FF#2: The Most Beautiful Moment In (a Fan’s) Life Pt. 1

Taking liberties with this post’s title, which is inspired (or should I say, infires?) by the title of one of my favorite album releases recently, by Bangtan Sonyeondan (aka Bangtan Boys, aka BTS, aka Bulletproof Boy Scouts if we’re going to be literal about it), “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1”. I think it’s most fitting, since (a) that EP is the BOMB and (b) I am highly anticipating their follow-up, “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2”, which will finally be dropped on November 30. That’s just a couple of days away! And also my belated way of saying belated Happy Birthday to a certain fish-loving space cadet who goes by the name of Ohno Satoshi.

One adjective that can describe a fan’s day-to-day “existence” is COLORFUL. Things just seem more vibrant and vivid, whether it’s because you just heard a song from your favorite artist, or you saw a photo of this celebrity that you like appearing on your Facebook feed. Personally, I cannot help but feel that there are rainbows everywhere when an Arashi song comes on. Yes, even to this day.

This Fangirl Friday post will look into possible answers to the question: “What is the most beautiful moment in a fan’s life?”

Defining the Moment

Ask a fan – any fan, not necessarily a rabid fangirl – that question, and you’re likely to face a barrage of (mostly incoherent) answers; something like:

  • the first time I watched them live in a concert, and I was on the front rows. I swear he looked straight at me FOUR TIMES!
  • when I was stalking them at the airport and laid eyes on them – even with their faces covered in masks, I knew it was them and woot! Eye contact, baybeeeee~!
  • when I got into a fanmeet and I met him/her up close, talked and *gasp!* even got to shake their hands! SO. UNREAL.
  • when I was watching a random video of them and saw the teddy bear I sent them on top of their bed. Ohdeargawdthefeels~~~
  • when the official hard-to-get concert goods finally arrived on my doorstep, never mind that I blew an entire month’s allowance or pay for a CD and a couple of clearfiles that I probably will never get to use anyway~ Not that I want to, it might get dirty and we absolutely can’t have that, CANWE.
  • when I visited the country where they are from and had to stop myself from kissing the ground because what’re the chances they also stepped on it at one time or another? HUGE, I tell ya.

I confess to having gone through most of the zaniness of being a fangirl. Granted, I never stalked (I don’t have the patience to do a stakeout), never got to go on fanmeets, never sent gifts, and I don’t really picture myself kissing the ground. But the other usual stuff, I’m guilty as charged.

Many memories stand out for me: When my friend and I flew all the way to Taipei, Taiwan to watch Arashi in concert. That was… whoooo~ I swore I could hear my heart pounding when they were about to come on the stage. And what about when, in Westlife’s audio interviews for the Westlife Official Fan Club members – yes I was a member – Mark (Feehily) picked my name and the postcard I sent to the Fan Club? The prize (I think it was supposed to be a drawing that he did) never got to me, but hey, just hearing him say my name that time gave me the feels. And he wasn’t even my favorite member (it was Nicky)!

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 01 westlifeLooking at the big picture, it’s easy to understand why many would be conflicted on picking out the best moment of being a fan. But I would have to say that, for me, the most beautiful moment of my fangirling life would be the beginning – when everything is still new, and you’re on that period of “discovery”.

The Period of Discovery

It starts with a HOOK, or that singular moment when something pinged at your consciousness, telling you to “hey, pay attention”. For some, it would be when Jon Snow first appeared onscreen in HBO’s Game of Thrones, or Joseph Gordon-Levitt‘s gravity-defying scene on Inception.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 04 arashiWhile others got into the Arashi fandom because of Matsumoto Jun‘s iconic turn as Domyouji Tsukasa in Hana Yori Dango (thus coining the term ‘Jun-baited’), I was Nino-baited. My hook was the movie “Letters from Iwo Jima” and Ninomiya Kazunari blowing me away as the footsoldier named Saigo. From there, I realized that dorkery is actually good for you. And rainbows. Never leave out the rainbows. Soon, I was sucked into one of the most colorful fandoms EVER. And the next years became a continuous period of discovery, because these five Japanese guys never failed to surprise us with their dorkery.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 08 arashiEvery true-blue Arashi fan knows what I’m talking about when I say “nipple shirts”, “balloons for boobs”, “hand porn”, “YamaPair”, “sloping shoulders”, “habanero”, and “Danger! Danger! Very Danger!”, to name a few. I have to say, one of the best parts of my Arashi period of discovery was the Arashi no Shukudaikun (Arashi’s Homework) era. That show WAS GOLD. I mean, just look at some of the caps below (all credits to STORMY team sub – ohgawdimizzyousomuchlaydeezzzz).

