Follow Us

Showing posts with label Kpop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kpop. Show all posts

Friday, 20 June 2025

If BTS were Tarot Cards...

June 20, 2025 0 Comments


ARMYs have not seen the 7 together since the ‘Yet to Come’ concert at Busan on 15th October, 2022. Though they had their individual projects and a HELL lot of pre-recorded content to keep ARMYs busy - they weren’t together-together since the Busan concert. And BTS is 7.



They are set to reunite tomorrow, June 21st with Suga's discharge and to ARMYs it is a moment that they have been waiting for. Whether you’re a long-time ARMY or someone who’s just recently found comfort in their music, this reunion is not just about seven members coming back together. It is about the return of the Bangtan Boys who have inspired millions to dream, to heal, and to grow.


And what better way to honour BTS reuniting than with something equally symbolic?

The Tarot!

Tarot cards have always been about storytelling. For those who know nothing or very little about Tarot, here’s a short & relevant crash course. Each card in the Major Arcana represents a stage of the human journey: from naive beginnings to spiritual enlightenment. They are archetypes, mirrors of human psyche. The Bangtan members are no exceptions because at the end of the day, they are just like us. Each one of them bring something unique and irreplaceable to the group.


So, if BTS were Tarot cards, which cards would they be? What archetypes do they embody? What energies do they carry, both in their public personas and private evolution?

Let’s dive in. Let’s explore connection between the idols and tarot.

Kim Namjoon a.k.a RM


Card:
The Hierophant
Keywords: Wisdom, Structure, Guidance, Inner Truth

I see RM as The Hierophant. He is the spiritual teacher, the keeper of knowledge, the translator between higher ideals and everyday reality.

From the very beginning, Namjoon has played the role of a guide and not just as the leader of BTS, but also as a voice of reason and reflection. He’s someone who thinks deeply and speaks with purpose. Like The Hierophant, he takes abstract wisdom and makes it accessible for everyone. Whether it is quoting Nietzsche in interviews, unpacking the human condition through lyrics, or standing at the UN encouraging youth to speak themselves, RM channels knowledge into inspiration.

But The Hierophant is not just about intellect, he is also about responsibility. Namjoon has always borne the invisible weight of being the bridge: between his team and the agency, between BTS and the world, between tradition and rebellion, between vulnerability and leadership. He holds the group’s chaos with quiet grace. He leads not with ego, but with empathy. He listens. He evolves. He admits when he doesn’t know. And in doing so, he invites others to do the same.

Just like The Hierophant initiates people into a deeper understanding of life, RM has guided millions into self-reflection. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers. But he asks the right questions. And that’s often more powerful.

He is just the steady voice that says,
Keep going. You’re doing well.


Kim Seokjin a.k.a Jin


Card: The Sun
Keywords: Joy. Vitality, Warmth, Celebration

If Jin were a Tarot card, he’d be The Sun. He is radiant, bold, and simply impossible to ignore. The Sun doesn’t just shine, it also nourishes everything around it. And that’s exactly what Jin has done since day one.

While he’s often known as the “worldwide handsome”, what truly makes Jin unforgettable is his light. It is in the way he makes others laugh, the way he carries responsibility without losing his playful edge, the way he never lets the group take life too seriously. We can never forget the 20 year old Jin cooking for his brothers all by himself.

The Sun in Tarot is about showing up as your full self and radiating confidence not out of arrogance, but from inner peace. Jin embodies this. He’s the one who’s unafraid to belt a dramatic high note, wear a silly costume, or eat in his lives to encourage people with eating disorders to eat better. He reminds us that joy is a choice that we have to choose for ourselves.

But don’t let the brightness fool you. Like the Sun card, Jin has faced his share of darkness. Yet, even in uncertainty, he’s chosen to shine. His military enlistment marked the beginning of BTS’s temporary chapter apart, and fittingly, his return feels like the sunrise after a long night. Now, as BTS reunites, Jin re-enters not just as the eldest hyung, but as the heart of the group’s emotional rhythm. 



