#jongsan

Hi Anon,

Let me just get out of the way that I don't think there's any real competition (or hard feelings) between the three. That being said, I speculate that Jongho seeks/receives something from San that he doesn't get with Mingi, and vice versa.

Jonho has long been positioned as the "mature maknae" who acts older than his hyungs. Part of it may be that Jongho is one of the few older siblings on the team, and you can see that dynamic play out with certain members: with Yeosang, it manifests as a protective instinct ("I just want to take care of you!"); for Mingi, there's a kind of fond indulgence and just a little exasperation of his antics. They bicker, squabble, and tease each other.

Mingi cares deeply and takes seriously his role as a hyung (constantly praising and reassuring Jongho in public) but I also think Mingi really enjoys playing the dongsaeng -- he is a collector of hyungs, after all. So perhaps they both receive something from this mutual subversion of norms. Their lore characters also capture this dynamic.

Yunho would never allow this to happen lol

But there is a different side to Jongho, one we don't see in public as often.

Seonghwa identified: "He's always full of energy and has the lovableness of a younger brother" and "He’s cute, the youngest. Our youngest is cute. Not just to me, but to all of our members. He is a real bundle of cuteness."

Jongho may be exceptionally mature, but he's also shy and can be clingy when things get overwhelming (see him and Hongjoong on Moving Voices). This is where San plays an important role as his hyung.

I've written before about San's chameleon-like ability to become whatever is needed for his members. This is not deception or manipulation, but a canny awareness of how to best support and serve the people in his life.

I speculate that San gives Jongho the space to be younger. He submits to Jongho's teasing, lets himself be poked and prodded, while also doling out his own brand of brotherly affection.

There's a softness and sweetness to this relationship. Perhaps it was because Jongho remembers when San used to be so much smaller, or because San loves cute things and thinks Jongho is the cutest. Either way, Jongho can rely on San to give comfort and protection.

There's that clip from Music Bank Lisbon last year of San watching Jongho sing; while everyone else is looking out at the crowd, San is singularly focused on Jongho with the fondest look on his face.

San would clearly burn down the world for his members, but Jongho is so precious to him. In any group setting, you'll likely find San with one arm wrapped around Jongho's shoulders or patting his back, offering wordless assurance.

While Jongho does not participate in much fan service; at least, not the physical kind, he clearly draws comfort from the way San handles him.