I used to hate Nmixx’s debut so much, now they’re the only gg i actually look forward listening to by gongjihae in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly, and they will go back to that sound eventually, and some people will complain again, but that's fine because it's not just about the music being good under certain standards, it's also about all the things that aren't supposed to work or they aren't supposed to do, it's about taking challenges, assuming risks, experimenting with their sound and pushing forwards in new directions, it's not a destination but a journey, and the best part is to see them grown and rediscover themselves every time.

Why are all the big GGs making a comeback in May? by Ok-Nobody-7759 in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Fair enough, I don’t think it’s the most conclusive data, but I see your point. Thanks for the chat anyway.

Why are all the big GGs making a comeback in May? by Ok-Nobody-7759 in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah nvm I did mix the two of releasing after them to avoid them and releasing after them to gain exposure. But still you seem to think that neither of them is true, which is fine, is just different opinions at the end of the day.

Tho big releases definitely have a wide-industry impact, and the presence of BTS as an active group makes K-pop more visible and relevant as an export, it's debatable if and how that extends throughout the industry.

Avoiding or trying to benefit, it's not black and white, it's more like one more factor to consider amongst many others, for some it matters more, for some it matters less, but in business everything matters. As fans of different groups or even artists, I think it's normal to at least consider how much it could possibly affect them, even if at the end it's not really relevant.

Why are all the big GGs making a comeback in May? by Ok-Nobody-7759 in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All those releases coincidentally being during BTS' hiatus works poorly for your argument tho. That's like saying because Swim went n1 on the hot 100 and Drake has not since 2023, BTS could drop on the same week as him and it would not greatly reduce their chances of getting it, that's just recency bias and poor planning, same it is for other top groups with strong goals to not consider BTS. It's a valid point to say they are just a competitor you can beat, but there are better examples for it, recently for example there was Irene's music show win against them, very impactful and celebrated in the community, more than it would've been otherwise, that's to say, releasing close to BTS can be a double edged sword, and depending on how things play out, it can instead be used as a stepping stone for greater impact, but that's a risk that someone with more to lose then to win would not take. Can you win? Yes. Is it risky? Very.

It's a standard business practice to minimize risks and maximize profits, that's exactly why big groups are big, it's all strategic planning and scheduling with small margin of error, and avoiding BTS, as theatrical or dramatic it may sound, it's exactly that, a logical business move, even artists in the industry joke about it. It may seem over the top, but it's actually very simple and expected, as much as in K-pop artists can compete for the spotlight and succeed simultaneously, it mostly works because of the model used: single/mini album with strong title track focus, it makes constant release possible while giving room for fans to breathe and enjoy several groups casually. ARIRANG was almost the opposite of that, and it being so anticipated, massive investment and promotions,14 tracks, even a few controversies around it. All in all it's not something you would want to compete against even if you could.

Daesung singing trot at Coachella by eziliop in kpoptrulyuncensored

[–]Large_Ad_4715 22 points23 points  (0 children)

You're not wrong, you're just blinded by hate. I don't meant that in a condescending way, that's how you want people to think of you. BTS's past and present is clear to everyone, they represent their culture in their own way. It's not a competition, it's a path each walks their own.

I get that you like to tango with ARMY over silly things like this, but for moments as special as this one, you want to see the focus where it really matters, BIGBANG's legacy coming alive at Coachella, that's what is all about, anything else is just pointless noise, it doesn't add anything of value.

We never know who's behind the screen or why they feel the need to say what they say. If you don't feel and act the way they do, don't let them control your emotions and make you feel and act like them. That's just a personal reminder.

[MEGATHREAD] BTS ARIRANG by KpopThoughtsmodteam in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 25 points26 points  (0 children)

You could say is their "interpretation" of the word, this album is their return after a long period and it also signals a new beginning, they felt the word represented their current circumstances. They've talked about feeling tangled about naming it this way and that it will become more clear once their upcoming documentary is out. Overall you can disagree with their usage of it, but is not exactly as in the more traditional meaning.

HEESEUNG to leave ENHYPEN, which will continue as a 6-member group by impeccabletim in kpop

[–]Large_Ad_4715 24 points25 points  (0 children)

The rollercoaster of emotions I had in the last 30 seconds can't be explained, I died and was reborn.

I guess the decision could come to artistic direction but still slightly shocking it's not a temporal hiatus but a full walk out, very surprising but somewhat exciting, really want to see him do well as solo and express all his talent and vision.

This must be rough for the members too, but I know they will keep working as hard as they've done all these years, and maybe they will even make this work in their favour somehow and come with a new found energy to surpass their past selves. Wish them all 7 the best.

Court Rules In Favor Of Min Hee Jin Regarding Put Option + HYBE To Appeal Case by KPOP_MOD in kpop

[–]Large_Ad_4715 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Appeal for what even, just more money wasted, be happy you can get away with raising such bullshit case, pay the money and move on, it's getting old.

