I don't even know if I can even put into words what I'm feeling after watching the last episode of Are You Sure. Grateful? Devastated? Sad? Overjoyed? None of those words do justice to my emotions and overall feelings.
What a beautiful way to end this first season. We really got to witness just how much Jimin and Jungkook mean to each other, and it really made it clear to me why they chose to enlist together and not be separated. I can't believe we as fans got to spend such a precious amount of time with jikook right before the start of their military service.
There were so many moments during this last episode that made me emotional. Jimin tearing up on his way to wake Jungkook up on their last day, Jungkook (who we've seen repeatedly enjoying his love for beer) choosing not to drink so that he could drive them to the airport (and have that alone time), jikook reacting to the first episode of AYS and laughing so hard (to the point that Jungkook had to keep wiping the tears from his eyes🥹), Jungkook trying to cheer Jimin up on that last day, Jungkook saying that these trips with Jimin were the best of his entire life 😭, and even the subtle touches. 😩
The car rides. They got to spend so much of their time in the car driving just the two of them since they were constantly saying out loud just how long their drives were, but we only got to see a few minutes of it. I love so much that they had that time just the two of them.
Jimin's absolute love for Standing Next to You is so amazing to see (and also understandable lol). He sings it in almost every episode. It says something about Jimin as a person that he is so selflessly supportive.
Jimin at the end talking about how impactful their trips were to him and how they made him appreciate things like this again. Jungkook wanting to go back to the first day of their trip 🥺. Like Are You Sure meant so much to both of them they even included a clip of them saying their phrase "Are You Sure" on enlistment day 😭.
I am so thankful that Jimin and Jungkook got to show these sides of themselves in AYS, in a way that's different and unique from all the other BTS content. I feel like I got to know them on a deeper level watching their interactions and experiencing some of the joy they were so clearly feeling. I hope Jimin and Jungkook know just how much fans enjoyed watching every minute of their show and the amount of happiness they've given to fans, and I hope they decide to keep the same format going forward with future seasons!! 💜❤️
It's always very telling, isn't it when people think jikook should behave a certain way towards the other. That Jungkook should always treat Jimin a certain way, or that JK should show his love for JM a specific way. Always adoring, always soft. Lmao.
They don't know that love is a game of endurance.
These people haven't lived enough in order to understand that relationships, especially long-term ones like friendships or romantic ones, are held together by the intricacies of human behavior and that you're navigating blind all the while trusting your partner to not give up at the first sign of trouble.
That you can very well be bitchy to your lover *especially* because he is your lover or partner. Because you know them very well and understand that their love isn't conditional on you being nice all the time. That you are allowed a bad mood, a misspoken word, or just a bit of zoning out. That your love isn't dependent upon one set of behaviors.
These people think in tropes instead of seeing the vast layers that hold a couple like jikook together. Rainy day fight? FOUNDATIONAL moment for Jikook. One of many! But probably the first one, and that's why it's memorable for them.
Tbh, I think there is absolutely room inside jikooks' relationship for what society deems ugly or unfavorable behaviors. Yet, jikook dare show us these little shards of glass, and some idiot is up in arms about their 'baby princess doll' not being treated correctly.
Don't these idiots understand that the more we're shown of the nuances of KM's humanity, the more KM get to break free from expectations of what 'normal' romantic relationships are supposed to look like? Especially for idols?
Just realised that JK was in NY up until a day before the trip, which means he wasn’t in Korea and was busy with a schedule whilst Tae decided to self insert himself, just imagine that and not being able to stop him.
You made me go and look it up. Yes, Jungkook had that performance at Global Citizen Festival. He arrived back in Seoul on the 25th and left for Jeju on the 26th, which was the first day of the trip. And if the entire story about the schedule gc and feeling left out is true, it means Jungkook might have found out about the changes in his trip right before his flight or during it.
I can't help but think how that news was received. He was done with work for just a bit because a few days later 3D was about to be released. But they managed to squeeze a few days to be together for the show on Jeju and then everything changed.
But, judging by their bigger luggage and what Jungkook said about visiting his parents for Chuseok, it's possible jikook traveled to Busan afterwards.
And if those rumors and sightings of jikook in August in Jeju are true, then they at least had the chance to be there together. The hijacking only happened when the cameras were rolling.
There's one thing that I want to say here as well. I don't understand how it's possible for stans to use whatever logic they want and disregard common sense and what is a common response to a situation, just because they were taught to "love" some kpop idols. But it goes to show how the BH/BTS brainwash works on army. Because it is a normal and common reaction in real life to at least get annoyed if someone, be it a friend or family member, would suddenly say they felt left out and invited themselves to a trip that had been arranged and planned accordingly in a way that was also on point thematically with the AYS concept. It would suck and we would complain and swear here and there and depending on the relationship we have, we would accept the situation or say no to that person.
But in fandom spaces (I include here army, solo fans, akgaes, shippers, etc), all of a sudden, that is not only allowed to be said/commented on/criticized, and there's a huge backlash, with arguments that mostly boil down to: "vminkook love each other, you all have lost the plot, touch some grass". Because the act of looking at these people as regular folks just like us, who can be assholes (just like us), who can ruin the vibe (just like us), who can make passive aggresive comments (just like us), is something completely absurd.
And lastly, if someone talks about being left out and has to insist on being included, it means he wasn't wanted there in the first place. Having some self respect and self awareness does wonders though!
I need all those who keep complaining of there being too many jikook moments in the content that we get to watch this. Notice how during their down time the other members are either usually dispersed or on their phones doing different things? Look at them and then look at jikook who love being together or hovering around each other just being plain goffy and fun together. If you were the company would you prefer to fill up the content with members sitting around on their phones doing nothing interesting or would you take as much footage as you can of the two who love being together and who always look like the are having the most fun doing the most mundane things?