His light heals. It says,
We’re home.


Min Yoongi a.k.a SUGA


Card: Death
Keywords: Transformation, Endings and Beginnings, Release/Rebirth, Shadow Work

If SUGA were a Tarot card, he would be Death and no, not because he’s cold or distant (although he’d probably smirk and say “fair enough”). But because no one in BTS embodies transformation quite like him.

In Tarot, Death is not a card of physical demise, it is the archetype of powerful change. It asks us to shed the skins that no longer fit, to sit in silence with our shadows, and to come out the other side renewed. It is about facing truth without fear and turning pain into poetry. This is Yoongi’s superpower, don’t you agree?

Yoongi’s music often explores depression, anxiety, rage, trauma, and self-doubt, but not to romanticise them. He confronts, dissects them, dares to name every emotion. SUGA has never been about pretending to be fine. He’s about being real. The Death card invites transformation, and Yoongi has done this again and again: from underground rapper to idol, from BTS’s quiet producer to commanding soloist Agust D. Every version of him is a rebirth. He’s been through the fire, and he carries that alchemical power in his words, his beats, his gaze.

Even his presence in BTS feels like a quiet revolution. He doesn’t demand attention, but when he speaks, the room listens. Like Death, he brings truth to the table which can sometimes be uncomfortable, but is always necessary. And with that truth comes growth.

The Death card is not an ending, it is a passage. A necessary shedding before the next chapter. And with Yoongi, we’ve learned: endings can be beautiful. Especially when they make room for something even more honest.

He offers his fans a mirror,
Look. You’re not alone. You can survive this too.


Jung Hoseok a.k.a J-Hope


Card: The Star
Keywords: Hope, Healing, Light After Darkness, Inspiration

J-Hope IS The Star. He is the guiding light that appears when the dust settles, the soft glow that promises healing is not just possible, but inevitable.

It is right there in his name... Hope. But J-Hope’s optimism has never been just surface-level. It is not the loud, forced cheerfulness that avoids pain. It is something deeper, more enduring. Like, in the Fool’s Journey in Tarot, The Star shines after the storm after the Tower has crumbled, after the Death card has done its work. He’s the breath you take when you realize you did NOT fall apart completely. You’re still here. And so is the light.

Hobi’s energy has always been both grounding and elevating. On stage, he’s magnetic. He is a performer so precise that it looks effortless. Off stage, he’s the emotional glue, the vitamin that everyone gravitates to, the one who notices when someone needs a little extra warmth. He reminds the group and the fandom that joy is a radical act of self-preservation.

In Tarot, The Star also symbolizes authenticity and alignment. And J-Hope’s solo journey proved just how much depth lies behind that bright smile. His album Jack in the Box revealed shadows, questions, and creative fire. It is all the more beautiful because his hope has never been naïve. 

As BTS reunites, Hobi returns as the same bright soul, but with a new layer of wisdom (and fewer shirts?!!!). His military service marked a pause, but it didn’t dim his light. If anything, it made him steadier. Stronger in the best way. The Star card appears in readings as a sign that healing is near. That you are on the right path. That, even if you don’t feel it yet, the universe is gently aligning things in your favor.

That’s J-Hope. The steady hand on your shoulder. The spark in the dark. The quiet reminder,
 You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now.


Park Jimin


Card: The Lovers
Keywords: Connection, Vulnerability, Emotional Truth, Duality

If our Flirt King were a Tarot card, he would be The Lovers. It is for the very obvious reasons and also for the not-so-obvious reasons. Jimin lives and breathes connection. Emotional, physical, and spiritual. He doesn’t just perform on-stage, he feels, and he makes you feel too. (Ever tried pausing a video of Jimin dancing at a random place? Never not in perfect line!)

In Tarot, The Lovers is not simply about romance. It is about choice. Alignment. The courageous act of showing up as your full self. That’s Jimin’s gift. He opens himself up, soft and unguarded, even when it would be easier to hide behind perfection. And in that openness, he creates intimacy with his members, his fans, and himself.

