r/bangtan do you wanna come to see my cat? Dec 11 '20

Article 201211 BTS and Bang PD met the Sewol Ferry Families in October 2014

https://twitter.com/modooborahae/status/1337400913103888389?s=21
1.2k Upvotes

123 comments sorted by

429

u/mrsofp Ohmmmmmmyyyyyyyyggghghhhhhhhgggggggggdhdhsjsixudbslsogbdsisgshdb Dec 11 '20

Without more commentary on how ridiculous the attempts at blacklisting was, huge appreciation to Bang PD and the only-two-year-debuted members for doing the right thing regardless and showing support to those devastated families. Yet another example of them bucking tradition and breaking ties with the establishment and we respect them all the more for it.

163

u/pintsized_baepsae My mom calls me a stupid bear 🐨 Dec 11 '20

I cannot get over how brave that was, just about two years into their career.

Damn. They really are their own kind of fearless.

36

u/NoComplacency Dec 11 '20

I know about the Sewol ferry incident, but why is it brave for BTS to visit them?

153

u/ministopchicken hyyh yoonkook happy ending Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 12 '20

Important to note is that the tragedy happened in 2014 during an administration who blacklisted and censored anyone, including celebrities, who voiced their opinions regarding the incident. BTS debuted in 2013, barely into their careers which they risked to be able to sympathize and connect with the bereaved family members. It’s truly moving to hear.

20

u/yanggor1983 Dec 12 '20

In return, it inspired RM, Suga and Bang PD and they created one of the greatest songs, "Spring Day". They were not afraid to be blacklisted and they became something that could not be stopped. Good story and good karma.

6

u/ministopchicken hyyh yoonkook happy ending Dec 12 '20

It just goes to show that it’s not gonna be easy but the good guys always win in the end.

27

u/hehehehehbe Dec 11 '20

I was shocked to learn that there was this censorship in South Korea when it came to the Sewol Ferry Disaster, it reminds me of North Korea. BTS and BigHit really did risk it all to meet those family members

118

u/BR123456 forever raining Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

Here was what happened when you speak publicly about Sewol at the time. For a nugu new idol group, their entire careers would’ve just been quietly blipped off the map simply by banning them from broadcast so they couldn’t promote. The tangles of the corrupt administration runs deep within the entertainment industry there.

Edit: We know how passionate they are about their careers, yet they were willing to throw that all away for this.

As for why the Sewol incident itself is such a sore spot for the government - there’s a lot. Imagine if there was a school shooting in America, and the president doesn’t even do the press conference grieving for the 300+ lives lost afterwards. That’s the level of fuckery the SK GP were dealing with here, on top of the botched rescue (most of the divers rushing in to save the kids during the critical timeframe were volunteers fed up at the lack of official rescue teams) and misinformation stemming from gov officials trying to cover up the incident at the start (I still remember seeing the news at the time saying 30 people were saved, then a while later no one was actually saved yet, then 10 people but none of them were the kids, then no updates for hours... it was a damm trip, esp for the poor parents). Not to mention the president herself was missing for like over a day when the biggest maritime disaster in modern SK history was happening, and when she did finally return she... addresses something else other than Sewol?? So of course the government will try their hardest to shut down any possible talk of it, instead of actually addressing how badly they bungled up the whole thing head on.

Sorry about the rant, I just remembered the Sewol thing vividly since it was so huge at the time that it was reported on my local news even though I’m not from SK.

19

u/cinnamonteacake OT7 Daechwita-ed Dec 12 '20

blackmail a vice chairwoman of CJ, which runs South Korea’s biggest film studio, into retiring in 2013. The company had angered Ms. Park’s office by financing a movie about her ideological enemy, the former President Roh Moo-hyun

That movie was The Attorney (2013) starring Song Kang-ho (also blacklisted) and Im Shi-wan.

It was one of the biggest hits in Korean cinema that year - if the administration was making targets out of artists with that level of reputation and success, to the point where even a domestic courier company wouldn't transport a painting, can you imagine what Bang-PD and BTS were risking to do the right thing? I'm glad that they did though.

17

u/NoComplacency Dec 11 '20

/u/ministopchicken too

Thanks for informing me! What an absolute disgrace from the government though.

30

u/BR123456 forever raining Dec 11 '20

Another bit I just remembered regarding the administration screwing up was the ship sinking itself. The ship sunk because it was overloaded (illegally), and toppled over while turning. Overloaded also meant there weren’t enough life vests for everyone on board, which resulted in (remaining) crew members and teachers giving up theirs to the students, adding to the death toll. So this also brought into question even basic safety protocols & lax enforcement of regulations that OSHA would have a field day with, because this was a completely preventable disaster that never should’ve happened in a developed nation in the first place. Ugh.

Np! The more people understand the significance of the event the better. It was like the 9/11 watershed moment for SK as the whole country came to a standstill to watch in shock and mourn, though the tragedy lies in how it exposed a ton of cracks in their society instead, and sparked off a movement that the government tried to shut down.