(This is an excuse for me to reminisce on some of the finer moments of AnS. Indulge me. I am no longer as kept up to date with them as I used to be, but I do still check in from time to time.)

How ’bout some nipple talk?

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 05 arashi

Or are you up for some boob action?

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 06 arashi

And they are partly responsible for many minds being in the gutter. Even if they didn’t mean to.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 09 arashiArashi won’t be Arashi without some role-playing.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 10 arashiWith the many games they play. Or try to play.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 13 arashiAnd they are good actors. Promise.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 07 arashiWith personalities (or personality disorders, take your pick) that baffle and shock EVEN THEM.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 11 arashiBut, at the end of the day, what makes them imperfect is what endears them to the fans. (These caps are thrown in, because it is a prerequisite for fans to have a bias. *clearsthroat* And he just turned 35 yesterday! This time, I gotta thank your parents for meeting. Period.)

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 14 arashiOne other fandom that I was lured deeply into was Big Bang, and the hook was the music video for Lies (Geojitmal). I liked music videos that tell a story, like a short movie, and this one did. I gotta admit what drew me was the angsty and angry acting shown by the group’s leader and rapper, G-Dragon.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 02 big bangThat was already shortly before they released “Tonight”, so that was 2011, and I had to backtrack to 2007 for their previous releases. What followed was a period of marathoning their music releases and music videos. To date, I still am, and will always be, a VIP at heart.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 03 big bangI made a recent confession of getting hooked to BTS. I remember it clearly. It was a Saturday afternoon, I was working on some of my freelance projects at home, and I turned my YouTube playlist to random, for some sounds, then this song came on. I stopped working, listened and, halfway through, clicked to watch the video. The hours just passed, and I ended up burning the midnight oil to beat deadlines since I put some writing projects on hold. Heee~

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 19 btsIt was BTS’ “I NEED YOU”, the Original version (aka non-violent version). Even without having seen the video, the melody and the overall sound sure caught my interest. I listen to quite a lot of kpop and some jpop, but this time, I was really intrigued. Then I went back to their older releases, and WHOA. Loved it.

This was a classic case of me loving the songs even before I realized that the singers are actually some of the most fun and funniest characters I’d ever come across. I even heard of Rap Monster before and seen him in some variety show guestings, but I was never curious enough to check out his music. Thank goodness for random and shuffle plays, eh?

It’s safe to say that I am smack dab in that period of discovery with them, and I am having a ball. Fortunately, I only have, like, 2 years to go back to, since they debuted just in 2013. I seriously cannot get enough of watching their dance practice videos and get annoyed at some live performances, with all my irritation directed at the camerawork because they are missing out on some of the key points of the intricate and highly technical choreography.

They sure got one of the best dance choreography, it’s easy to forget that two of them cannot dance. 🙂 (I think it’s a huge credit to their choreographers, and the main dancers, who effortlessly make it look like the entire group is a dance machine which, in effect, as a cohesive unit, they are.)

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 24 btsMost of my free time is now spent watching all their Bangtan BOMB videos and other backstage videos. I even marathoned their reality show “American Hustle Life” in one afternoon and did not feel at all like I just wasted several hours reading miniscule subtitles and watching a bunch of Korean guys be lost in LA, awkwardly chanting “turn it up!” and going “actually, I don’t speak English”.

I seriously want these seven as my little brothers, honest. They are very young (eldest is 23, and youngest is 18), and it helps that their music (hiphop genre) covers topics about being young, like having crushes, rebelling against the system, pursuing your dream, etc. I think they are yet to fully delve into topics that tackle serious relationships and undying love and whatnot. Maybe in this next album?

And I must have a soft spot for dorks and weirdos, because that’s another thing to appreciate about these guys. When a lot of things in K-pop-land is all about image and maintaining it, they just seem to go, “Image? What’s that?”

Let me take a moment to appreciate Big Hit Entertainment providing fans a peek at how these kids have fun, via their Bangtan BOMB videos. Through them, we got a treat of their knack for picking up girl group dances (while the other members just stand by and JUDGE. And when they could not stand it anymore, they JOIN IN.)

