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Kim Taehyung - Blog Posts
Whalien 52
Many others have discussed this song and done it well, but Imma use it to start our move into BTS' music and symbology. Because, to my mind, it's one of BTS' best songs ever and embodies everything that's so special about them. First, let's look at the lyrics. I'll write the translation out here and not repeat the refrain, for space purposes. I'm using Genius English Translations. I'll also indicate which rapper sings which part, so you know what they wrote, basically.
RM:
Yeah, the most lonely creature in the world
Eh, do you want to know my story?
I've never told this to anybody
Yeah, come on
Suga:
In the middle of the vast ocean
One whale speaks softly and lonelily
The fact that no matter how much they shout, it won't reach
Makes them so gravely lonely that they quietly shut their mouths
Of course i don't care what's the matter or what I've now become
When loneliness is the only thing that stays by my side
I've become completely alone. It's a lock that fills sadness
Someone says "Bastard, you've become a celebrity"
Oh fuck that! So what?! Nobody remains by my side and I'm fine on my own
These words that are easily said towards me quickly becomes a wall
Even loneliness turns into something you can see
Even if my breaths are blocked
Because I'm confined in that wall
Head towards the surface of water above
Hey oh, oh hey oh yeah
Chorus:
Lonely lonely lonely whale
Sing alone like this!
Will i ever shine so brightly like a remote island?
Lonely lonely lonely whale
Like this, try calling once again
Until this song that doesn't have a response
Reaches tomorrow
No more, no more baby
No more, no more
An endless signal will reach someday
Everywhere, even to the other side of the earth
No more, no more baby
No more, no more
Even the blind whales will be able to see me
Today i sing again
J-Hope:
The world will never know
How sad i am
My hurt is oil and water that can't mix
So only above the surface of the water do I
Breathe, and the interest ends
A child in the lonely ocean
I want to make it known too
My value, Everyday
I become sick with worry, the sticker always beneath my ear
Never end... Why is there no end and always hell?
As time goes by, it's a Neverland in a cold abyss!
But I always think, now
Even if i sleep a shrimp's sleep, my dreams are like that of a whale's
The upcoming big praise will make me dance everyday
Like me, Ye I'm swimmin'
Bridge:
I go towards my future
That blue beach and
Believe in my hertz
Hey oh, oh hey oh yeah
RM:
Mom said the sea is blue
She said to let out your voice as far as you can
But what do i do? It's so dark here and there are only different whales
speaking entirely different words!
I just can't hold it, ma! I want to say I love you
Alone, I look back at this music sheet that's like a rotating song
This ocean is too deep
Still, I'm lucky
(No one besides me knows of these tears.)
I'm a whalien.
Chorus to end
Wow, really strong moving lyrics. Just by reading, you can feel the pain and loneliness that they've experienced. Now add the music and voices. Even down to Adora's adlibs in the background, reminiscent of whale songs...
(Adora is a long-time producer with BigHit, in case you were unaware.) And the way they use the "radio sound" to make RM's voice sound further away. And lonelier. The credits for writing this are Kim Namjoon, Min Yunki, Jung Hoseok, Brother(?) Su, PDogg, Hitman Bang and Slow Rabbit. They are the dream team, when it comes to some of BTS' best songs.
Then you figure out that the basis of the song is the 52-hertz Whale, the loneliest whale in the world. The story goes, a scientist discovered a lone whale in the Pacific who sang at the frequency of 52 hz. And whales can only hear up to about 40hz. So none could ever hear it sing. But it sang its song throughout the ocean, nonetheless.
What genius! Why aren't there more songs about this?!? Isn't it the perfect basis for a song? Then, they added alien to the word! The very spirit of feeling disassociated, unfamiliar, remote... unheard. The incredible word play that BTS is known for, on full display. How could you not love this song? It's not a trite boyband love song, but rather, a scream from the soul, much like whale song. Reaching out to those around the world who can "hear" this level of loneliness and want. And doing what BTS has always done... Letting the listener know they can "hear" you, too. And they share your fears. And they're in this with the rest of the world. But we are together. Our lonely songs in the dark aren't in vain. They will be rewarded with time, as in all else. Keep singing, no matter who hears, because your song is also valid and necessary in the world.
