Now For Something Fun!

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This is where I post music videos I like made by Korean boy bands that have made me happy while I've been away from the site. This time they're by BTS, or Bangtan Boys, whose name in Korean means "Bulletproof Boy Scouts."

 

Their song "Dope" is as good an introduction to the group as any. It shows the group's work ethic (they don't have time for clubbing, for example) by depicting them in various vocations and shows off their dance chops. There are professional dance troupes who wish they danced with BTS' precision and synchronicity. English subtitles can be found in the closed captioning.

"War of Hormone" is another fun song The lyrics are highly heteronormative, but there's a lot of clowning around and butt-slapping, and the girl in the video is allowed to make her own choices. It also has a clever double entendre (bursting a pimple, anyone? how did that get an age 12 rating?)

There's also a hilarious dance/prank video for "War of Hormone" billed as "

." You'll see why if you watch. You will also wonder whether V is hyperactive or had too much sugar that day.

 

Here's a live performance of "Boy in Luv":

A few of their songs, including "War of Hormone," were the subject of recent controversy about misogynistic lyrics. See this tweet from a musician who's a friend of BTS' leader Rap Monster (Rapmon for short) and this statement from their agency/record label, Big Hit. I have a hard time imagining a Western group making a similar statement. They'd probably say "fuck off" and quote their right to free speech. That the parties involved have owned up to their failings and want to do better in the future is kinda refreshing.

 

Another distinguishing factor is that RapMon (and by extension BTS, since he's their leader) is one of a handful of Kpop stars to publicly support the LGBTQ community and gay rights. In 2013, he tweeted a link to a video of the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis gay rights anthem "Same Love" with this comment: "A song about homosexuality. I heard this song before but I didn’t know the lyrics, now I know them and I like the song twice as much."

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Kai, move over. We have to make room for a couple more in my fantasy: Jin http://s2.favim.com/orig/140727/black-and-white-bts-handsome-jin-Favim.com-1948132.jpg and Jimin. http://66.media.tumblr.com/d63255e5db6ee37d3f8f85ee1ad600a5/tumblr_n8hoyv6Oy61rbuff1o1_500.jpg Why does legal age on Koreans have to look so illegal? It would feel good, but it would feel wrong.

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Kai, move over. We have to make room for a couple more in my fantasy: Jin http://s2.favim.com/orig/140727/black-and-white-bts-handsome-jin-Favim.com-1948132.jpg and Jimin. http://66.media.tumblr.com/d63255e5db6ee37d3f8f85ee1ad600a5/tumblr_n8hoyv6Oy61rbuff1o1_500.jpg Why does legal age on Koreans have to look so illegal? It would feel good, but it would feel wrong.

 

Aha, you have stumbled on naturally youthful look many East and South Asians enjoy. (Also great hair and skin.)

 

Jin is the acknowledged "visual" of the group. Because he's more squarely built than the others, Jimin worries about his weight even though he's apparently the only one with a six-pack (at least when he's not too busy with group commitments to exercise). He would probably be flattered at being compared to Jin.

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Turns out Jimin is not the only one with abs. Jungkook, the youngest member of the group (by 2 years!), who turns 19 today, has them, as the following demonstrates:

Source; photos are stills from South Korean celebrity competition shows (1st from Idol Star Athletics Championships; 2nd and 3rd from Running Man).

 

Jin is probably the BTS member who's the best-looking overall, but Jungkook, who sings, raps and dances, is probably the most talented performer. It's hard to believe that their agency/record label's founder and CEO ever had cause to call his performances "emotionless."

 

http://www.ibtimes.com/happyjungkookday-10-reasons-why-bts-golden-maknae-jungkook-fangirls-dream-2409899

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A dog cafe, love it.

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Also found a gif of Jungkook flexing his right arm. He's pretty shredded for such a cutie!

While the boys are all good-looking and sexy, the only one I could ever imagine getting together with is devil-may-care, don't-give-a-fuck rapper Suga.

http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/39500000/BTS-bts-39568895-500-250.gif

Suga gifs are from their "Fire" video:

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Inspired by Gman's recent post of covers:

 

Jungkook and Rap Monster's cover of Troye Sivan's "Fools":

(The original was posted to Soundcloud; there's no MV.)

 

V's cover of Adele's "Someone Like You":

(He did this as a present to fans on his birthday, hence the birthday greeting at the end.)