Jimin walks the line between strength and softness like a dance. Just like he channels both the feminine and masculine energies fluidly. He’s known for his elegance, his ethereal voice, his almost-otherworldly stage presence. Beneath all that perfection is someone intensely human. Someone who doubts, questions, reflects, and still chooses to give love freely. That duality is the heart of The Lovers card: shadow and light, vulnerability and power, desire and self-awareness. He’s also the emotional barometer of BTS. He is deeply attuned to the feelings in the room. If someone’s hurting, he senses it. If someone needs comfort, he gives it, wordlessly, through a hug or a glance or that tiny, soul-piercing smile. His love language is presence.

When Jimin went solo with FACE, we saw him grapple with identity, heartbreak, and internal conflict; not with theatrics, but with raw honesty. That’s The Lovers energy too: confronting the mirror and loving what you find, even when it is complicated.

As BTS reunites, Jimin brings with him that same depth. He reminds us that love is a decision, not just a feeling. And that the bonds that tie us to each other, to ourselves are sacred, fragile, and worth fighting for. The Lovers is the card of true connection. And no one embodies that kind of soul-to-soul link quite like Jimin.

Jimin says,
Here I am. Will you meet me halfway?


Kim Taehyung a.k.a V


Card: The Moon
Keywords: Mystery, Intuition, Dreams, Emotion

If V were a Tarot card, he would be The Moon. He is he card of dreams, shadows, and everything that doesn’t fit into neat little boxes. Like the Moon itself, Taehyung doesn’t just reflect light. He refracts it, bends it, turns it into something entirely his own.

The Moon in Tarot is deeply emotional, often surreal. It asks you to trust your instincts, to navigate the unknown, to feel your way through the fog instead of forcing logic onto something that can only be felt. That’s Taehyung’s artistry in a nutshell. He is instinctive, moody, and rich with emotion even when the meaning isn’t immediately clear.

V is a walking contradiction in the most beautiful way. He is the one doesn’t ever do what he is told to. (just ask Jin & Hobi, will you?) He’s playful and brooding. Goofy and deeply philosophical. His voice is velvet and gravel all at once, and his performances pull you into some alternate world where everything is a little softer, a little stranger, a little more felt. Like The Moon, he invites you into the subconscious. He leads you towards your intuition, memory, dreams, and longing.

Even his fashion, photography, and solo work (Layover, anyone?) carry the hazy, poetic energy of this card. There’s nostalgia in everything he touches, a yearning for something just out of reach; like a dream you wake up from too soon.

As BTS reunites, V returns like moonlight after a long night. He is steady, silver, and still a little unknowable. But that’s the magic. He doesn’t demand understanding. He simply exists and in doing so, teaches us to embrace the parts of ourselves we don’t fully understand either. Because sometimes, healing doesn’t come from clarity. It comes from learning to move with the tide.

V says,
Follow the feeling even if you do not completely understand it yet.



Jeon Jungkook


Card: The Chariot
Keywords: Willpower, Determination Victory, Growth

If our Kookie were a Tarot card, he would be The Chariot. He embodiment of motion, momentum, and sheer unstoppable will. The Chariot doesn’t wait for the stars to align. It charges forward, fuelled by purpose and discipline. And honestly? That’s been Jungkook since day one.

From debut to global stardom, we’ve watched him evolve from the wide-eyed youngest member into a powerhouse vocalist, dancer and performer. But it wasn’t handed to him on a platter (none of the members were!). He earned it alongside his hyungs with long nights, relentless training, and a hunger to grow that never burned out.

The Chariot is about aligning opposing forces: inner doubts vs. outer expectations, fear vs. ambition; and mastering them to move forward. Jungkook has faced intense scrutiny for his perfectionism, and the pressure of being the “Golden Maknae,” and yet, he never settled. Instead, he kept learning, kept refining, kept becoming.