So, if you haven't heard this song, it's off of their HYYH (The Most Beautiful Moment in Life) pt 2 album. Released all the way back in November, 2015. Go listen immediately. It's obviously one of my favorite songs in the world. And I would love to share it with everyone. Even while we're all singing our own songs. ❄👸
PS: if you have any questions about how we interpreted something, or just want to relate interpretations of your own, feel free to let us know. Here or on our Instagram page 🙏
Decided to have a little follow up chat about the awards show that happened last night. Mostly for 2 reasons; one, I was soooo impressed with Twitter ARMY for creating and trending the #Purple Carpet and #BTS video music awards! Secondly, I was just saddened and angered by what happened, in the first place.
So thunderous applause and many thanks to the tens of thousands of ARMY that, once again, stood up for decency by not watching that disgraceful mess. AND made it fun for ourselves and others online! You were the real winners last night, with all your creativity. Also huge thanks to the ARMY that stood with us and voted, despite what that tv channel says. We know who should've won all the main categories, and we did a great job standing up against intolerance.
But, we're still faced with the possibility this could happen again. And we must figure out how to make our voices heard, for real change, if it does. I was so angry that they clearly subverted a category we obviously would have won. There's no doubt, in my mind, that BTS were disrespected twice last night. More importantly, what can we do about this in the future, should others try it? S. Korea has a criminal investigation pending for rigged voting on a show, even now. Not to do with BTS but it does happen, everywhere.
What I'm talking about isn't by going the way of the courts, though, yet. But heading them off before they get there. Hopefully our boycott will have strongly impacted the revenue the advertisers receive from their support of that show. So that would certainly impact future situations. Another option is addressing the advertisers directly, should we need to, in the future. And we did have the entertainment media behind us, as well. It may be an option to utilize that resource more fully, if need be.
Lastly, not only was I disappointed by an American entertainment company, but I was disappointed by American entertainers. We know the 💲 has reigned supreme for a long time now, not artistry or values. But to see no one stand up against the hypocrisy, and instead fully embrace it, left me angry. There are so many in the entertainment industry who are quick to stand up for a popular trend, why would none of them take the initiative to boycott the show with us? It's definitely something I'll be bringing up and bringing attention to, if we wind up here again. So consider our options, ARMY. We're huge and powerful together. And we can stop injustices. Yes, it's just a music show, but the ideals that were stepped on are big. So we should continue to speak ourselves by speaking against racism and inequality.
Off the soapbox, for now 😁 Thanks to everyone for all their support this time and let's keep winning with BTS!! ❄👸
Credit: 2019 BTS Festa family photo
Please help in any way you can, ARMY! So So Important!!
Now we have to get the other 4's names included.
Source: AllKpop
Congratulations, boys!
Source:koreaboo
Our Tae is a literal angel on Earth.
V stands for Victory
From the Merriam Webster dictionary: 2) achievement of, mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.
Taehyung had 3 options when it came time to choose his stage name, and he chose V. He was named Taehyung by his Grandfather, meaning "all wishes come true, everything will be alright even if facing a difficult situation".
How could his Grandfather know that the name given to Tae at birth would also describe his chosen stage, when the time to choose came? Was it fate that V accompanied his friend to the auditions that day? He was the only one selected among everyone that auditioned. He started his career being victorious in a contest he didn't intend to compete.
Tae's path was never easy though. Not during trainee days and not after. As you may know, BTS was originally debuted as a group that focuses only on hip-hop, forcing the members into a mould, to present themselves a certain way. Tae's quirky personality though, may have often seemed out of place where hip-hop is concerned. Especially at BTS' early TV show appearances. From being mocked by hosts and "fans" alike, to becoming the most ridiculed member for his appearance in American Hustle Life, V has had to face it all.
