#every single one of u are brilliant and i appreciate u sm

[watatsumiis]

hii yall just popping in to say im not doing anything for april fools so no need to worry about any of that /srs

[dojae-huh]

Regarding the comeback concept prompt,

First of all, before I get into what I thought was the most memorable and iconic, I want to give a quick shoutout to Superhuman. Whilst it was not the best executed comeback by far, seeing how deeply underrated and under-appreciated it still is and how SM focused on North America for the most part, it is one of my my favourite NCT comebacks of all time, easily top three. When it was announced and when they teased it on American shows, I could not imagine the concept or MV at all, maybe its my lack of imagination but I could not imagine 127 wearing superhero outfits and the likes you would normally associate with such a concept. The MV is amazing as well as the song, pink hair Jae changed the trajectory of my life, I watched so many reactions of it from experts just to reassure myself that I had taste even though the general public didn’t. Quick disclaimer, I don’t follow lore that closely so my opinion isn’t really based on that. One last note before my actual pick, I think my favourite album design is the white Resonance PT 2. Its just a fun concept and it makes me happy seeing them all together.

Now for my actual pick: Empathy.

Empathy era is what actually got me into NCT so it would make sense that it was the most memorable for, though that kinda shows bias, but it is my opinion after all. Every single aspect was done so well imo, it was so iconic and I thought it could never be topped, maybe to this day I might still think that. NCTmentary, I don’t understand it but it still amazed me. Yearbook, one of my favourite introductions, even though it wasn’t my favourite looks, it was iconic in every way. The title tracks, BOSS, BDS, the unit promos, Touch and GO, I can’t believe I took these for granted. As a hard OT23 stan with U being my favourite unit, this was heaven. The concept switch of Dream and 127 was really refreshing and BOSS is definitely my favourite performance and U unit. The members got to travel together and make memories and enjoy themselves. The appearance of all 18 on Weekly Idol was really brilliant. Who could’ve imagined it, and I wish it still was possible now. That gave such a perfect introduction to the concept of NCT and was so fun as fan watching it. The Vlives of random pairings and groups was so fun to watch because it showed member interaction which is probably my favourite thing. Everyone seemed so happy, this is what also got me into Jaedo, I don’t remember the exact moment, but this era was the one that introduced me to them and I am very grateful. Doyoung’s glow up especially got me, he finally had the black hair which suited him to a T, Cherry bomb and Limitless and T7S was a miss for me. Jaehyun looked great as well. Tae’s red hair was a stand out. Sometimes I forget Regular was released in the same year just because Empathy was such a standout, it outshined every other thing. Also the fandom was much better, less unit wars and everyone was hyped that it would be a yearly thing. There was so much content, from NCT life to YT series, really NCTzens were spoilt so well. Whilst I still am anticipating the next NCT whole group projects, I doubt anything can top the marvel and masterpiece that was Empathy.

There are rumours that NCT2021 should be based on Empathy. I hope so. Episode zero gives me hope.

I'm in love with NCTmentaries. Even if they might look too much at first, they make you comeback to them and with lore evolving appreciate the old MVs anew. It's like you are revisiting a painting and with each take you see more and understand what the artist wanted to say better.

"We are Superhuman" did well for an EP. The fandom simply wasn't as big or as active back then. It had the same sales as a full album (Regular-Irregular). ~300 000

As for the promotion. It was sad. SM trusted the local partner and 127 was made to go to as many radio and morning shows as possible. And the hosts only knew how to ask about favourite food and celebs neos want to collab with. Well, it wasn't for nothing. And SM did a point of showing up with a Korean song this time (Regular was in English).

The fandom and time skews perception of events. 127 was on a world tour. They first paid attention to Japan, then to NA. Why would they promote in SK back then, when SM concentrated on the new markets. Plus, the song was promoted on Korean music shows in summer. It even got 2 wins.