His solo era, especially with GOLDEN, was a full-blown Chariot moment. He was sleek, confident, and technically flawless. It was him taking the reins of his own narrative, not to prove anything but because the road was calling. Also, The Chariot isn’t just about ambition. It is also about control. Not the tight, suffocating kind, but the type that comes from deep self-knowledge. Jungkook has grown into someone who doesn’t just react to the world. Instead, he directs his own path through it. That’s victory. Not trophies and not the numbers.

As BTS reunites, Jungkook returns not as the youngest who followed, but as someone who leads, in his own way. Still humble. Still hungry. Still moving forward, but with more clarity than ever. The Chariot is a card of triumph, yes, but more importantly, it is a card of movement with purpose. And if Jungkook has shown us anything, it is this: no matter where the road leads next, he’ll meet it at full speed, eyes open, heart steady. Because for him, the journey is the victory.

Jungkook says,
I’m already on my way. Catch up if you can.



As BTS reunites on June 21, it feels like the Major Arcana has come full circle. Seven cards. Seven stories. Seven souls who’ve walked their own winding paths only to find their way back to each other, and to us. This isn’t just about military discharges or group schedules resuming. It is about the power of a comeback that the stars have been aligning for. The Tarot teaches us that no journey is linear: there are detours, deaths, rebirths, and revelations. And BTS has lived every one of them, not behind a veil of mystery, but right in front of us. With their hearts open and all cards on the table.

Each member carries their own archetype: RM’s wisdom, Jin’s light, Yoongi’s transformation, Hobi’s hope, Jimin’s emotional truth, Taehyung’s dreamlike depth, and Jungkook’s forward momentum. But together, they form something greater: a living, breathing deck of possibility, resilience, and human connection. And maybe that’s what makes BTS so special. They don’t just reflect the Tarot or an Archetype. They are a reminder that the universe keeps whispering through every song, every stage, every comeback for all of us:

“You’re not alone in this. Keep going. The story isn’t over yet.”


The deck has been shuffled. 

We are ready for the magic to happen.
Welcome back, BTS!






Sunday, 9 March 2025

Interlude: Shadow by SUGA of BTS #DeepDive

March 09, 2025 0 Comments



Happy Birthday to Min Yoongi, better known as Suga of BTS and Agust D.


To celebrate, we’re taking a deep dive into Interlude: Shadow from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7, a song that encapsulates the duality of ambition and fear, success and self-doubt.

Min Yoongi is a multifaceted artist who expresses himself through different personas—Suga, his stage name in BTS, and Agust D, his solo moniker. As Suga, his artistry leans toward polished, introspective storytelling that aligns with BTS’s themes of self-love, societal reflection, and personal growth. His work under Agust D, however, is rawer, unfiltered, and fiercely personal, often tackling themes of mental health, self-identity, and the struggles of fame.


This track, which serves as a pivotal moment in the Map of the Soul narrative, is heavily influenced by Carl Jung’s concept of the ‘shadow’—the repressed and often darker side of the self. Through its introspective lyrics, haunting production, and visually striking music video, Interlude: Shadow paints a visceral picture of the inner conflicts that come with fame. It also serves as an intersection between his two personas, blending the introspective vulnerability of Suga with the raw confrontation of Agust D.


The Shadow: A Concept by Carl Jung

Before delving into the song, let’s understand what Jung meant by the ‘shadow.’ Jung, a Swiss psychologist, described the shadow as the unconscious part of our psyche—comprising traits, fears, and desires we reject or suppress. Often, our shadow contains aspects of ourselves we may not want to confront, yet it inevitably influences our emotions and actions.

Jung’s concept of the shadow is part of a larger framework known as the Map of the Soul, which outlines the structure of the human psyche. This framework includes:

Persona:
The mask we wear to present ourselves to the world, shaped by societal expectations.
Ego: The conscious mind, the ‘I’ we identify with.
- Shadow: The unconscious self, where repressed desires and fears reside.
- Anima/Animus: The inner feminine side of a man (anima) and the inner masculine side of a woman (animus), representing deeper emotional truths.
- Self: The ultimate goal of personal growth, where all aspects of the psyche—both conscious and unconscious—are integrated into a balanced whole.