Don't get us wrong, people with similar personalities, as Tae's, are some of the most adored celebrities, in South Korea. But, the "strictly hip-hop" image, BTS, were trying to present in the beginning of their careers, was what made Tae look so out of place. It wasn't until BTS started meddling with other genres and sounds, that people started understanding Tae better. He is a soul with a kaleidoscope of beautiful spectrums.
Although he is capturing everyone's hearts nowadays, this is a knife with two edges all on its own. He is no stranger to prejudice and mockery, to people's obsessive behaviour and ignorance. He has been on both sides of the spectrum. From being disliked because he was misunderstood to being liked too much.
Yet, Tae has never been anything other than himself. From his debut days, until now, V has grown, from a playful quirky boy, into a mature man, with the tender soul of a child. His talents and passions have shone through the shade of prejudice. V, has conquered all challenges. From developing his vocal skills, to learning how to play various instruments. Tae composes his own music and then produces the videos. We witness his ever evolving dancing skills. He fulfilled a life goal, by staring in the historical drama, HWARANG.
Most recently, V has been nurturing his passion for photography and painting.
Within every artistic medium, he shows us his true self. A person that's VICTORIUS!!!
"If you are concerned about something, tell [someone] anytime and let [your troubles] out~ If you keep it to yourself, it will become an illness."
— V , August 2019
We applaud BTS for their ongoing partnership with UNICEF to help children and young adults of our world.
"LOVE YOUR SELF"
For more information please go to:
love-myself.org
Team Karamel 🍮
⇩
Credits:
NUNA V
Winter Bear MV
Team Karamel is still new and building our basics, but there's a vastly important topic we couldn't let lie for long. So we'd like to start talking about being kind. Thankfully, BTS leads the way for us in these things and they launched their renewed campaign with UNICEF last week. The campaign is against bullying but at it's core, this is about spreading kindness to yourself and everyone else. Because that's all it really takes, being kind. And Loving Yourself.
We'll focus on kindness this week by talking about each member and how they exemplify kindness, in our eyes. Also how they've faced the opposite and what they've done to overcome it. We ask that you remember how well BTS handles hate directed their way and try to emulate it. When you encounter negativity, lets fight it with positivity. Hate messages to any member individually, or to them as a whole, don't engage. Instead of spreading the madness, maybe try to counter with things you love about the member or group. And, of course, report everything appropriately! There's Bighit if it's a serious threat they need to be aware of. Use your discretion so that they're able to get to important issues. Report problems on each platform appropriately. If it's hate messages, report as such, so our reports are noticed as helpful. Lastly, IF companies that BTS are dealing with behave inappropriately, we want to be as polite and professional as the boys would be. Express your displeasure through appropriate channels, and in proper ways. Doesn't mean we can't organize other means of expression, as a fandom, but let's be known as a reflection of our idols, ARMY! We can do it!
Team Karamel 🍮
Per AminoApp: BigHit's email:
Bighit@ibighit.com
Protect@bighitcorp.com
Who's A.R.M.Y?
You might answer "I'm ARMY" and every BTS member would agree with you. If you give all seven members, your love and support, you are A.R.M.Y!
A.R.M.Y has been with BTS from the very beginning. On July 19, 2013, a month after their debut, the members announced the name of their fanclub. The acronym A.R.M.Y stands for,
Adorable Representative M. C for Youth.
BTS' Korean name is 방탄서년단 (bangtansonyeondan), and it means Bulletproof Boy Scouts. To keep their theme/concept of bulletproof, they used the logo of the bulletproof vest worn by the military.
ARMY is military in English. Their army of fans will always stand with BTS and support each another.
You may ask, " What does the " M.C" stand for?". The term “MC” for rappers means Master of Ceremony. MC, (or Emcee) a skilled rapper. But, it could also mean we (ARMY) are the spokesperson for BTS and all they represent. We are the ones who control the microphone thus, we can speak the loudest.
