonal.

You make your way through the thoroughly confusing hallways of the Hybe building. No matter how many times you visited the place, without the assistance of anyone else it was guaranteed for you to get lost.

"Honestly, it was better when they were poorer." You mutter bitterly. It definitely was better for your directionally challenged self when the building used to be only three floors.

After making at least five wrong turns you somehow reach your destination. The practice room.

You had made plans with Yeonjun for a date. Nothing fancy, just a catch up dinner and maybe a drive, if he had time. It hadn't been a long time of dating, but you two had been friends beforehand, and you liked to think you knew him pretty well by this point.

But there were still instances when he managed to surprise you with the smallest of gestures. It's usually something really sweet, surprise dates, very thoughtful gifts, unabashed flirting in front of everyone. That one time he brought Odi and dropped him in your lap, because you were crying and he panicked and didn't know what to do. That definitely stopped your crying alright.

But sometimes in ways that leave you concerned and anxious. This morning being one of those instances.

You had texted him to confirm the timing of the date. Usually he replied with a lot of emojis, lots of babe, sweetheart and darling, even totally unfit memes at times. But today the reply was an 'ok' and 'see you'. It wasn't like him. Even though you chalked it up to him just being busy or something, you couldn't help but worry.

Deep bass thrummed through the room, as you opened the door to the practice room. Most of the lights were turned off, and no one else was in the room except for your boyfriend sitting in the far corner. Slightly slouched, and his cap covering his face. He looked strangely small in the huge hall.

He looked up at you as walked across the room towards him. He smiled lightly, and your heart broke a little. He looked exhausted. And not just physically. That smile was not reaching his eyes at all.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize what time it is." Yeonjun said, taking off his cap and pushing his hair back.

"It's ok."

"Let's go then." He mumbled, pushing himself off the floor. He definitely didn't sound excited at all. Past habits were asking you to blame yourself. Maybe you had done something to make him mad, maybe he didn't like you as much as he used to. You hadn't met in a while. All your insecurities were asking you to shut your mouth and blame yourself and walk away.

But you know better now. It was better to just ask him. You got upset too, he didn't automatically assume it was because of him. And most of the time it wasn't because of him.

"Jjunie? Is everything okay?"

He stopped midway and turned around to face you.

"Yeah. Why?"

"You seem really down. And even your text back was, well ...not very you. Maybe I'm just reading into things way too much. But have i done something?"

His surprised face lightened his eyes. And he came closer to grab your hand.

"No. Of course not. You didn't do anything." He said hurriedly. He sounded sincere, and your mind relaxed a little. Take that, stupid insecurities.

"Then what is it?"

"...... I don't know." He clenched the cap in his hand. He didn't even sound frustrated, just exhausted. And it broke your heart. He wasn't anything if not lively.

"You know what, let's just grab some food, and get in the car and go on a long drive. You can talk if you feel like it, or we can just have a quiet pleasant ride and stuff our face with junk food. I'm sure you'll feel better either way."

He looked at you, and this time his smile was real.

_____________

The wind from the window brought conflict. On one hand, you loved the cold wind on your face, and in your hair. But on the other hand, you couldn't hear the music properly.

You looked at Yeonjun, his eyes were focused on the the road ahead, and his hands were on the steering wheel. He seemed content with the situation, so you didn't say anything and let the windows be down.

The road was getting emptier with every mile. This was their usual route for long drives. Far from the city, quiet and serene. The road was smooth and long.

It was on a drive like this when he had confessed to you. It was three days before his birthday, unfortunately you had to leave the city before his birthday for a family event. But you wanted to celebrate it before you left, it felt better to do it beforehand than later.

His face when you had brought out the mint chocolate cupcake with a small candle was better than anything he could've said. Atleast that's what you had thought. But five minutes after he blown out the candle, he had uttered the words you had been dreaming about for months now.

You remembered tears on your face, saying those words back, and then his lips on yours.

You smiled reminiscing the memory. Yeonjun hadn't said anything so far, except for a few light conversation about food and what the members had been upto. It didn't seem like he was going to talk about what was going on with him.

He seemed in a better mood now, so you tried to be just content with that. But then,

"Do you think I'm meant for this?"

You looked at him with furrowed brows. He turned to look at you, his face was unreadable.

"This idol life?" He continued, turning his eyes towards the road again.

"Yeonjun, you're like the perfect person for this." You almost laughed, his question was nothing else than absurd to you. He was beyond perfect in your eyes. The way he was on stage, his passion, his talent, his love for his fans and team, it was all mesmerizing. "You're amazing at this, very few people are as talented as you."

"Not that part. I mean, I still believe I can improve a lot more, but I think I'm actually kind of content with where I am right now. I mean.......emotionally and mentally."

Now, you had a inkling about what he meant. But you wanted him to let it all out, so you didn't say anything.

"Everything has been so great until now, the group is doing amazing, and everyone is healthy and happy. But -" He cut himself off, his grip on the steering wheel tightened, and then after a minute he stopped the car under a tree. The road was pretty much empty, they were almost neat the mountain side.

He took a deep breath, and you slipped your hand on his thigh, squeezing it, hoping to bring him even a slimmer of comfort.

".........Do you know about what happened with Insu?"

"The boyband member? He got in a scandal right?" You asked. It had been in the news lately, an idol had gotten in a bad scandal, you didn't exactly remember what had happened, but you remembered reading about it and thinking it was rather dumb the way people were reacting.

"Yeah. I don't think I ever told you, but I had trained with him for a, like, two months. And he was so sweet and nice. A little dumb but very sincere and strong -willed. I was so happy when he told me he was going to debut. And now........everything is just so messed up. He didn't even do anything, and - and not only him the whole group is just being dragged throught the mud. For no fucking reason!" He had grabbed his forehead, almost pulling on his hair. He slowly let go, trying to regulate his breath, and then leaned back into his seat.

"I saw him yesterday, and honestly.......he seemed fine. Not well, but still loads better than I thought he would've been."

"That's a good thing. These things don't have to forever matter. It will most likely blow over soon." You said.

"Yeah. But I also realized something. I don't think I could ever do that." He looked in your eyes, and there a strange sense of panic in them like you had never seen. He continued,

"If I mess up somehow, and the group has to suffer because of that, I could never be able handle that. I'm the oldest, I should be there strength and reassurance. Their rock, you know. But, somehow I feel like I'm the weakest. I hate feeling like this. Our new dance teacher scolded Huening yesterday, and he apologized and promised to do better and then just kind of shrugged it off, and was fine. Sungdeuk hyung scolded me once, and I was upset about it for like a month." He said, his voice incredulous as he said the last sentence.

"I look at everyone around me and they all just seem so much better at it than me. More mature somehow. I'm just scared, so scared that I'll do something stupid and ruin everything." Yeonjun had coiled in within himself. Every word seemed to weigh on him physically, making his body drop further in the seat.

"I know I'll fail them, I'll fail myself."

You had always wished you were one of those people who had a way with words, who always know the right thing to say and make everything feel okay. And you had never wished that more than now. The boy you loved so dearly was falling apart infront of you, and you were terrified to say the wrong thing. But you couldn't say quiet, he has always been there for you, in every way possible, and he wasn't a word savant either, but he always made things feel better, just by being there.

".........Jjunie, I can't promise that you will never make mistake and maybe mess things up. I don't know what will happen, no one does. But that's okay. I know you're worried that you care and think too much. But, that's one of the things I love about you." You took his warm hands in your smaller ones, and continued.

"I honestly think you are underestimating yourself. You trained for so long, you must've been scolded a thousand times. But you're still here. You just have to keep your heart and actions in the right place, and even if you do make a mistake, atleast you'll know, you haven't done anything wrong. And believe me, that'll pull you through most things."