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 20 bts

Living in close quarters almost all the time, and doing everything together, is bound to do one of two things: make you grow closer, or tear you apart. With these 7, you can tell they’re tight.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 21 btsWhen they are on stage, they are so explosive that it is easy to forget that they are kids. And then their stage personas come off, and they’re back to being youngsters who are just having fun while working hard to achieve their dreams.

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 22 btsAnd I sometimes can’t get over how they go from this… (swaaaaag)

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 15 bts…to this…. (….sweeeeeeg)

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 16 bts

Or from this….

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 17 bts….to this….

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 18 btsAnd I cannot end this litany of images without indulging my bias. Of the 4D alien, V. (Although, even I am conflicted in this, since it is safe to say that all 7 are my bias.)

the most beautiful moment in a fan's life 23 bts

So what makes this period so beautiful?

Imagine that time you came across your favorite type of food. You saw it, thought it looked good, so you had a taste. And then another. Then you reached for another serving. Heaps of it. You could not get enough of it, so you try to have it every chance you get. You’ve developed a curiosity for it. Where can you get more of it? What does it have? Why does it taste so da*n good?

It’s kinda like that, although I admit that it’s a pretty weak analogy. That’s not saying that everything that follows that period do not count, because they do (oh yes they do). But you have to admit that, without this period of discovery, you will never get to those later, supposedly better, parts of your life as a fan.

Photo/Image/Scaps credits to: STORMY team sub of Aibakaland, Big Hit Entertainment, YG Entertainment, BangtanTV on YT, BangtanSubs on YT, ArmyBaseSubs on YT

12 thoughts on “FF#2: The Most Beautiful Moment In (a Fan’s) Life Pt. 1

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  1. OMG. A close friend who is an Arashi fan linked your post to me and I felt the need to comment on your post because how accurate can your words be? Also because its title is The Most Beautiful Moment In Life (I also became a fan because of this EP!).

    Wow, you were a Westlife fanclub member and even got your postcard picked my Mark Feehily? I never had favorite members in Westlife but now that I think about it, maybe it was with Westlife that started this fangirl life of mine (along with other boybands and also Aaron Carter). I still know their most popular songs by heart. I’m not even embarrassed to admit I sing to boyband songs when I was a kid.

    I was one of the people who got into Arashi because of Matsumoto Jun, but as Shin in Gokusen. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. Although I have fallen out of fandom I seem to know updates because of my friends who are both Arashi fans and listen to KPop like me. I have to thank Arashi for letting me meet these friends I keep close to my heart, even now. The switch from fandom to real life friends still amazes me even now because I never thought it would happen. Maybe we all met in the right place and the right (beautiful) moment. Those Arashi screencaps are hilarious by the way.

    I also came to like Big Bang when I started listening to KPop, and also because of G-Dragon. He drew me in. Lies is a good song. Reminds me of the good times.

    Now let’s go to what mostly motivated me to reply to your blog post hahaha. I also made a recent confession of getting hooked to BTS. I actually came to like them a few months ago when they just released The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Part 1. They’re one of those groups I saw on music shows while I waited for my favorites back then but never really looked up or bothered to stan. Whenever I want to check out a new group, I always try to listen to their music first. I coincidentally saw their debut stage in 2013 (just on TV) and thought oh, these guys dance well for a rookie! But this song is not for me. No More Dream gave me highschool feels. A few months later and they released Boy In Luv. Nice, but still not enough for me to stan. When they released Boy In Luv I was in the middle of going on hiatus from KPop because I’ve been getting addicted to EXO in very unhealthy levels, like in a really bad way. I literally started questioning my life choices HAHAHA. I still listened to their Skool In Luv album and the song Where Did You Come From? caught my attention because it was a satoori song and I’m a sucker for satoori. But then after that I forgot about them. Their music was too noisy, and they were too young for me.