People continue to conplain about Jikook being shown together alot in official content as if it is the company’s fault that Jikook love being together and always look like they are having the most fun together. Watch all content and you can always be sure to see Jikook together goofing around or just enjoying each other’s company even when they are not the focus of the camera.
Just them always been together or around each other in the background
They are not even the focus of the camera here. Look at their butts on one stool🥹
Look at the babies. Always having the most fun doing the most random things
Just look at them🥹
They way you would always find them together
Jungkook waiting for Jimin yet some people swear they are forced to be together
It’s not rocket science. These two genuinely enjoy being with and around each other. If anyone still can’t see that, then it’s their own problem.
I still can’t believe this happened. I mean what was he thinking sitting there watching Jimin, smiling, kicking his feet and blushing? Did he know we could see him?
You know the one, when Jungkook gets distracted by Jimin being cute and just stops and stares for a while...
We are getting a new documentary on Disney plus, the guys are all saying their bits and as soon as Jungkook has finished and he knows Jimin will speak, he turns his head round to look at Jimin and there it stays until the end
So distracted he totally forgot to join in with the rest saying "Disney plus" and just about remembered to look at the camera to sign off 😆.
The way he looks at Jimin is something else and it is love plain and simple, you simply don't look at a friend like that
That beautiful, sexy and adorable human is Jungkook's to look at whenever he wants yet I swear sometimes when he looks at him it's like he is seeing him for the first time 😍
And sometimes he needs that face in full screen, x large 4k just to take him all in
I really try hard not to go overboard delulu here on the ol' blog.
But sometimes there are things you just know in your gut, know what I mean?
When Jimin was breaking down during the ending ments of the MOTS7 concert, JK was watching him closely. He was fretting. He wanted to walk over there and comfort Jimin. But the cameras were rolling, He wanted to allow his Jiminie a chance to pull himself together and finish saying what he wanted to say. Also, he was respecting the situation and the other members. And there were probably dozens of staff surrounding them trying to do their jobs. Kookie stayed put as long as he could resist. In that moment he knew Jimin was capable of handling himself but it was JK who was struggling to control his own impulse as he watched Jimin break down in front of god and everybody.
And when he felt he could not hold himself back any longer, he left his spot in the line and stepped over there to check on his Jiminie. Helped with some soothing touches and words. Just like Jimin has done for him in the past. And Jimin... seeing his Kookie right there had to be the split second he snapped out of it and gathered himself together. The instant relief is palpable. He was in the process of self-soothing with his own little tummy rub but then Kook was there by his side and he was able to get it under control again.
My gut feeling is this: During the time leading up to that moment, the shitty year before and with everything that Jimin shared about his struggles which turned into songs for his Face album... he was leaning heavy on JK to get through it all.
JK is the type to roll with the punches and go with the flow, more capable of adapting to the pandemic shut down because his re-charge situation as an introvert is free-form alone time. Downtime wouldn't be something he would struggle with as much.
However, Jimin's core being is structure, a schedule, preferably doing an activity. Yes, he has said when he is home, he is down on the couch. But his personality thrives on constant activity. Jimin is a strong person, but as we now know, the whole situation was A LOT for him to take on and deal with in his "I live and breath to perform for Army" workaholic lifestyle.
My gut feeling is there were many similar moments between the two of them when Jimin unleashed his frustrations and emotions and Kookie was there to hold him up.
I imagine it wasn't easy for Jungkook either. Everyone struggled. But his outward demeanor was less frenetic and therefore had a calming affect on Jimin.
Besides Jimin's reliance on us, Army, to support him... Jungkook is also one of the reasons we have the song Letter.
I know many have already speculated why Letter is also for JK. The fact he sings background vocals and it is a "hidden" track. Jimin showed us that the original lyrics were a little more specific.
And being reminded and seeing this moment during the MOTS7 concert after everything else that's transpired is another reference as to why it would be.
I been saying this. JK is large, but JM is in charge, but JK is defiant to both the company and even JM, sometimes. For the most part JK will listen to JM, but when JK gets a wild hair up his ass, he starts breathing down JM and the company's neck. Look how he spammed Jimin's recent live. He left 18 or 19 comments on there. And he wasn't asking if he could come to a taping, he was telling JM he wanted to go. He said I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines quietly. You think he can't tell JM hppy bday in private and normally? Nah he had to be extra, man went and showered, put on his best shirt, cologne, fluffed his hair & his slut glasses, took a whole minute teasing his man, before whispering happy bday, BRO with that smirk. The sarcasm that was dripping out of that BRO & that smirk. JM isn't his bro, no matter how badly at times JM makes it seem that way, cause he's older and tries to respect rules. He will run and call JK his dongsaeng, but then suddenly turn around and say JK is more then his dongsaeng. Yeah, we know he is & calling him that doesn't work like you think, when he's sending you thirst traps and making love declaration videos & you are sucking hickeys on his neck and showing them off in broad daylight. Bro he said, while having a boner about said bro. JM's change of tune tells me JK probably had a few words with him over calling him that. JK said its time to grow up Selena, I'm not your little brother.
RM in their busniess, physically moving them away from each other, head desking, eye rolling, other members getting in the middle, the company. That's alot of pressure. And JM will listen to these people, until he tells you he was with JK at 4 am or waking up and seeing Jungkookie is his favorite thing. How he gonna wake up and see JK unless they live together? This was after it was revealed JK did not live at the dorms anymore. The dots are connected. Did you see the panic on JM's face when he and JK were late to the radio station together. He knew the gig was up. He knew if they were all coming from the same place, why only these two were late & took a detour? They also made out in the car on the way, cause JM could not stop smiling at his man, but that's beside the point. Plus he knew they were busted & he was shy.