He didn't say anything, but looked up at you and smiled. And for the second time in a single day, you're heart broke a little. Only this man. His smile this time, was the Yeonjun you knew. And you knew he'll be okay. And there was stupid sense of pride in yourself. That you could make him smile like this, that you could help him, even if just a little.

He leaned in closer, and kissed you. And damn it, his lips are perfect. And damn it, he also knew how to use them. By the time he pulled back, you weren't sure you remembered your own name.

"Thank you. Really. You make everything better so easily." You were pretty sure that's what he had said, your head slightly spinning.

"Yeah, mhmm."

He tilted his head, confused look on his face. Then he smirked.

"Aww, I'm sorry. I know I'm your greatest weakness, but damn, like you should have - ow!" You socked him in the shoulder.

"Just drive, you moron."

He snickered, and started the car. Holding your hand on the gear.

"You know you can tell me when you're worried and stressed about anything." You said.

"I know. I just - It's hard. I don't want to put it all on you, I wanna be able to deal with all this on my own." Yeonjun sighed.

"I get what you mean. I'm always here for you. I just want you to know that."

"I know. And, uh, samesies."

"Wow."

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I do. That's the strange part."

"That's why we are perfect."

#y/n yeonjun #txt #txt yeonjun #yeonjun #tomorrow x together #choi yeonjun #txt imagines #yeonjun x reader #yeonjun fluff

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beautifulpersonpeach · 7 days

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I was a bit surprised to see that mhj specifically said that newjeans had approved the statement saying that belift had copied newjeans' concept with illit. I'm not the type of person that thinks that you're a bitch for asserting position or your value, so this isn't where I'm coming from, but, especially in an industry where it's so rare to see groups say anything negative about other groups, particular junior groups I would think, it was quite the strong, swift position to take. Do you foresee newjeans continuing to engage publicly with this scandal, and how would you think taking an active part in this would affect their brand?

Ask 2:

bp in your opinion is there any chance that in this Hybe/MHJ situation there's a buried kind of double-blind motivation?

Like the kind i've seen attributed to E|on Musk, where he creates a big scandal to provide cover when he's doing something much shadier (and then maybe it gets out of hand, like the TwiX thing lol)

You've said you're pretty familar with the corporate side machinations - could Hybe be purposefully airing all this, sure to stick it to MHJ, but also to temporarily drive down stock prices for idk easy shares-repurchasing? Or even allowing a mess they can blame for having to report lower numbers to shareholders for whatever reason: boycott actually impacting profit, hedging against lower-than-predicted bts returning numbers, etc.

Or is this too convoluted of conspiracy thinking and BPD/HYBE/MHJ, and by extension from your recent posts basically 'corporate kpop' entire, are really just that transparent and petty?

Ask 3:

Might be a stupid question because I honestly don't have any clue about corporate businesses and how they work. But in the light of this scandal and how BigHit/Hybe developed over the last years: would you say this is what you get when you become too greedy instead of concentrating on what you were good at?

Ask 4:

in your opinion, is mhj truly an indispensable part of newjeans creative output? Also, do you see any way that hybe would let newjeans leave with its name and discography if they try to break their contract to go with mhj like some people are saying?

Ask 5:

I’m seeing a lot of discussion about whether newjeans will try to leave with mhj and break their contract with hybe, but I don’t see this as a realistic scenario, and I especially don’t see hybe letting them leave with their name and discography. You mentioned that there are a limited set of options now, but is this even one of them? In my mind, newjeans as a concept either stays at hybe, with or without mhj in whatever capacity, or can’t really exist legally

Ask 6:

Also this has given everyone (kpop stans, ARMYs, journalists) the go ahead to drag Newjeans in order to "defend" Illit, BTS, Riize, etc by throwing (again) dozens of plagiarism accusations and trying to discredit everything the group has done and achieved. And it was started by Hybe themselves... I have no words, bpp

***

I think these six asks capture most of the talking points in the asks I've received since yesterday, so I'll use these to answer your questions.

The sheer amount of spin happening in the media right now is ridiculous lmaoo. With the mention of BTS in the "escape files", ARMYs have predictably moved from shady bystanders to actively joining in the negative spin, spreading rumor articles and many are now attacking the girls themselves. But honestly, this is nothing less than what I expected. NewJeans is the most popular group in Korea, the 2nd most valuable IP only behind BTS, and Min Heejin is the brains behind the operation - an achievement she's insisted on taking full credit for since inception. Leaving the only option for whoever is masterminding this from within and outside HYBE, to destroy her reputation as an executive completely to diminish her value to outside investors, and weaken the fan support for NewJeans given how closely they are already associated with MHJ. And that's what is happening. It impacts every group at HYBE and nearly obliterates the viability of NewJeans.

For HYBE, it's a tolerable loss given there's only one year left before BTS returns and closes that earnings gap in mere months. Whoever took this action sees it simply as resulting in a numerical loss that can be soon corrected, but personally, I disagree, for the same reasons I objected to HYBE's acquisition of SM even though on paper it made numerical sense.

Anon in ask 1: I can understand your surprise but sad as it is to say, I expected that response from MHJ. She's a creative, not a PR exec or an MBA-credentialled suit. I'm not sure how familiar you are with ADOR's press releases in general, but anybody who reads them can tell there's almost no corporate doublespeak, no vague allusions, nothing that shows it's written by a typical media-trained PR person. Which is why most people, including you, take that statement to mean NewJeans agrees with MHJ that Illit copied them (it's a possibility), when in reality the language shows it could refer to them agreeing with MHJ's assertion that HYBE hasn't duly responded to her requests about inter-label discrimination, or other related matters. That's the kind of detail a trained PR person would be sure to include, to minimize the fallout to NJ, but just as with the press release on Cookie, the one on Minji's rival sasaeng, the response to Hyein's veneer rumours, and practically every press release ADOR has put out, the language is unsophisticated.

"Do you foresee newjeans continuing to engage publicly with this scandal, and how would you think taking an active part in this would affect their brand?"

NewJeans has so far not engaged publicly with this scandal. MHJ has mentioned them to signal any separation between them will likely be contested. It's leverage. If they do take an active part in this scandal, it will completely destroy their brand. Like, it's already on life support. Anything more and we might as well say their last rites.

Anon in ask 2: I'd say that's not a conspiracy exactly but it is kinda pushing it. Anytime there's a stock dip it's a buying opportunity, and HYBE is always guaranteed to be a Buy so long as BTS is slated to return within 12 months of the stock event. But we simply don't have any clear indications that's the case now given the timing doesn't quite line up. If anything, that is more like the 4th order side-effect.

And yeah, people on the corporate side, not just in k-pop, are many times just that petty. But it's also true this case has been sensationalized in particular ways to appeal to k-pop stans specifically.

Anons in ask 4 & 5: The options available are:

MHJ leaves HYBE and NewJeans stays in HYBE

MHJ leaves HYBE and NewJeans leaves with her

MHJ stays in HYBE but is demoted from her exec role and NewJeans stays in HYBE

MHJ stays in HYBE and keeps her exec role and NewJeans stays in HYBE

None of these options are good, but the worst of these evils is option 2. If the members attempt to leave with her, there's no pretty way to say this, but they'll be done. I'm not even going to waste time writing all the ways HYBE and k-pop stans as a whole will rip them to shreds, all I'll say is that whoever is attached to these girls should consider taking a 6 months sabbatical away from k-pop entirely once that news breaks. The law is not on their side and public opinion, especially after all the 'leaks' and spin from HYBE in the last 72 hours, certainly isn't on their side either. It would be career suicide.

"in your opinion, is mhj truly an indispensable part of newjeans creative output?"