And we do! The members have often said, without ARMY there would be no BTS. But, if there were no BTS, we wouldn't be ARMY.
The boys have grown into men, and ARMY has grown too. In numbers and in our ages. We aren't just made up of youth.
We do have a very powerful voice. With this power, comes responsibility. How will you use your voice to support BTS? Will you be the positive MC?
We will continue this conversation another day. Thanks for reading and sharing.
🌜🦎
Today, let's talk about Vante, the name Taehyung gave himself after being inspired in photography by minimalist photographer Ante Badzim. He's been sharing his photography with ARMY for a few years now. And they've been noticed by Badzim, himself, before. He recently posted some shots from other well-known photographers on BTS' Twitter page, in appreciation. The artists Johannes Becker, Alex Strohl, and Callum Snape were thrilled and replied in kind to Tae. In true artist fashion, this isn't Taehyung's only creative outlet. But we wanted to highlight his passion for photography, first. Along with his own beautiful pictures. He's even contributed his work for BTS' solo music! What a great job you're doing, Kim Taehyung!
Source: https://www.hellokpop.com/internet/bts-v-sweet-interactions-photographers/
Our most handsome V to spice up your Saturday! You may need to view with caution 😉...
Credits:
Winter Strawberry
CRESCENDO
NUNA V
We've got this!!
"Everybody say NO..."
Dear A.R.M.Y., today we have something a little more serious to talk about. And it's a delicate subject. But one that we think really has to be addressed, not only for our boys, but the long term ramifications, as well.
While we want to always be grateful for any accolades BTS is given, the process being used by MTv this year is not actually an accolade but a segregation. It's xenophobia or at its base, racism. Those are strong words to be used at any time, but it really is the basis of what MTV has done by creating a "kpop" category. And this is the only way they'll award Korean groups?
BTS stands for the exact opposite of what MTv is doing with this category. BTS and ARMY are about breaking down barriers, overcoming prejudices. South Korean President Moon Jae In said, "At the very heart of BTS' outstanding dancing and singing is sincerity. This magical power turns grief into hope and differences into similarity. Each of the seven members sings in a way that is true to himself and the life he wants to live. Their melody and lyrics transcend regional borders, language, culture, and institutions." If only MTv could understand. They are merely a tv channel, that is discriminating against an entire population, again. Whether at the behest of advertisers or corporate heads, it's not important. What is important is that hopefully, we can let them know this was never ok.
This may all sound a bit grandiose, but if you look around, we're fighting battles for equality and humanity all over the world. And one way to silence these voices is to silence BTS. ARMY, we've done it until now and we'll continue to stand with them and fight for each others' dreams.
Write to MTv. Maybe it's a short, appropriate tweet on twitter, a letter to them, or an email, let's voice this. Let them know our disagreement with what they're perpetuating. This is not okay in one country, or one awards show. Meanwhile, we're watching for other ways to speak out against acknowledging these awards in any way. A surefire bet to "help them change their minds" is voting overwhelmingly for BTS's nominations in all categories (as always). But PLEASE don't watch the actual show. Those ratings are what they actually want, so even pass it along to your friends how they could help. Let's not let this happen on our watch, Army!
Let us know if there any other good options you've seen, please. And we'll definitely pass it along.
Team Karamel
Twitter page: @VMAS
Email: vh1communications@viacom.com
Mail: Viacom Inc. - MTV Networks (Main Office)
New York, MY
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Sharing Time
Once upon a time...
We've all heard that magical line. It usually started a fairy tale. It would take us to a wonderful place in a fantasy world.
Stories, we still love them.
Let's imagine we are entering the Magic Shop. We don't really know what we will find. We've never been here before. It's all so very exciting and new. We have entered the world of BTS. This is the beginning of ARMY'S story..........your story. A love story for sure.
We want to hear your story. Don't be shy. Every one's relationship with BTS is a story to be told. Some fell in love with the first song. Some fell in love with the first video. With some, it just took awhile. But, eventually love was inevitable.
