BTS Continues To Add Pieces To The Comeback Puzzle

Officially Kmusic

April 22, 2015

BTS is making sure that fans are really prepared for this coming comeback!  The preparations for this comeback have caused quite a stir in the fandom, each one for different reasons.  To start with, the first hint we had was the release of the short video featuring Suga rapping, accompanied by some gorgeous animation. Over the last 2 days, they’ve released two sets of teaser photos, the first being what I’m calling ‘Bangtan Boys Over Flowers’ and the second was the black and white set by the water.  This third set was just released and they’re also causing some heart palpitations and fan-stress.  Before we get in to any of that, let’s look at the incredibly artsy photos of BTS.

Now, my first reaction was “Whoa!” followed by some incoherent noises. Of course each of the photos of the guys is incredibly attractive in different ways, that goes without saying.  The more I look at these photos and try to relate them back to the other photos, I certainly see a story.  From the carefree flower boy (though I’ve seen convincing arguments for them being children in those photos), we’ve progressed through the struggles with emotion that people go through as they mature (the brooding nature of the second photos) to this: the ways that adults cope with life stresses.  They are falling apart in various ways, coping with their unhappiness and struggles in the best ways that they can.  Even the photos of Jungkook clearly take in to account his youth when showing how he is coping.  The last photo of V reassuring him is particularly powerful, even though V was just fully clothed in a bathtub, he’s out and helping his friend.  In light of the struggles that BTS has had with fan behavior and the inherent hard life that being an idol, particularly one trying to establish themselves, this feels like a very honest and unvarnished look.

These comebacks have not been without drama since it seems that some fans want absolute control over their favorites and react beyond poorly when things don’t go as they want.  The video offering was met with the least criticism, most of it stemming from the lack of the rest of the guys’ in the song.  The first photos got the most, with people questioning the ‘delicate’ looking photos and claiming that it would not be possible to be ‘hip-hop’ and have that kind of concept.  This is of course, ridiculous.  That line of thinking is not a big step from girls can’t do hip-hop and using ‘girly’ or ‘feminine’ as an insult; neither of them are true and generally show a lack of education on the part of the speaker.  The second set was criticized for being too ’emotional’ and ‘artsy’.  Finally, this set has caused controversy with Suga’s photo.  People are taking exception to the pose and props.  When viewed as an art piece, as part of the collection that is the entire comeback concept, it falls perfectly in line.  My blunt statement on all of this criticism is as follows:  Calm down and appreciate art.  We are just fans, we don’t own these guys, nor do we own any idol at all.  We need to learn our place; we are to fangirl and flail, support them in their creative endeavors as best we can and if we don’t like what they’ve done (which happens) we need to learn to express it in a way that is both constructive and respectful.

Personally, I can’t wait for this album to be released.  I want to see how the pieces that we’ve been given so far fit together with the songs on the album and the videos that they make.  Also, let’s be real here, CYPHER 4.  Hopefully, BigHit will give us some more teasers over the next few days to keep us satisfied until the actual release.  Are you excited for this release?  Let us know in the comments!!

Source:  BTS Twitter

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