#BTS Product Endorsements

[accio-victuuri]

August CPNs round-up ❤️💛💚

it’s bobo’s birth month! let’s start with this chaotic behind the scenes video 🫶🏼

• the letters yb was flashed in xzs vlog

• two people spotted in xz’s mountain drawing

• a hongkong politician posts about xz and wyb being good celebrities that will help promote HK

• 8/5 yibo’s day clowning part one part two - this year was too loud! the bday photo alone is enough to szd. 😂😂😂😂 part 2.5 part 3

• yibo and xz related hot search for bobo’s bday

THEIR VCRs for Han Hong’s foundation, a charity organization they both are a part of. We love them generous Kings!

• in the xinxiangyin live, we see an activity that they filled with things xz likes and will have something to talk about. you will notice a couple are the same as yibo’s. hotpot ( which i must admit is more general ), photography, fitness, tennis and films.

you can say that these are not unique interests, but when you put them together and another person has the same one seem sus. this is something i always say, even if you don’t believe that they are in a romantic relationship — these clues show that they have maintained that connection. no matter how many people cry about the “copying” agenda, we can’t deny that the coincidences are too much. this is why they get along, they can adapt each other’s interest. they have the same values. they are out here ticking all the boxes for a fruitful relationship <3

• the similarity 👀👀👀 right is xz in ELLE’s feature video for XZ.

• QUATRE BLUE 💙💙💙

oooohhhh i love jewelry. tho i’m kinda on the fence about this cause boucheron is a brand that xz is promoting and it makes sense that it will be used for a magazine. he is endorsing this line of rings but has never used this blue which just happened to be something wyb before. i understand why people are going 👀 because the photos were released days after Bobo’s bday.

• XZ’s Elle September issue feature clowning

• 8/10 yibo-official bts video clue

• yibo’s montbell shirt

• bobo shows some bxg bias @ pechoin live

• in the LINSY product launch conference, they were talking about a sofa and it had a special feature thing where you can put stuff in it & wyb mentions you can put chips. lol. that was so fast. he is not someone who likes chips, but we know one who does! i’d like to think that it’s a subconscious answer. he just thought of an important person in his life. 🫶🏼

• matching high school students hair 😂😂😂

• ANTA 🤝 LI NING

• their airport fashion looking so identical 👀 we could argue all day about how this is not unique and just about anyone can do this combo.. but does anyone else do this? no. it’s always these two. it’s harder to tell them apart when they are like this, which we guess is helping them when they visit each other on set.

the two of them doing couple wear!

• bottled joy x tsingtao collab 🍻

• xz’s heurueh boyfriend t shirt

• mengniu fan benefit featuring the boys

• handprints next to each other in the Qixi Wall

• this gif is gold!!!! pleaseeee!!!!! 😂😂😂😂 and it even went on hot search!

• analysis and details of wyb’s new song = somebody else’s arms

• wyb’s post YH concert weibo update 🟡🟡🟡

• i talked briefly about the cpf support during the concert and i have nothing more to add. i’m sure i can make another post that “shows” how wyb appreciated the cpfs indirectly during the concert but i won’t. there is no need for proofs of any kind — we know the truth. 😌😌😌 tho i will never be pro violence or insulting and being very mean to people in person just to prove a point. there’s a whole nasty situation that happened post concert which i have no energy for and i do not condone btw.

• their weibo 15th bday post 🌙

• the final episodes of exploring the unknown is on oct 5-6 because tencent has released the watching schedule. yes, wyb probably had a lot more input in this project but he was probably not alone in deciding when this would premiere and how the episodes are gonna line up. but i’m still happy with this coincidence. ✌🏼

what we wanna know tho is what will be the episode on 10/5 cause if it’s him in the desert i will — 🤯! cause his photo there was the one he used for his bday, which is eerily similar to GG’s from last year. so yeah. we will see!

-END.

<<< previous posts

See you all next month!!!!! 💛💛💛

[rainbowsky]

👀 Clothing Coincidences

Just want to talk about some recent clothing candies that are being talked about everywhere.

Fake, fan fiction, CPN.

The first is from a BTS clip from The Youth Memories. Here's the video (no spoilers):

You can see that in the first clip he's wearing these slippers:

Netizens have identified them as Ugg slippers.

In the second part he's wearing his costume shoes, but resting off to the side is a pair of Ugg booties, along with the slippers. With a better top view of the slippers it's even more obvious they're Uggs.

There is the seam along the top of the upper

A square panel of suede at the top of that seam

A split in the fuzzy lining where the seam ends

We all know who endorses Ugg.

As for the timing of this endorsement and GG's filming, just a reminder that in China celebrities are required to be accountable for what they endorse. They must verify the quality of a product before endorsing it by either using the product, or their family members must use it in cases where it's a product they can't use.

Also, GG is seen wearing Vision Streetwear shoes in another BTS clip, shared by Vision on their Weibo.

And we know who our Vision Street Wear skater boy is...

(source) (source) (source)

[smolwritingchick]

73 Questions

Summary: A smol brainstorm of some questions Jen would get when interviewed by Vogue.

---------

Walking around Big Hit's building with a camera following her along with an interviewer from Vogue, Jennie smiled as she heard the next question asked.

'Most interesting nickname you've been named?'

She chuckled at the question. "A Bratz doll,"

'Favorite curse word?'

"I love saying this word. FUCK!" 

'What angers you the most?'

