The line between acknowledging and being vocal about industry issues, idol management, company policies and much more and becoming a manager fan that is convinced their favorite idol is persecuted and disrespected at every step is a really fine line which is getting crossed more and more and I feel that we're losing a grip on reality.
Especially when this is a discourse surrounding rich, influential and respected idols. Not that they would be immune, but I'd say it's a bit different if we're talking about a successful man in his 30s or a young boy in a rookie group that gets ignored. Or women idols for that matter. We shouldn't forget them.
I'm saying this because there's always a slippery slope that I saw with Jimin's case and now with Taemin. As much as there were clear and evident issues with Jimin's solo album release, he's also one of the most important idols out there. His name means something. He's among the top succesful idols which says a lot as we know that a big percentage of idols don't get a high level of success or a really significant income. I was never shy in talking about the things that went wrong with that promotion period, the weird weverse articles and everything else, but Jimin also resigned a contract, he's staying at that company and he's part of that group and so far there hasn't been any other news so let's not turn unsaid, imaginary things or our own wishes into reality.
As to Taemin, he too had a short period of promotional activities which seems to be the standard now. What a shame to go through it at such a fast pace that we're not able to sit with an album, to have performances spread throughout, to immerse ourselves. This is the industry's fault and I hope that at some point, people with decision power will realize and make some changes.
Taemin not performing at an end of the year show is unfortunate. Yes, it is. But why the need to exaggerate? Why? Just a couple of weeks ago he had more than 2h of performances in a show that will be taken to Japan. Taemin promoted the album and the title song and having a 2-day concert is not something insignificant. Why are we forgetting this?
Taemin is not disrespected, he's the idol in SM that has had the most opportunities since early on and we can see that until present day. He's been able to perform how he wants and do the concepts he likes and he's actively creating a legacy. He is K-Pop. A 20 something idol doing a cover of Guilty is the proof of the influence Taemin has. This is not something new and certainly not bad. I'm surprised at how many people can't seem to understand that.
We need to find a balance and stop with the persecution theme that has been spread through fandoms.
I appreciate with this author is saying. I fully agree there were issues with Jimin’s rollout, but he had one of the most expensive kpop videos produced and probably the most expensive for a solo kpop idol in set me free pt 2. He had multiple music shows and filmed content in support of his album. Was his promo period too short? Especially compared to other members? Yes it was. However, he set the promo period and how he wanted to promote. I think there were many lessons learned by him and the company.
But, truth be told we can find issues with all of the rollouts. But the bigger point is, we as fans can sometimes overstep when we are not privy to the behind the scenes on decisions unless they specifically tell us. All the members of BTS have agency and the clout to have a major say in what happens to them and their projects. They are stockholders in the company and they all chose to re-sign for another contract term. They are extremely wealthy for kpop idols and best of all, they all genuinely appear to care and love each other as family and not just colleagues.
They have all proven they can have successful solo careers in the genres they want, yet still decided they want to come back together as a group. After 2018 and festa 2022, with the burnout some were feeling, I seriously had my doubts about them coming back together beyond a farewell concert or tour post military. But, I think they found they prefer working as a team vs. only solo artists. I am sure we will see more solo work, but i think there will be a good balance between the team and solo/individual projects. As well as time for them to have more of a personal life with their own families. Thank you for a well written post.