Personally, I think yes. Every label at HYBE had similar initial monetary investment as NewJeans and ADOR had, and other groups from the Big 3 have had even bigger investments and resources at their disposal. There isn't a single group, both within HYBE and outside HYBE, that has yielded the same results as NewJeans in the same period of time. Illit comes close, but even with their achievements they haven't reached the same (positive) notoriety as NewJeans did at debut. All HYBE groups have access to HYBE's youtube channel, connections and resources, and yet the achievements of BOYNEXTDOOR, LE SSERAFIM, ENHYPEN, and even ILLIT, are nowhere near comparable to that of NewJeans. And I agree with MHJ that she's the primary reason why. Having access to resources is only one part of the equation. How you allocate those resources and what you do with it is far more important, and this is where MHJ and ADOR excels relative to other sub-labels.

NewJeans without MHJ will not be nearly as threatening to everyone else in k-pop, and I suspect this is one reason there have been calls for her to be removed from managing the group since their debut.

Anons in ask 3 & 6: Yeah there's a fair bit of greed on show here. Generally, for a lot of people in this industry, greed is good... unless the greedy person is a woman. Because the only thing more central to nasty corporate tussles like this, more than greed, is ego.

I'm not trying to play the gender card, but sometimes I do wonder why there are no articles like this about people like Jaden Jeong and Simon Jakob given the reputation those men have in corporate circles, where top officials (in this case, within HYBE) are saying they cannot possibly work with MHJ because she is "overly and excessively opinionated". I'm highlighting this article because despite the initial paragraphs of spin, that bit is the only thing consistent with MHJ's claim that this attack from HYBE started because she'd filed a whistleblowing report on toxic inter-label competition and followed up an email that said quote:

"..is this deliberate obtuseness and unapologetic behaviour consistent with HYBE's founding philosophy of rebelling against unfair practices in the entertainment industry?"

I mean... in corporate Korea, I can see how they were sick of her shit and it was only a matter of time before she got the boot.

The insidious thing about spin is that it mixes the truth with lies, making it easy for people to accept it wholly. It's entirely possible that MHJ wants more compensation, more autonomy and independence, feels that Belift and other companies borrowed her ideas without full credit, and that she was unsupported by HYBE HQ. It's entirely possible that she took actions such as monitoring fan feedback of the group(s) she suspects and filing a whistleblowing report to build a case - according to both MHJ and others at HYBE, these are complaints she's apparently had since last year, but none of those things would justify HYBE's response nor is it enough to turn people against her.

What I find particularly interesting about this case, is that everything that decisively incriminates her of the more sensational and sinister allegations, comes from the person of VP L or CEO A - a person who only joined ADOR in January 2024, shortly after which HYBE received their first tip-off that MHJ was planning to escape. It's VP L who titles documents with the equivalent of "TOP SECRET DO NOT TOUCH" on company computers... the same guy that's supposedly a double agent working in favour of MHJ and ADOR but is situated within ADOR, not HYBE, where simple logic shows he'd be most useful. Unless he's situated right where he's supposed to be.

Anyway...

HYBE has requested for a shareholder meeting on April 30th where they'll likely table the motion for MHJ to resign regardless of what's found in the audit. Far as I know, she's completed the audit questionnaire but not surrendered her laptop as HYBE has requested. Given the play is for HYBE to kick her out while continuing to manage NJ, I can see how she'd rather die than surrender her laptop and hand over her ideas (and potentially incriminating info) to HYBE on a silver platter for them to use in her wake.

Every way this shakes out is bad news for HYBE groups IMO. So long as NewJeans keeps quiet and sides with HYBE, they'll be somewhat okay. But regardless of the fallout from HYBE cannibalizing itself, all HYBE groups have no choice but to take it on the chin and bide their time until BTS comes back to capture the attention back to them.

I hope I answered all your questions. IMO there's really no point talking more about this until there's a firm conclusion.

#min heejin #newjeans #ador #hybe #bang pd #kpop #kpop industry #kpop business #belift

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goldenhickeysandramen · 9 months

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The (ephimeral) success of solo projects on Chapter 2

I wanted to write a post about chapter 2 and Jimin, the "sabotages"... but I don't know if I'm able to sort out the facts and my ideas or judgements about them properly. Nothing is clear to me yet.

There are days when a part of me believes that something is going on with Jimin and Hybe (or BH, I don't know which). But there's another part, the rational part, the part that works as an economist for 20 years, that knows that it doesn't make much sense for a for-profit company to boycott one of its most valuable assets.

In the Executive Boards, and in financial planning, decisions are made on the basis of economical evidence, which is always provided by current numbers (or estimates), not by the heart. Maybe even in the case of BTS there is some sense of fairness, I would say, at the outset. And not an asymmetric distribution according to profit projections.

In the trade-off I find myself in, I would like to share the following thoughts:

- I have recently realised that Chapter 2 is not the chapter of their solo career. It is the chapter of their solo work, which is slightly different.

- Most of them has a short time to promote their work. The average has been a "several weeks" window.

- Their success is therefore somewhat short-lived or ephimeral. It appears and within weeks it seems to fade away, eclipsed by the next in line. The nex king of "k-..."

- There is no intention of promoting a structured solo career, because 1) BTS have said (a million times) that they will be back in 2025, and 2) if we are to take them at their word, the boys will all be joining the military before the end of 2023.

- So, there is no long-term vision to support "some" and not "others".

- The support is focused on a specific work. The only exception to a more continuous commitment has been Suga and his tour.

- Everyone has their budget, their schedule, their activities for the year...

- And yes, there can be different intensities of promotional activities, depending on the defined strategy or budget or goal or whatever (we don't know the whole story because the company doesn't explain anything to us). There is a rumour that some have even put their money into some activities. But I don't know how true that is.

- And I think they all have a say in the design of their promotions, even if they don't design them themselves.

So then....I can't take the agency away from any of them.

They are the best advocates or defenders within the company. And if one of them had less influence, which I doubt, the others would not remain silent without solving the problem. Or how do we think a commitment from the 7 of them to the 7 of them is achieved to keep BTS as a unified group? There are no weak links in this group. And if there were, I wouldn't bet my money that Jimin is one of them.

Once again, there are things that I can't explain and I'd like to know what's going on (the lack of restocking, the split of Spotify streaming, the deletion of sales...). But if there really have been damaging mistakes or strategies for any of them, I hope that when the next contract comes up for renewal, they will sort it out very thoroughly. Cause this cant happen anymore.

To tell you the truth, I blame the company for many things, and one of them - as serious as their lack of planning - is their lack of communication with the fans. BeautifulPeach has talked about this in some of her posts.

At some point in its growth, Hybe became too big to fail, or whatever, and forgot about certain corporate social responsibility obligations. One of them is to talk to its most important stakeholders: the customers, i.e. the fans. And addressing some of their concerns.

Investors are important in listed companies, but customers are important too. Always.

And if they don't see it that way and continue to despise the fans (clients) in that way, then at the end “future is not gonna be ok”.

And yes, I know that K-pop is controversial. It's clear that they can't deal with every rumour, every silly trend that comes out every day on twitter, ships, solos demands, etc. But there are things that they can deal with. And some of the Jimin's events when Face happened are one of them.

A bit of transparency would be appreciated. I expect it, actually, at some point (maybe when this chapter ends).

Maybe there will be things that could be explained as commercial strategy (do they want us to buy Face instead of the single LC, for example? And that's why they're not stocking it again?). But they might also be telling us about certain difficulties. Or about certain forecasting mistakes. Or how they learned from some of them. I'm pretty sure they learned a lot from Jimin's Face era.

I don't think I will be able to judge everything that has happened until at least the end of this year, when all the solo works have been completed/released.