"Lately...xenophobia especially regarding K-Pop groups. It irks my soul. I hate it so much,"

'Most expensive thing you've splurged on?'

"I recently got a penthouse in New York," she proudly answered. 

'Funniest sibling and why?'

"Vienna. Because she has the best one-liners," Jennie giggled at the memories.

'Favorite thing you have worn?'

"Nike. Everything Nike,"

'Who's another artist you'd work with?'

Opening up the door to her studio, she held it for the interviewer as they walked in. 

"Travis Scott. I need that energy. It's lit!"

'Secret hobby?'

"I still learn about wrestling,"

'Favorite fashion icon?'

"So many! On the top of my head, Rihanna, Zendaya, Lady Gaga, G-Dragon, and CL!" she excitedly said as she grabbed a few packs of smarties from her dish bowl and began to eat a few pieces.

'Favorite candy?'

"Smarties! Duh! They really need to sponsor me. If I can be blessed with Nike, I will work hard to get Smarties to have me endorse them,"

'What's the funniest thing you read about yourself in the press?'

"Recently? That I'm pregnant. I don't understand why everyone keeps saying that. You clearly see me downing alcohol with my friends,"

'Favorite thing to bake?'

"Ooohh....this is a tough one...okay, honestly? I like baking cupcakes the most. Cookies are a close second,"

'Least favorite BTS song to perform?'

"Oh God...I'm going to get roasted for this...Recently I have been sick of Butter,"

'Favorite BTS song to perform?'

"Recently? Idol,"

'What is your biggest success?'

"Right now, I would say my biggest success is my mental and physical health. I'm happy to be in a good place," she smiled as they left her studio and continued to walk around the building. 

'What are you often told when people work with you?'

"You know what? People always assume I'm mean or disrespectful because of my resting bitch face. But once we work together and begin to talk those thoughts go out the window,"

'Who is one of your role models in the K-Pop industry?'

"G-Dragon. I owe so much to that man. He is truly the best and has mentored me for many years. I'm very grateful to him. He's an icon,"

'Current obsession?'

"I've been getting into skydiving, more,"

'Favorite place to visit in the world?'

"Japan. Gosh, I love going over there,"

'Most overworn item in your wardrobe?'

"I wear a specific pair of Nikes that I call my lucky pair if I need that extra push. Right here," she presented the sneakers she was currently wearing.

'Beauty product you don't go a day about wearing?'

"Chapstick! Keep your lips moisturized, please! No crusty lips up in here!"

'Favorite piece of jewelry to wear?'

Jennie smiled proudly and presented her ring to the camera. "My wedding ring,"

'Alright, I have a few Jungkook questions here.'

Her eyes lit up when they mentioned his name and she smiled brightly. "I'm ready!"

'Which of Jungkook's tattoos are your favorite?'

"His tattoos are so nice. I love them all but to pick one? Um...I'd say our couple's tattoo. We have our heartbeats tattooed on each other. On our ring fingers,"

'Favorite thing to wear of Jungkook's?'

"Definitely his hoodies," she couldn't stop smiling as her heart skipped a beat.

[herblackabyss]

ABOUT The lecture hall seemed to shrink as the professor's words reverberated off the walls, sealing my academic fate. There was no escaping it; I was stuck with Jungkook as my partner for the entire semester, and our lecturer had made it clear that swapping partners wasn't an option. Public Speaking and Communication had promised to be an easy A for me, but with Jungkook's relentless flirting and apparent lack of seriousness, it was beginning to feel like a recipe for disaster that would dent my precious GPA. Determined to salvage the situation, I set out to make him focus. After all, Jungkook was the top student in his major, and his potential was undeniable. But my attempts to rein him in had proved futile, leading me to concoct a daring plan – a deal that would require me to go on seven dates with him, on his terms and wherever he desired. In return, I demanded his unwavering attention and commitment to improving his academic performance.

INSPIRATION

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday!

We all know what inspired this – lol. I couldn't resist joining the wave of writers crafting their own Seven-inspired fics, so here's my take on it too. DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. It does not depict the real-life personalities, actions, or thoughts of any BTS or NCT members. The author has no personal knowledge of these individuals, and any similarities to real people or events are purely coincidental.

Fiction is an imaginative creation, and real life is a separate entity. Please refrain from spreading hate or projecting expectations onto individuals. We are all human, and none of us are perfect. These people owe you nothing, and their lives are their own.

Always remember to treat others with kindness and respect. Enjoy the story for what it is—a product of creativity and fantasy.

Welcome to COMM101 15/09/2023

[ASSIGNMENT 1] ???

[Date One] ???

[Date Two] ???

[Date Three] ???

[Date Four] ???

[Date Five] ???

[Date Six] ???

[Date Seven] ???

Other Platforms

Wattpad ☆ ao3 coming soon..

Copyright © 2023 herblackabyss

This work of fiction, "7 Dates, 7 Conflicts," is the intellectual property of herblackabyss. All rights reserved.

The original characters, plot, and original ideas presented in this story are the sole creations of the author and are protected under copyright law.

This fanfiction is not affiliated with or endorsed by BTS, NCT, or any of their respective members. It is a work of fiction and should not be construed as a representation of the real-life individuals, their personalities, or their actions. The author has no personal connection or knowledge of the mentioned celebrities.

[jiminsass-istant]

So ..about the boycott..

Those who are boycotting, they are not wrong. Infact they are on the right side. But you know what's problematic? Expecting BTS to speak up. That's just childish. Something that people will laugh off. They are literally employed soldiers in SKorea right now..