For an artist like Suga, who has climbed to unimaginable heights, the shadow manifests as fears of losing himself in success, of reaching the top only to feel more isolated than before. Interlude: Shadow is an open dialogue with this unseen self, questioning the cost of his ambitions and the parts of himself he may have suppressed in his rise to fame.


The Lyrics

The song’s opening lines are deceptively simple: “I wanna be a rap star, I wanna be the top”. These words echo the unfiltered ambition of a young dreamer. But as the track unfolds, the tone shifts: “Don’t let me fly, now I’m scared. Don’t let me shine.”—a plea that reveals the anxiety accompanying his rise. The shadow speaks, acknowledging that with great success comes the fear of falling.

One of the most haunting lines in the song—“But my growing shadow swallows me and becomes a monster”—depicts how unchecked ambition and fame can consume a person. This mirrors Jung’s idea that the shadow, when left unacknowledged, can overtake the self and become overwhelming.

As the song progresses, Yoongi acknowledges the inevitable clash between his desires and fears: “The moment I faced myself brought the lowest / It so happens that I'm flying the highest.” This paradox reflects the tension between his public success and private struggles. Facing one’s shadow can be painful, yet it is necessary for growth.

The lyrics also address an internal debate, with the shadow challenging him: “All the things you wanted, you've got it all / So what's the problem? Just enjoy it / Or just let it go, no? Then run, or stop / Don't whine, just choose one or the other.” These words sound almost mocking, as if his own mind is questioning why he cannot simply be satisfied with his achievements.

Toward the end, the confrontation reaches its climax: “We are one body, sometimes we will clash / You can never break me off, this you must know.” This is the moment of reckoning—Yoongi acknowledges that he cannot escape his shadow. It is a part of him, inseparable from his identity. The final acceptance, “Yeah, yeah, can't break me off, whatever you do / Yeah, you'll be at ease if you admit it too”, suggests that true peace comes from embracing one’s shadow rather than fighting it.

This duality of yearning and dread is a recurring theme in Agust D’s discography. In The Last, he lays bare his struggles with mental health and fame, while Amygdala unearths painful memories. Here, in Interlude: Shadow, he personifies the push and pull between his public persona and inner fears.

Check out the full lyrics here.


The Music

The production of Interlude: Shadow mirrors the song’s lyrical battle. It begins with a slow, almost hypnotic melody, reminiscent of a confession. As the track progresses, the beat intensifies, growing chaotic, echoing the sense of spiraling out of control.

Unlike traditional hip-hop tracks, Interlude: Shadow weaves elements of rock and electronic distortions, adding an unsettling, almost suffocating atmosphere. This distortion reflects the turmoil of an artist losing grip on his sense of self.

This sonic chaos is part of a larger thematic trilogy within Map of the Soul: 7, where Persona (by RM) explores the external self, Shadow (by Suga) delves into inner fears, and Ego (by J-Hope) embraces self-acceptance. RM’s Persona is bright and bold, reflecting the masks we wear to interact with the world. J-Hope’s Ego, on the other hand, is celebratory and upbeat, symbolizing acceptance of all aspects of oneself. Shadow sits between them—a confrontation with the parts of ourselves we’d rather ignore, serving as the bridge between wearing a mask and fully embracing one’s true identity.

The contrast in sound across these three tracks highlights their thematic connection. While Persona is energetic and declarative, and Ego is vibrant and optimistic, Shadow is brooding and tumultuous. Together, they create a complete arc—one that reflects Jung’s psychological framework, guiding the listener through the journey of self-discovery.



The Music Video


The Interlude: Shadow music video is a masterclass in visual storytelling, packed with symbolism that reinforces the song’s themes. Suga moves through a narrow, dimly lit corridor as faceless figures chase him—an embodiment of his mounting anxieties and the suffocating expectations that come with fame. The ever-present shadows, stretching and growing behind him, illustrate how inescapable these fears have become.