As for JK, well he doesn't like being told what to do, not even by Jimin sometimes & Jimin understands that too, its called balance and equal footing in the relationship, despite JK being younger. JK sucked his ear in front of 90K people and JM did not stop JK. JM did not stop JK from saying he makes JM happiest, twice. JM also finally gave up and let JK backhug him after fighting him off so bad, while staring the camera down, I might add. So where JM use to show off their relationship the most, he grew up, matured, took his role as oldest more serious & probably lets the hate get to him a bit & JK, well he said fuck your feelings, you can't stop a man in love, esp a defiant one, a spontaneous, I do first, think later, rule breaker. JM is reserved nowadays and JK tries to be obedient for JM's sake, but this man has come so close to outing Jikook, even I am like come collect your man Jimin. He loves Jimin. He wants to shout it to the world, but he can't. Not just cause of the their society, but Hybe, BTS, and shitty ass fans who only care about their happiness, not BTS. The man deleted his IG on the spot where he barely talked about JM suspiciously, but hasn't shut up about JM on weverse. Let that sink in. IG was another way to bring in money for the company and you think JM didn't restrict what he posted about their relationship or even JK himself cause he didn't want to cause an uproar? He said watch this and deleted the whole damn thing. And now he goes live consistently when he isn't supposed too, promoting his boyfriend and spamming his boyfriend with comments. Don't get me wrong. JM has been loud as fuck too with his love for JK, but JM also will follow rules more then JK, but JK said fuck the rules. He doesn't listen to HYbe, he listens to JM, for the most part. JM keeps JK grounded for the most part. These two are beating the odds tho and have for years. And I wish them nothing but happiness, cause if anyone ever deserved a happy ending. Its these two.
Not the bro 🤣😂😂
But yes, to all this x113
JK can be defiant with Jimin but not when it counts. When it counts or when it's something crucial he will listen. Also Jimin doesn't control JK and leaves him be to do what he wants. Which is healthy, honestly. E.g he knows if he really put his foot down JK would stop drinking live but he won't do that. He will suggest that he stop, but will otherwise leave it up to him.
They do have a good thing going for them and like u said I hope they're content and happy. They deserve it. I love them
Disclaimers: Sensitive topics are discussed below the cut; please do not incite drama, speak hate, or engage in bullying. I am not a mental health professional; I make no claims of expertise (in anything). This is a collection of my thoughts about what is currently happening on the Taekook side of ARMY, in the hopes that it may help us as a community respond more effectively to the toxic parts of our fandom. If you click below this cut, you are assuming responsibility for your own behavior and agreeing to engage with my blog respectfully, or you will be blocked.
THE NARRATIVES AT WORK
I submit that shipping Taekook is both an evolving conspiracy theory and a living cult.
There are various narratives within this subgroup, but in general, to ship Taekook, one must believe Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook are in a closeted gay romantic relationship.
One also likely believes that their company (both BigHit and Hybe) and everyone around them have always actively hid their gay relationship.
Initially, Taekook (the “real” gay couple) was being hidden by Jikook (the “fake” gay couple) because Jikook was somehow more popular in Korea and therefore considered to be more profitable.
And this was the main narrative for years. It got Jimin dragged and hated online and in real life, to the point there was even a credible shooting threat at a concert.
Now, the narrative is being modified in light of the video footage revealed this week involving Taehyung and Jennie.
If Taekookers accept at all that Jennie and Tae were indeed photographed holding hands in Paris this week, then they likely believe both their companies are using this as a PR Relationship stunt to hide their real gay relationships before military service and comeback projects.
This belief includes:
1) assuming Taehyung and Jennie are not being honest;
2) believing Taehyung and Jungkook have no agency or power within their own companies; and,
3) all of their members and managers are also in on this nefarious plot.
Whether they believe Taennie is just cosplayers in an orchestrated smear campaign, or two actual idols in a PR Relationship, regardless, a large segment of this subgroup still believe that Jimin is the company favorite who gets special treatment.
Therefore, things that should be Taekook’s (such as songs and subunits and couple-like interactions) are instead given to the company’s king of fan service, to the point where Jimin “assaults” Jungkook with “unwanted” attention and physical contact.
THE LOGICAL FALLACIES
As amazingly popular as our Korean It Boy is, I have serious doubts about Jimin being the “company favorite” ever since Hybe took over two years ago.
As the “company favorite,” I’d love it if he got more lines in group songs, or was allowed to film as many music videos as he wanted, or could be given more than 10 days of promotion time for a project he spent a year working on. It would be stellar if the “company favorite” had in-ears that worked correctly during live broadcasts, or was invited onto IU’s show, or could host streaming parties or sell exclusive merch. To say nothing of the “company favorite” getting far more reality show appearances and magazine interviews and a Disney documentary with behind the scenes footage! Heck, I’d settle for his songs not being split on Spotify, his views not being culled on YouTube, and maybe just one congratulatory statement to the press or even just a CAKE celebrating his historic Hot 100 #1.
At least Jimin was “allowed” to include a hidden track with Jungkook (that wasn’t advertised or available to stream, so not fan service) and he was allowed to queer code his Like Crazy music video. So I believe he has some agency and say over his projects. I’m not sure he’s entirely understood or appreciated by his company—frankly, I think his potential was underestimated—but I don’t claim he’s a victim. Victim narratives play into cult dynamics.
But I digressed. I was talking about logical fallacies.
Let’s entertain the idea that for more YEARS, Jungkook and Taehyung have been horribly abused by their management and forced to hide their relationship.
They never thought to address this issue when they were renewing their contracts?
Also, what’s up with all the footage during RUN episodes when they are standing together, or on the same team, or hugging and cuddling, or leaning their heads on each other’s shoulders and legs?
Why were they allowed to flirt and dance and do skinship on stage—and all that stuff even made it into official footage?
Now let’s entertain the idea that Taennie is a PR Relationship.