[bisexualhobi]

i would just like to preface that i love both bts and superm before going into this so it doesn’t seem like i’m just pitting one group against another and i’d love to hear your thoughts on tis if you have any after my rambling. but one thing i always found interesting that has been brought up before which you answered (and truthfully is now a bit funny to me) is when superm debuted with jopping which was predominantly english and how a portion of army on twitter mocked it and for sm/superm giving into the western market by making an english song and predominantly english album with the album and then super one. especially since bts had that interview where they said they would never do any english songs and yet here they are with dynamite and butter which generally sound like the same song but regurgitated. obviously it’s aimed at western audiences who mainly listen to top 40 hits so it lacks the typical nuance and charm of bts songs that we’ve come to expect. i just find the general reactions to both interesting since i distinctly remembered how hard superm was being clowned on twitter with people saying how it was an obvious appeal to western audiences … and now bts have done that yet it’s being defended in the name of a grammy nomination?? which, like you said, would be warranted if the song up for one was black swan rather than dynamite. even so a bare bones comparison is that (at least to me) is that jopping still sounded like a kpop song in terms of production as did other songs on the album whereas dynamite/butter sound bubblegum pop. this was a whole lot of nonsense rambling that’s been bouncing around in my head that i wanted to see if you had any thoughts since you’re very well spoken and i like seeing your opinions whenever you appear on my dash!

hey! this is a really interesting comment and i appreciate u sending it cause i think i had some similar thoughts about it and i think you managed to express it really well. i didn't answer before because i was sick lol but i agree with the whole "army attacking other artists for doing english releases vs. it's suddenly okay when bts does it". that's their specialty. they are constantly shifting the goal posts on genuine discussions and their double standard when it comes to bts vs. other artists is so hypocritical it's hilarious how they don't see what's wrong with it

personally i don't really get a lot from bts vs superm discussions because it's really a shallow narrative that won't get you anywhere substantial. i'd very much rather discuss hybe vs sm's marketing approaches regarding their US centric groups. that's more interesting imo and there's no need to pit the members against each other. both groups are gonna face xenophobia and be treated like zoo animals when it comes to US promotion which is incredibly painful and sad.

but i think superm's purpose is so incredibly. transparent?? manufactured?? that there's no much criticism that can be done without acknowledging that bts' marketing tries so painfully to separate themselves from that that it comes full circle and it falls back into the glaringly obvious marketing ploys that kpop has pushed for years. they are the same lol. both are being pushed by a major label to squeeze every last penny off the kpop fever currently taking america. both are groups that won't break into the gp beyond a few tv appearances and an already segmented fanbase. BOTH are trying to appeal to a western audience but the difference is SM is literally not even trying to hide the fact that they just want your money lmao 😭 while hybe tries to rely on a fake sincerity where they try to sell bts as the underdogs and the "not like other idols" raw and real but like. they ARE manufactured and they are made so hard to sell a cookie cutter wholesome image so like. there's nothing raw about that i'm sorry 😭

"jopping still sounded like a kpop song in terms of production" THIS IS EXACTLY IT this is literally what i've been thinking for a long time. jopping may be the most clownable and transparent attempt to become viral in recent kpop but like. it still fucks. it's literally peak Kpop Sound in every aspect. if someone were to ask me how can you define late 2010s kpop in a single song i would probably pick this one. you can hate it or love it but the song is a great expression of music production that is a DELIGHT to listen to with headphones. i also think it's dumb and fun and i don't expect anything from its lyrical content but it manages to take you on a RIDE. you start off with a stadium chant then it drops the bass then suddenly it's got vocal riffs, a tight rap verse, then it takes it all the way to edm and finally has a brilliant dancebreak. it's jampacked of fun stuff that works well together.

would i want bts to do jopping? fuck no. but what they've been doing with butter isn't any better or superior artistically speaking so...

[yeojaa]

                        ❪  💜  FOLLOW FOREVER :  ❫  aka i hit a milestone !

i genuinely cannot process the fact that i’ve hit another milestone but...  like...  oh my god??  OH MY GOD!!  thank you sm.  i’m friggin’ honoured and touched and i just want to smother all of you in my love because i am so grateful for every single ounce of support.  i don’t know if i say it enough but i really hope you know just how much you all mean to me.

anyway, to celebrate this momentous occasion, i’ve got some things to say!  read on for that if you want.  otherwise, i love and appreciate you and i’m taking one sentence prompts to commemorate this so send those bad boys in!  xoxo 

straight up love letters (to my day ones or those i’d take time to bake a cake for - generally those who kick ass and take names every single day!)

@hobi-gif @xjoonchildx @sahmfanficbts :  i wouldn’t want to have any other bts tumblr soulmates.  you guys are the very best, not only because you’re all so sweet and supportive, but because you’re all absolutely brilliant in your own wonderful ways!  i adore you to bits and pieces.  

@keywepie :  literally my day one.  you have been a constant source of inspiration and support and i appreciate you sm.  jungkook and i are forever in your fanclub! 