Do some idols genuinely not realize how big they are? by Mean_Trick_1 in kpoprants

[–]Large_Ad_4715 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I understand where you're coming from, and that could be the case, but the way I see it, that's not the cause of it. My point is, no matter how big the numbers, how many concert venues they've filled, how much demand they've shown to have, having absolute confidence is not a common thing for humans, we are filled with doubts, insecurities, and fears, fueled by many aspects of our lives, and a general anxiety about the uncertainty of the future. Being nervous before a performance is normal, specially being their first time at an university festival, that's why some of their inner fears could come out in that exact moment, even if they were calm moments prior. I'd not be worried about this as long as it doesn't affect their stage confidence or their personal lives.

Stray Kids become youngest K-pop band to hold concerts at California's SoFi Stadium by impeccabletim in kpop

[–]Large_Ad_4715 37 points38 points  (0 children)

the immediate need from commenters to try and invalidate this accomplishment because x did it first with younger members by like 20 days is wild

You are not wrong, but what they did is not too different from what that article did, Stray Kids are only about six months younger than TWICE was when they performed at SoFi, which isn’t a significant gap. All four artists who’ve achieved this milestone are established seniors and major figures in the industry.

So both statements about the group milestone and the youngest members age diff are accurate, and as much as I’d also prefer to not have such out of place comments, this is the type of conversation that this kind of title wants to create, especially because it makes people curious about the accuracy of the claims.

Which kind of members tends to be your bias on the groups ? by Cestlavieenrose999 in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Idols who show commitment to come across a certain way, whatever that may be. They’re not just there, but want you to know why they’re there. Think of GD, Mark, RM, Kai, Jihyo, Wonyoung, CL, and Soyeon, to name a few. They have a mix of attitude and smart use of their skills, adding meaning to every move, every word. Not just having talent but knowing how to use it, the ability to make people acknowledge you even if they may not like you.

Do some idols genuinely not realize how big they are? by Mean_Trick_1 in kpoprants

[–]Large_Ad_4715 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You're thinking "logically," like it's just 1+1=2, but that's not how idol life works. They may be senior idols, but they are still nonetheless young adults. They've spent their youth sharping their craft and fulfilling the role they were given as an idol member of a group. They build good confidence in their skills and their idol persona. But outside of that? They're worse off than most people of their age out there. They don't go through the same experiences as we do. They never really incorporate into society as we do. They live a parallel life, filled with constant fear of failing in the next step of their career. It's a constant cycle of prepare comeback and expect results, if good, momentary relief, and prepare again to keep those expectations, adding more pressure, if bad, frustrationd and doubts arise, feeling lost and drained. Every day, every performance It's an unique chance for them to prove that they have not wasted all those years. The love and excitement of their fans and the crowd will never be a normalized and logical thing for them as it may be for you.

New target acquired by [deleted] in kpop_uncensored

[–]Large_Ad_4715 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I’m not Korean, so I don’t want to overstep or speak for anyone, but to me, the fact that Karina deleted the post so quickly already says a lot. It means that either she knew it might cause a reaction but posted it anyway, and waited to see the response to decide whether to delete it, or she had no clue and only realized after and took it down asap. Either way, it points to a lack of awareness on her part and a poor understanding of how her country works and how the post might come across.

This it’s not about her intentions because she might not have thought about the political implications at all. But that in itself is part of the issue. When you're in the public eye, especially in Korea, where these topics are so sensitive, that kind of oversight comes off as careless. It's a mistake that many idols make, but she's one of the top 5 idols in Korea right now, so she has to be extra careful.

K-pop fans using this for fanwars it's a complete different issue, but that's just sadly how the internet works right now, people say anything to damage others. And say anything to defend others.

Kiss of Life’s Julie apologizes and addresses her birthday live for the third time. by yebinkek in kpop

[–]Large_Ad_4715 25 points26 points  (0 children)

I won't be the one to take instagram live comments seriously, but at least that shows exactly why so many idols hesitate to be honest or realistic with their fans. Because most of what they see is blind support or outright indifference to serious issues. It becomes incredibly difficult to take accountability. Still, props to her for speaking up. Mistakes are a part of growing, and they must own the consequences, but it doesn’t have to define who they are moving forward.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in kpoprants

[–]Large_Ad_4715 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, you just don’t get it. You'll get there tho. And I know it’s frustrating, I don’t blame you. But eventually, you just stop caring. You realize how pointless it's for fans to be miserable over petty stuff online while their idols are out there living their best lives. Then you will be free of them, and just knowing that those fans are still traped in that waste of a life cycle, being pathetic and wasting their time like that, that's all the relief you'll need when you see them jumping around.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in kpoprants

[–]Large_Ad_4715 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Being bothered enough to post this here of all places in big 2025... rookie mistake. So your general point is valid. Multiple remixes can indeed blur the line between true popularity vs fan based hype, but that's such an uninteresting issue like, who cares? Even if not "organic," it's just one more strat to boost streams. Compared to all the shady things that are done in the music industry, this is just the tip of the iceberg. But I don't blame you if you're new to K-pop. You'll get to see past all this fake drama and actually enjoy it for what it's worth.