And I'll have to keep listening to Bongo to see if he still talks about how they are more interested in being a company that has groups rather than individual singers. Maybe that is why it seems there's a ceiling to individual success. There is nothing better than capping success with time limitation of activities ("Let's see if that makes the fans forget what solo members are capable of")

And even then, there will be differences between all of them. Quite a lot.

But we will also have to consider that they are different artists with different goals, sensibilities, objectives and situations (let's not forget that JK himself, who now seems quite greedy, has admitted that he needed and enjoyed his free time and Seven had to come along to give him a boost). So we should be careful with the comparison too.

Perhaps Jin will end up getting the most promotions when he comes out, considering how little time he has had. Poor Jin…😔 He had to wait until the end of the year to enlist, despite the bad weather, to give us the Busan concert. It was a commitment to BTS, but it was a short of individual sacrifice too… you know..they do these things for BTS.

I would also like to listen to them (yes, it's a bit ambitious on my part, but I would like to listen to Jimin and his feelings, at the end of this year... will he open up to us?)

In conclusion, I would say that if we are BTS fans and want to remain so, and if we believe in the boys' words .... I would advise us to enjoy every moment they give us for their limited time. Every campaign, every song, every vlive... and try to find an atmosphere of caution given the situation we are in.

And by that I mean that we should also be able to read that we are in the age of solos and akages. All the information about grievances or leaks that comes out usuarlly comes from the same places.

And I'm not saying it's FALSE! Nor do I mean to belittle it! Just that sometimes we should take into account the intentions behind. And before we react, let's consider the source and the context. Look at what happened to the RNX journalist we all spent almost a day reporting on for a bad translation. Or look at how, in less than two weeks, two CCTV vids of Jimin shopping with a friend (one of them clearly with Saeon) suddenly appeared just as it became known that he was going to NY with JK.

Anyway, I will be a bit cautious for now. There are still a few months until the end of the year. A lot can still happen.

Jimin could came back again to us with sth as amazing as Like Crazy. Or even better, an album.

I miss Jimin and want to see him shine again and talking to us.

And I miss jikook……arrrggg

#jikook #kookmin #jimin and jungkook #mingukkie #jikook kookmin jinkook jiminshiii jk

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reflections-in-a-critical-eye · 8 days

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Hiiiiiiiiiiii. How are you? What are you up to? Been in a reading slump again. The year is not going well i blame Jimin. Alot been happening

1)why can’t i get into succession? I dont understand i have watched ep 1 3 times and i can’t get into it 🤦🏾‍♀️

2) is hybe ok? I am confused and also yes to drama entertain me i guess

3)i only have been here for some of shinee military service and Taemin(obviously), are military man allowed to do what i have been seeing posting on social media, doing promo?

4) your faves are taking this military life under the radar 18 months too seriously, show me your face 😡

5) also i was looking at Jimin video from when Jk went to cook for him(idc what they are but if i had someone like Jungkook i would be married) i understand why jungkook is obsessed with Jimin. I too would go cook after a concert tired for him, i too would be a pick me for him, i too want to be rejected time after time on live when i offer to go to his house. Not even too fuck him ill be content just to sit there and look at him bonus if he could throw me some cuddles. Can you tell im jealous? Im not 😈

Hiiiiiii @5813!!!! It's always lovely to hear from you 🩷

Thanks for sectioning your ask, it makes this so much easier.

1) Don't force yourself, perhaps it's simply not the right time. Or it will never be. There's plenty others to choose from.

I was in a similar situation many years ago when I tried to watch The Sopranos and I couldn't get past the first episode. I found it boring and not as entertaining as Goodfellas or The Godfather. Fast forward, I just finished the series last night and I can finally say that I too have watched one of the greatest series of American television. I can finally understand the jokes and the references. And now, perhaps at my current age and just my mood in general, I could sit down and get immersed into it.

2) All is not ok in Hybe land and I personally have no concern for it. Let them all fight. It's never sunshines and rainbows in the corporate world.

3) Hmm, I have to say that I have had some similar questions about this too. Let's say I can accept that projects finalized before enlistment can be released during military service (I'm not willing to go into another debate on this specifically, I've had enough of it, case closed). But posting on social media about said projects? I find it odd and I'm not sure what the rules are. I haven't heard of any negative consequences for them, so what do I know? I was left with the impression that it's not right, but perhaps they are walking a fine line, open to interpretation. In his latest Weverse post, Jungkook mentioned that since he can't promote himself, he opened an account for Bam. So, what is it then? Is it allowed or not?

4) I knew kukumimi would do this, it's on brand and as much as I want to see them, I think it's better that they are keeping it under the radar. I heard they also just finished this intense training they had and they might get some vacation days. Perhaps they will show their faces. It's never the easy way with them, right?

5) I really enjoyed that glimpse into their evening, even if it was in front of the camera. It still felt nice and very lowkey, particularly after a concert. You wouldn't think they were jumping on a stage for two hours before that.

I think we're all jealous of Jungkook and so be it. He said so himself, we will keep being jealous, he'll still hold Jiminie (and cook for him).

#m thoughts #jikook #hybe #kpop

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lokisasylum · 9 months

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I'm sorry but 🐰 is so FAKE!

"My future changed because of it. If I hadn't done this project I would probably still be in bed, eating and watching cartoons"?????

As if he and everyone at Hybe didn't know since months PRIOR how his debut was gonna go down, like that Hybe staff (and Jimin anti) that got caught on DC Gallery talking smack during Jimin's debut about JK's single, because they all knew it had already been BOUGHT thanks to 🛴 & Bongo.

[Reminder that ALL Suchwita episodes are pre-recorded months PRIOR to present events]

Also the way he stated:

"I'm Korean , but I'd like to be the one and only singer who can cross back and forth between k pop and pop songs I'm gonna conquer all genres if I could " "one and only singer"... one and only singer to do WHAT when OTHERS have already done it BEFORE YOU??? (Shinhwa? Ailee??? Hello???) He'll never be the "first and only", "one and only", JUST THE PRIVILEGED ONE.

But you know what really gets on my tits? Its the way he toyed with the fandom's emotions through vlive acting out this story of the mistreated, neglected member that was too scared to ask the company for permission to come on vlive to talk to army, so he asked one of his hyungs to cover for him and "take the blame".

And then continued his little sob-story of "Oh I haven't left my apartment in over 3 weeks. All I do is eat takeout and sleep and play with my dog 🥹 please pity me." Getting so drunk that he passed out like twice (with a whole ass candle still lit) and coincidentally SOMEONE who was already inside the apartment would turn off the live (IF there was a staff with him at all times while recording, why did they let him get so drunk to the point of passing out? )

Then came the rebellious, child tantrums at his own hyungs asking him to take it easy with the drinking live (consequentially bringing hate against said members and his solo stans applauding this behavior as him "standing up for himself & doing what he wants" and how "respect has to be earned").

Then came the sasaeng scare, the "Please don't follow me to the gym where I work out every day, that scares me buuhuu 😭." And again getting drunk "to show how upset he is" by the whole situation, causing more unnecessary concern (a.k.a creating morbid anticipation and more people tuning in to the circus show).

But the live that really took the cake was when he first failed to hide the very obvious vape that was literally on top of the table in a very obvious pink color (like his hoodie) that many quickly identified, then another sob story, then FINALLY came the TEARS, acting like he was about to say goodbye to the fandom for the last time with the perfectly executed: "Please be happy, even if I'm not here." before ending the live and sending the fandom into a frenzy of "omg poor kookie, he's suffering so much" and "omg what if he harms himself???"