And some people don't know what a boycott is??! It literally means you stop engaging. If you are boycotting, stop taking the members' names? Stop reposting fun fandom stuff. Don't engage and just change your twitx display name and @. That's what boycotting means. If you boycott and still call yourself a fan, I'm sorry to say that you are looking for attention.

Asking bts to speak up, unfollowing Bam's account... This is all very selfish behaviour. Nothing matters more than the reality of P@lest!ne's suffering. Not your tantrums, not your tears, not your music and artists.

And speaking of streaming, I'm again saying this very blatantly, streaming barely moves the pockets of Hybe. It's the concerts, brand endorsements, albums and merch money that does.

So do your thing. If you are boycotting, do it properly. Stop engaging with anything bts related. Deactivate all your stan accounts. And stop shaming people for being fans.

It's late stage capitalism in this world right now. You simply cannot ask people to stop consuming things. But what they CAN do is spend. So ask them to donate. Not everybody has albums to play on their CD player. Not everybody can simply stop listening to the artists that saved their lives.

There are too many complex things in this world. Things we don't understand yet. So when Namjoon thanks army for streaming his song on his story, I am reminded of how they asked army to trust them. This 'trust' is not just about being there for them in 2025. It's much more than that. These are the same boys who have openly supported palestine in the past. Trust me, they know about the genocide. They know who's at fault. I'm not going to punish them by un-stanning them. That's just careless. I view them as people, not as products.

And everyday the fact that SB is associated with Hybe makes me angry and sad.

But you know what makes me sadder- the lack of permanent ceasefire. We can't claim to know where the money of these big corporations goes and comes from. The best we can do is protest, pressurise the U//S gov+ to stop supporting Isntrahell's crimes. Only the diplomats of other countries can do this. Like South Africa stood up.

Anyway, I can't rant anymore. It just feels so helpless that even in this age of internet and superfast communication, we as the citizens of this world are not able to stop a massacre happening in real time.

[bts-polls]

LAST CALL: Which Jimin Music Video do you prefer?

[akookminsupporter]

I think I hold BTS to a higher standard as their principles are part of the reason why I stan them. Like when Hybe announced those NFT BTS photocards, I freely admit that I thought it was a naked cash grab. If they had gone along with it, would it make BTS bad people? No, but it would reduce my respect for them. Of course, every member isn't a primary part of all the business decisions that are being made, but for good or for bad, it's their names attached to the projects they support. If I support them for the Love Yourself campaign, then I'll side eye them for NFT photocards (if they had gone ahead with those). I personally don't think the fandom narrative that we should praise them for all the good things BTS does, but then act like they have no agency for any negative thing is healthy.

So is Tae a bad person for endorsing this investment platform? No of course not. Should fans be held responsible for their own financial decisions regardless of who's endorsing what? Yes definitely. Do we have any reason to be wary of this product? Not yet and perhaps never.

But do I think it's a risky decision to attach your name to platforms especially financial products where you may not have access to all the nitty gritty details and expose your fans who skew young to it? Yeah I think it's a risk at the very least and I think that's why it pings some people's radars. Still, it may turn out to be a fruitful decision where everything works out fine in the end and I hope it does.

Opinions.

[wafflesetc]

What do you mean by “some things they’ve shared are telling a different story”?

Jaina’s video, some of Luce’s BTS photos, the signing on his directorial debut script, the birthday posts… her endorsing his sister’s product with her dog… It’s nothing quite earth shattering and they are still respectively private people, but these things are a bit different from some of the content we got before October 7. It’s not loud, but it’s louder than before if you feel me.

[behind-the-screen-of-bangtan]

SUGA (슈가)

Real name: 민윤기 (Min Yoongi)

Birth date: 09 March 1993

Home city: Daegu

Former stage name: Gloss (....-2013)

Studio name: Genius Lab

Instagram account

BU character: Min YoonGi

BT21 character: Shooky

Biography

SUGA started as an underground rapper and producer in Daegu. In 2013, he came to Seoul and got into Big Hit where he debuted. At first not really interested in being an idol, he still worked hard to become one while still keeping an hand in the composition and production of BTS songs. Acknowledged by his peers, he collaborated on a lot of artists’ songs be it as a rapper or as a producer

For a more complete biography, you can check these ressources: 

biography from the volume 2 of the Japan Official Fanclub magazine (trans by kocchi, Kimmy Yang, ktaebwi)

compilation of biographical info from different interviews

pre-debut History

DJ Booth’s article about his philosophy

SUGA has also shared tidbits of his daily life:

[VLOG] Fishing for time... (2019)

목공방 VLOG (woodworking shop) (2022) (Instagram post)

Birthday albums: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Recommendations

Music

Spotify playlist

You can find Youtube playlists of the songs he shared on Spotify and on Twitter or during interviews.