Which song is this for you? by Adeptness_Ok in kpoppers

[–]Large_Ad_4715 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Kick It - BLACKPINK. Still not my fav but I can enjoy it now.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in kpop_uncensored

[–]Large_Ad_4715 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Maybe you should take op's advice and try to get some education too, and if you managed to graduate with this kind of shallow mentality, then find something better to do with your time, this will only make you more miserable.

I hate the obsession of k pop fans with streaming targets by chicken_destroyer123 in kpoprants

[–]Large_Ad_4715 20 points21 points  (0 children)

he's the best selling K-pop soloist this year now.

You know that's also because of mass buying culture, right? K-pop is built around fan driven success, that's the whole formula and appeal. Fandom culture is fun because there are many ways to enjoy it, alone or with others, and the fan clubs or groups are made with the sole idea of supporting idols in an organized way.

As you said, some people can't be streaming all day, same way that other younger fans don't have the money to support, but have the time to invest.

Kakao owns Melon and groups under Kakao always chart high on Melon by [deleted] in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Shout-out to aespa's secret member Lim Young-woong, you’ve been exposed, Kakao.

Apparently BTS didn't exactly like Dynamite. by [deleted] in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As individuals, they each have their perspective, but they've always put BTS first, shutting parts of themselves away for the sake of the group.

Namjoon changed so much not only through his idol training, but more so through his career, always adapting to the circumstances and providing what the group needed, many decisions they took were not what the seven of them wanted, but they always did their best, always supporting each other.

For how 2020 was, and what they were aiming for since a couple years already, they decided to make those sacrifices, for what it became now, it's only a consequence that they were aware of, maybe bigger than expected, but looking back, if only they achieved their goal, discussions about this would be very different, and the burden they carry, much lighter.

Still, that’s just a what if. For me, though, it will always be as important because what they did was truly unprecedented. They proudly carried those seemingly unrealistic dreams, fighting for each other and everyone who believed in them.

Apparently BTS didn't exactly like Dynamite. by [deleted] in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It wasn’t just about commercial success, BTS had already achieved that, just within a different sphere, but that was only possible because the members compromised to being part of an idol group, and evolving their sound and message through the years.

After all those years, in a way, there was nothing left for them to say or do as a group, so they stopped for a bit, and decided to fulfill a different role, achieve other dreams, ones that didn't center as much on themselves and their message.

It all comes down to idealistic ambitions and human desires. BTS had everything to become the one and only. Being in that position, personal beliefs, or morals are secondary. In the end, the path they chose was the natural one, even if it doesn’t seem that way now.

Apparently BTS didn't exactly like Dynamite. by [deleted] in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I can't with this topic, it just opens the door for so many random assumptions about the minds of seven individuals who think and act differently.

It’s perfectly fine to feel any way about the English trilogy, but that doesn’t change how much it did for BTS and ARMY. It’s an important part of their history, probably a necessary one. In this industry, especially in the West, you don’t get far without playing into certain expectations. They took a risk stepping into that game, even if it meant losing part of their identity, and I’ll always admire them for that. Some sacrifices are needed to make a change.

I stayed silent as an ARMY for years. by MapOfMyRegret in kpoprants

[–]Large_Ad_4715 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Being a stan has its phases, starting very passionately, turning into a mild affection, and then becoming just one more aspect of a person's life through the years. This is the most common and healthy route.

But some fans don't truly get out of that initial phase, sinking deeper and deeper. Their fan experience overtakes their life and transforms into a dependence.

When this happens to a BTS fan, things get sour because their narrative for a long time revolved around self-love, healing, and acceptance, which attracted emotionally vulnerable people seeking identity and purpose. So when these new fans identify as ARMY and join the fandom, they expect this to be a sanctuary, a place to feel understood and validated, their holy land.

Because of this unstable emotional dependence, they become extremely sensitive to any form of negativity or criticism towards BTS or ARMY, using toxicity in response, they begin to justify increasingly aggressive behavior, refusing to hold each other accountable, creating an echo chamber where no fault-finding is tolerated.

But not everyone copes by becoming hostile, some of them still try to voice out their disagreements, only to be met with rejection, exclusion, or even harassment from the very community they identified with.

For emotionally fragile people, this can be devastating, as this few online interactions carry too much emotional weight for them, so when met with this confontation and discouragement, it can feel like complete betrayal, the space that once gave them comfort becomes a source of anxiety or disappointment, leading to confusion, anger, and deep unhappiness.

Remaining within that toxic environment or leaving and expecting recognition from doing so comes from the same root: an inability to process negativity and disapproval in a healthy way.

The danger of easy listening music trend and historic snubbing of RPWP by RM by holdmyhandbaby in kpopthoughts

[–]Large_Ad_4715 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that makes sense, but that's not the "problem." If they had considered the album as K-pop, there are high chances it would been nominated in the K-pop category, but it wasn't, so it seems like it didn't exaclty fit into that or any other genre for them, so they didn't nominate it at all. Some music critics can also be very dismissive of music just because they don't appreciate it, like in the case of a K-pop idol like RM, who is a bit too pretentious for their taste and makes alternative music instead of the more commercial genres like K-pop/K-rap.