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creamnkookies · 4 years

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BTS+Jikook/Kookmin & Fan Service: Part 2

Now, we will start by taking a look at some other more recent examples of fan service and what it looks like within BTS. I still use fan service lightly because often times they are still just comfortably interacting how they please and are just going with the flow rather than trying to meet a fan service-y agenda. I think a lot of i-army especially, just call things fan service out of habit (a lot of times as a way to discredit moments from meaning anything) without taking a look at the history or context of fan service and what it actually entails. A lot of moments with BTS that get called fan service, realistically usually isn't. As stated before, I'm sure there are times they might do intentionally, but I don't view that as the standard with BTS.

(I'm specifically referring to their interactions and not necessarily the possible differences.) Taekook consistently interact a couple of times during Boy With Love, however it's not always the same thing. The exact same goes for Jikook during their part in So What. And as well for Vmin during Mikrokosmos. There are many more, but these moments are pretty consistent, as well as constantly changing in little or big ways. Further showing that they all really tend to just go with the flow and do what feels most comfortable in the moment. Planned interactions for fans in songs doesn't make them less meaningful or suddenly feelings are being faked for a show. Remembering how comfortable BTS are with each other, this is just normal. They still just have fun with it. A lot of times you may expect an interaction to happen, but don't necessarily know what you're going to get, and sometimes you won't get an interaction at all where you'd typically expect to.

Next we have just the members usual interactions on and off stage, this is where skinship and comfortability often times gets rolled into fan service. It's a wide and random variety with BTS. Whether it be them slapping each other's butts, picking each other up, slow dancing, gazing into one another's eyes as they sing or just for the hell of it, hugging, holding hands, etc. it's all very much done in good fun and with love. They look like they are having a good time messing about as friends/band mates, comfortably teasing each other and us, the fans.

I think it's important to point to another pretty common factor under the umbrella of fan service within BTS, and that is Vmin (Taehyung and Jimin.) I won't be discussing each members interactions per se (aside from Jikook of course.) But these two especially interact with one another and other members quite frequently. Often, also being the initiatives (not always because other members have their fair share too.) Tae and Jimin specifically are both fairly extroverted personalities that are both confident in pursuing physical touch (of course they aren't always this way as they are human and personalities, and people change with circumstance, time, etc....with this in mind. Continuing.) Jimin is a seemingly vivacious, yet cuddly, yet soft, yet sensual type of vibe (think Serendipity mv); And Tae is a seemingly sultry, air of mystery, yet flirty/teasing kind of vibe (think Singularity mv.) Don't get me wrong, again, we shouldn't base this simplified idea as the definitive expected standard of their personalities because there is always eb and flow, as well as you know, BTS members are complex unique individuals that can't be put into a box. However for example sake, this is how they tend to present themselves (in variations imo) most consistently as individuals, together, and with other members. And for the sake of understanding the context of said fan service within BTS, and how their personalities play into the fandoms perception of the members, and the validity of their interactions based off said personalities and tendencies...it's important to bring it all into consideration when trying to look at the bigger picture. (I'm laughing because this was a long winded run on sentence...but hopefully you get what I'm trying to say in too many words 🙃??) In short, ships involving both Tae and Jimin can sometimes get either downplayed or overhyped due to their presumed bolder flirty, friendly, personalities and tendencies...i.e. you sometimes see comments saying "Oh Jimin does this with everyone it doesn't mean anything." To which I'll proclaim, subtle differences may evade you. And just because you see him interact in the same or similar ways with all members doesn't mean it inherently means nothing if it happens frequently. Nor does it imply all those interactions equate the same bond or feelings.

The two of them visibly feed off each other's different flirty energies. It's harmless, sweet, playful, and now just seems natural and comfy for them. Many times you'll see both Tae and Jimin interacting with other members in similar ways. At the end of the day, all the members very much seem to just genuinely enjoy each other's company on and off stage.

This is never fan service (specific to BTS):

(Nearly coming full circle to my thoughts on Jikook. Thank you for patiently following along.)