So… two rival companies, just coming out of a bitter failed deal around a music industry monopoly, are now working together to make people believe Jennie and Tae are dating?
Even though idols LOSE popularity and company stocks take a DIVE when couples are revealed?
As the dating rumor between BTS V and Blackpink Jennie was raised the day before, the stock prices of their agencies, HYBE and YG Entertainm
So Taennie is the strategy to promote solo albums and upcoming projects?? And both companies’ PR teams say “We can’t confirm it as it is their personal lives.” So no PR statement is the PR strategy??
We know it’s bullshit. It makes about as much sense as Hillary Clinton running a child sex trafficking ring out of the basement of a pizza parlor that doesn't have a basement.
But many in the cult believe it’s Absolute Truth.
The question is why?
The answer is in the dynamics at play here.
CULT DYNAMICS
It starts with a MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN.
Baby ARMY get curious about BTS, hop on YouTube or TikTok, and are bombarded by the algorithm that claims Taekook is real.
Unless they go searching for original content (which takes up dozens and dozens of hours to sift through and much of which sits behind a paywall), they will not have much to contradict these claims.
Most older ARMY are understandably so sick and tired of the ship discourse that they don’t go into Taekook spaces and duke it out in the comments. Plus, content creators know that Taekook content gets hits and likes, which translates into passive income, so they keep making it.
See this video where a cult leader shows you she made over $109,000 in a year just from her Taekook edits:
So in the din of all this nonsense and noise, it’s up to Baby ARMY to seek out other voices, other input, to form an opinion. They have to be proactive. And sadly, a large segment of the population lacks critical thinking skills and do not WANT to seek facts.
We live in a very busy, post-fact world, where “credible messengers” (i.e., someone you know and trust) tell you their opinions. Then you try those opinions on for size, and they eventually become your opinions. It’s faster, it’s easier, and…
It lets you be part of the IN-GROUP. Next thing you know, you're part of a group chat with 400 indoctrinated members, spitting conspiracies like gospel truths.
In today’s globalized, fast-paced, hyper digital world, most people cannot tell you the names of their neighbors or local butcher or even their state’s politicians, let alone what all they stand for. But they can tell you how the Kardashians feel about organic salad in a plastic bowl, or what Trump believes about election results.
There’s a lack of real-world relationships that tether people to a shared reality.
And yet, there is a human need for Tribe.
A cult uses that instinct for TRIBE by constantly re-enforcing the notion that People Out There don’t understand, aren’t very nice, will even persecute you for knowing the truth.
But People In Here, the IN-GROUP, they appreciate you, they are reasonable and open-minded, they will be there for you when everyone else turns their backs on you and puts you down.
All you have to do to belong to the IN-GROUP is subscribe to these CONSPIRACY THEORIES.
First, you should think about becoming Anti-Establishment.
You cannot trust the Authority (company, government, scientists, whatever). The Authority is corrupt and will lie to you because it wants something from you (money, votes, microchips in the vaccines, whatever).
Do not trust what your eyes show you and what your ears hear. Believe your in-group. Be loyal to your found family. Your found family is SPECIAL.
Second, you need to begin to wake up to the Signs and Wonders.
Once you’re willing to see the truth, suddenly there are all these hints. All these little “Q-drops” of information. Like Taekook touching face moles during a song. Or seeing slowed-down, edited videos of facial expressions that look like evidence of jealousy. Or maybe hidden meanings behind tattoos of tigers and green mics. Or making a secret handshake or symbol with their fingers. These Signs and Wonders are FOR YOU.
*Now, I’m inclined to give Taekookers a bit of a break on queer couple coding because, culturally speaking, similar clothing and jewelry are couple-coded in Korea. And there are just as many if not MORE theories about Jikook using similar black and white clothing, matching jewelry, related tattoos, using special numbers in songs and timestamps, and even changing up lyrics as secret messages.
The issue here is that Jikook ACTUALLY DOES SOME OF THOSE THINGS. They actually deliberately type out specific numbers on some of their social media messages. They actually have dressed in the exact same outfits or worn each other’s clothes. They actually have changed up lyrics and sung them to each other.
Even so, any reasonable Jikooker will say “all of this is suspicious as hell, but not proof.” Like when Jungkook says his J tattoo stands for Jungkook—the placement over the M is suspicious, yes—but all sane Jikookers accept that Jungkook has spoken about that tattoo and he did not say it was for Jimin. We don't sit around calling Jungkook a liar just because we preferred our theory.
Taekookers, however, want what Jikook have so badly, even as they scorn it for merely being fan service.
Half the time the hints they claim are completely made up.
They see sandal footprints in the sand, and their leaders say it’s proof that Jungkook went on a secret beach date with Taehyung. Even though Taehyung went out with a friend and his parents that night.
Taekookers will see a photo of shoes all neatly lined up and say it’s a secret ski date with Hobi. Even though Jimin owns the exact same pair of shoes and there were no photos or accounts of them ever being at a ski lodge the day after Jin went into service.
Taekookers will swear they hear Jungkook’s voice off camera during Taehyung’s vlog and insist he was hiding in the trunk of the car during the drive to film. As if JK would hide in the trunk for hours instead of just… go in a different car that didn't have a camera??
All of these Signs and Wonders require a huge leap to arrive at the conclusion that Taekook is a romantic couple.
Meanwhile, evidence of Jikook spending birthdays together and couple holidays together and going on trips alone together and having integrated families and inner circles (stylists, tattoo artist, boxing coach) are ALL fan service. Every single person is in on the conspiracy.
Yes, even when JK’s mom screams “I love you!” to Jimin and makes her son eat seaweed soup on Jimin’s birthday, (JK was clearly FORCED to make up that story) it has to be fan service.