Books/Movies/Series/Anime

Google sheet of his recommendations

Solo activity

Music (discography)

“All I Do Is Win” (2013)

Rap Monster, Suga & 진 - “어른아이” (Childish Adult) (2013)

"Dream Money” (2013)

“싸이하누월 MIX Final” (INST) (2013)

Agust D (2016) (see this post)

Suran -  “WINE (오늘 취하면) (Feat.Changmo) (창모) (Prod. SUGA)” (2017)

“So Far Away (SUGA, 진, 정국 Ver.)”  (gift for the Festa, 2017)

RM, SUGA, j-hope - 땡 (Daeng) (for the Festa, 2018)

Epik High - “노땡큐 (No Thanxxx) ft. MINO, SIMON DOMINIC, THE QUIETT” (cameo at the end, 2018)

“Seesaw X I NEED U REMIX” (2018)

LeeSoRa - “Song Request (Feat. SUGA of BTS)” (2019)

D-2 (2019) (see this post)

헤이즈 (Heize) - “We don't talk together (Feat. 기리보이 (Giriboy)) (Prod. SUGA)” (2019)

Halsey - “SUGA's Interlude” (2019)

IU(아이유) - “eight(에잇) (Prod.&Feat. SUGA of BTS)” (2020)

MAX - “Blueberry Eyes (feat. SUGA of BTS)” (2020)

Over The Horizon By SUGA Of BTS (for Samsung, 2021)

ØMI - “You (Prod. SUGA of BTS)” (2021)

Juice WRLD - “Girl Of My Dreams (with Suga from BTS)“ (2021)

Jung Kook (정국) - ”Stay Alive (Prod. SUGA of BTS)” (OST for the 7FATES: CHAKHO webcomic, 2022)

PSY - “That That (prod. & feat. SUGA of BTS)” (2022)

--- Chapter 2 ---

Over the Horizon 2022 by SUGA of BTS (for Samsung, 2022)

D-DAY (2023) (see this post)

Halsey - “Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)” feat. SUGA (2023)

For more details about the songs that don’t have their own post, I listed all the info I had here. For Chapter 2 songs, please check here.

Shows

꿀 FM 06.13 (Kkul FM) (2014, anchor)

he’s the official DJ for all BTS radio shows. During the spring of 2020, he did 9 episodes of DJ’s SUGA Honey FM 06.13 on Vlive (now on Weverse): first episode, with RM, with Jin, with V, with j-hope, with Jimin, with Jung Kook, with BTS

화개장터 (Hwagae Market) (2015, anchor)

pre-open

episode 0 [ 대국민사과방송 ] (national apology broadcast)

episode 1 [ 요지부동 ] (try to not react)

episode 1.5 [ 벌칙수행 ] (penalty execution)

SOPE 👨‍❤️‍👨필리핀에 오다! (Came to the Philippines!)

솝 꿀피부를 부탁해😆 (Please take care of my honey-soft skin)

해체 발표 (disbandment announcement) for April Fools

슈취타 (Suchwita) (2022, anchor)

Youtube playlist

The title of the show is in reference to his song “Daechwita”

The goal of the show is to have honest discussions with a guest while drinking alcohol

SUGA’s Instagram posts: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5

Weverse Magazine: “K-pop musicians are changing the talk show format”

Brands endorsement

Global ambassador for Valentino (2023): official tweets, SUGA’s Instagram post, #2

Ambassador for the NBA (2023): tweet announcement, official tweets, announcement on the NBA website

Magazines

Marie Claire Korea May issue (2023): teaser tweet, tweets, Youtube videos, interview, SUGA’s Instagram post #1, #2, #3

VOGUE JAPAN August issue (2023): tweets, interview

GQ Korea October issue (2023)

Interviews

BE comeback interview: “I'm grateful that there are still unvisited areas in the world of music”

Butter release interview: “This is the only thing I know how to really do”

Proof release interview: “I hope they’re excited for everything so I can give their life meaning each and every day”

Trivia

SUGA used to play a BTS fansite named 슈가의 시선 (SUGA’s sight). You can still find some of his tweets here, here and here, notably the “Photograph by SUGA” series, as well as blog posts:

Spring

Work

Members

Incheon International Airport and Thailand (those 2 were shot during the first NOW photobook filming)

“Just One Day”

BTS 1st anniversary.

He loves and used to play basketball. The two intros he made for the 화양연화  series, “Intro: 화양연화“ and “Intro: Never Mind”, have elements reminding of the game, be it in the beat, the lyrics or the video. While in the United States, he took the occasion to visit several teams.

He forms the group Sope with j-hope. As this subunit, they made the show  화개장터 (Hwagae market) and the Japanese song “Otsukare”.

[aajjks]

be serious 😭

Is a couple real now because they have the same objects? Then taekook is real as they are wearing the same ring or namjoon is in a love affair with taehyung because he wore his shoes. They are celebrities and celebrities endorse products, jewelry and clothes. Celebrities are paid to wear these jewels like Taehyung with founder but now he can no longer sponsor their products because he has become a Cartier ambassador

And as for the sasaeng video where you see a girl in the same gym as Jungkook that is the daughter of the instructor, she is a fucking kid. The instructor said on Instagram that he doesn't want his daughter's privacy stolen by crazed stalkers. I'm really tired of people still pairing BTS with all the women who breathe near them

If that’s true then I feel so bad for the kid, damn I hope her privacy’s safe, these stalkers need to stop.

[2-lines-and-a-circle]

My kpop trash bin life journey

I am not lying to anyone, there was a big period of my life where I was deep into kpop. I would even call it unhealthy, but I want to share it. Though, in all honesty I hope no one was like me.

My journey started all the way back to 2011, my very first kpop group was big bang. My mother was actually the one who introduced it to me saying that I should listen to kpop. I think she just wanted to talk about it with someone though… Anyway, the first kpop song for me was Haru Haru by Big Bang. That pineapple lives in my memory very vividly to this day.