    It wasn’t until I NEED U was released. It was just out of curiosity. I often download new KPop releases so I can listen to new songs, then I saw their HYYH Pt. 1 EP. I gave it a chance. I gave it a chance and I fell in love, firstly with Hold Me Tight that I even wondered if it has a choreography. After that I listened to I NEED U closely and searched for the lyrics of I NEED U and other songs in the EP. Then I saw the performance and it was really good. I’ve been missing so much. I went back to their older releases and listened to it with a more open mind, I guess. It was like rebelling to myself. I always referred to that state as a rebellion LMAO. What followed was my discovery of their channel in Youtube and I discovered they were hilarious. I think it took me a month of watching and laughing so hard. “Who cares about image? I know nothing.” It was like finding a treasure. When I first got into BTS I thought that they spoil the fans too much with all those Bangtan Bombs, Episodes, they even have Twitter they regularly update, and the fancafe, now an Instagram with beautiful photos– I mean what else can I ask for?

    I have to agree they got one of the best dance choreography. That 2014 Gayo Daejeon performance with bad camerawork pissed me off too. The cameras completely disregarded the points of their dance. Big Hit uploading a video “trailer” of that one was like the biggest slap in the face of that broadcasting company camera director. The shade.

    As I have mentioned, I’ve been a fan only a few months now but never really mentioned it to anyone else. Maybe because I’ve always seen the bad parts of the fandom, and also because they’re really too young. But I think I’ve connected with them through their songs, like my stories being told by somebody else. Kind of like opening a book written by someone else but feels like an expression of your own life? I also like the fact that they do not just sing about love. I often listen to their songs not about love. I like to listen to their stories.

    I cannot wait for their new album to drop AHHHH (also the concert tonight is happening and I feel regretful I cannot see them).

    …Sorry for this word vomit, I have so much feelings about BTS right now lmao I don’t even think I made sense.

    P.S. I told myself V was my bias, but Jungkook actually hooked me in this group. I swear, I only wanted to hear Jungkook’s voice in their songs. I never meant to love all 7 of them now.

    I think I’m living in my most beautiful moment (part 1 HAHA), a fangirl and just a /girl/ trying to live a life. When I saw the title of the album and listened to the songs, it reminded me of college, which is by far the most fun I had. But I would hate to think that the most beautiful moments of my life has passed. I guess you can say I’m trying hard to live the part 2 as well. Recently I find it hard to adult but with encouragement from people I love, both my friends and those who sing the songs I love to listen to, I think I live it.

    1. Ok, whewwwww. *breathes*

      But, first things first. HIGH-FIVE, FELLOW A.R.M.Y.! XDD (I still honestly feel uncomfortable openly declaring myself an A.R.M.Y. because I think I’m too old compared to the average age of your average A.R.M.Y. but, by virtue of being a BTS fan, yes, I am one.)

      While reading through your long comment (thank you, by the way!) I had to pause a few times and go, “wait, are you sure I did not write this comment in my sleep?” Haha!

      And FYI, the first group that I liked was Boyzone. 🙂 I remember briefly following Caught in the Act and Code Red, but not really much of the American acts (like BSB and ‘NSync).

      And why am I not surprised that you’r Jun-baited? It’s like, 90% of Arashi fans I meet online were Jun-baited. 🙂

      After Big Bang, I am a CNBLUE fan. Solid Boice right here, as well. And I casually listen to and like other groups, such as SNSD, 2NE1, B2ST, and Got7. Also EXO, but I was never really drawn in that much, although I liked some of their choreos.

      If we’re talking about the BTS member that immediately caught my attention at first, though, it would be Jimin. I guess that’s what happens when the first live and dance performances you saw were I NEED YOU and DOPE. Because he was one of those who were front and center. And he’s just too adorable for words.

      To be honest, I agree with what most A.R.M.Y. fans say, about all 7 of them being bias-wreckers. I love Jin for being the calm and mature one in that sea of 7 bundles of chaotic energy. I love Suga for being all swag and gangsta and “i’m too cool for this sh*te but that looks fun so wth let me just join in”. I love J-Hope for being that constant ray of sunshine in the group, then shamelessly bawling his eyes out when the situation calls for it. I love RapMon for being that responsible and commanding leader that has no qualms about embarassing himself. I love Jimin for being that sweet, cute and all-too-often bullied little bro (with abs. ABS.). I love V for being weird and crazy and being the complete opposite of his looks (and I am totally all for him acting. This boy’s got promise!). And I love Jungkook for being so talented as to be perfect, then still remaining as that kid and little boy of the group. And how he turns evil at the best of times.