And when Jimin’s dad posts a photo of JK’s old dog on JK’s birthday (a birthday where Jimin visited him in the middle of working on his album, but Taehyung did not even though he wasn't working on anything), it's fan service. And when Mr. Park hosts a give-away event at his café where JK’s music is playing and cap and photo are proudly displayed next to JImin? Absolute fan service; he’s a money-hungry, attention-hungry cad, don’t you know? Even the charity he and his son do are fan service!
But JK went bowling with Wooga, so, Taekook are married. (Legally married. Not in Korea. But you know. They ARE married. Coming up on their third anniversary already!)
“married and third year anniversary this year i- 😭 this the kind of info not even sasaengs know about because it’s straight up fiction”
It’s all there, if you’re just willing to see the Signs and Wonders. And believe your cult leaders when there's nothing to see or wonder about at all.
Third and perhaps most important, is the Star-Crossed Lovers angle. The VICTIM CARD.
You see, it’s not bad enough that openly gay couples face pure hell in conservative countries anyway—losing their jobs, their families, sometimes their will to live because the stigma can be so bad. But on top of all that, for years and years, Taekook have been forced apart.
They’ve been just tortured by Jimin’s attention-whoring greedy nature, and made to endure fabricated fan service skinship!
(When Tae and JK look happy to be around Jimin, it’s just because they are professionals and such good actors!). Darn that Park Jimin, the abuser and sexual predator!!
And after so long being forced to hide, now in solo era, poor abused victimized Taekook can be loud. So loud. So very loud and wild and free!!
After all, during the Vegas concert, Jungkook sat on Taehyung’s lap!! He's NEVER sat on any other BTS members' lap (except for all of them).
And when Jungkook came online and said “Keep being jealous, I’ll keep holding Jiminie!” and that Jimin was HIS! Then fans kept asking him about Taehyung, so he also said Taehyung was his. It was totally his own organic idea (except for how it wasn't).
When fans kept pestering Jungkook during his camping VLive about Taehyung, he said he was forced to admit that Taehyung was attractive, he’d never seen a man so attractive! (FORCED to admit it! So romantic!)
Meanwhile, as all this shakes down, there’s this scandal in the press that Jimin didn’t pay his insurance premiums because his mail was omitted by the company. News of this dropped EXACTLY the moment his first OST With You came out, and he went totally quiet.
And then, Jungkook also went quiet for a while too. He deleted all his previous Insta photos that were personal and changed the layout to be totally professional. He went to the White House. He did a collab. He partied for JitB. He went on a Meat Tour of Korea. He did a concert with his members. He headlined World Cup. But mostly he was getting quieter and quieter.
Eventually Jungkook deleted the app entirely. Sometimes he stayed in his home for six days at a time. He stopped working out or going into Hybe; he started drinking whiskey. And nowadays he doesn’t even want to look at the comments on lives. Not because he was sick of the Taekookers or anything, but because “the company is forcing them to hide!”
Of course.
And all throughout 2022, Taehyung and Jungkook are paired up for things, and Tae's talking about a fortune teller saying he and Jungkook were “fire and water.” And rather than be taken as cute moments between friends, these are just VERY LOUD SIGNS AND WONDERS.
Then there are leaks online of all these photos that involved Tae and Jennie.
And thus begins tons of lives where he mentions Jungkook.
I'm not saying Kim Taehyung had an agenda to throw fans off the scent of his actual relationship, but I'm also not NOT saying that.
Whatever his motivations, the cult interpreted this as a direct message for Taekookers to keep the faith!
And indeed, Taekook do hang out—sometimes openly. (Sometimes where there’s press that make them hold up signs while cameras are going off—but that’s not for work, that’s a date, because the security team there wasn’t Hybe’s, and it was a friend’s premiere.) Sometimes quietly, where they share photos of hanging out afterwards.
But it cannot be just two friends hanging out. It’s Signs and Wonders!! SO LOUD!! SO FREE!!
So many reveals—mostly coming from Taehyung, but Jungkook doesn’t often deny them. And it’s mostly Taehyung stroking Jungkook’s hair or laying his head on Jungkook’s thigh or whatever—but Jungkook doesn’t stop him. And Jimin seems totally unbothered by all of it, which is strange because it sort of debunks years of his efforts at fan service.
Yet, clearly THIS cannot be fan service or misdirection.
It can’t just be friends playing games, or a TikTok made for work. It can’t be recording someone without their informed consent for attention. It can’t be going to a concert with other members and sitting in separate rows as friends. Or going to a musical or movie to support friends. Unlike all the things Jungkook has done with Jimin, this has to be Real Love!!
So just to recap:
When the cult had no evidence of Taekook hanging out, they were a private couple.
When the cult had ever-increasing evidence of Taekook hanging out, they were being loud.
When the cult had evidence that Jikook hang out outside of work, that was just fan service.
When the cult had no evidence that Jikook hang out outside of work, that was just fan service getting exposed.
When the cult has evidence that Taehyung has a girlfriend, that’s a punishment.
MARTYRDOM
You see, Jungkook and Taehyung would go on WeLives without permission, remember? And Taehyung set up a dual live chat on Insta and JK didn't seem that into it but he was persuaded. Then they giggled and couldn’t find much to talk about for ten minutes. And Taehyung said he would take full responsibility for it.
And the cult now believes that “taking responsibility” means pretending to be in a heterosexual relationship. Even their insider sasaeng accounts predicted it!
Never mind how mad all of this seems. And it would be one thing if just one or two ideas were far-fetched, like looking at a pair of shoes and making assumptions. But all of it is far-fetched.
Facts do not matter. Because you cannot trust the Authority. You can only trust the In-Group.
And the In-Group sees Signs and Wonders. So the In-Group knows the Real Truth.
The In-Group DECIDES TOGETHER what is real.
They can make entirely fake edits; cosplay; post false witness statements; harass models, coworkers, brands, businesses… they can hire trucks to circle the building with loud speakers, protesting and shouting their truth!!