Everyone was SHITTING themselves on the TL, expecting the worst to happen.... only for Hybe to share a post from CK with a clip ready to announce that JK had been named Global Bran Ambassador to CK, with this huge promo, a whole ass video, photos, posters, an interview, the whole she-bang.

And suddenly... he was fine? Did another live like NOTHING happened? And the ones that followed??? Suddenly he was this refined model for CK that actually gave a shit about his image? Ya'll cannot convince me that this man was not gaslighting the FUCK outta the fandom through this whole shit-show while 🛴& Bongo finished up securing his achievement$ & po$ition on the chart$ before officially announcing his debut (despite having announced a month prior that another member would debut instead).

Even Jimin called him out on his BS during that live in the car after one of the music shows where outta the blue he interrupted the live saying he was gonna go watch Jimin perform live, as if he didn't know that Jimin's promotions had ended that very day.

Like atp I just feel pity for his stans 'cause they're SO NAIVE that they believe everything he says to the point of creating this false narrative that JK was the one who actually got sabotaged on his debut and received the shortest debut/promo time compared to Jimin. When the cold hard truth is that everything he got was thanks to all the MONEY 🛴 & Hybe invested on him.

#I'm sorry I know Jimin loves these dudes but it needs to be said #they've been gaslighting the fandom since those final concerts in Las Vegas #first it was namgi with the whole obsession with grammys #then SG lying on vlive about having done crossfit with the others and accusing armys of making it up

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joyswonderland1108 · 10 months

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What?

How is it even JK's fault that Tae can't travel to see him and support him?

First of all, and i'll say it beforehand i don't know the exact details of the law so don't ask me about any further information, i know it very superficially if you need more information you might want to ask a K-army or a K-friend in general. With that being said, since BTS announced and publicly that is that they're cancelling their military service postponement and will be enlisting after the completion of their solo activities, they are now bound by the military rules.

Which means, the boys cannot travel outside of the COUNTRY, without an official schedule aka something related to their work, whatever other activity they decide to do while out of the country is their own business but they just can't travel for "fun" and supporting another member is actually inside that "fun" box it ain't no official or professional schedule.

Up until now the two times we were sure Jimin was there for members (Hobi and Yoongi) he still had a professional schedule aside but he took the chance to make it in time to support his hyungs. A friend brought up Joon in Spain with his family and while it might look like a regular vacation for some but he DID have a professional schedule, he also took that opportunity to make it a mini family trip, it's basically a win-win situation, you get an official schedule you grab the opportunity which is always great to see our boys having a good time.

Now, Jimin is "coincidentally" (I don't think it's coincidental at all but you feel me) having an official schedule during this period, was it pre-fixed or was he able to arrange it to be able to support our Maknae AND get some work done? Maybe, maybe he went for the two birds one stone strategy. Up until now we have no idea what's up, will he be able to attend GMA or not, we have NO IDEA.

For all we know, Tae doesn't seem to be having any official schedule for now, not in Paris not in the US so again, no official schedule means no flying out of the country. So why tf is JK to blame? He's not the one making up official schedules. Their only concern is Jimin and i'm sitting over here thinking why aren't they questioning why wouldn't Yoongi go too? Since apparently Tae is being "held back by the evil step-mother that is Hybe" to go support the love of his life, Yoongi isn't held back by anything so why isn't he going? Makes us go back to the same point which is : No official schedule.

Second of all, Bitch! And if Tae isn't interested in going on a 10+ hours flight just to support a member, doesn't even have to be JK and even if the military rules weren't applying, he doesn't have to, why do they make it seem like it's a MUST that Tae should go to support JK, support isn't just by being physically present, how do they know he's not very actively encouraging him via messages and video calls?

Bitches are quick to assume Jikook aren't even texting each other but now they're assuming that about TK as well or..? And again if it's Tae's choice to not travel all the way to the US for one day, then how tf is JK to blame? It's not like JK has been plotting with the evil step-mother again to stop Tae from going to him dafuq?

It's one thing to be a delusional shipper and another to be a delusional maniac. This isn't just shipping blindly, this is projection, very blurred lines between reality and fiction, dementia? Please go get treated in a mental hospital. I know someone else was saying that Jimin is going to grab the attention yada yada, why is he grabbing the attention just when it comes to JK? Why wasn't that said about him when he went to support Hobi and Yoongi?

All this bla bla bla and we're not even a 100% sure Jimin is going to GMA anyways, they're already combusting just at the thought of Jimin and JK being in the same country, same city. Chile~ anyways so.. SEVEN IS COMING!!!!! Are you ready? Personally i'm not, but i am at the same time.

(Tagging this under Jikook because well.. Jikook.)

#jikook #kookmin #minkook #mingukkie

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akookminsupporter · 8 months

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Hey, um, I'm not sure if you'll answer this but I want to ask for you opinion. I don't know if you've seen the news that like 4 artists have cut contact with scooter and he's no longer their manager? I'm not even sure if it's really real or not but even if it's fake news it just makes me anxious. First of all it's really scary how everyone keeps dropping him... and so suddenly? He either did something really fucked up or he's retiring or something which I do not think. I literally don't know anything about him aside from the bad things he did to artists but he doesn't seem like he wants to retire now... Which brings me to my second concern which is Jungkook and the tannies. I'm gonna be honest, Seven is good but I just couldn't fully enjoy this era knowing that he had a part in it. And that might be not fair to Jungkook or I need to not think like that but I do, I'm sorry. And I'm just really weirded out right now because I don't want him to have a bigger control over Jungkook or any of the other tannies. I hate that he's in hybe at all, I hate that he's working with Jungkook, I hate that it seems like he will be a big part of his album as well. I just wish they don't do anything with him. But now that he lost a bunch of artists (or clients), I'm a little bit afraid he might get bigger control over the tannies, since he's in america and it's important they keep promoting over there. And honestly a third thing? We already knew he is a bad person but if something else comes out regarding the artists who have left recently, and it turns out he's even a bigger asshole, then I know, I know, deranged kpop fans will jump on Jungkook just to drag him for something he had no part in. And I'm already tired of that. So yeah... Am I just paranoid? I respect their decision if they want to work with him in the future, I just won't like it but that's just my personal preference and business. It's just weird what's happening right now and I don't want it to eventually be blamed on the tannies somehow.

Yes, anon, you are being paranoid. There are some things to remember:

The agency that Jungkook, the other members and BTS belong to is BigHit. Bighit is a private agency and separate from HYBE although technically it belongs to HYBE. As it is a private agency, hybe has no power over bighit and its artists, which includes all hybe subsidiaries including hybe america to which Scooter is linked. BigHit has full control of its artists.

Scooter was closely involved in Seven because he is Andrew Watt's manager, the producer of the song. Obviously, he saw the opportunity for clout because it was Jungkook but he has no power over Jungkook. He has no decision-making power, no management power etc., over Jungkook or BTS. Yes, he is part of HYBE America and Jungkook is part of HYBE technically but they are two different things. So there is no need to worry.

If Jungkook or any other member or the group in general "works" with Scooter it is because they are most likely working with one of the artists he represents and that way they can't avoid it. Scooter has been seen with Bang PD because they are representing HYBE and HYBE America, nothing else. As long as the guys are under BigHit, Scooter can't touch them unless they allow it.

It's funny how all this is something that many simply chose to forget when accusing Jungkook of a myriad of stupidities.