This is my story. My journey with BTS was gradual. I didn't know I was going to land down the rabbit hole. I just thought I was listening to new music. It started back in 2011. My very sweet Granddaughter started asking, "Can I listen to KPop?" Me: "HUH?... What's that? (yes, I'm a noona ARMY) She wasn't into BTS, at first, because she thought they were too young. ( She's the same age as V and Jimin) By the time they debuted, we had been listening to KPop for awhile. We traveled from Arkansas to NYC to attend a KCon. BTS was there but she missed the fan meeting. (Something she regrets to this day) I was still, just along for the ride. I didn't really know much about them at this time. ( OK, I now, regret not seeing them too😟) BTS was still very new. My daughter and Granddaughter were both becoming fans. Me? I started listening closer to their music, watching some music videos. Yes, they were very cute. I couldn't tell them apart. Seven members in one group!?..... Isn't that a lot? WOW!! Could they dance!!
Fast forward to 2018, we all have traveled to Chicago to see them in concert. Me, just going for the fun of the trip. By now, I know their names. I have a favorite member; well, maybe two.
I am playing their music on my Alexia speaker. ( Alexia is learning about BTS too😅😂🤣)
When my Granddaughter gets to go to a soundcheck, I'm kinda jealous. I vow that the next time they come to the states I'm going to see them. I can now identify each member by their smiles or eyes. I'm falling HARD. I LOVE IDOL!!! OMG, can I really be in love with seven young men from South Korea?
I will admit that I'm obsessed. I'm living in the rabbit hole of BTS and very, very happy. They make me happy, their music, their beautiful souls,their love for ARMY.
BTS, how do I love thee?
Let me count the ways. (Well, there are too many)
I'll have to leave those for another day 💜
PS.
Oh yes, I saw them four times of the six concerts, in the USA, this year. Still wanting more.......
Please, share with us your story, we're listening... 🌜🦎
To send us your story, just email us at bts.armyxyou@outlook.com or message us here and we'll post it, with your permission.
Photo credit: dispatch
Guess what? We have some fun facts (we think) that we'd like to share with you, occasionally, A.R.M.Y.! The first is going back to our roots, a little bit. And it's about the name Bangtan Sonyeondan. That's 방탄소년단 in Korean. The name translates roughly to Bulletproof BoyScouts, which is why they were called the bulletproof boys, too.
JHope is in charge of explaining the name, and he's got it down cold, now. He says: "The meaning of Bangtan is to guard against something. So [our name] means that we boldly defend our music and our value/worth." Great, huh?! In the summer of 2017, BigHit released a statement saying that they were extending BTS's name to include Beyond The Scene. Since they were moving forward, and chasing their dreams instead of settling for reality. It holds the meaning of protecting youths from prejudice.
Since they are bulletproof, they originally used the image of a bulletproof vest as their logo. They changed to the current one along with expanding the name, in 2017.
Now you know! ❄👑
Let's Learn About BTS
One thing we love about being BTS fans is the fandom they've created, A.R.M.Y. We're happily part of that fandom and want to share our experiences with you. In that spirit, we would like to share some YouTube videos that we've enjoyed.
The first one gives you an idea how well our guys are being received at home now, and it's called "WHAT DO KOREANS THINK OF BTS? (2019)" by KOREA NOW. ❄👸
All ya playa haters, you should love yo self!
Hey Army! We noticed there was a disturbance in the force this weekend, and you made some fantastic responses to it. Great job!
BTS's success has led to other people's success, including previously unknown (relatively) YouTubers and web article writers. There will, unfortunately, be more instances of people using Bangtan for their own gain. I don't even think the boys would mind others getting a leg up, with them. But some people can only be envious, never appreciative. So it was wonderful to see the response from Armys all over the world, this weekend!