And anyone who doesn’t believe the Real Truth is a Fake Taekooker.
No disbelievers allowed. Get out of the tribe. Only the faithful can stay in the Tribe.
Right now, you might be asking yourself: Why would you stay in a tribe like this??
Because the dynamic is ever-evolving, which is titillating, and participants get a sense of power, because they are able to help craft the narratives—by being so smart as to see the truth where others are blind sheep—so they can bond over how unique they are.
Plus… TAEKOOK NEEDS THEM.
The boys absolutely depend on their support. You see, Taekookers are the real HEROES here.
They understand the boys like normal people never could. If you know you know, and they are steadfast against any and all lies presented as evidence. They are loyal.
The whole world is against their baby bear and baby bunny!! They are the boys Only Defense. Just take a look at this video of their rallying cry:
If you've got martyrs, you've also got... CRUSADERS.
Yikes, right?
So, here are millions of fans who were lied to, misled, misinformed… They developed relationships over time with people who also believe this misinformation… They get a sense of power in crafting their own reality, in which the objects of their affection are victims and they are the heroes… And the only way to prove themselves worthy of the group is to stalwartly ignore anything that contradicts these narratives.
This is a literal, textbook cult.
Cults use deception, isolation, peer pressure, group-think, and suppression of critical thought. To varying degrees, all Taekook spaces do this too. (And yes, other ships and solos and mantis ALSO rely on these tactics. But I've never seen anything quite so open or pervasive in ARMY like the Taekook cult tactics.)
I feel I should make one thing should be made clear: a LOT of people sincerely believe in Taekook.
But there are also a lot of Taekook content creators who sincerely believe in the money they make off people believing in Taekook.
Like all cults, at the end of the day, it's a scam.
Now there’s evidence of a real relationship, and of course anyone who has invested time and money in Taekook is going to be pushing back—hard.
So how do we navigate this chaos?
Well, most cults end in one of two ways: an FBI raid, or everyone drinks the Kool-Aid and dies.
But more often than not, cults don’t really end so much as fizzle out over years.
Plenty of cults are still alive and well despite amble debunking (Scientology, Q-Anon, Illuminati, flat-Earthers, Larries—what they believe doesn’t really matter; it’s how they believe that makes them a cult.)
Cults are a bit like hydras—you cut off one head, three stronger ones pop back up.
They won't stop. They have to BE STOPPED.
HOW TO DEPROGRAM A CULT
Well, back in the 70s, in the early days of deprogramming, the only thing that was effective was to separate the individual from access to the cult (by kidnapping if you had to), then bombard them non-stop with facts (using imprisonment or restraints if you had to) and eventually they are coerced into re-integration. But none of that is humane or legal by today’s standards.
It also leads to relapses.
Really the only way to deprogram cult conditioning is for a mental health professional to slowly and methodically discredit the cult leader(s) and gently present contradictions.
(How can Jungkook really be in a relationship with Taehyung if he’s always mentioning Jimin? How can Jimin be hurting Taehyung and yet they are on FaceTime for hours, trading fan art and watching tv shows? Why would the two most rich and famous pop stars in the world need a publicity stunt?)
And even then, the cult member has to be sort of able to question things for themselves, and it just helps to have other supportive people echoing their own questioning sentiments back to them.
It can take YEARS until a cult member reaches the breaking point and begins to listen to Out-Group ideas. (On average, five years, to be exact.)
And then they may begin a journey of self-expression, where they openly voice doubts or complaints against cult narratives. They may even engage in transference, jumping off the Taekook ship and onto another (the need for tribe is very real). This is an extremely vulnerable stage and should not be taken advantage of.
At this critical moment when someone is tittering on the fence, trying to figure out what reality is, you need to REWARD THE BEHAVIOR YOU WANT.
You want them to question. You want them to express their grief and doubts. You want them to look for real sources of information.
This is NOT the time to kick someone when they are down, or look for “gotcha” moments to shame them publicly.
If you see a Taekooker wondering if they’ve been lied to this whole time—they HAVE. And that is abuse. And abuse victims need to be handled with care.
I know that Taekookers have dragged Jimin to hell and back for years so I’m not about to preach love and acceptance.
But it’s also fair to say that Taekookers have been gas-lit and realizing that can be traumatic.
Wounded animals are dangerous. A traumatized human lashes out. And you know who the prime target always is. They are already starting to take it to Jimin directly.
I strongly recommend you take a very cautious approach if you engage with them right now. Especially if you’re thinking about arguing with them.
People who defend Jimin or Jikook end up doxxed, suspended, harassed--and someday, I fear a wounded cult member will get physically violent.
Be especially careful because plenty of big accounts are closeted Taekookers. Here's a thread exposing some "mystery cult" members:
THE MOST EFFECTIVE RESPONSE
I normally don’t try to police people or preach too much, but I’m going to give you some unsolicited advice if you managed to read all this:
Don’t go into Taekook tags or spaces. Don’t debate them. Don’t talk trash about them or the members. Don’t slam-dunk or spike the ball with snarky words or memes. Don’t give them a taste of their own medicine. Don’t be cruel.
First of all, don’t do any of that because Jimin and Jungkook would be mortified by it.
But second of all, don’t do it because it just makes them dig in harder; it adds weeks or months to the deprogramming timeline.
The goal is to get the cult out of ARMY fandom. Because they thrive on a victim/hero complex, attacking them reinforces cult dynamics.
I believe there is a better approach.
First, you can and should go Gray Rock whenever possible.
Starve them of oxygen. Don’t acknowledge them. If you do, be generic in your responses—boringly bland, detachedly polite. Ignore them completely; their hot takes do not matter.
Block and report if warranted, but never engage. On some level, they really want to be persecuted for their beliefs. It's why they keep coming into Jikook spaces looking for a fight.