      Wait, did you just say “word-vomit” in your comment? Right back at ya. 🙂

      Thank you for reading and commenting, M. Much appreciated, and always a pleasure to “meet” a kindred spirit. 🙂 What do you think of the new album? 🙂

      1. Hey Jeffer! Sorry I haven’t replied for so long, December has been a hectic month for me and I just remembered I made a comment here a few weeks ago (sorry about that double comment below btw).

        SAME, I kind of feel uncomfortable too, doncha worry because most fans I see are like 9,10 years younger than I am HAHAHA 😐

        I liked CNBLUE too! I went to their first concert here because I wanted to hear them live. The second time they went here, I couldn’t go… I think there was a typhoon when they came here the second time and I haven’t been listening to their new releases so I might not relate to the artists when I watch them. I also casually listen to other KPop artists for the same reason! I’m actually a GOT7 fan before I became a BTS fan (how to comfortably call myself an IGOT7 and ARMY lmao), but now I think my soul has been sold to Bangtan. SAVE ME

        Jimin: his abs during No More Dream made me O_O NOPE YOU ARE A BOY PUT DOWN THAT SHIRT when I first saw him. But as of recent he’s too adorable for words indeed ;__; He became cooler ;__; </3

        I thought I wouldn't be shaken by the thing called bias-wreckers because it never really happened to me before, but you're right SIGH. I guess Jin is needed to balance the crazy. Suga, I love how he has this seemingly cold demeanor that you might misunderstand at first, but he really shows his affection to those who love him, albeit not very openly. Being an IGOT7 I often see similarities in the groups' humor (Jackson has the word "funny" running through his veins, he doesn't even try), but J-Hope is really a sunshine. His name fits him well, being "hopeful" although I can see it gets tiring hahaha. I think RapMon is just one of those leaders who really has the charisma of a leader. He's smart and learns from his mistakes and shortcomings but also adorable. Sometimes I forget he and Suga are actually younger than I am. JIMIN! Jimin. I had a story with Jimin. I didn't like him at first because his speaking and singing voice wasn't my taste, but now I like that about him. He's smiley, he dances so well (I just recently learned he entered arts high school in Busan before he moved to Seoul as a top student of contemporary dance), he has a beautiful heart and overall just a very caring person (is my current bias obvious). V, he's really charming. Like who knew that handsome guy would act like this sometimes? I'm up for V acting as well! HE CAN do it! And finally Jungkook. Every single word you said, yes. I'm so scared when he grows up more; right now he's maknae on top. If he grows up more his hyungs will be dead. So dead HAHAHAHA

        Another word vomit here XD; No problem, kindred spirit! And I love HYYH part 2 that I actually ordered both versions. Butterfly is my personal anthem, it's a beautiful track but I liked the prologue version more. The re-mastered on in the album still gives me feelings though. Basically their releases this year were dope (no pun intended). *-* Fallen Leaves (? Not sure of the English title since I only read it in Korean) is nice to listen to (I tend to like Suga-produced songs, I guess? Like Tomorrow), and Crow-Tit (LOL) is. my. jam. Totally my jam. At first it was too hip-hopey but when I listened to it over and over again, I really like it now. It's the same with their title track. At first listen it wasn't that impressive to me but the lyrics really got to me. Such feels, much deep. Indeed a good portrayal of youth. "It's okay even if I fall down" "Even if my two feet are full of wounds, I smile when I just see your face" HOW ABOUT NO Also Whalien 52 was a weird title but now I get it. I GET IT HUHUHU

        What do you think of part 2? 😛

      2. Happy New Year!! Yeah, December was quite hectic for me as well. 🙂 I hope you were able to bid 2015 goodbye the way you want it!

        The CNBLUE con… yeah, there was a typhoon, but I still made that long trip from Baguio, haha! My excuse was that it was not raining when I left Baguio and I only knew about the typhoon when I was somewhere in Pampanga. And did I tell you before that reading your account makes me think I am listening to myself? Because right before I checked out Bangtan, I was quite fascinated with GOT7, too! Mainly due to Jackson, because I just think he’s one hell of a guy. For a time I was checking everything out about them on YT, then Bangtan happened. I still like GOT7 now, though, and I’m always tickled pink when I see BTS-GOT7 interactions. I say MOAR PLEASE.

        I gave up picking an ultimate bias in BTS, because the moment I thought I was set on one, the others just… come in and make me rethink. So, yep. Gave up on that. I still think TaeTae’s too adorable for words, though, and Jimin’s the best contradiction ever. At first, I thought I’d be relegating Jin to the background, but damn if they all have their own charms.

