Fellow lore and theory Atiny…hear me out.
I have a few thoughts and theories surrounding the Ateez comeback and the current state of the lore (only referencing canon events as notated in the diary entries or related content) so let’s dive in and see how much I get right.
First, the multiple references of Trauma. This may be me digging too deep or reaching (but when it comes to KQ, I don’t ever feel like ANYTHING is a reach) but MATZ tackles the idea of trauma by referencing the stalking the boys have experienced.
Youth references trauma in both its lyricism and the way the video is shot. This is the clearest representation of it. Everything reflects the trauma associated with the end of an era in one’s life, and how that era could mean everything to someone and then be nothing.
IT’s You is the most inconspicuous and as of now, the only clear indicator of trauma references that I have found is this shot at the beginning of the music video.
Not Okay in and of itself is an entirely different monster with multiple visuals and references to trauma besides the straight up definition at the beginning of the MV.
But, that’s a different thread for another time. Let’s instead look at the purposeful order of concept photo drops. Starting with HongJoong and Yunho.
HJ & YH - HJ and YH - HJ is afraid of being forgotten and abandoned while YH uses HJ as a waypoint and beacon after the accident involving his brother.
WY and S - S not wanting to leave another group of friends again and experiencing that same loneliness and WY needing the help and reassurance of his friends to help him find his confidence.
SH and YS - each being burdened by the weight of expectation, both by themselves and others
MG and JH - MG has finally found a dream yet feels undeserving of it and JH has finally found a NEW dream and clinging to it desperately.
Also, in medical terminology, ‘golden hour’ references the first hour after a severe traumatic event and is the most critical time. This hour can wholly determine if the recovery of treatment after said event will be successful.
What is Dimension A is meant to act as the safe haven for our boys and this mini album is meant to be a representation of them reflecting on the things they experienced in Strictland and the horrors illustrated in Final Will’s Diary Entries?
I am really interested in hearing my other theory and lore Atiny weigh in on this!