But their beliefs are so ridiculous that they aren’t worth our time. Instead, direct your focus on what you want, which is to promote and celebrate Bangtan.
Second, you can provide what’s called a Graceful Exit.
It doesn’t always work if they know that’s what you’re doing, but it is perhaps the most effective technique, especially if they are already questioning the cult narrative.
You see, a shamed human being gets defensive, doubles down, won’t listen. But a human being offered a Graceful Exit Out of a Bad Place gets to reinvent themselves in a way that allows them some dignity while they change direction.
A Graceful Exit has a few components to it:
“Hello, Taekooker. I also saw a lot of misleading content when I was a baby ARMY. The algorithm feeds you Taekook content almost immediately. Then you make online friends, and they all believe in Taekook. Suddenly everyone is telling you really complicated theories about how Taekook is being hidden. Once you believe that, you have to also believe that Taekook are lying by omission, that Jimin and the members are also lying, that the company executives and translators and managers and staff are all lying, that Korean ARMY is lying, that fellow I-ARMY is lying… and that’s a lot of people spreading a lie for no real gain. Now that you have some evidence that Tae is happily in a relationship with someone else, it’s only natural to question your beliefs, because YES, Taehyung and Jungkook absolutely love each other. But are they IN love? NO. For my part, I trust Taehyung. I love and support Taehyung. I don’t spread the idea that he or Jungkook engage in fake relationships. If you support them, then you’ll accept what they are showing you. When you’re ready to stop shipping Taekook, ARMY will be ready to welcome you back. We can stream together and vote together and help our boys achieve their dreams. We can watch their content and go to concerts together and enjoy fan-works. But what we can’t do is make up really complex stories around BTS’ reality. Our place as fans is to appreciate their music, and let them live their own lives in their own way. It’s time to let go of old ideas, and embrace the new things they share with us.”
This tactic allows the cult member to feel sympathy for being human. It provides understanding that they’ve been deceived. It appeals to their higher nature and love for the objects of their affection. And reassures them they could have a place in a bigger tribe if they let go of the in-group.
It invites them in, instead of calls them out.
Now, you guys might not be willing to do that. Especially considering the hate trains and rape jokes and death threats they gave Jimin for years. Believe me, I get it. I GET IT.
So if you see someone spewing vitriol, now is not the time to call them in. Now is the time to block and report.
However, if I take out my anger on them, it’s serving my own feelings.
And I’m here to serve Jimin, Jungkook, and BTS, not my own need to be right.
So I believe the best way to do that is to Gray Rock the Die-hards and provide a Graceful Exit for the Questioners.
Many cult members are not going to believe in Taennie unless Kim Taehyung makes an announcement directly--and even then, he’ll have to do it in such an emphatic way that they buy what he sells.
So we should accept that the cult is going to be around for a long, long time. Conserve your energy, my dears.
But for the ones who just got fooled but don't intend any harm, we can either hope they let go of their own volition, or we can try to make room for them as part of true ARMY.
What we shouldn’t do is get down in the mud and start slinging. Everyone loses ground that way.
THIS WAS THE LONGEST EVER POST; I AM SORRY!
But these have been my thoughts over the last few days. I’m okay if you want to comment, but I would like to ask that you DO NOT reblog to tag Taekook and that you don’t weaponize this post by spreading it around specifically where it could cause drama.
Drama is the exact opposite of my intention.
My desire is to provide some better understanding around how cults work and how to disband them.
In conclusion: Keep it classy. Ignore assholes. Be gentle with people recovering from gas-lighting. Stay true to the principles of BTS and ARMY. Apobangpo.
These kinds of statements are harmful to the members.
Let them be friends with all the privileges that entails, like hanging out and name dropping. I get the point. I do. This isn't even the first time I've heard this. But think about it - everyone is busy and these two have had more time on their hands than they're used to. So they've been hanging out. They all miss the camaraderie they had when they were all together and if taekook are trying to hold onto different pieces of those happy moments (plus being some of the only other humans alive who can understand the hardships they've each gone through) then it only makes sense that they're hanging out and talking about each other.
Second:
Taekookers are very much like the men and women who hung out in Texas for WEEKS waiting for TWO DEAD MEN TO COME BACK ALIVE AND NAME TRUMP PRESIDENT.
There's no reasoning with people whose reasoning abilities are so compromised and illogical.
They are very much in denial and doubling down saying that they'll wait for a company announcement, while simultaneously trashing the company for the pr stunt, because they are expecting the announcement. Next, they'll deny the official announcement. They're also already posting to only believe in Tae and Taekook. (Nothing about JK. I've been looking.)
The thing is that they've already ignored Tae and JK numerous times. So they'll explain away any announcement that Tae makes or even JK.
They're not in it for the members. They're in it for the conspiracy. They're addicted. That "love in their eyes" is just the dopamine being released in their brains.
Lastly, you'll run into people blaming the members for the mess. Recognize it for what it is: victim blaming. They are victim blaming the members for the breaches in decorum, civility, sanity, reasonableness, and harassment they've engaged in towards the members and other people online. They cannot be the good guys if they're the actual villains of this "greatest love story ever created."
I've said this before and I'll say it again: Tae told them off, JK told them he had a time when things were awkward between them, during the vacations they did not hang out together, during birthdays they are not together, Tokyo was never a vminkook trip, JK cuddles as much with J-Hope as he does with Tae, he slaps everyone's butt, he also stares adoringly at Namjoon, he also plays with Jin, he also visits Yoongi's studio a lot, and Jimin is the sexiest to him. They had to ignore all of these things with their own eyes and ears in order to believe Taekook were dating. It should have been a huge red flag when they called the In The SOOP talk a lie and staged. There the members were repairing some aspects of their relationship in front of our eyes and they said "oh look it's a date!" It was. A friend date. Not even remotely romantic. But they watched everything with their ears closed and half their brain switched off.
