Hey! Hallie here!
I decided a few months ago that I was going to focus less on fan wars and unnecessary drama within the K-Pop community on this page. I don’t like to focus on negativity here and most of the time, the problem is simply that fans are acting childish and repulsive. Undignified name-calling gets thrown around, idols get dragged through the mud without reason, and fanbases compete over which one of them is more toxic while simultaneously demonstrating toxic behavior. It happens too often in every fan community and it isn’t worth anyone’s time. So, as an ATINY and ARMY who has no interest at all in joining in on the conversation that happened earlier today, here are some of the things that I love about both groups!
BTS:
Songs- BTS is versatile when it comes to the songs they’ve released. From the more pop sound of “Dynamite” to the heavy beats of “No More Dream” to the gorgeous and slow “Mikrokosmos”. There are even songs that highlight only the rap line, like “UGH!”, or only the vocal line, like “House of Cards”. And that doesn’t even cover all of the solo songs the members have filled albums with. No matter what mood you’re in, there’s always something to listen to from BTS’s discography. And on top of that, their song lyrics are deep and meaningful. The song “Zero O’Clock” is about struggling with depression but finding hope in the next day that comes. The song “IDOL” criticizes the industry for trying to put BTS in a box while encouraging everyone to love themselves and be proud of themselves. I’ve cried at the messages in multiple BTS songs and I’ve found new perspectives about the world in them as well. Their music means so much to so many people and it isn’t hard to see why.
Performances- We could talk all day about the amazing performances each member of BTS puts on onstage. The choreography BTS does is satisfying and fits really well with each song. “Black Swan” has a more pretty, contemporary look that conveys the desperation of the song while the choreography for “Dionysus” is more energetic and exciting. Each member perfects the choreography, and when it comes to dancing, Jimin, J-Hope, and Jungkook have also brought multiple solo pieces to the table. Jungkook does this least of the three, but his charisma and fluid movements complete each performance. Meanwhile Jimin has taken my breath away with his contemporary dances and J-Hope has blown me away with his precise hip-hop influenced solos. As for the others, Jin is effortlessly funny in every appearance he makes, Taehyung is the king of intense facial expressions and the raised eyebrow, Yoongi is incredibly intimidating every time he begins to rap, and Namjoon commands the stage in a way unique completely to him. There isn’t a way to walk away from a BTS performance feeling disappointed.
Members- All of the members of BTS are so lovable and so talented, it’s extremely difficult to pick a bias. Namjoon, the very fitting leader, speaks openly about his struggles with mental health and the ways that his time with nature has influenced him. If that wasn’t enough, his writing is responsible for many of the meaningful themes in BTS songs. Jin is the oldest but youngest member of BTS. His sense of humor is just as immense as his good looks and everyone could learn a lot from the positive way in which he lives his life. Yoongi is yet another member who’s open about his mental health. He’s unapologetic about discussing depression in his songs and encouraging others to embrace their imperfections. J-Hope is sunshine personified. He’s honest about not always feeling positive but still makes it his mission to bring hope to the other members and fans. Jimin is a sweet soul who never hesitates to lend a hand to those in need of help. Despite his own struggles, he’s always more worried about those around him. Taehyung is an old soul who appreciates his self-growth immensely. He always looks to improve himself but never seeks to change who he truly is. Lastly, Jungkook is the youngest and least experienced. But he embraces that and finds wisdom in speaking about how strange his youth has been within the industry. There’s so much to learn from all seven members.
ATEEZ:
Songs- ATEEZ is the reigning champion when it comes to hype songs. Their songs have heavy beats and motivate listeners within the first few seconds. You can’t tell me that songs like “Wonderland” or “Fireworks (The One)” don’t make you want to kick ass the minute they start. I don’t think I’ve ever danced more at a concert than I did when I went to see ATEEZ. But ATEEZ doesn’t just do amazing hype songs. They also do sweet love songs that display a more sultry side to them, like “Deja Vu” and “Desire”. And beyond that they have songs with deep meanings that are meant to inspire. “Good Lil Boy” covers fighting back against a world that seems difficult by finding self-confidence and enjoying each moment. Meanwhile, “Turbulence” tackles the feeling of being lost or lacking a direction in a society that tells you that your worth comes from deciding what you want to do with your life. So many ATEEZ songs remain close to my heart, “Turbulence” being one of those songs that came around at just the right moment for me. ATEEZ knows how to relate to their audience just as much as they know how to motivate them.
Performance- ATEEZ choreography is some of the most difficult in K-Pop. Each song is high energy with some incredibly intense movements and even impressive stunts. You just have to look at a performance of “Wonderland” to see how insane their choreography can be. But beyond that, each member brings a high amount of charisma to performances. Hongjoong is called the king of facial expressions among fans for both capturing the meaning of each song in every expression and turning into “demon Hongjoong” to amp up the intensity. Seonghwa also is known for going “demon” as well as for shifting from sweet and shy to confident and sexy within seconds. Yunho is the dance captain and proves it with his perfect, powerful movements. Yeosang is known not just for his statuesque physique but also for his grace onstage. San is so good at dancing, despite not having a dancing background, that the company has made him center for multiple dance breaks since debut. Mingi, shirtless or not, radiates power whenever he begins to rap. Wooyoung’s chemistry with every member he dances with is unmatched even considering how close the group is. Finally, Jongho only needs to open his mouth for audiences to suddenly understand why fans call him one of the best vocalists of all time. ATEEZ brings the term “entertainment” up to new heights with every performance.
Members- To some eight members seems like too much, but all eight members of ATEEZ are so incredible that not one of them falls into the background. Hongjoong is yet another leader who contributes to writing a lot of ATEEZ’s meaningful lyrics. The thoughtfulness he uses when both interacting with fans and looking after his members is heart achingly sweet and far too rare. Seonghwa is a very nurturing member as the oldest of the group. But beyond that, he’s been open about his struggles with his self image and helping others through the same issues he’s had. Yunho is a puppy dog in a human body. Not only does he aim to keep everyone laughing and happy, but he also aims to be a solid supporter of those who seek happiness from him. Yeosang is surprising in the way that he’s quick witted and snarky. But his sudden kindness and love for the fans is just as pleasantly surprising as his humor. San is incessantly helpful to all who need him. His sweetness makes it hard for him to say no but just as hard for him to turn his back on fans and friends who are struggling. Mingi is well known for using humor to light up a room. But he’s also been open about his mental health and encouraged taking time for oneself. Wooyoung loves being the annoying younger brother. He’s all too lovable but his quiet compassion makes him even more so. Lastly, Jongho’s perseverance is enviable. His ability to encourage others through difficult times is admirable. I can’t speak enough about how grateful I am for these boys.
Though I’ve been an ARMY for longer and I talk about BTS more often in general, ATEEZ has made a giant impact on my life as well. They both have come into my life at moments where I really needed encouragement. They both have changed my mental health, and my views in general, for the better. I wouldn’t trade the joy either group brought me for the world. And I don’t see why I should turn my back on either one simply because a few people decided to display toxic behavior on the internet, where toxic behavior is always prevalent. ATEEZ has an immense respect for BTS and BTS has a similar respect for ATEEZ. I don’t see either group wanting discourse like this. So instead, let’s celebrate both of them and everything they’ve done for ARMY and ATINY.
Don’t do anything fun until I get back!
Hallie
Oreos & Peanut Butter 