        Gosh… what album version do I have, you ask? None. Haha! I know I’m a bad fan like that for not buying their physical CDs, but I have my reasons. I was in deep in several fandoms in the past (I talked about them in my post) and I always made it a point to buy CDs. That included CD singles. Then at some point I realized CD singles are expensive, considering there’s like, 2 or 3 songs only. So I resolved to just buy full albums. But K-pop has this mini-album thing, so ARGH. And then Arashi released repackaged albums…. (*sigh*)

        So I gave up buying physical CD albums altogether and just decided to buy their digital releases AND DVDs. Especially concert DVDs. That’s as far as I go. 🙂 Although, looking at the photobook added to the BTS albums, I am sooooooooooooorely tempted.

        I love love love the album! I loved Pt 1 so damn much, but Pt 2 was a whole new level, because I loved EVERY SONG on it. My personal favorite is CROW-TIT, and I hope they do a comeback with it soon. Like… I am already imagining Tae bust it out onstage for his part. Like you, it’s my jam~ MA CITY, too.

        Suga’s proving himself to be a very good producer and songwriter. I dunno, he just gives off that vibe, so when he claims that he’s a genius, I’m like, “no arguments from me, bruh”.

        The latest slew of injuries and health problems has got me worrying, though, because from what I’ve seen, these boys work soooo damn hard, I would just be happy with a BOMB released showing them snoring like crazy. When I heard they’re doing their comeback in Korea and their Japanese promotions simultaneously, I knew something like it was bound to happen. I’m still glad they’re managing to pull through, though. That group hug (sans Namjoon) in the New Year countdown had me feeling all gooey and protective, but still so glad. It might be hard, but they are doing what they do, and they have each other. Oh, and us, A.R.M.Y.s. Yep, I’ll be more proud about proclaiming that from now on. 🙂

      3. Happy New Year to you too! I thought I replied to your comment already, but I still haven’t haha.

        Wow, you’re from Baguio? :O Daaannnggg lol what is this destiny XD Jackson is the reason I checked out GOT7. Like I only wanted to know what role he plays in the group and when I watched their videos I was sold. Too funny. Okay wth that is also the reason I got into BTS!! Through YT videos! I was watching GOT7 then saw the recommended videos below and clicked the Bangtan Bomb where Jungkook and V were lipsyncing Linkin Park (BLESS THEIR YOUNG SOULS) and dancing to It’s Tricky like a flashmob. SAME. GOT7-Bangtan interactions make me a happy fangirl.

        Taetae is ultimately cute. Jimin too. Jungkook. Actually everyone is really charming, like you can’t help but find something likeable about them all.

        I don’t really often buy physical albums– I just buy when I love most if not all the songs in the album. I guess for sentimental reasons, I bought The Most Beautiful Moment in Life albums. 😀 About CD releases, I know the pain. I have friends who wanted to collect Arashi’s discog and they release like a hundred CDs every year, including singles. You know how Arashi/JE groups/basically Japanese pop groups release physical CDs every time, right? /looks at wallet OUCH. Physical albums are bigger in Japan, I guess? Korea’s more of a download/stream country, except for pop groups with good album/mini album packaging.

        I’m planning on getting that concert DVD with photobook. Someday. Sa tamang panahon HAHAHAHA my first BTS merch was bought on a whim: Summer Package 2015, with photobook & DVD, some travel freebies like a pouch, bagtag, stickers. I swear I have no regrets. It made me want to go to Kota Kinabalu and try parasailing too.

        I have to agree pt. 1 was a whole new level. I can’t believe they were able to top pt. 1! Their fanmeeting’s up next week, maybe they’d perform other songs from the mini album too. I have to say, Crow-Tit is my morning ritual. Wake up in the morning with a swag. I hope Suga releases his mixtape soon, but no pressure. He’s a genius but also has really cute moments. Whenever he writes a long (essay) message to fans, I really feel his sincerity towards what he does.