Since my first song was from Big Bang you would think they would be my first group, right? Wrong, I was so over my head for Girl’s Day, Apink, Girl’s Generation, and Cnblue. It became around this time that I started to get more interested in Korean variety shows as well as the culture in general. I started watching shows like Running Man, Infinity Challenge, We Got Married, and so on. I would say I was pretty healthy during this time too; I didn’t obsess over any of these idols either. I’m pretty sure I followed other groups I can’t remember right now too.

Another 2 years go by and now it’s 2013, my mom discovers BTS, she falls in love, but so do I. I find them to be pretty interesting. Still, I prefer the groups I had previously mentioned a little bit more. I started to become interested in Exo and I rekindled that Big Bang flame too. Then flash forward to 2015, the start of my madness.

In 2015, I would fall in love with Seventeen, Twice, and the SM Rookies (NCT before they became NCT). This was when I learned more about fan culture among the kpop community. Before this year, I never thought I would want to order any albums because it just wasn’t a thing back then for people living overseas. What I mean by that, was how it wasn’t as easily accessible as it is now. Despite wanting albums, I was doing alright, or so I thought.

2016 came rolling in and I felt the need to support every group I followed, and I will list them all out for you below:

Twice Exo BTS NCT Apink Girl’s Day CNblue Day6 Astro Seventeen BtoB KNK Victon SF9 Sistar

I’m not lying I felt like I needed to support everyone, and I did very successfully just that. I wrote down when each of their comebacks would come out, I followed their socials and so on. If there was anything any of these idols had been you bet, I was going to be watching them. Now, if you’re wondering about my life, don’t worry. At this point I was in school, and I never slacked when it came to grades. So, no one in my family said anything.

I lived this life all the way up till 2018, which is not healthy. I love kpop, but by the middle of 2017 I felt like I needed to support them. BTW I had added more groups to this list as well. Going back to the feeling of needing to support them, it was unhealthy. I was obsessed, I was a dumpster of kpop and nothing more. I didn't think that way though. I was like, I’m so happy I know so much about kpop. I know everything that’s going on at the moment in the kpop world.

Of course, my health wasn’t that way. I spent several hours watching kpop, even if there weren’t any subtitles. I even bought products they endorsed. I even went to kcon which wasn’t all that exciting as I expected it to be. The only thing I don’t regret was the concerts. I felt that if I didn’t support them in this way, I didn’t have the worthiness to call myself a fan. Which is not true in any way. Now what was so wrong with this life? Well, I didn’t pay attention to myself. I realized my whole personality and life was centered around kpop and not who I was as a person. Let that sink in for a moment.

I had to take one good look in the mirror and see who I was. I was someone who knew more about kpop than their own self. Now, I’m not blaming kpop, I have only myself to blame. I should have paid more attention to myself. I know that now and I don’t get carried away like I used to. Now, I dress up, go out and I know who I am. It took me two years of limiting my kpop intake. Man, I sound like I had an addiction.

So where am I now?

I watch kpop, but I’m nowhere near as invested as I was back then. I still have my groups like Astro, Twice, and SF9, but I’m satisfied. I don’t feel the need to watch everything they do, nor do I feel the need to do anything I was like before. I think those three groups are the only ones I constantly check up on.

What I’m trying to say is don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t feel like you need to watch everything your fave is in. Also, I used to be one of those people who wouldn’t listen to mainstream pop because I was like “ew gross” which is totally not true. I see some people like that these days and I think you need to understand everyone has their own music tastes.

In the end, you don’t breathe and live for your idol. Don’t spend hours upon hours watching content on kpop. Take a look at yourself and see who you know more about, a kpop idol or yourself. If kpop is the one thing that makes you happy, please find something else. I trust you that it’s going to make your life a lot better. Well, that’s all I have to say and I hope those of you who made it this far found this interesting to gaze upon.

[mysmorgasbordoffantabulosa]

BTS all signed the same f'ing contract back in 2018. It's clear that JK, and possibly Tae, wanted to take a small break from doing stuff related to music/BH and BH allowed that to happen//

About contract renewal in 2018:

It was officially declared boys involved parents and solicitors and bh allowed it. Contracts were negotiated in personalised manner. This got clear even bh had strict ot7 or nothing policy RL started with solo work and jk took part in almost all collabs ( so technically jk didn’t take a break), jm in few also suga rm hobi had their own collbs part from bts. Then tae had his own bare min projects but within his circle of trustees. Jin literally nothing until he got the OST and goodbye song. So it’s clear boys had different contracts according to bh agreed with in their requirements, strategic and business plans.

Now l completely agree with you with the current/upcoming contract renewal. I personally think all of them gonna resign (maybe some of them already did sign) there’s no room to think anyone would back off. If so there should be a bigger label to resign but there’s no one above Hybe plus their US hold is stronger than any other SK agency. having said that l also believe boys will negotiate for more personalised contracts than 2018 including terms on their military service, solo projects, business ventures, content filming, relationships and private life ect. They can have one main contract for bts activities and sub contracts for solo projects/other gigs with room to undertake separate contracts for music collaborations and endorsements.

Even for normal idols when they pass mid 25ys their contracts gets more specifics for completely different from early years since agencies have line up of young idols and groups to launch and promote

Look you can choose to believe they boys had separate contracts, I choose not to.

Why? Collective bargining.... It's the "friends cast" effect.

If you make individual deals, you weaken the group, because one or two members are given preferential treatment.