Surely, we were angry after certain things were said. Who wouldn't be? But to see our fandom come together in a positive way was inspiring. The #cypherparty on Twitter" and the streaming parties to raise the cyphers in the charts were brilliant ideas. And we're here for it, Armys! 👏👏 One of the truly incredible and unique things about BTS is their positive message and approach to everything. So it's amazing when that translates to fandom and our behaviours, too. Keeping in mind how they'd want to see us is probably a good idea whenever dealing with fandom issues. Thinking of constructive ways to express our unhappiness is near Namjoon-level genius. Rather than just sending hate comments, it may be as satisfying to politely request apologies. Sometimes, there are extremes and we may choose to report the problem. There are always ways to do that on any platform, correctly. Or, if you think it's warranted, to BigHit directly. Even kindly write to employers and let them know of our displeasure. There've also been outreaches, in the past, to help educate some people who couldn't understand BTS.
What kind of responses did you like? Any examples you want to share? Any ideas you have for the future? Let us know! We're happy to share ideas. Overall, it was really fabulous to see the anger and hurt turned into fun and fruitful action. We noticed, Army! You nice, Keep going! ❄️👸🏼
All ya playa haters, you should love yo self!
Hey Army! We noticed there was a disturbance in the force this weekend, and you made some fantastic responses to it. Great job!
BTS's success has led to other people's success, including previously unknown (relatively) YouTubers and web article writers. There will, unfortunately, be more instances of people using Bangtan for their own gain. I don't even think the boys would mind others getting a leg up, with them. But some people can only be envious, never appreciative. So it was wonderful to see the response from Armys all over the world, this weekend!
Surely, we were angry after certain things were said. Who wouldn't be? But to see our fandom come together in a positive way was inspiring. The #cypherparty on Twitter" and the streaming parties to raise the cyphers in the charts were brilliant ideas. And we're here for it, Armys! 👏👏 One of the truly incredible and unique things about BTS is their positive message and approach to everything. So it's amazing when that translates to fandom and our behaviours, too. Keeping in mind how they'd want to see us is probably a good idea whenever dealing with fandom issues. Thinking of constructive ways to express our unhappiness is near Namjoon-level genius. Rather than just sending hate comments, it may be as satisfying to politely request apologies. Sometimes, there are extremes and we may choose to report the problem. There are always ways to do that on any platform, correctly. Or, if you think it's warranted, to BigHit directly. Even kindly write to employers and let them know of our displeasure. There've also been outreaches, in the past, to help educate some people who couldn't understand BTS.
What kind of responses did you like? Any examples you want to share? Any ideas you have for the future? Let us know! We're happy to share ideas. Overall, it was really fabulous to see the anger and hurt turned into fun and fruitful action. We noticed, Army! You nice, Keep going! ❄️👸🏼
hyyh taejoon | begins youth x spring into summer / Lizzy McAlpine
guys i’m actually proud of this one
this is purely self indulgent.
i present to you MY shaylas 🤭
⚠️flash warning⚠️
blood sweat & tears x take a slice / glass animals
fake love x headlock
I want to ask past me if Taeyong or Taehyung is hotter because at this point, my answer is super biased, and I want to know what I really think looks wise. Past me could have made the split second decision, but now me knows the personality factor too.
"My eyes are always on you" - Kim Taehyung.
Vmin has to happen because they are soulmates. They already have a strong bond and an untouchable friendship. Not to mention how good and happy they look together.
And if those reasons were not enough, Vmin should be the only true pairing so that Kookie would stay out of a shippping world where he's been pulled in 2 different directions for the longest time. It is extremely exhausting to see that happen constantly to my bias and how..!
Long story short, i'll support Vmin because everybody wins 💞
Still can't stop listening to this piece of art 🎶💜
I'm sooo proud of Taehyung. He came a long way and made all of us extremely proud. I hope he knows that and i hope above all this that he is also proud of himself.
We love a talented tiger 🐯👏👏
When your crush gets too close and you can't believe it 😂
No one can say that Taehyung was not paying attention during cooking class 👀
Did Taehyung really shush a fanboy screaming Jungkook's name?
Oh Man Holy Shit! 😂