        Fortunately, they had a break last week! But then they’re working now again, even though the active promotion is over. They were probably supposed to have a week-long break, but was called over again to Seoul to appear on Music Bank because they wwere nominated (and won!) first place last week. This week though, they totally dropped to 20th. But that’s okay. Hehehe. That group hug during New Year’s Day got me too. TOO PRECIOUS but Namjoon seriously, Jimin keeps on saying he’s such a clumsy/stupid hyung for getting himself hurt hahahah. I love being a fan of BTS, being an ARMY 8D

      4. Hello there again~

        Yep, YT is like a daily ritual to me now, especially when I get home. I check immediately what new Bangtan video has been uploaded. I don’t think I’ve ever used YT this much before in my life. For real~

        Don’t even start talking to me about merch. I am physically restraining myself from buying any official merchandise! Although, at the moment, I am obsessed with their fashion choices, esp their casual wear. I have a thing for hoodies and sweats, and they have, like, the most rad, casual and streetwear… which also happens to be hella expensive, and I am soooooooooooo tempted to spend money on those items! Darn them and how they look great in hoodies.

        I am so praying that they will come to the Philippines for a concert this year. I will definitely go watch them!! It’ll be difficult to stick to my policy of not spending more than 5k on a concert ticket (well, except Arashi, of course), so I can only hope their ticket prices will be reasonable. And by reasonable, I mean kinda cheaper than, say, what Big Bang and EXO sell them for.

      5. I have never checked YT this much before too. I mean I do go to YT of course, but not every day like this?? It’s like there are too many Bangtan videos I might have missed when I still wasn’t a fan, and when I’m bored I just watch video compilations by Korean fans that pop up in my recommended vids. Always makes my day. Have you seen Hope On The Street just the other day? JHope did a live broadcast on V app and I was amazed. I wish I can dance (or have a passion to pursue a dream for that matter, I feel so dead right now)!!

        ARE YOU ME I like their casual wear too! In a lot of cases it just looks so good on them so I wonder if I should get one myself and then I realized… oh right, it’s either they bought it or it was given to them which costs $$$ #NEVERMIND I also like some of their accessories and shoes!

        I think they’re coming this year and I’m not going to miss it. Will brave the typhoon and take care of myself (NO HOSPITALS NOOO) HAHAHA. I… am willing to spend more than 5k to see them. Hopefully cheaper than Big Bang or EXO!

      6. I did a marathon of Bangtan Bombs… and I still am re-viewing them over and over. I can’t seem to get enough~ I even had the V-App installed on my phone, even if it meant watching them without understanding anything beyond the basics, haha!

        And YES THAT HOPE ON THE STREET EP. I was so psyched with the Bapsae choreo. Darn, I wish they promote that in the future, like, soon.

        Their streetwear. I was gobsmacked when I saw how much they go for. And then when I saw again that many of their personal items were given by fans. I was like, “ang yaaaaaaaaman ng Korean fans~ grabe~!!!”

        I did hear the rumors. And I hope it’s true! I WILL DEFINITELY GO! There was a storm when CNBLUE came and I still went to watch, so it’s a no-brainer for this one.

      7. OMG same here. When I was just a new fan it probably took me a month of binge-watching Bangtan Bombs. A few months later I am STILL watching some of them and playing Detective Conan HAHAHA. Can I just say whoever thought of V app is a genius?! When it first came out I was so glad BTS was one of the first artists featured and boy did I love their live broadcasts. I’m into deep Jeffer, this is insane D: I love their V app channel haha I installed it just for them (and occasional GOT7 XD).

        I want to see that Baepsae choreo LIVE. PLEASE MAKE AN INTERVENTION UNIVERSE!

        IKR their stuff is just too expensive… wait remember V wearing clothing with his ~personal touch~? Apparently it is a thing and I didn’t know wearing scissored clothing is a thing XD I also never knew Chrome Hearts is that expensive like?? I find so many cheaper class A copies of their design and an original accessory, say like a ring or a bracelet costs at least 200USD. What even. I saw this on Twitter randomly but a Chinese V fansite gave him a luxury watch (aside from other thousand-dollar gifts) that cost around 22,000USD… I’M…

        Super excited! How about meeting up on the day of the concert? Hahaha

      8. I have like, an entire 1TB external hard drive dedicated to their videos and various media, and it’s more than half-filled already. And don’t worry about the insanity thing, I TOTALLY GET YOU. I’m actually glad I have you to flail with, haha!

        Oh, V~ He does have a point about ripped clothes looking classier and more expensive, though. And I went “aaaaw~” when he said he couldn’t afford expensive clothes so he did the cutting himself. They looked surprisingly stylish on him! But maybe it’s because it’s him who’s wearing them that they look good.