So there's a lot of psychological issues happening underneath the surface. And we've entered a very dangerous phase of this topic. One that I definitely encourage people to talk to other ARMY about in dm's so that if they do talk with any taekookers, they can be better prepared to handle the interactions.
This post is extremely correct about the dangers. Not just to other ARMY, but also the members.
What happens if a taekooker enlists in the military? Now that we are positive they aren't protected there? What happens at an airport where they shouldn't be, but have been spotted? Or JM's Dad's cafe where they've visited?
I cannot stress enough
TW://
Suicide
Violence
Death
It only took a few to plan the Oklahoma city bombing because they didn't like "authority." And now one of the main ingredients from that episode has gone missing, by the tens of thousands, somewhere in America.
Don't forget MAGA storming the capital to assassinate the vice president and speaker of the house. Because they were convinced they've been lied to.
And the people from Jim Jones' cult that drank cyanide laced kool-aid. That mass suicide was a horrible reminder of the vulnerability of some people and the way that even self-preservation can be removed under certain types of circumstances.
Now we have accounts that have talked about meeting taekookers in real life and how they talk EXACTLY like they do online. They behave like they are part of a modern-day crusade or a religion they need to proselytize to others.
And we know they gather in groups irl as they've booed Jimin shamelessly during PTD cinema showings.
Now they're angry and frustrated and their very beliefs are being attacked by reality......
This is a critical time and we have to do our best to navigate it thoughtfully.
"I'd love to see me from your point of view" I was listening to this song by Ariana and it hit me, JM will never have to wonder. He already knows cause JK showed him with GCF Tokyo. Jimin through JK's eyes. Wow are we ever so lucky we were allowed to see something so vulnerable and intimate. And to think a young in love JK is who created that masterpiece for his boyfriend. The shot of JM on the teacups. That is JK's, Jimin on full display. A smiling, happy carefree JM, enjoying every moment, looking at JK, not the camera, knowing JK was making all his wishes come true. You could feel the love through the screen in that moment, how much JK is in love with Jimin and how much Jimin is in love with JK. And JM gets to look back on it all the time and see himself through JK's eyes. JK was so brave for this, esp with that song choice. Excuse me, I am going to go cry now.
Oh God
This is a none shipper who analyses BTS ot7 content and even he said this
23 seconds · Clipped by Lucky Shaz · Original video "Jungkook's G.C.F Vlogs in Tokyo & Osaka | Communication Coach Reacts" by Max Beaumont
You don't ship Jikook? Great. That's awesome. But claiming JK hates Jimin just shows how fucking deluded you are.
Ive never seen any members trying to change others choices and answers unless it's some bullshit lol. But This is not the 1st time JK directly tried to change Jimin's answers and he ONLY DOES IT WITH JM..well Why he should care about rest members answers, they can chose whatever they want and however they want ? Also they are his hyungs so he can't ask them to do what he likes. So is JM, but somehow JK feels like he has a right to influence Jimin's decisions and take decisions on Jimin's behalf.
1. Cat and dog
How Jimin's answer matters to you Jungkook? He literally picked Cat AND dog, so why you were asking him twice to pick exclusively a dog ? 😭
2. Who is most adult like in group ?
JM 🙋♂️, JK : nope put your hands down (physically makes sure he's not lifting his hands). Why does it matter to him what JM's answers is ?
3. JM wanted to come but I think JK is not allowing him to come
😭😭 tf ? How JK is in a power to decide how and with whom Jimin spend his leisure time with ? If he wanted to hangout with Tae why he needs JK's permission to go and do a live lmao
4. "He's being too flirty, I won't allow this"
Again tf ??? Why he needs your permission to be flirty on cam Mr. Jk ? Who are you to ask him to do and not do certain things ?
5. 🐥 : "I'm coming" 🐰 : where are you going ? (2×)
Why you need to know where he is going ? And With whom he's going to film ? Are you his bf or something?
6. 🐥 receive a message. 🐰 : what is it ? (Opens the message )
How was he in a right to ask what message his friend got and open his DMs ?
7. Jin : Let's get Jimin naked if we get 10M followers (👀🐰) Jk : what are you saying? 😑😑
How just the joke of JM getting naked on cam made you annoyed Mr. Jk ? Wasn't it funny inside joke of army and bangtan just 1-2 year before?
8. When JM feels most comfortable? 🐰 : He's happiest he's with me 🙂 and he has done this many times.
Well Jeon, questions were to JM. Also I didn't saw you answering for any one else.
9. 🐰 " why you didn't played them for me 😑" (4×)
Umm excuse me. Only Yoongi and Hobi told they heard Jimin's works. That too 1-2 songs. Like you, rest members also didn't heard the songs Jeon. So why you think you have a right to hear all his songs ?
10 classic one lol. 🐥 standing on edge of the boat and losing his towel. 🐰: JIMINSSIII😤😤😤
Why him losing HIS towel made you to scream his name like that JK 😭
11. 🐰 :" are you eating it plain? Atleast put some butter on it yaahh 😑" 🐥: " why are you getting upset 🤧?" (Puts on butter)
Why tf it matter to you JK. Let him eat his bread however he wants..and why JM immediately obeyed and put butter on it lmao
12. 🐥 : why in looking so erotic ? 🐰 : slaps him 😭
Boy tf ? Why does it matter to you how your band member's pic is looking? If it's erotic, it's erotic.
I can go one.. but I think by now it's established that JK only has tried to make decisions for JM. Have you ever seen him making decisions for RM or Yoongi or anyone else ? Nope lol
Anon. Wow. Just
This is amazing. I love all of this and its so true. That's Jungkook oppa right there. JK using his hyung card. Incase anyone missed the memo he's the hyung in the relationship. Fyi
(Last one's not real but you get it)
Their dynamic is absolutely everything and I love all the examples anon gave.
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