Now yes there is a perception of this with features on other artist music. Whilst JK and RM are the only members to feature on Waste It On Me the credit goes to BTS and therefore the paycheck. Same with any other feature.

OSTs are contract out jobs, and production companies will request artists, and BH will agree to that or not.

Jin's album will clearly come next year when he returns from the Military. He pretty much stated that as the case at the festa dinner.

I think at a bare all the members are going to release 1 album and 1 additional "goodbye" song as part of their contract. RM appears to be the exception because he's stated he's got more music to release.

Post 2024/26 when renewal is up things may be different and they'll all have personalised contracts, I just don't think that'll be the case. I think they'll renegotiate their contract as a group, just like the Friends cast did, it means they can play hardball if they want and get the best deal for all of them, including group and solo work.

[bisexualnamjoonie]

Thank you! I completely agree with you and anon. I know the mv is very tongue-in-cheek and isn't meant to be taken seriously, but this concept is creepy and honestly doesn't send a very good message. If you said that on twitter though you'd get crucified. The song itself is boring. The lyrics are empty and shallow and the production sounds like it's been recycled from Just Dance. JK's vocals are great as always, but there's nothing interesting or unique about his vocal delivery. He just has a pleasant tone and good technique, which I guess is why he (arguably) has the most mainstream appeal out of all the members. I'm also trying to reserve judgment until I've heard the album, but I highly doubt it'll be as stimulating as D-day, JITB or Indigo, but I'm sure it'll receive 3x the amount of promotion. As an aside, I still don't like how ARMYs just brushed over the fact that Angel pt. 1 had a convicted sex offender on it and encouraged people to mass-buy and stream it uncritically. I hate that you can't criticize the members without being accused of being an anti or a solo. They're not infallible gods. They're human. And how are they ever supposed to grow as artists if they never receive criticism?

yeah it's like... it's funny cause it's jk and we might not know him personally but we also know he wouldn't hurt a fly (or at least we can hope) but yeah all in all, considering most of his fans are on the younger side, a lot of them teenage girls as well, it is really not a good message to send :/ in my opinion it basically feeds into conservative propaganda on straight relationships and consent (but that's not surprising considering the men involved in the making of this song. anyways. we hate it here)

and i have nothing to add on what you've said about the song in itself or his voice, I basically agree with you (I would go so far as to say he has the most common voice of all the boys, I can list at least two or three idols that have exactly the same voice as him but that's my own opinion and it doesn't take away his talent or how hard working he is!!). jk has always been, by far, the most popular, also bc since the beginning big hit worked at making him the perfect idol, much more than hyung line especially (also bc he was really young and probably more easily influenced than a suga that wanted nothing to do with it at the time and only embraced the idol life when it became something he loved), what with the whole cute but a bad boy, shy but sexy, perfect at everything he tries image they built for him. they also heavily relied on his sex appeal early on to bring fans in. so it's not surprising today that it's his image that sells more than the quality of what he puts out musically

yeah I won't go back to the whole angel pt. 1 debacle but sadly this was not the first time - nor will it be the last - that BTS took part in/endorsed something that was politically more than dubious and that army followed them blindly. i mean im expecting jungkook (or ot7) will eventually do a feat with justin bieber and he is openly anti abortion and a conservative christian so 💀

and yeah totally! it's also hard to know, at the end of the day, how much of a say they have in the decision making process but even so... their lyrics have a meaning, were and still are critical of a lot of issues, ffs yun is about an openly communist south korean artist who was shun by Korean society and haegum is an openly anticapitalist song so you'd expect them to actually apply that way of thinking to their actions. and I mean army is a big fandom so it's also hard to know, as a whole, if we really show them that that's what we expect of them or if most armys don't actually listen to the meaning of their songs / don't care about it / like them in spite of the message they carry

[utkarshinisoftware]

GM Maize imports : A poisoned Chalice for Indian Farmers

The ongoing debate in India revolves around the adoption of genetically modified (GM) and non- GM corn varieties. Now- adays, Corn has become a prized commodity for Indian farmers due to its versatile applications. The government, in par allel, is championing corn as an alternative fuel source, capable of being blended with Ethanol With corn being a signif icant component of live stock is an im- perative to bolster corn.

Production in India according to a recent report in the Indian Economic Times, the revenue of the Indian poultry sector is projected to grow by 10% this year, indicative of positive industry per formance, particularly in output. Concurrently, the livestock segment is witnessing a commend able uptick, contribut ing 4.11% to the Indian total GDP and 25.6% to the total agricultural GDP of the nation. An India maize production report forecasts a Com pound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.34% for 2021–31, trailing be hind the consumption growth rate pegged at 1.82% during the same period. Additionally, the proportion of maize al located for animal feed is anticipated to rise to ap proximately 54% by 2031 from the current 51%,