Majority in the fandom will absolutely not think this way in the slightest. I am sad I'm having to address this at all. But I've very unfortunately seen comments made by people who have implied emotional support moments amongst the members (any) can also be considered or written off as fan service. An example of this is when Jimin comforted a crying Jungkook during the Seoul LYS final day 3. I saw people comment to dismiss this bond by saying "Jimin comforts all the members" or "it's feeding into the fan service agenda." No.

I am sharing these thoughts outside of my beliefs in Jikook. Yes Jimin indeed comforts all the members. But the way Jimin comforts and dotes on Jungkook is visibly different in certain situations. Regardless of yours or my perception of what their relationship may or may not be because of how we see said interactions. The difference is there (as all relationships vary from pair to pair.) Difference doesn't take away from the importance of the other relationships they have with the other members. But downplaying a genuine bond because, I don't know why, perhaps because it scares them? Perhaps it's too real? Peharps because it eliminates other preconceived notions of what they once excepted? Whatever the case may be, it is quite shameful to do. Jungkook and Jimin just have a different relationship, whatever it may be, whether people like it or not. And the difference will always be prevalent and valid no matter what kind of relationship it is. Jimin and Jungkook love each other, as all the members love each other, just differently. This isn't up for debate, as this isn't an assumption. This is just what it is.

The members emotionally supporting each other is never for the sake of fan service. Never. And should never be placed in such a dim ignorant light. BTS all love each other deeply.

Let's talk about Jikook:

With all the context of fan service and how skinship is essentially rolled into one with BTS. I can now better explain my thoughts on Jikook in regards to fan service and how I think their dynamic works within it.

I'll start by saying, I very strongly believe Jikook are able to use the blanket term of fan service to their advantage. They are able to be more themselves with one another under the guise of "it's just fan service" (on stage especially.) Some may forget Jikook are in a uniquely tricky position, so for them to interact with one another more freely in ways they can't usually, under the premise of fan service, could possibly be quite cathartic at times. To just, be. And I want to reemphasize by saying since I believe most interactions between members are genuine and authentic, I say the same certainly goes for Jikook, and maybe even more so. Their interactions with one another do not seem forced or done out of obligation. And on many occasions, they introduce a whole new level of intimacy you do not typically see with other members. Keeping in mind the way BTS do and don't interact with one another when it comes to skin ship and fan service, Jikook tend to push that boundary, and many onlookers question it at one point or another.

One of the biggest differences I notice with Jikook and fan service becomes much clearer not only because of the other members reactions to them, but because of Jungkook himself. Jungkook is the type to wear his heart on his sleeve and is often not very good at hiding his true emotions or feelings (this isn't necessarily a bad thing.) Jimin has his moments as well, but as a whole Jungkook tends to be much more readable. Because of this, it's noticeable to see there are moments when Jungkook shows genuine trepidation with Jimin, and really only with Jimin. His hyper awareness of Jimin and his interactions with him are suddenly odd considering Jungkook usually has no issue with engaging with other members he's known and had many years to get accustomed to. At least, not in the same way as with Jimin. Especially with sometimes innocent moments that wouldn't usually have any cause to raise an eyebrow. With that, it makes you wonder why Jungkook would ever show reservations with Jimin rather than other members of the group, especially if it's only just fan service and or skin ship.

A standout moment I feel I need to discuss is the Rosebowl ear suck moment. This is a prime example of something that really cannot be explained away as just fan service within BTS (unless it's really just an absolute fluke, to which I'd scratch my head.) As well, the ear moment really can't be explained away as just skin ship either. There are no other really comparable examples to that particular moment, within such a context. And context is extremely important here given it's such a unique moment. Always keep in mind context in regards to understanding Jikook, and making sure things aren't being blown out of proportion for the sake of wanting to meet agendas. But also not being downplayed for the sake of wanting to meet agendas. I see a lot of people (both Jikookers and non) say Jungkook did that to comfort Jimin, and that people shouldn't think anything of it, or take it too seriously. And I strongly disagree. I'm sharing what I believe happened, and I AM adding in my speculation to what I think it meant. Either way. The ear suck moment happened, that's a fact. What you think it means is your own perception and opinion. I'm stating here what I think it meant, but, this moment indeed happened.

