#sansang

𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 d͟a͟r͟l͟i͟n͟g͟ | an eisegesis on san & yeosang

Hi Anon!

Thanks for sending in this prompt. It gave me a lot to chew on, because you've identified the interesting tension that exists between Ateez content made for the general public (Ateez+) and Ateez content made for atiny (Wanteez).

Ateez+ was a fascinating experiment by KBS to package/present Ateez to their 10 million (mostly domestic Korean) subscribers. The members had a daunting assignment: make fun and compelling content, showcase their interpersonal dynamics, reminisce and reflect on their origins, and hold deep conversations about their aspirations and setbacks. The goal of Ateez+ was to attract viewers who might be willing to invest more time and money in this idol group.

Some members took to this challenge with more ease than others. For example, you brought up Wooyoung and Hongjoong, and I agree that Wooyoung was best when he got a little bitchy. You could tell he really did not want to expose his vulnerabilities, and Hongjoong was a good partner for him because he understood and did most of the talking.

I actually thought the KBS producers were shrewd in pairing members who were more camera-shy with members who could take control of the date and create good television. Seonghwa stirred us to tears talking about destiny and fate while San's social batteries drained; Jongho coaxed along Yeosang's natural charm; and YunGi —

— well, Yunho and Mingi were my highlights of Ateez+ because they kind of hijacked the concept to have what felt like long-overdue conversations about their friendship. That felt far more genuine than the fan service they attempted in the car (they could barely keep a straight face).

I usually ship the members who are the worst at fan service

By most metrics, Ateez+ was a big success for KBS and KQ: nearly every episode hit 1mil views and their most popular episode surpassed 3mil views. To compare, the average Ateez logbook barely cracks 100k views and most Wanteez episodes peak at around 500k. You also saw a lot more comments in Korean under the Ateez+ videos, whereas most Wanteez episodes reflect their international fandom.

I enjoyed Ateez+ largely because of the community here on tumblr, but I understand if part of the reason why some fans felt so uncomfortable watching was because the fan service felt performative and obvious rather than fun and funny, to borrow your words.

This is perhaps why SanSang drew some criticism and made people uncomfortable. We were watching what felt like a stage play based on the members' established relationship dynamics, and the "arc" of San's character over the course of those episodes was to play someone reacting with jealously to Yeosang's date with Jongho and demanding Yeosang reciprocate his feelings. The show took what was a "bit" for the fans and made it feel artificial.

I've written about my complex feelings about the SanSang ship, but I think it's pretty unusual within the kpop fan service landscape to have one member play such an obvious and determined yearner for another member who either rebuffs or benevolently receives their demonstrative affections. Of course, a pair can only get away with this if there is a strong foundation of genuine and mutual care. I hate the the wink-wink-nudge-nudge kind of fan service I’ve seen from other groups where member A is “obsessed” with member B. That's the appeal of SanSang for me: yes, it's fan service, but San is so absolutely loyal to a fault and he’s decided that Yeosang is his bias and he never gives less than 100% to anything in his life and there’s not an ounce of harm in his intentions.

Meanwhile, Yeosang is not at all shy or timid when it comes to showing affection for San, but he just sometimes gets startled when San comes on too strong.

Most of the time, his reaction is enough counteract San's energy:

@noctilucentminki summed it up best:

Yeosang is quick and clever and deeply funny, and he will often build comedic tension from these interactions by enlisting other members (usually Jongho and Mingi) to act as a foil to San, as was perfectly demonstrated in the "school romance" episodes of Wanteez. It helped that Yeosang also had his own arc in those episodes, driving much of the action through his "Mr. Kang from LA" persona.

Unlike Ateez+, the main audience for Wanteez are atiny and I think that helps all the members feel more at ease and brings out their natural chemistry. Honestly, seeing them have fun and joke around in these self-produced variety show formats is the best form of promotion for an idol group (there's a reason why Going Seventeen has its own fandom).

I also think that "we" (atiny) are a key part of SanSang fan service, and not just as the fans being serviced -- but as active spectators. It's a different kind of performance than what you'll see with Yunho x Wooyoung, who treat fan service with a "challenge accepted" mindset, but they are no less aware of their audience.

The best version of SanSang fan service is when Yeosang uses the fandom to deliver a wonderfully brutal check to San's attention-hoarding antics.

"I love you San...Jose!"

It works precisely because they know that we know and enjoy their fan service, and they've both willing to indulge us while remaining true to themselves.

Anyway, I hope that answer was somewhat helpful!