@periminkle :  you’re my...  wife....  even though....  you want to smack my picante beef.  it’s a little concerning but i love you regardless cause you’re intimidating as hell and also inspiring as hell and honestly!!!!  idk what i’d do without u, u gd cutie pie goodbye!!

@jjiminah :  as you know, i am the president of the jlin fanclub.  i am your #1 fan and that’ll never change.  you are both cool as HELL and also sugar sweet and i just!!  adore you and am so grateful to know you. 

@1kook :  i mainly just...  yell....  at you....  to convey how incredible i find you.  but your kook?  honestly the kook of my dreams.  so wonderfully, vividly well-written and adorable and UGH.  if i could keep him in my pocket forever, i would.  i love him sm and you are the biggest, hugest, most galaxy brain inspiration in the world.

@salvejoon :  iggy, you are the cutest.  the cutest, i tell ya!  i love being able to scream at/with you about things and your mind is just...  chef’s kiss.  i love you!

@yoonmochiiii :  i am in looooove with every single thing you make!  you are so terribly talented and more than that, so so so sweet.  you deserve so many greats things and you’re so lovely.  i’m so glad we started talking!

@slipped-away :  it sometimes still shocks and surprises me that i can consider you a moot because your graphics are OUT OF THIS WORLD.  i look at them and cry.  you are so freaking incredible!  and you’re so nice!  ahhh.  i want to shout my support for you from the rooftops. 

anonymous mixtapes (to the lovely moots i admire and don’t speak to that often because i’m too shy but who are straight up inspos and so lovely!!!)

@taestybae @latetaektalk @papillonsgf @seokjinssi @kookiesjoonies @ppersonna @dewykth @ttttaehyungie @jinterlude @glossyfever @hobidreams @rougebangtan @pars-ley @rookiegukie @softguks @parksfilter @brighttragedy @btsarmy9593 @moonpjms @jinsearthh @moonmintrails @daechwlta @flowerkth @parkminhee @jminiguk @monoguk​ @hoseoksyn​ @de1ight​ @hauntedlilies​ @mintseesaw​ @dylanxmin​ and a ton of others i’m probably forgetting 🥺

times square billboards (to those who have absolutely no idea who i am but who you should support because oh my god they’re the greatest of all time)

@jeonscript @jamaisjoons @gukooky @kimnjss @gukslut​ @fortunexkookie​ @ddaenggtan​ @ironicarmy​ @hobiance​ @luxekook​ @gukgalore​ @jeongi​ @junqkook​ @jungblue​ @ladyartemesia​ @fantasybangtan​ @inkedxclouds​ @bloomsuga​ @ohpretty-baby​ 

ty again, everyone!!  take care and be safe 💜

[hercleverboy]

I cannot even explain to you how embarrassed I am that for confusing u w imagining-in-the-margins 😔 like Idk how this even happened omg I feel SO BAD IM SO SORRY. Thank u sm for helping me find it! I think the last time I re-read it was when scrolling through an account that reblogged it along w one of ur posts so i remembered ur account name instead of hers. Thank u again for clearing it up for me! I still feel so bad so I’m gonna go on about how much EVERY SINGLE FIC YOU HAVE ON YOUR MASTERLIST IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. I still cannot go back to “tomorrow” because it punched me in the gut in ways I’ve never experienced. The way that “tick, tick, tick” not only combined my two favorite shows of all time being cm and himym but used what is imo one of the saddest scenes, this time about my favorite character? Ur too talented. “Miss you, love you” AHHHH I outright cried in front of my family afterward I was emotionally destroyed for the day. “Four times” is one that I read over and over again but love more each time. If you can’t tell already I enjoy pain. Every word you write brings me so much entertainment and sadness that I can’t thank you enough. Am I reading them again while procrastinating my research paper on cold crime cases for the murder class I’m taking? Yes. But I just want u to know ur work is highly appreciated! Can’t wait to read all your upcoming fics they sound amazing🖤

oh god this really made me cry 🥺 please don’t apologise, it’s more than okay! You wouldn’t believe how many times I read fics and then can never find them again, so I’m glad I could help you out!

but please please please don’t feel bad or embarrassed!!

thank you so very much for your kind words and your support, I won’t ever be able to put into words how much it means to me that people actually enjoy my work. you’re an absolute sweetheart, and don’t hesitate to dm me sometime so we can talk! I’m doing a criminal justice degree so we’d probably have a lot to talk about considering you’re doing something similar for class :)

much love ❤️