#anon #ask #bts #bighit #hybe #scooter braun #jungkook

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sageistrii · 7 days

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i gotta give it to BTS like they really do have insane discography no wonder why they're the biggest band in the world cause it's simply not easy to replicate what they did for years and as you said they didn't care who copied what cause they don't do same concept twice but then you have whole k-pop doing same things. Take BP as an example what discography do they have?? All songs are same doing bada boom bam cheek boom bahhh like move ahead a Little?? It's the way there's such a vast difference between the biggest bg of kpop and biggest gg of kpop like there's no comparison. I'm not really into kpop so i just stick with jm and BTS but i do listen to random kpop songs here and there on twitter clips or insta reels and idk it just sounds like noise most of the times. Yes there's also been some good ones but BTS is different bro. Hope they do come up with something like that for their reunion. I don't care too much for their English songs, dyna was okay other songs i just only watched when they performed. A good korean song with jm opening it and having descent lines is all i wish

This is it, and that's why I try so hard not to let the everything that's happened since 2020 completely ruin my perception of them.

I genuinely don't think I could go back to my old army era, but a part of me is kinda waiting to see if there's some truth to their claims about coming back stronger as a group, music wise at least... Because they did use to make good music ( the best in kpop in my opinion, like they had everything for everyone) and the decline could be blamed on the fact that they wanted this break in 2020, which means they spent 2 extra years doing stuff they didn't wanna do but had to for armys and hybe which obviously affected the quality of their work.

And I know I will never be enamored by a lie, so BTS are or were something special, even if a lot of things went wrong. Sometimes I wish I could feel excited like other armys are for BTS to come back but I can't because way too many things have happened. I don't think I could enjoy them as I did even if I tried.

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mrs-monaghan · 1 year

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No one is changing fucking narratives. Think about it you dumb idiots. You're in the closet, in a homophobic country, trying to live your best queer life in a glass closet. You leave enough hints about your sexuality & the person you love. Hickeys, GCF Tokyo with a queer love song. People either believe it or don't. And one day you're enjoying a significant COUPLE HOLIDAY in korea, with said partner you did all the above things with & the next thing you know its spread all over the internet.

Now I understand why Jikook are doing what they are nowadays. They were caught together on a couple holiday without members, by locals & since then, Jikook's public outings have stopped. The way JM even tried to downplay White day, which might have worked had he not posted JK on White Day before they were caught out, but still, the fact that he even felt he needed to play down the holiday & even stopped going to that place, should throw up major flags. They've always been able to leave room for deniability, but it's hard to explain a couple day outing. Seems it scared them into becoming more private. That & we have JM's mail stolen & privacy breached around the same time. Jikook obviously felt they could go out & didn't worry cause for the most part their privacy is respected. And now that they were, they been cautious since. This wasn't some premiere outing with two friends & cameras on a random day. We are talking 2 people who have spelled it out they are queer, who are rumored to be dating, who were caught out on their private time together, on a COUPLE HOLIDAY with no other members of BTS & it spread all over the internet. The only duo of BTS rumored to be dating and they are the only two caught out together on a real couple holiday. Yeah, its a big damn deal.

I just know Hybe and The members said something to them day. If they police Jikook during random photoshoots like we've seen or interject, when they are just having fun together, oh you know they came down on Jikook that day & they probably got blamed for it, even tho its not their fault someone took a pic and posted it. The timing of WD & Jikook's public outings coming to stop, is too perfectly timed for it to be a coincidence.

If I had a shilling for everytime someone said coincidence in regards to Jikook I would be a millionaire 😂😂😂😂 when are we gonna give this word up and accept there ain't no such thing as coincidence with these 2??

You wanna know what a coincidence is? This.

JK splashes Jimin 13 times. Their favourite number. Now that, is a coincidence. Because JK would have kept going had Jimin not asked him to stop. That is how u use the word coincidence.

JK using There for you a "gay" song for GCFT is NOT a coincidence.

Jimin appearing at the exact same lyrics during GCF Saipan is NOT a coincidence.

Both Jikook being from Busan, is a coincidence.

This, was NOT a coincidence.

Them wearing plasters on their fore fingers during a fan meet for no reason was NOT a coincidence

The J on JK's hand been directly ontop of the M is NOT a coincidence.

Jimin having a moon tattoo and JK having a sun tattoo is NOT a coincidence.

Jikook recounted once how they saw ghosts when they still lived at the dorm in their early years. JK said while showering he thought he saw a ghost but it turned out to be RM. Jimin said one time when showering he thought he saw a ghost but it turned out to be Suga. Everyone on twitter was like "aww what a coincidence! You are me i am you" Meanwhile I'm just over here like; Guys, 👏🏾they👏🏾were👏🏾showering👏🏾to👏🏾ge👏🏾ther. Their stories were too similar, that's literally the only explanation. HELLOOOO!!! Y'all give young Jikook too much credit 😂

Jikook posting at the same hour, same minute, exact same second is NOT a coincidence

JK coming live on white day and Jimin showing up in the comment section was NOT a coincidence.

Jikook having moles in the same spots of their bodies, that's a coincidence.

This. Is NOT a coincidence

They👏🏾sleep👏🏾to👏🏾ge👏🏾ther!!👏🏾

JK allowing an account kookminaredating into his game was NOT a coincidence.

Y'all catch my drift.

Sorry anon, I saw the word coincidence and went on a tangent but u are correct. With Jikook, coincidence should be used very lightly. And yes to the rest of your ask. 💜💜💜💜💜

#if jikook isn't real then neither am i #jikook is real #jikook #kookmin #minkook #jimin and jungkook #park jimin #jeon jungkook #jimin #jungkook #bts #bts ask #ask shaz

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sizzlingpatrolfox · 5 months

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Sorry for this useless post, I know you've talked about this a thousand times on your blog already, but I can't stress enough just how much I despise Jikookers.

That 'not-goldy' blog is literally talking about how they don't blame ot7s for staying far away from Jimin because Jimin's fans are toxic. What kind of supposed ARMY says something like that? So they're just going to pretend Jimin's stans are just attacking people unprovoked? They're just going to pretend the reason they're like this isn't retaliation for the way ot7s have been treating Jimin for years? And PJMs are somehow the worst of all solo stans for simply defending Jimin? The recent issue with the RIAJ certification and Hybe sharing articles labeling JK as the first to go platinum when JM is the first didn't even move them? Wow.

And someone compared JK's support for Eunwoo with his "support" for JM (I don't even know why anti-jikookers/non-shippers keep sending those people asks. It's hopeless) and this not-goldy person literally said JK is a sold out king and people are dying to have him promote their work. What!? They're literally implying that JK's Lives helped JM's career and gave him more exposure - I wouldn't be surprised if they wholeheartedly believe that JM's huge success and longevity on the charts is all thanks to JK. These people are really content in ignoring the fact that JM is objectively the most popular BTS member outside of the ARMY Fandom.

And it's crazy that not a single Jikooker commented on their posts to disagree with them. They are really never beating the allegations that they don't care about JM and only use him as a tool for their shipping fantasies.

I'm not going to check the blog because I don't want to lose braincells but I'll take your word for it.

Someone tell her Eunwoo is just as famous or probably even MORE famous than JK in south korea 😭😭😭

Well, most of them never implied it - they outright said a lot of times that he was promoting Jimin and doing for him what the company didn't do. They were saying it even after seven and seeing the difference in treatment. Sometimes I do wonder if they even see it because they seem to be interested only in the interactions and the ship moments. It's not like they really care about anything else.

Promotion is introducing your work to a new audience. Jungkook went live for the same friendless, touch-starved public he goes live for every day; the people watching him that time were the same that wanted Jimin to get hate crimed in the military two weeks ago. Fantastic promo job, indeed. Hope he's collected his nobel peace prize.

A few days ago I suddenly remembered the name of a jikooker whose posts I hadn't come across in a while, so I looked it up and her whole blog is Jungkook. Literally. There's nothing about Jimin. Right after I saw that, Jimin and Jungkook went to Japan and I thought "now she's going to acknowledge Jimin exists". I went to her blog again and lo and behold... a jikook post after months of her not posting anything about Jimin. Not even This is Jimin. That's how all the jikook accounts that get the most interactions are here in tumblr.

