꧁⎝༺Velvet༻⎠꧂

Track Four → FYA

A total club track. I like that it's a little experimental filled with some silly lines. V and Jungkook are great vocally. The chorus is catchy with auto tune mixed in, it adds a fun element to the track.

Track Five → 2.0

The rap line (RM, Jhope, Suga) dominates this song. The vocalists hold their own and the most important thing is that everyone shines and it never feels like one is overshadowing the other. I interpreted this song as a confident message to everyone that they are back and ready to take what is theirs. This is a new era for BTS, hence the 2.0. The whole track is funky, a little experimental but stands out in its own way.

Track Six → No.29

It's a bell. I understand the vision though. Genuinely thought something was wrong with my earphones when this track played.

Track Eight → Merry Go Round

Track Seven → Swim

'Swim' was definitely a breath of fresh air. It wasn't what many of us were expecting and I like that. It is more subtle, more mature, it's memorable but I wouldn't say catchy. Its lyrics are about going with the flow rather than fighting the current. Lyrically, there's a nice message in there. Each member has their moment and leave some impact when they finish their lines. My favourite parts centre around Jin, his voice added something special to the track.

'Merry Go Round' is my second favourite track in the album. It's dreamy, sentimental with a focus on vocals which I really appreciate. I'm more interested in vocals than rap if I am honest. There are clear hints of R'n'B present and a good use of drums. The raps are smooth. It felt quite bittersweet, and it did remind me of 'Young Forever' just a little bit.

Track Nine → Normal

'Normal' is a pop rock track. They talk about what normal means to them. The lyrics make references to substances which I interpreted as a form of escape from fame and daily struggles and stress. It could also be interpreted as the members criticising how normal it is to use these substances when you are an artist. I think they are also talking about how life/fame/fans try to paint them as one thing despite that one thing not being completely accurate.

Track Ten → Like Animals

'Like Animals' is a slower song with an emphasis on the drums. I think this track wanted to be felt and not heard. It explores wanting to live freely similarly to other animals. There were these undertones in the lyrics that made it hard to reach a conclusion on what it's meaning is. The chorus is hard hitting, there's an interesting vibe and groove to it.

Track Eleven → They Don't Know Bout Us

I love that Jimin opens the song. It helps it to stand out. The beginning feels a little retro, a little old fashioned. Think back to when everyone used to have a radio, that type of thing. Just like 'Hooligan' it quickly changes into something else. The key message is people don't actually know them, they (other people) see what they want and no matter how hard they (BTS) try they can't get others to understand them. It's more sad but there is beauty in this track because I think most people can relate to not being understood.

Track Twelve → One More Night

This track is not as experimental as the rest but it does have its place in the album. I don't have much to say about it other than it's another decent track to listen to but doesn't stand out to me enough to put it in my playlist.

Track Fourteen → Into The Sun

Track Thirteen → Please

Please’ is a laid back enjoyable track. Its purpose is to introduce the listener to the end of the album. It is reminiscent of past tracks in a great way. It's simple and doesn't do too much, it uses soft textures and understated melodies. There is a reason it is my favourite track in the album.

Section Two → Divided Opinions

I have spent a good amount of time on both Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram, so I have a rough idea on what each side is trying to say. The following arguments for Mark are he (personally) did nothing wrong (1), it was his stylist's fault (2), he is Canadian therefore he does not know what the Confederate flag is (3), he grew up in South Korea therefore he doesn't know much about American history (4), he has black friends/worked with black artists therefore he cannot be racist (5), he did not intend to hurt anyone (6), the shirt is commonly found in South Korea and was worn due to being "vintage" (7), his company apologised so there is no issue (8) and finally people just wanted a reason to hate on him (9).

Section 2.5 → I want to highlight one argument his fans are making in his defence which is "you can't expect every person to know all of American history", on its own it's a solid point, but the thing is opposing fans (like me) weren't trying to make that point. It is unreasonable to expect that one person know all of the world's history but when you market to western countries, specifically America you have to be more careful about posting things that could potentially be misunderstood, misinterpreted or just straight up wrong. It's not about knowing all of a country's history, it's about doing your due diligence. As a former SM idol Mark should know how easily things can spread out of control and be taken out of context by both international and domestic fans. Carelessness just isn't something he has the luxury of as a public figure with influence. Fans on Twitter told me he only found out about the flag after all the content had been released...even if this shirt is easily found in South Korea, why didn't he google what this shirt meant before he wore it officially? Why did it take fans to reach out before he realised something was wrong? and most importantly why was the apology limited to 24 hours on an Instagram story?

Mark does not have the luxury of not knowing. I don't want anyone to misunderstand, it does not mean I want him to know everything about everything, it means before you post something, step back and think it through. Do your due diligence. Mistakes + ignorance do not result in positive outcomes for anyone, especially public figures.

The opposite side (which happens to be the side I am on) made some different arguments against him such as intention does not erase impact (1), he is ignorant of the flag's meaning and history (2), Canada teaches American history therefore he should know what that flag is (3), he apologised through his company and not personally (4), he knew what that flag meant and still chose to go ahead with it (5), he needed publicity for his new agency (6), and that he was appealing to a certain hateful group (7).

Even if Mark had only positive intentions, those intentions still hurt people. His intentions caused people to think he associated himself with hateful groups of people, his intentions backfired because intention does not erase impact. Those affected had a right to be concerned and had every right to voice their disappointment. I understand fans wanting to protect their idols, after all I am a kpop fan myself, but sometimes you need to take a step back and understand where the criticism is coming from because sometimes it is valid. Fans were dismissive, disrespectful and chose to direct all their empathy towards a man they have never seen nor met, rather than to direct that empathy to the people harmed by his actions. I quickly noticed that many (not all) of his defenders weren't simply defending him out of a parasocial need but rather a need to protect their own prejudiced opinions. Birds of a feather flock together isn't that the phrase.