The corridor itself is reminiscent of British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor’s installation Svayambh, which means “self-made” or “auto-generated” in Sanskrit. This parallel suggests that the internal struggle Suga faces is a product of his own mind, a battle he has created and must confront alone.

Six shadows line the hall, likely symbolizing the unseen presence of the other BTS members. In Jungian terms, they could represent different facets of his psyche—the fragmented self that fame has shaped. Later, the figure 8 from O!RUL8,2?encircles Suga’s dual selves, a visual echo of the infinity symbol. This reinforces the idea that the battle between light and shadow, self and ambition, is an ongoing cycle—one that may never truly end.


While we have explored the lyrics, music, and visuals separately, their true impact emerges in how they work together to embody the battle between Suga and his shadow. Jungian psychology emphasizes that the shadow is not an external force but an intrinsic part of the self—one that must be acknowledged, not eradicated. Together, these elements paint a complete picture of a man standing at the crossroads of ambition and fear. He cannot run from his shadow; he can only accept it.


Embracing the Shadow

Interlude: Shadow is more than just a song—it is a deeply introspective piece that lays bare the cost of ambition. Through its haunting lyrics, turbulent sound, and symbolic visuals, Suga brings Jung’s concept of the shadow to life, exposing the battle between the self we project and the fears we suppress. The song doesn’t offer easy answers because there are none. Instead, it presents the raw truth: the shadow is an inseparable part of who we are.

For Min Yoongi, this struggle is ongoing. As an artist who has climbed to staggering heights, he must constantly negotiate with his shadow, questioning whether success is worth the sacrifices it demands. Yet, through this confrontation, there is a glimmer of resolution. By acknowledging the shadow rather than resisting it, he takes a step toward self-acceptance. The final takeaway isn’t about conquering fears but understanding that they coexist with ambition—that light and darkness are two halves of the same whole.


Perhaps that is the greatest lesson Interlude: Shadow offers: we do not need to defeat our shadow. We only need to recognize it, listen to it, and learn from it.




FAQs

1. How does Interlude: Shadow relate to Carl Jung’s theories?

The song embodies Jung’s idea of the ‘shadow,’ the unconscious part of our psyche containing repressed traits and desires. By confronting his shadow, Suga reflects on the hidden fears and desires that come with fame, aligning with Jung’s belief in integrating the shadow for personal growth.

2. What is the significance of the imagery in the music video?

The music video features symbolic visuals, such as Suga walking through a dimly lit corridor with faceless figures, representing mounting anxieties and the pressures of fame. The growing shadows illustrate the inescapable fears that accompany success.


3. How does Interlude: Shadow fit into the larger narrative of Map of the Soul: 7?

Serving as a pivotal moment in the album, Interlude: Shadow bridges themes from previous tracks like RM’s Intro: Persona and j-hope’s Outro: Ego. It represents the confrontation with one’s inner fears, a necessary step before achieving self-acceptance and growth.


4. What musical elements are notable in Interlude: Shadow?

The track combines hip-hop with rock and electronic distortions, creating an intense and chaotic atmosphere. This soundscape mirrors the internal turmoil described in the lyrics, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.


5. Are there references to BTS’s earlier works in Interlude: Shadow?

Yes, the song and its visuals include nods to previous BTS eras, such as the O!RUL8,2? album. These references signify self-reflection and the group’s artistic journey, connecting past themes with current introspections.


6. What message does Suga convey through Interlude: Shadow?

Suga communicates that acknowledging and confronting one’s inner fears and desires is essential for personal growth. The song emphasizes that success and ambition come with inherent challenges, and embracing one’s shadow is a step toward self-acceptance.



Friday, 6 September 2024

10 Songs by Min Yoongi (a.k.a SUGA of BTS) That Speak to the Soul #FeatureFriday

September 06, 2024 0 Comments

 



If you are someone like me who finds much of their comfort and motivation from books and music, then this post will be of help to you.

