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[i-lino]

LEE KNOW / 210828

[i-lino]

Each person has a different perception in anything. Everyone has a taste that can vary from other. Like in terms of preferred food, clothing, hobby and more to mention. I would like to talk about music and how this specific type of music helped countless of people. So sit back and enjoy reading this blog ;)

To open this topic, Korean Pop or commonly known as Kpop had captured millions of listeners for the past 10 years (almost) and the number of people being exposed to this genre is still unexplainable until now. Old and legendary kpop boy groups like BigBang and others should be mentioned here, since these groups opened up the lineup for the "first known kpop boygroups". But, as we all know, korean group BTS did paved the way for this genre to be completely exposed in international market. I still remember how they won the Billboard Music Awards last 2017 and being the first group to perform a korean song in western music award shows. Those were indeed the legendary times and many groups actually acknowledge the phrase "BTS paved the way". Following that year, many groups have the opportunity to be well-known even to non-korean listeners. One of that groups, is Stray Kids, which probably the most anticipated 4th generation group that will lead the Kpop scene. Driven by passion and talents, they are not just serving satisfying performance, but also comfort to their listeners. And by how, you asked? Of course, it's through their music and lyrics.

Stray Kids is a South Korean boyband formed by JYP Entertainment that started in March 18, 2018.

I feel like as you read this, you might think 'oh, another kpop group, it's not like I care whatever their details might be', let me stop you right there. Stray Kids or SKZ might be your 'common kpop group' but there are countless things that are pretty unique to this group. The members, are actually self-picked by their leader. Yes, like every groupings back on normal school setting, when the assigned leader picks his desired members, SKZ was form just like that. The company entrusted a group in a 20-year-old boy (he's 23 now). Entertainment companies on SoKor (South Korea) usually create groups according to the company's plan so Stray Kids having that title is quite unique.

But the best characteristic that they have is they are a self-produced group. If you are wondering what is self-produced, it basically means they produce/write their own music. For those people who are not familiar on how music industries work, not all artist write their songs. They have someone, like producers and song writers to write for them. But Stray Kids have the means and ability to participate in creating their own discography. In short, they insert their own stories, experience and ideals to the song itself. Nothing is more comforting than to a song that can deliver real and inspiring messages that you can actually relate to.

Here are some lyrics created by Stray Kids themselves :

"Just cuz someone’s ahead doesn’t mean they’re first, look at the big picture and take your time. No need to rush, my pace. Don’t compare. It’s alright to go slowly. Go on your own path, my lane. Put down your impatience. Just keep looking forward."

The song "My Pace" delivers the message of leading your life the way you wanted it. People often compare themselves in terms of success or ability and even appearances. This song tells the listeners that it is your life for you to control using your own speed and pace in your own lane.

"It’s not hard, in this rough jungle. It was me who ran into it, I’m okay"

The word 'MIROH' came from the Korean word '미로' that means maze. The song is encouraging the listeners to be confident in their decision in life and they should not regret any choice that they make. In life, we might enter a stage where we have to take risks. Visualizing the problems in life as the 'rough jungle' and jungles could be a maze, right? This song can also be a go-to song since this is really upbeat and energetic.

"Later when I got addicted to life"

From the song 'Placebo', this might be a short lyrics and it is barely a sentence, but it implies that there are more things to look forward in life. There are beautiful things to see and do in this world that you can commit to. This simple line is telling the listeners that there is hope in life and there are more to life than problems and sadness. Ending it too soon would be a waste.

"I realize that I can fly. I needed to find me (Now I know). The key was inside of me all along. I'm listening to my heart, let it guide me. I feel the light, I feel the light. It's all good now"

'Levanter' that means a strong easterly wind in the Mediterranean signifies that in order to continue in your path in life, it's important to follow your heart. It's about reaching for that something or goals but the song made the listeners realized the goal doesn't matter anymore since the most important thing is discovering yourself.

"I'm always looking for my way with the blueprint. The answers the world has given to me are wrong. I always dream of my blueprint coming true. I'll proudly achieve my dream. My future is bright"

'Blueprint' tells us how the world and people will discourage you and sometimes how will they look down on you. Still, you should follow your wants and plans, like a blueprint of a building. Yes, it will be a hard road ahead and you will meet many obstacles ahead but working hard is the best cup of revenge to those who have the guts to discourage you.