Potentially signally a shift towards

genetically modified crops. Advocates of GM Corn argue that its promo- tion is the sole solution to meet the surging de- mand for corn in India. With ethanol producers fiercely vying for maize supplies, the poultry in dustry, heavily reliant on maize for feed, has urged the Union Government to permit the import of genetically modified maize and soy meal Fur thermore, it advocates for the introduction of high-yielding GM seeds to enhance productivity nationwide. While sup porters claim that genet ically modified crops can solve immediate farming problems, closer exam ination uncovers many worries that need to be carefully thought about. GM corn does not direct ly augment yields, by rather tackles short-term pest-related issues, pro viding a temporary boost to productivity. However, is GM Corn

the exclusive remedy India’s maize demand surge? Before hastily endorsing it as the sole option, ought we not assess past experiences such as that of BT cot ton in India? GM Cotton was introduced in India in the 2002–03 season, and by 2007–08, nearly 90% of cotton farms in India were under GM Cotton. Afterward, the typical amount of cotton harvested dropped by 23%, going from 554 kilograms per hectare in the fiscal year 2008 to 429 kilograms per hect are in the fiscal year 2024 (an estimated figure). In stark contrast, Bangla desh witnessed a remark- able surge in cotton yield during this period, from 263 Kgs/ha to 737 Kgs/ha, The adoption of Hybrid BT cotton in India has led to a yield plateau, escalat ing production costs, and diminished productivity, resulting in decreased farmer revenues, cor related with heightened

behind this de dine remains unclear, In European countries, governments are promot ing non-GM corn and have banned GM Corn, While GM seeds offer traits like pest resistance and herbicide tolerance, they often entail higher costs and uncertainties regarding market accep tance. Non-GM maize presents an alternative that reduces reliance on expensive GM technolo- Ry potentially enhancing the economic viability of farming operations. European countries, in particular, impose strin gent regulations on GM crops, creating lucrative opportunities for farm ers producing non-GM maize. Moreover, niche markets seeking natural or organic products often favour non-GM maize, enabling farmers to cater demands and command premium prices. In an era where food transparency and traceability are par- amount, non-GM status serves as a selling point for farmers, enhancing their market competi tiveness. Recently, Mex ico has also decided to han genetically modified corn, as reported in the news. According to an article published by Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator of the Canadian Biotech nology Action Network, a project of Make Way Charitable Society, Mex ko’s restrictions on GM corn aim to safeguard the integrity of native corn from GM contamination and to protect human health. the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network is a large net work of farmers and en vironmental groups that has been monitoring the. use of genetically modi fied organisms (GMOs) for over 15 years. As per them, their research con- tinues to uncover indica- tors of potential harm to humans from consuming GM insect-resistant corn. Most GM corn plants are genetically modified to kill insect pests, express ing a toxin from the soil bacteria Bacillus thuring- iensis (Bt), known to harm the guts of specific types of insects but not others. Farmers have long utilized Bt as a spray to combat pests, but the Bt toxins in GM crops dif fer in structure, function, and biological effects. Indeed, peer-reviewed studies across the scien- tific literature persistently find that Bt toxins in GM. plants can harm insects (spiders, wasps, lady- bugs, and lacewings, for example) that are not the intended targets.

[mishtifnb-blog]

Empowering Farmers, Nurturing Autonomy: Non-GM Breeding for Agricultural Self-Reliance

The ongoing discussion in India centers on the choice between adopting genetically modified (GM) and non-GM corn varieties.

Nowadays, Corn has become a prized commodity for Indian farmers due to its versatile applications. The government, in parallel, is championing corn as an alternative fuel source, capable of being blended with Ethanol.

With corn being a significant component of livestock feed, there is an imperative to bolster corn production in India. Advocates of GM Corn argue that its promotion is the sole solution to meet the surging demand for corn in India.

With ethanol producers fiercely vying for maize supplies, the poultry industry, heavily reliant on maize for feed, has urged the Union Government to permit the import of genetically modified maize and soy meal. Furthermore, it advocates for the introduction of high-yielding GM seeds to enhance productivity nationwide.

While supporters claim that genetically modified crops can solve immediate farming problems, closer examination uncovers many worries that need to be carefully thought about. GM corn does not directly augment yields; rather, it tackles short-term pest-related issues, providing a temporary boost to productivity.

However, is GM Corn the exclusive remedy for India’s maize demand surge? Before hastily endorsing it as the sole option, ought we not to assess past experiences, such as that of BT cotton in India? GM Cotton was introduced in India in the 2002-03 season, and by 2007-08, nearly 90% of cotton farms in India were under GM Cotton.

 Afterward, the typical amount of cotton harvested dropped by 23%, going from 554 kilograms per hectare in the fiscal year 2008 to 429 kilograms per hectare in the fiscal year 2024 (an estimated figure). In stark contrast, Bangladesh witnessed a remarkable surge in cotton yield during this period, from 263 Kgs/ha to 737 Kgs/ha.

The adoption of Hybrid BT cotton in India has led to a yield plateau, escalating production costs, and diminished productivity, resulting in decreased farmer revenues, correlated with heightened farmer distress. The rationale behind this decline remains unclear. In European countries, governments are promoting non-GM corn and have banned GM Corn. While GM seeds offer traits like pest resistance and herbicide tolerance, they often entail higher costs and uncertainties regarding market acceptance.

 Non-GM maize presents an alternative that reduces reliance on expensive GM technology, potentially enhancing the economic viability of farming operations. European countries, in particular, impose stringent regulations on GM crops, creating lucrative opportunities for farmers producing non-GM maize.

Moreover, niche markets seeking natural or organic products often favour non-GM maize, enabling farmers to cater to specialized consumer demands and command premium prices. In an era where food transparency and traceability are paramount, non-GM status serves as a selling point for farmers, enhancing their market competitiveness.

Recently, Mexico has also decided to ban genetically modified corn, as reported in the news. According to an article published by Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, a project of MakeWay Charitable Society, Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn aim to safeguard the integrity of native corn from GM contamination and to protect human health. the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network is a large network of farmers and environmental groups that has been monitoring the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for over 15 years. As per them, their research continues to uncover indicators of potential harm to humans from consuming GM insect-resistant corn.