For those of you who do not know who Min Yoongi is, let me introduce you to SUGA of BTS. Whether you have heard their songs or not, I am sure you have heard of BTS, the South Korean boy band that is taking over the world (I kid you not!). SUGA is Min Yoongi’s stage name as a part of BTS. He is a rapper, lyricist, composer and music producer. He is probably most widely known as SUGA because of the popularity of BTS and as SUGA he has co-written and co-produced many of BTS’s songs. Aside from that, SUGA also produces music for other artists. Eight by IU, That That by Psy, and Wine by Suran are some of his award winning songs as a producer. He also uses the name Agust D for his solo projects.

Min Yoongi has a unique way of blending raw honesty with soothing melodies. Both as SUGA or as Agust D, his music often resonates deeply, especially during life's tough phases. If you’ve ever in need of a comforting companion through the rough patches that we all have to face in life, his songs might just be that warm blanket you need!



Here are the 10 songs by Min Yoongi that brought me much comfort:



10. Song Request; by Lee Sora ft. SUGA


This is a quintessential break up song by Lee Sora, that features SUGA as a writer and rapper. It is a sentimental song with a slow sweet melody that suits the mood of a person who has broken up with someone but yet to completely let go. SUGA has one verse in it but that one verse is enough to comfort you because in typical SUGA style, his verse is like a direct conversation with you - the listener.

“When you’re intoxicated with memories

And bring someone up

That’s when I become your music”

You can watch the music video here: {For K-drama lovers - the MV features actor Byeon Woo-Seok of the recent Lovely Runner fame in a scene.}

  


9. So Far Away ft. Suran; Agust D Mixtape


Have you ever had days that suddenly hit you with certain realisations? There you are hustling to pay the bills and make a good living, and all of a sudden you realise that you no longer remember the dream that you were working towards? Or maybe, remember the days when you were passionate about something but now you don’t even remember why? And it disorients you a bit? Well, on days like that, listen to this song.

“Dream, I will be there for your creation

Until the end of your life

Dream, wherever you might be

It will be lenient

Dream, you will fully bloom

After all the hardships

Dream, your beginnings will seem humble

So prosperous will your future be"

8. First Love; BTS - You Never Walk Alone


‘First Love’ is SUGA’s solo song for the BTS album. The song is, as the title suggests, about his first love - a brown piano of his childhood. The song is a conversation between SUGA and this piano. But is it really only about the piano from his childhood that may have sparked his love for music? I would love to ask him that. But personally I felt that the song is also about how there are things that NEVER change through your lifespan - whether you stick to it or whether you leave it and later find your way back to it years later. Maybe, it is also a bit about our innocence as a child that let’s us see the things we love without the filter that the world puts on us? Tell me what you think after you have listened to it.

“Yeah, yeah I remember back then
When I was fed up and lost

Back then when I fell into a pit of despair

Even when I pushed you away

Even when I resented meeting you

You were firmly by my side

You didn't have to say anything

So don't ever let go of my hand

I won't let you go ever again either

My birth and the end of my life

You will be there to watch over it all”

This is my favourite version of the song:


7. People; D-2 Mixtape


Ever feel tired of the people around you? Ever feel ‘heavy’ because of all the judgements and expectations? Tired of colouring within the tight boundaries set for you? I do not know how to verbalise what this song means except to say it made me feel seen. You have to listen to it for yourself and tell me what you get out of this song, ‘cause I don’t have words.


“What's good is good, in the end

What's good is good

Things don’t always go as intended

Discomfort is something everyone has to withstand

The repetition of dramatic situations can make your life exhausting”


6. People Pt.2 ft. IU; D-Day Studio Album


Another song that really looks a deeper look into people and their experiences in life. I would like to invite you to choose the sweetest thing about this song and your choices are - Yoongi’s lyrics, IU’s vocals & the black Labrador in the MV. The first thing that really ‘got’ me in this song is probably not my favourite part of this song (hint: my favourite part is Yoongi’s vocals in this) - the opening lines sung by IU. I would really like to know what those lines mean to you, dear reader.