Regardless, in that moment, I don't think Jungkook sucked on Jimin's ear to comfort him. I do see they (Jikook) tend to touch one another's ears often, presumably because of comfortability. But, this moment was different. You have to look at the bigger picture of what was happening. I believe Jimin didn't start crying until after Jungkook started saying I love you (it seems) in response to Jimin (into his mic.) Jungkook begins to say/do whatever he does to Jimin's ear. And as Jungkook seems to suck on Jimin's ear, Jimin's head visibly sinks lower & he cries harder when he realizes what Jungkook is doing. Now, I'm sure Jimin was emotional beforehand, as performing is their passion and they are often moved by Army, I'm not taking away that sentiment and it very well could be that that was the only cause (I don't believe this though.) However, I do believe, the catalyst of those, specific, visibly touched emotions that progressively grew on Jimin's face, were seemingly caused by Jungkook's actions. I believe Jungkook did that, simply because he wanted to. It was another grand gesture. For Jimin first and foremost, and as well, for the world to see. It was another way for Jungkook to proclaim 'I love him.' It's one of many.

Additional thoughts on Jikook and fan service:

I mentioned planned interactions (ex. So What) earlier, and I think the members don't often know how Jikook will interact with one another in those moments and outside of those moments, which is why more times than not we see them on guard when it comes to Jikook. For example, I think they gave Jikook more free reign during the LYS Seoul Final concerts and a great example of the members feeling nervous (to an extent) about Jikook, is right before, and during their Serendipity moment.

I don't think other ships or any ships are meant to cover up one another. It's just not realistic or sensical to cover up a real gay relationship with a fake one. Additionally can you imagine how mentally and emotionally exhausting it would be for the member who's in both ships to pretend to be in a fake relationship for the world in front of the person they're really in a relationship with? That would be torture and terribly unhealthy to put yourself through for years, mind you, years. It's not reality. Imagine how utterly unrealistic it is to think GCF Tokyo, Jungkook's own passion and art, is demonized and written off as a fan service? Who benefits from that sort of toxic mentality? No one. Truly no one. And lying to themeselves if thinking otherwise.

If the company or whoever was worried about Jikook or their interactions I think they would do their best to just lessen Jikook's interactions for the time being, simply by asking them to be mindful (notice they were more careful after Seoul Concerts because of said events that followed right after.) Outside of that (if Jikook interact less for whatever reason,) the other members continue to go on about their usual interacting with one another... and as I mentioned before, in turn, other ship moments just happen, not that it's meant to intentionally distract from Jikook. Don't get me wrong, I do think it's still helpful there are multiple ships in regards to taking some of the spotlight away from Jikook, because it does cause a sort of discombobulated "illusion" to the army fandom and the general public. Helps to not create a hyper focus on Jikook only. I just don't believe it's inherently done for the sake of hiding Jikook per se, because I think the members just love each other and interact with one another and ship moments just happen as a result. Remember, BTS don't live to constantly feed and fuel ship agendas and dreams. *Again, there could be times when they are asked to interact on purpose to "feed" a ship. But I wouldn't count on that being the constant (I'm sorry I've said this a lot and in several different ways but, it's just an important point to get across.)😅

Lastly, if Jikook are really all just a grand scheme, and it's all fan service for the sake of the fans and pulling people in. Well, they've truly outdone themselves, above and beyond honestly. The lengths they've gone to push a fan serviced relationship agenda is quite frankly, absurd. It's a good thing that's probably not the case or I'd be very concerned 🥴. I do wonder why it's easier for some to assume it's all an elaborate hoax, or just a friendly brotherly bond, rather than believing it possible two men just fell in love and are doing their best to love one another in the limited ways they can?

With all that being said, I think Jikook are different for many more reasons. But this post has already gotten quite long. If there's any topic or moment you'd like me to discuss specifically, whether it be a post or in the dms, feel free to let me know! 💕

Thanks for reading! Please take good care of your health! ❤️

Best,

Tay

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