Section Four → My Opinion

I don't know this man. I was excited for his new career path once I heard he had left SM (I hate that company), I knew he had talent and was excited to see what projects he would release and share with fans. But even if Mark had positive intentions and was not acting out of malice, like it or not he showed his ignorance. I can't tolerate that. Ignorance hurts, especially if you're on the receiving end of that ignorance. If I let this slide I could potentially create a space which allows him to do something else, something much worse. I don't want to sound negative even though I'm sure I do, but ignorance isn't something that I will ignore at this time in history. We have more resources than ever before, ignorance is a choice and I can't stand by him or support him unless I see genuine growth and positive change. It has to be more significant than a simple five minute apology. The same way KIOF acted out of ignorance and I stopped supporting them, I will do the same to Mark. No exceptions.

• The Music Videos

'Cookie' wouldn't be the last music video to enter into some form of controversy. "OMG" takes place in a psychiatric hospital, each girl is in there for a different reason. Honestly, there was no reason to use mental illness as an aesthetic for a video especially knowing how mental health is viewed in countries like South Korea.

I want to make it clear that I don't mean that mental health shouldn't be explored, I mean there was no reason to portray mental health in this childish way. It takes away from the seriousness of mental health.

There was also no reason to call people criticising the lyrics of NJ'S songs as mentally ill. That was a horrible decision to make.

Next was 'ETA'. People connected it with the Spanish Terrorist group 'Euskadi Ta Askatasuna'. And apparently there a few details that connected to the group such as the names used, the release date and the fact that the music video was shot in mainly in Spain.

'Cool With You' was criticised for a scene where Jung Hoyeon (actress) climbs on top of a man while the members watch from a distance.

'Attention' was the world's introduction to the group and even then there were concerns. Many found similarities between the music video to 1981 movie Christiane F. A movie about a 14 year old girl who abuses substances and develops an inappropriate relationship with a grown adult man.

• Weird Actions and Choices

From the music videos to the inspirations to the styling it is clear (to me at least) that MHJ has some unconventional tastes in movies. I wouldn't be quick to shame people for their interests if those interests didn't involve young girls being taken advantage of in some way.

Below are some pictures of films and people she has posted about on her Instagram but has since deleted, I managed to find links to these pictures from online kpop communities.

1. MHJ once posted a picture of a 1974 film called Le Farò de Padre. The story is about an older man who marries a mentally-challenged young girl. (See image one)

2. She posted a bunch of pictures of Brooke Shields when she was a young girl. (See image two)

3. She posted a picture by Serge Gainsbourg, specifically an album called Histoire de Melody Nelson. The story is about a grown adult man taking advantage of a 14 year old girl. (See image three)

4. MHJ posted a nude scene to her instagram from Romeo & Juliet 1968. Both actors (Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting) were minors (15 and 16 respectively) who sued over this scene.

I will not show a picture of this out of respect to the actors.

5. She said in an interview that she received all the pictures on her wall from a couple years ago. These were all pictures of minors, mainly young girls.

I tried finding the interview article but I think it's either been deleted or archived for some reason.

6. There were leaked kakaotalk messages that exposed MHJ calling the newjeans members (including Danielle) fat pigs and not real artists.

7. Hyein wore a bralette in the 'Attention' music video at 14 years old. Minji wore a shirt that said "pimp is yours" at 17 years old. Danielle was once styled like Mathilda from Leon the Professional.

• The Sexual Harassment Case

Many heard about the case between July and August 2024. The sexual harassment case was launched in March 2024 by a former female employee. This former employee claimed MHJ sided with a male executive over her and had "berated" her. This employee would resign and then launched a case against MHJ. It was made clear that MHJ did not act in the employee's best interests and instead chose to protect the executive by trying to clear his name. It was MHj's duty to protect her employee and she failed. In leaked kakaotalk messages I quickly got the sense that MHJ does harbour very negative feelings towards other women, not jealous feelings but rather resentment or even hatred. She does not come off as someone worth trusting.

I will attach an article explaining everything in detail down below for anyone who wants to read it.

I remember talking about this case to someone and it was because of them that I decided to make this post. MHJ did not try to help the employee because if she did, why did the employee say she would be willing to drop the case if she received an apology from MHJ. The answer is obvious.

MHJ was issues a fine by the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office on January 2025. The agency acknowledged that MHJ's actions were equivalent to workplace harassment. She has appealed this fine.

• Final Words

I believe a lot of people act with good intentions but I think some things are ignored when discussing people like MHJ. She was targeted by fans and made to deal with a bunch of sexism (which I will never agree with) but it is important to face the fact that this woman isn't a trustworthy or good person. As much as HYBE holds blame in allowing MHJ all the power she had, the consequences she faced and is still facing are all because of her. I will never defend her or any of her actions because for people who are willing to accept sad and sometimes uncomfortable truths, MHJ is the reason NJ are in the situation they are in and I can't forgive her for that. She had a duty to protect those girls and she failed, she had a duty to protect her employee and she failed.

If I had to simplify why people have such a big issue with MHJ it would be because she is a person who causes harm and never takes accountability for any of it. She is not someone who should have any form of power over a child because it is clear that she will abuse that and will simply deflect when called out.

• Some sources

1. a twitter post on what cookie was meant to mean.https://x.com/adorejeans/status/1559511113892769793?s=20

2.https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/01/06/entertainment/kpop/newjeans-new-jeans-min-heejin/20230106141700434.html. this is about the omg music video story.

3. weird clothing choices. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/07/28/entertainment/kpop/NewJeans-controversy-ADOR/20220728173232943.html