Most Jimin biased people at least admit that they care more about Jimin, and that they might have some soft spot or affection for Jungkook. But others act like they really respect and like both in the same capacity when you can tell that's not true. Then they'll try to police others on how to be a fan when they're hypocrites themselves.

"not a single Jikooker commented on their posts to disagree with them. They are really never beating the allegations that they don't care about JM and only use him as a tool for their shipping fantasies."

Exactly. That's why they never cared about the favoritism because they actually, geniunely think Jungkook is better and more deserving. To them, the favoritism was just status quo because to them, Jimin is less than Jungkook as an artist and at times, even as a person. That's why they never said anything, pretend they're not seeing the lies, the mediaplay, the manipulation and all the lenghts they went and are going for him to get stuff Jimin got with the bare minimum and without his fans thinking about records.

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reneejuliet · 8 months

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Leave Everything You Need

Author: reneejuliet Pairing: Hoseok x Reader Rating: E Word Count: 1,292 Genre: Fluff, Light Angst, Friends to Lovers?, Idol AU Author’s Note: It's aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive! Sorry to say but this story isn't quite dead just yet. Let's not talk about the time between the last installments, however - mostly because I'm hoping to just look the other way at my horrible time management and planning skills. But anyway! Here it is, folks - the parting of the clouds! The angst is finally beginning to thin out. This is still more of an interlude, a stepping stone if you will, before things begin to *happen* in subsequent parts. I hope you'll enjoy it all the same.

Also, to anyone who stuck around this long - my most sincere gratitude to you all. I've been sitting on this part for 9 months now and it has plagued me each and every day. So, I truly do hope you enjoy this little slice. I'm sorry it wasn't worth the long wait. I'll try to make up for all that in the next part.

You can find all previous parts here, under The Incident™ Installments.

It was a considerate gesture.

Awards season is always hectic. There’s so much to do and so many places to be, and so little time to do it all in. Sure, there’s managers and assistants and handlers, all helping their talent stumble through the complimentary chaos that comes and goes like clockwork each year. It never ceases to be overwhelming, though.

That’s why little things like this are so stupidly appreciated. It isn’t unusual to receive congratulatory gifts from other artists and companies – in fact, more idols are friends with each other than not. Still, amidst all the rehearsals, schedules, and traveling, it’s hard to find the time to express sentimentality. At least to those not within the same company.

This is hardly Bangtan’s first rodeo, though, and over the years they’ve made quite a name for themselves. Garnered the respect and admiration of their fans and peers. So when they walk into work each morning during this season, it’s far from unusual to see a collection of bouquets or gift baskets awaiting them. Still, it’s humbling each and every time, and they make sure to afford the appreciation each gift deserves.

That’s how Hoseok came across the card. It was tucked into a small assortment of flowers and balloons, all of which were vibrant and radiating cheer. It was his turn to reach the felicitations aloud, so he’d opened the envelope and flashed the others the shiny front as if it were an award itself. Then he’d opened it with his usual boisterous flair, lips poised to sing the song of congratulations within – until suddenly, it felt like all the air was knocked clean out of his lungs. It was signed by an up-and-coming group from one of the smaller agencies, their messy signatures scrawled haphazardly along the bottom of the card. Each name had a small handwritten note above it to add a personal touch, but it was the main message that caught him off guard. The slopes and slants of each character, the way it weighted to the right. The distinguishing little squiggle of a smiley face at the very end. He knew that handwriting.

You.

You had penned the celebratory tidings yourself. That’s why the names suddenly looked familiar. This was a congratulations from the group you now handled. The group that had taken you away from him.

It wasn’t a fair way to view them, Hoseok knew that. He just couldn’t help it. Just as he couldn’t blame you for making the decision to leave. Your contentment at HYBE had been tentative, temporary at best. You were never meant for office duty, to be cooped up in a glass cage all day. And despite the tarnish to your reputation, your work ethic still spoke volumes. Bang PD had made sure of it. It was only a matter of time before someone else came along to headhunt you.

Hoseok had done some snooping, seeking what information he could get on this new group. He even looked into the company itself, ensuring that they would treat you right. That it was a place where you could be happy. There were no red flags to be found, not even as far down as he had dug. He only hoped they would offer you the future you deserved.

A few months into your employment, the group really started to take off. Their mini album had reached the charts, their video channel surpassed 500,000 views, and they’d been nominated for their first awards show, where they would be performing the nominated song. It was also one of the awards shows where Bangtan had several nominations of their own. Initially, it hadn’t been in the schedule for them to attend, but once Hoseok learned that your group would be there – and, by association, you – he'd played every card he had until he’d convinced the company to send them.

Anything for the chance to see you again.

He’d been unsure whether or not you even still thought about him. If you wondered where he was, what he was doing. Who he was with. The radio silence on your end had told him you didn’t. Many times he had wanted to reach out, to try and initiate any form of contact, but he could never bring himself to do it. He was too afraid of the rejection. After all, you’d more than proven that you were just fine without him.

Until now. Until this card. The company could have had an assistant make it up, write out the same old boring commendations and have the talent sign their names to it. Instead, you had handwritten a personal message, made sure the genuine pride and happiness for their seonbaenims was sincerely and accurately conveyed. And if he was a gambling man, Hoseok would bet it all that you even chose the bouquet yourself.

“Hoseok-ah?”

His attention snaps up at the call of his name, soft and questioning. His members are all staring at him with varying degrees of concern. That’s when he feels the wetness in his eyes, the vise around his throat. In his hands, the card has begun to shake.

“What is it?” Namjoon asks, approaching with a careful hand. He takes hold of the card, waits for Hoseok to release it. The paper is creased where his fingers gripped too tightly. Hoseok sniffs and wipes roughly at his eyes as Namjoon scans the message.

“What does it say?” Jungkook asks, leg bouncing in anticipation.

Namjoon’s brow furrows. He looks to Hoseok, who is pointedly staring across the room, before back to the card. His lips purse together in thought as he reads the message again. Deciphers the signatures of its senders.

Realization dawns on him like a sunrise, lighting his face in a rosy recognition. The autographs are clumsy, the sloppy signature of someone unpracticed. All of which are at odds with the firm, delicate writing of a more feminine hand. Someone clearly not a part of the group itself.

Namjoon ignores Jungkook’s question in favor of his own. “Y/N sent this?”

The room titters at the sound of your name. Hoseok isn’t the only one who misses you.

Hoseok swallows and nods his head. “It’s from her new company, the new group she’s working with. And it – it’s her handwriting.”

“I wanna see!”

The other members clamber toward their leader, each vying for a glimpse at the card. Namjoon sounds very much like a father of young children as he scolds their grabby hands, warning against ripping the card. Hoseok takes this time to examine the bouquet closely, poking at the balloons and running fingertips over flower petals. It’s a sweet arrangement, pretty and fun.

One of the balloons pops off its plastic stick and Hoseok fumbles to catch it before it hits the floor. It’s just large enough that it’s a little hard to grip, slipping between his fingers until he’s able to secure both hands around it. Huffing in equal parts annoyance and amusement, he turns to place it back in its rightful spot, when he’s struck by another unsuspecting detail of the bouquet.

There’s a sunflower, right in the middle of everything. Just the one. Usually, the flowers are repeated or at least similar in color and design. He can’t help but suspect that this was intentional, and it so, he’s not sure his heart can handle soaring at such an altitude. Because you told him once how he reminds you of a sunflower, bright and bold and open.

Balloons forgotten, Hoseok reaches out to skim the petals of the sunflower. There’s water in his eyes again, but happiness in his smile.