“Selflessness can actually be selfish, too, it's true

It's actually my greed when I say that it’s all for you

Will I be happy if I give up my greed

A half-illusion that can never be fulfilled”


Experience this song through the MV & good luck:



5. Trivia 轉: Seesaw; BTS - Proof


Another solo song of SUGA in BTS’s discography, Seesaw is really what had me spiralling and paying attention to Yoongi & his lyrics. I have written a whole separate post on about Seesaw here, so I’ll keep it short - if you have been through the push and pull in any kind of relationship in your life - you must listen through this one.


“People can be so conniving

We know someone gets hurt if the other is gone

But neither of us want to be the bad guy

In the midst of a series of vague responsibilities, umm-umm

We became so sick of each other that we finally became parallel

Ay, although this wasn't the kind of parallel that I wanted"


4. Dear My Friend ft. Kim Jong Wan; D-2 Mixtape


Ever lost someone close to you in your life? Have you ever felt somehow responsible how things turned out in that person’s life? Have you ever wondered if YOU could have done something to change what happened? Have you felt certain other negative feelings because of that ‘was I somehow responsible’? Have you wondered how it would be today if that person was still your life? If you have, I dare you to listen to this song when you are on your own and not cry! The pain & regret in the song came through to me even before I looked up the lyrics.


“Was it you who changed? Or was it me? Uh

I hate this flowing time, it's us who changed

Hey, I hate you, hey, I don't like you

Hey, even as I say these words, I miss you”


3. Life Goes On; D-Day Studio Album

The contrast between BTS/SUGA and August D is always very stark, but none so in your face like this song. That is because BTS has a song of same title, and Yoongi has used his lines from that in this version (I do not know which version was written first). While BTS version of ‘Life Goes On’ is much happier, positive and hopeful - which is what BTS does for their ARMYs (unless the rapline has some scores to settle 😝) - August D gives you a reality check but leave you with some hope without you realising it.

“I know, I know this place right now

A place that will soon become a memory

Don't be afraid until the end of my life

Because life will go on forever”


2. Amygdala; D-Day Studio Album

The MV comes with a trigger warning & the song should too. The song is deeply personal and the MV is very visual. The title ‘Amygdala’ itself is a warning because Amygdala actually of the part of the brain that stores the memories that the brain thinks you need to remember for your survival - so basically the harshest memories that you’d rather forget. So yeah, it will either trigger you or help you heal. It’s really a toss-up depending on where you are in your healing journey. Proceed with caution.


“So, is all countless suffering for my own good?

What didn't kill me only made me stronger

And I begin to bloom like a lotus flower once again"


1. Snooze ft. Ryuichi Sakamoto & Woosung; D-Day Studio Album


Yoongi wrote this song for everyone who idolize him and want to follow in his steps. It’s once again a reality check about how the path ahead of them is not going to be easy, but also provides a bit of hope through his presence and his words. You don't have to be dreaming of becoming a k-pop idol to be able to relate to it or to feel consoled. Nobody understands the power of words like Yoongi does. In this song he shows how being honest with your words can have a larger impact on people and how the repetitive (and the almost meditative way he delivers them) words can have a deeper effect (in this case a positive effect) on a person.


“Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay,

Everything will be okay, Everything will be okay.”


Here's my tattoo inspired by Snooze:


Like any form of art, music/songs are open to interpretation. Your interpretation is going to be different from me - depending on both personality and experience. As such, I do hope you see some of the things that I saw in these songs - but at the same time, I hope that you will see completely different things. Am I making sense?


Each of these songs serves as a reminder that we are not alone and that resilience and hope can guide us through the darkest moments. Whether you're navigating personal struggles or simply need a reminder of your own inner strength, Agust D’s words will always be there for you.