Six out of 80+ songs and one theme that they have is spreading youth empowerment. Mostly produced by Stray Kids themselves specifically the three members (Bang Chan, Changbin and Han). Their whole discography mainly focuses in encouraging youth that are closer to their age range to be themselves, to live their life to the fullest and to remind everyone that everything will be alright at the end of the day. There are also songs that can be said through simple words like 'I love you' or 'I can't live without you' but they widen their expression and understanding like for example :

"Even a fool knows this. You're the best thing I've got. Once again towards you. One more step, I will never stop" - Mixtape: On Track

"I search for you in our broken memories. Even when I grasp one, all I remember is your tears. I must have really lost my mind. I’m not sure if I can take all this time without you, in the end you’re all I had" - Ex

"The second hand runs like a crazy horse, take me now. Staying alone, and the saying ''enjoy the past''. Don't do it, I feel alone. I don't want to be left alone miserably and fall behind. Take me to you now" - Slump

They also express the struggles of having an unexplainable feelings like the frustration of growing up, frustration of being a youth, and even how you felt of not finding your goal :

"I swallow pills called baseless confidence. Maybe I took them so many, now that I’m feeling worried than confident. Everything is being changed, from 1 to 10. The side effects kicking in against my will" - Side Effects

"When the new semester started and I gathered all my books. I used to think it's too heavy and put it down in front of the classroom. Now that I'm an adult, responsibilities are even heavier. I'm not ready, only filled with worries" - Spread My Wings

"I'm still young so I don't know what I want to do. Don't say 'don't do this or that' because I want to do it more. Don't say 'don't go there' because I want to go there more Who am I, what do I want? Who am I? Why am I getting curious about this? The photo I uploaded last night and me. In reality, which one is the real me?" - Question

And there are some songs that brings comfort by means of words and simple phrases, associated by soft melodies and sentimental tunes :

"You fell down, it’s alright, I’ll pick you up. Did you worry a lot? No no no, it’s your first time. That’s ok, everyone does that. That’s how it is, even adults made mistakes. Practiced and grew when they were our age. There’s still so many firsts for us. It’s alright, we just need to go through it and grow, don’t cry" - Grow Up

"Small things are spectacular sights. A gift given by God. Nothing's lacking, I'm satisfied. This is getting cool. Kicking the leaves in the autumn breeze. Don't forget about the sound they make. Doesn't matter if the world is a cold place 'cause I'm getting cooler'' - Get Cool

"This year is ending anyway. Stop saying ''back in my days''. I can't stand it anymore. You're doing this because of worries. But trust me once. I'll take responsibility for the future. Let me be myself." - Gone Days

This blog is clearly not intended to force the dear readers to check out Stray Kids but instead, to deliver the messages of what the songs are trying to tell. Stray Kids has a lot of potential in making their own content and it is a relief they are allowed to participate in writing/producing songs. It is indeed that the music industry is just their playground. But beyond that amazing title, what remains the most essential is their love for telling stories, experience and morals through their music. The important thing is helping out those who need help that can eventually surpass the barrier called language.

— end

[i-lino]

— reflective essay

"Step out, do what you want". The first time I heard these lines from Stray Kids' B-side track "Haven", it didn't have any effect on me. I didn't have that moment of realization that made me remember all recurring memories that I had that relates to the lyrics. There's nothing. The first thing that pops into my mind is the question, "What is it that I want?". It's a simple question. It can be answered by what food you are craving at the moment or what you wanted to be when you were a kid. It is indeed a simple question yet so complex too. I feel like little children will answer a lot quicker than me if ever we are to be asked with that question. So for a moment, I reflected with myself.

I have been a fan of BTS for about four years. I discovered them maybe around the time I mostly needed that emotional support. I didn't expect myself to fall deeper down in this rabbit hole, but four years have passed. For real I am thankful that I 'met' them. When I was confused and puzzled about certain things in my life, their music somehow brought courage and that needed strength to overcome it. Maybe the thing that they taught me is to love myself. They have a campaign in spreading the 'love yourself' awareness and it helped me at that time. Since I was struggling with low confidence and a life full of doubts, their campaign extended my life, if I may say. Then next steps are to 'Face and Speak Yourself'. At some point, I think I passed all of those levels. I shamelessly accepted some truths in my life and chose to stand in my own ideals.

But I met a slump after passing these levels. I kept asking myself, "What now?". At that time, I never had a long term goal and future plans for my life. I was that 'Bahala na' type of girl. I never knew that'll add new problems in my life. Maybe I outgrew BTS or they became a 'stranger' for me at some point, we never know. I realized I'm growing as a person too while advancing to adulthood. It is scary and I didn't know how to react to it. But God might gave me a way to fight these current obstacles. It might be weird to word it out but I found fondness in Stray Kids' music. I quickly thought I might pay attention to them. Until now, I'm still figuring it out what caused me to listen to them. But I think it's because they are reaching out to youth and teenagers like me. They basically worded my unsaid thoughts into lyrics and I was beyond happy when it clicked. I am still in the process of completing that answer in the beginning but unlike before, I think I'm getting there. Slowly and steadily, since there's no need to rush on things.