You haven’t forgotten him. Not yet. Now, he just has to make sure it stays that way.

→ Taglist is open! Send an ask if you’d like to be added to my general taglist, or if you’d like tagged for a specific fic series or member! @jinfizz @hobi-love @folkpunkrock-littlewing-blog @dvalitaes @pb-n-juju @fangirls94 @halesandy

©reneejuliet 2022. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, reposted, or translated without consent.

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solarwynd · 4 days

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I know mhj is probably shady as hell but I read about the indefinite non compete clause in her contract and in that one small thing I understand why she started panicking. Seems that non competes are a gray area in south korea including when you can contest ending it and things get even murkier if the employer alleges wrongdoing like in this case. I know she's probably awful but I think why k-side feels sorry for her is because none of us can tell how much of this is hybe media play. I-fans already decided that gfriend disbanded because of her and that she started hate trains against other Hybe groups and got garam kicked out but these are all blanks filled in by fans based on crumbs left by hybe. They have carefully not made any direct allegations apart from the financial side of it and the shaman debacle with BTS.

It's hard to see where their manipulation ends and her wrong doing starts. I'm absolutely not absolving her of anything like some new jeans stans are so keen on doing but I also don't have the knee jerk instinct of armys to accept Hybe's version of events. Hybe will probably emerge the winner in this but I hope she gets some good hits in somehow (as long as it doesn't involve Jimin or BTS). I know people have said she's not managed to do anything but this whole incident has really tarnished Hybe and bang PD in the publics eye even if they end up victorious

For me Hybe and Jimin are opposing parties, not figures on the same side so if Hybe becomes weaker from all this, I'm going to count it as a win even if it doesn't directly affect jimin

I agree with you. I’ve never taken sides in this because both hybe and mhj have their committed offenses, but Bang has ultimately shown how truly shifty he is and has been. The media play is absolutely a factor. I think they are utilizing what they can and have available to try turn the public against her without going into slanderous/libel territory. (The fact that she basically confirmed everything they claimed about her and then some worked in their favor. Especially with the shaman bit cause that honestly sounded real fake when I first read it) I don’t feel sorry for her, cause again she’s not all there in the head, but seeing how innocent Bang has played while also being a shitty person? The hypocrisy pisses me off.

There are more armys who have started to acknowledge that Bang and hybe are not good entities but I do agree that they’re more focused on MHJ’s transgressions than anything else. Like how are pjms really the only ones that connected the dots but armys are still acting like Bang’s greed and self interests hadn’t already infected BTS well before this drama even came to light? I don’t think there’s going to be a winner in this, but MHJ has been made a thumbnail while Bang has remained faceless in all of this despite also sharing blame. Hybe just looks like an incompetent company that got too much money, gained growth too quickly and has no idea how to handle either. The whole management team needs an overhaul and I pray hard that bang and scooter get scrapped next and replaced with better people.

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beautifulpersonpeach · 10 months

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A Rant.

A lot of you have sent me asks about how JK's solo promotions isn't the same as Jimin's and other BTS members, about JK's rumoured all-English album, about BTS doing payola (you can read my views 4th paragraph from the bottom), about how HYBE has apparently destroyed the BTS OT7 agenda...

I don't want to answer y'all for two reasons:

Perhaps some of you are newer followers, but I can only repeat myself so many times. Don't you get bored of hearing me say the same thing over and over again? /gen

I don't share the apprehension, worry, or appetite for speculation and theorizing that I'm seeing from many people on Tumblr and Twitter.

It's very possible I'm the one in La La Land and you all have good reason to be concerned. But the way I see it, a lot of hysteria is being driven by two things: (1) a very myopic pov, as though the time between June 2022 and December 2025 is the most defining period of BTS's solo careers, as though this is the best and only time for any member to make a move, leave their mark, and thrive. And that BTS/BigHit is working on the same timeline.

(2) All these conversations are being driven by people who have brought that toxic hyper-competitive feature of k-pop, inwards, into the group, and now see the members as direct competition in the narrowest and most reductive sense possible.

And I just don't relate.

I don't feel sad for Hobi on how his solo roll-out was 'sabotaged' relative to Jimin's, I don't feel angry for Joon on how his roll-out compared to JK's, I don't feel confused at JK possibly having a full English album, if anything I'm even more excited by how he's pushing himself and I think it suits him given his pronunciation is one of the best in BTS. I know he'll be more involved than with Seven given how long he's been working on his album, I just hope he doesn't sacrifice depth in his artistic and lyrical expression for a shallow, wider reach.

In my very honest opinion.

When BTS talk about wanting to be together for a really really long time, I wonder if people have sat down to really think about what that looks like. Because maybe it's just me, but I don't think it makes sense for a company/group that has operated like BigHit/BTS, to shove their grandest plans for seven individuals into a ~3 year window. Right now, it's JK getting the push, he's been very vocal and consistent about his solo ambitions for the last 4 years, and I'm glad he's getting this shot.

Also,

While I feel BigHit has become bloated and inefficient, the boys are still capable handling their affairs and I feel very comfortable not having all the answers for a business and career that isn't mine.

I have my opinions about how things could be done differently, and I think if people want to voice their dissatisfaction to the company that's obviously fine, but I don't feel sadness, anger, or pity for any of the guys in BTS in Chapter 2. Not for my biases, not for Jungkook, and certainly not for Jimin. And it's getting tedious repeating my unpopular sanctimonious opinions to people who have already made up their minds and really ought to be more honest with themselves.

Speaking of Jimin, it continues to amuse me how the top group of people who just do nawt rate this man, is his solos. It's like dejavu for the discourse around OSTs circa 2018 - 2021 all over again. PJMs complaining about how BigHit was holding him back from doing OSTs, just for Jimin to say he wasn't interested at the time. Or how in 2022 people were fretting in my inbox about how only Jimin hadn't done any solo work/promotions yet and I would put out gentle reminders about how he operates and his tendency to leapfrog the rest when he's ready, then we started getting the producer pics.

Jimin has always been a 'bigger picture' kind of guy so how can anyone blame me for not taking this latest outcry seriously when that man continues to do what he's always done: work in silence, and wow with the result.

(Does anyone really think a man with no plans would be airborne every 2 weeks, and that a company with no desire to market him would be paying for and managing those plans?)

Not to be dismissive of people who wanted a stronger American push for Jimin's debut, while I agree he would've benefitted from a more targeted push, I genuinely think Jimin has always been better suited for Europe anyway.

I mean, look at him.

Anon from yesterday said they envisioned Jungkook doing a song/video like Troye Sivan's Rush... I didn't comment on it yesterday, but Anon, personally, I've never seen Jungkook as capable of making a song like that. Jungkook will never make anything like that. The only person in BTS who has the range for that sort of provocation and subtext, is Jimin. And the market that will fully embrace that sort of art isn't America, it's Europe. In my opinion.

We'll see what his plans are.

Anyway, I'm not sure how more tactfully I can say this, but my blog isn't the place to be if you feel some type of way about seeing Jungkook succeed like this relative to your bias, if you think his promotion and success is at the expense of your bias, and so on. It's not even that I care about some vague OT7 ideal, it's that while I understand the anger and heightened emotions a lot of you feel, I just cannot relate to it. And it won't be enjoyable for either of us if you come to me with asks about it because we think very differently about the group and our relation to BTS.

You can mark this post to revisit in 6 months so we can compare notes.

#...if you're still in the fandom #maybe later after I've had some coffee I'll be feeling more up to answering all those asks #bts #bangtan #jimin #park jimin #jungkook #jeon jungkook #jikook #hobi #kookmin #bang pd #bighit #bts fandom #bts army #fandom behaviour

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