K-pop

The meaning behind Hyukoh – Gang Gang Schiele

Album/Single Review

I was going through some draft blog posts and came across this one. I don’t understand why I didn’t publish it back in 2018 though, because after reading it back it gave me all the feels again. So I wanted to share it on this platform.

I can’t express how much I love the band Hyukoh and their music. I watched the Hyukoh Gang Gang Schiele x Beats By Dre video and felt all of these emotions, which I didn’t see coming. To hear about the meaning behind the lyrics of this song was heartwarming. Learning about the song writing and producing process was enlightening. This short video made me fall in love with this song and the band even more than before (if that’s even possible)!

I had the pleasure of attending their London gig in October, 2017. I’d been listening to their music for around a year at this point, but I was completely obsessed with all of their albums. Each one of them contained songs that suited my mood at any given time. I didn’t feel the need to skip any tracks, which is rare to find at times, let alone 3 or 4 from the same artist.

‘Gang Gang Schiele’ from their album ‘24: How to find true love and happiness’, is about friendship. Lead singer and songwriter, Oh Hyuk, had North and South Korea in mind when writing the lyrics, as the two nations had only started to rebuild their relationship after many years. The song calls out to ‘old friends’ and asks for forgiveness; you can’t help but feel touched. Music can do this to you; it’s that powerful.

Artists like Hyukoh have changed me as a person when it comes to my love of music. A few years ago when I got into Korean music, I became curious about everything beyond the music I hear on my commute to work; from K-Pop to K-Indie. With the majority of the lyrics being in Korean, it got me wondering what they meant. Before then, I’d never really paid attention to it. But now I try to decipher and understand the meaning behind it. 

I became curious to find out more about the artist and the background story to a song or album. And this in turn lead me to develop a strong sense of appreciation and respect for them, i.e. turning me into a bit of a fangirl.

I love discovering videos like this, which go beyond a well produced music video. Don’t get me wrong, I get just as excited to see a new MV come out by all my favourite artists. But if a video can portray meaning and a story, it makes me see these musicians in a new light. Good job, Beats By Dre.

BTS Wembley Area London 2018

Fandomism – BTS ARMY

culture

Whilst watching a YouTube video of someone reacting to BTS, I realised I was crying.

I wasn’t sad or upset, in fact, it was for the opposite reason. I was incredibly moved and proud. I call myself a fan of BTS, but I’ve never been able to decide whether I’m a true member of their ‘ARMY’, which is the name of their fan base. I’ve heard all these stories of how passionate and dedicated BTS fans are, so I wasn’t sure if I was at their level. But this incident kind of reassured me.

In the reaction video, not only were they watching several music videos, but also paying attention to the lyrics and interpreting the messages BTS were trying to convey. They also learnt a bit about what they stand for and the positivity they’re trying to bring to the world around them. It was incredible to see them genuinely impressed after discovering how BTS are using their platform and popularity to help others. From speaking at the United Nations, to partnering with UNICEF to help end child violence. These guys never cease to amaze me.

The reason why I felt the need to write about this is because I was reminded of a conversation I was having with a group of people recently. They couldn’t understand these ‘crazy’ fans of BTS. Why people would spend so much money to go see them live, especially at a stadium jam packed with people? They couldn’t understand why these young girls were crying their eyes out. They didn’t ‘get the hype’.

I remember feeling mad, but mostly frustrated. How could they not understand this? In that moment I wasn’t thinking clearly, so I ended up getting defensive. But since then, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. How I would present my argument in a more intelligent and constructive way if I had that opportunity once again…

The truth is, not everyone is like me and the rest of BTS’ ARMY. I developed an interest a couple of years ago, so I did seek out more information about them. That’s how this admiration grew to what it is today. They started off as ordinary boys dreaming to make it big in the world of music. They went through the grueling training and hardships that all K-pop artists experience as a trainee. They sang and danced their way into the charts and started to gain popularity amongst fierce competition. But as they started to grow as songwriters, they also started to differentiate themselves from other K-pop idols.

They poured their heart and soul into lyrics; speaking about their struggles and the unjust they see and experience in the world. They shared their inner thoughts; feeling lost and trapped. But as time went on and as they evolved, they started to see promise and hope for positive changes to come. Their songs developed into messages of encouragement – believe in yourself; love yourself. They became the voice of the youth.

The more people started learning about BTS, the more they wanted to explore the lyrics. With their songs mainly being in Korean, it meant that people no longer just watched music videos for the impressive cinematography, catchy tunes or choreography. They also looked into the meaning behind it all. The number of fans that have shared stories of how BTS’ songs affected their lives in a positive way, is outstanding. They lovingly explain how it helped them get through some really hard times, no matter how old they are.

It’s really up to you how much of this you want to believe. You don’t have to take my word for it or blindly accept all of these facts and stories. But have a think about this…

They’re a group of young adults who have more than enough money and power to do whatever they want. They can live their lives in a completely individualistic way, like those in the Western society. Yet they choose to use their platform to spread positive messages, as well as reflect on all the things they’re grateful for and support those in need. They take their responsibility as role models seriously and it shows.

If they don’t deserve the love and praise that they’re receiving right now, then I don’t know who does!