        Do you know the Twitter account BTS Style Observer? I stumbled on it, and boy, that’s where my eyes kept popping up when the items they are wearing or using (esp in airports and trips) are revealed to be given by fans, and they are insaaaaanely pricey I can’t even. Ugh.

        I was given a couple of sweaters that are (quite all right) imitations of their earlier bulletproof-themed outfits, and they are so comfy and warm, perfect for the weather here. I’m eyeing some hoodies, but I need to psyche myself up first if I’m willing to pop that much on hoodies. Yikes. It doesn’t help that they’re doing PUMA BLAZE line now, coz I’m a sucker for trainers and running shoes.ARGH.

        AND OH WE TOTALLY SHOULD MEET UP. It’ll be a travesty if we don’t! haha!

  2. Hi there Jeffer!

    I commented on your Digitalian post long time ago and now, I’m back again to your blog because the fact that you like Arashi, Big Bang, travelling and also the fact that you’re one of my favorite subber back in the days. Then, I see this post and bamn, I couldn’t resist to comment because I giggle and nods throughout the post, it’s a very entertaining read.

    Before I found Arashi, I never been hooked like ever with band to the point of normal people would say “wth”, though I don’t do stakeout and that any other things that you said in your post. But then I found Arashi when all the small clips from AnS still accessible on youtube. Like you said those period are GOLD, at that time never knew Arashi is a boyband. I just love the show and their interactions. Basically, I like Arashi as whole packages entertainer

    There are times when I’m in arashi boredom phase (though up until today I still love them), and most of my fangirling friends are shifting to k-pop (mostly idols from SM). They introduce me to k-pop and k-drama yet they failed. I always say to myself, ok my fangirling craziness stop at Arashi. But then, I discover Bad Boy MV and instantly fell in love with BB. Then I saw GD&TOP NAN interview, and discover that they have interesting personalities as well. The more I denied, the more I go deeply to VIP fandom ;p Now, I’m a proud VIP!

    One things that bugs me a lot is when I watch Big Bang X tour concert in Japan (because it’s only like 5 days apart from Digitalian) I meet with fellow J-VIP. When I told them that I watch Arashi’s Digitalian few days back, they response with the longest “eeeehhhhhh???” that I ever heard, then “nande??”. it’s like when you like BB, you weren’t supposed to like Arashi? *sigh* So, it’s really nice to discover that there are people who like both groups (like you)

    And when I feel that I need to retired from my fangirling days, I watch YG’s survival show WIN and found iKon. Oh man, iKon is my ultimate guilty pleasure because they are too young (like my nephew young). It’s just silly that I see Arashi + Big Bang = iKon.

    Is it crazy if I say fangirling keeps you sane? as long as stay in the right amount and you don’t go over your limit. Like people say I’m crazy to go to Japan and spend more than 60.000 yen for a concert ticket, but I never regret it, it motivates me to work harder and most importantly it makes me happy. Through fangirling, now I can understand and speak little bit Japanese and Korean (at least I’m not lost when in Japan or Korea)

    Whoa,never expected to be this long! Anyway, love to share my thoughts here.

    1. Hey, Pe~~~!!

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

      Well, I don’t know about others, but I don’t think there is a rule that says an Arashi fan cannot like Big Bang, or vice versa. It’s music, it’s entertainment, it’s fangirling, period. I am aware of some fans like that, questioning your choices, but I don’t let them get to me, or ruin how I fangirl. 🙂

      I, too, am guilty for not following Arashi as much as I used to. Time constraints… and (let’s face it) accessibility. Unlike kpop where all you have to do is go to YouTube, and you’re spoiled rotten. But once a fangirl, always a fangirl. And once an Arashian, always an Arashian.

      I agree with what you said. Fangirling keeps me sane, too. In fact, during a long, grueling day at work, I look forward to when I get home in the evening, change into something comfy, stretch out or laze around and do nothing but catch up on videos and updates, because it relaxes me. Different strokes for different folks, eh? Some go out for a drink, some watch their favorite soaps. I indulge in fangirling. *shrugs* It works, haha!

      (and gawd at spending 60,000JPY on a ticket. I know that all too well~~~)

      Oh, and I think IKON are fun guys, too. I hope YG does them justice, tho. Papa YG is making some missteps lately, it’s saddening.

      Thanks for dropping by and commenting!!!!

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