Most GM corn plants are genetically modified to kill insect pests, expressing a toxin from the soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), known to harm the guts of specific types of insects but not others. Farmers have long utilized Bt as a spray to combat pests, but the Bt toxins in GM crops differ in structure, function, and biological effects. Indeed, peer-reviewed studies across the scientific literature persistently find that Bt toxins in GM plants can harm insects (spiders, wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings, for example) that are not the intended targets.

India is excelling in Maize production while maintaining non-GM status. Many districts in Andhra Pradesh & Bihar that cultivate non-GM corn match the yield of US GM corn at ~10 tons/ha. If other corn-growing areas in India emulate the agronomical practices of Andhra Pradesh, all-India corn production would reach 65 million tons from the present 33 million tons. There is no imperative to introduce GM corn in India to cater to the burgeoning needs of the poultry and fuel sectors (ethanol). India’s maize production growth rate far surpasses the global average.

To conclude, we should prioritize the welfare of our farmers and explore avenues to enhance their economic conditions, while also safeguarding our biodiversity, environment, and human health. Therefore, it is prudent to exercise caution while promoting GM corn in India, although we possess the capability to attain self-sufficiency by promoting hybrid non-GM seeds.

[0613magazine]

040423 GQ

Jung Kook Feels Nervous to See Himself on a Calvin Klein Billboard

The BTS singer tells GQ about his first-ever solo campaign for the American megabrand, which marks the seventh major fashion deal he and his bandmates have inked since the start of 2023. Plus, check out an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from the shoot.

As a member of the biggest band on the planet, BTS’s Jung Kook has performed for a collective audience of millions. But there’s one thing he hasn’t done, until now: appear on the most famous billboard on earth. For that, he had to become the global ambassador, and newest face, of Calvin Klein’s denim and underwear lines. How did this latest accomplishment compare to singing and dancing in front of tens of thousands of people at a time? “I think I’m more nervous about seeing myself on a billboard,” Jung Kook tells GQ via email.

The singer joins Michael B. Jordan, Kendall Jenner, Blackpink’s Jennie, FKA Twigs, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson to star in the American megabrand’s spring campaign. But unlike Creed III actor-director MBJ, who recently told GQ that his buddies (jokingly) gave him a hard time overseeing his smoldering shirtless shots all over their Instagram feeds, Jung Kook says his friends have been supportive.

“They actually liked it,” he says. It has also gone over well with the world’s most powerful fanbase. “I was happy to hear that,” he says, referring to his friends co-signing the campaign, “but I couldn’t be happier that our ARMY loves it!”

Ever since BTS went on musical hiatus late last year, members of the band have been racking up brand endorsements of their own. Jung Kook was just the first of two BTS members to star in a huge brand deal in the last week; the day after his CK announcement, the Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta released their spring campaign starring his bandmate RM. Six of BTS’s seven members have landed major fashion partnerships since the start of 2023 alone: SUGA for Valentino, Jimin for Dior and Tiffany & Co., j-hope for Louis Vuitton, V for Celine, and now, Jung Kook for Calvin Klein and RM for Bottega Veneta. News of a massive campaign starring singer Jin could arrive any day now.

BTS the group has been on the global fashion radar for years: Dior’s Kim Jones designed their tour uniforms in 2019, and the bandmates collectively became Louis Vuitton brand ambassadors in April 2021, shortly after wearing head-to-toe LV to the 2021 Grammys—and then did so again in 2022. (At the 2020 ceremony, they went full Bottega Veneta.) They’ve also repped Korean brands, including last summer when they rolled up, Reservoir Dogs style, to deliver a press briefing at the White House while wearing classic suits from the Korean menswear brand Tailorable. 

The members of the band were stars of fashion month this last season, which saw more European luxury brands inviting K-pop idols to sit in their front rows than ever before. Their attendance at various shows foreshadowed some of the brand deals that have followed: Not long after Suga went to the Valentino couture show in January, J-Hope hit the men’s shows for Hermès and Vuitton and sat beside his bandmate Jimin at Dior. The next month, RM was in the front row at Bottega Veneta. (For those curious about all the French-luxury-conglomerate overlap here: LVMH owns Dior, Vuitton, Tiffany, and Celine, while Kering owns Bottega.) 

While high-fashion houses have been bringing in more celebrity ambassadors in recent years, Calvin Klein has featured famous people in its high-vis ad spots for decades. And because the products themselves—blue jeans, underwear—are relatively bare-bones and personal, they center their celebrity marketing campaigns on authenticity and intimacy, which usually includes some degree of undress. The shots of Jung Kook, shot by photographer Park Jong Ha in CK’s signature smoldering, black-and-white mode, are some of his most revealing public images yet; in the official press release, Jung Kook says he’s “incredibly excited for people to see a new side of me in this first campaign for the brand.”

It’s safe to assume the last few years have been a whirlwind for Jung Kook, who is 25 and presumably still discovering new sides of himself. Though he admits that his “taste in music changes so much that sometimes I don’t even know how my taste changes over time,” he’s made some definitive changes to his wardrobe as of late.

“In terms of fashion, I don’t think I can wear anything that fits tight on me anymore,” he says. “And I LOVE ‘all black’ looks, except for anything Calvin Klein Jeans. :)”

Source: GQ