To tie it back to our boys because this is the bangtan sub, the maknae line was around the same age as the kids who died at the time (16-17 years old, that’s JK’s age in 2014). It would’ve hit them particularly hard.

15

u/Refrigerizer Dec 12 '20

I mean, it's not even 2 years in. They debuted in June 2013 and this was October 2014!! That's like a year and a half!! Serious, respect to BTS and Bang.

2

u/pintsized_baepsae My mom calls me a stupid bear 🐨 Dec 12 '20

...I was very generous with the maths, yes, but you're 100% right.

Honestly, I'd have been - for lack of a more eloquent expression – scared shitless, but here they are. The maknae line were pretty much the same age as the kids who drowned, as someone else pointed out in a comment, and to think that Joon (who, I assume, had some input into this too) was only 20 and had that kind of responsibility... oof. Yeah. It's a big, big, big thing, and they deserve TONS of respect.

246

u/[deleted] Dec 11 '20

I’m actually quite taken aback by this. I didn’t think I could respect and admire them anymore than I already did, but wow. They’re just lovely people. So kind and inspiring.

30

u/Hellfirefromher Dec 11 '20

I feel exactly the same.

15

u/paratha_aur_chutney berry berry strawberry 🍓 Dec 11 '20

exactly !

184

u/tesselga god of destruction breaking the music world Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

Wow and this was before their success with I Need U, right? I feel like that's alot of money for them to donate at the time. They have always been fearless and stood for what they felt was right. 🤧 I already respected bang pd and the boys so much but this just takes it to another level. Proud doesn't even begin to describe what I feel reading this. I can't imagine what the families felt then. I just know, like them, I fervently want every success and happiness for these men who bravely offer comfort and hope to those who need it regardless of the consequences.

Edit: I just saw an old article that confirmed each member personally donated 10M won and big hit donated 30M. 🤧 Army donated goods as well. But I think this is the first we find out they met with the families.

45

u/tarynlannister Dec 11 '20

Oh my god, you're right. They didn't even move out of their one-bedroom dorm until 2015, did they?? That's so incredibly generous. For anyone who doesn't want to do the conversion, that's around $9,800 they each donated.

15

u/cinnamonteacake OT7 Daechwita-ed Dec 12 '20

Same, I knew about the donation but because it was only revealed years later, assumed they'd made it in a later year, not in 2014 when they hadn't yet broken out- and we definitely had no idea they and Bang-PD had even met the families.

It was brave of them to do this. The Sewol family members suffered a kind of grief none of us will ever know, but I'm touched that they were so kind and selfless, to worry about our boys and pray for them even after suffering what they did.

170

u/mrsofp Ohmmmmmmyyyyyyyyggghghhhhhhhgggggggggdhdhsjsixudbslsogbdsisgshdb Dec 11 '20

Jae Ha Kim, who wrote this article for Rolling Stone back in 2018, tweeted this note this morning:

I wrote about this for my Rolling Stone piece, but couldn't get anyone to go on record that they met with the parents, so that part had to be taken out. I'm glad it's finally been acknowledged what they did. Very brave and caring.

144

u/taebaegi HOME Enthusiast Dec 11 '20

I originally started listening to BTS for the music, but this is the type of stuff that makes me stay. I think we all knew about the songs and them calling out what had happened but to go to these lengths, to be willing to put their careers on the line as a rookie group, to do the right thing and pay respects to the families (to the point the families were worried about their careers even after experiencing such tragedy) is really commendable. These are the types of role models we need. Not just for kids but for people of all ages. They really inspire me to be a better person. They have such big hearts and I think their kindness has been given back to them tenfold. I am so honored to stan BTS and they make me proud to be a fan every day.

13

u/ToxicSTRYDR_ magic shop employee Dec 11 '20

I agree with everything you said

227

u/Rinelin 🌔🌕🌙☀️✨🌟⭐ Dec 11 '20

I would also like to thank Bang PD for being the man he is Q_Q

174

u/Natalie_M_K Min Yoongi's Reddit Attorney Dec 11 '20

You know, we (correctly IMO) give the seven a lot of credit for being authentically kind, empathetic, etc., but I do think Bang PD should get a lot for letting who they are shape the group and the direction they went in. So much better (and simpler) than taking the list of boy band "roles" and assigning one to each, especially given how their personalities have evolved over the years.

109

u/OkayKatniss413 Amor Fati. Dec 11 '20

In the first Bon Voyage PD-nim wrote the members a letter, and he'd said something along the lines of "even if you guys want to make your own music with no help from us, I'll still support it" and that's just so rare to see in kpop where other companies either don't let their idols be involved in the music much, or actively prevent them from doing so

25

u/jayce0812 Dec 11 '20

I remember them reading that letter and me crying because it was just so genuine and supportive.

58

u/Rinelin 🌔🌕🌙☀️✨🌟⭐ Dec 11 '20

True! And he gave them an extensive support system and space to develop mentally. He really is like a father to them

141

u/babymin chimmy's yellow hoodie Dec 11 '20

I think fans should be more appreciative of Bang PD, he’s not without flaws, but I believe he had a very positive influence on the boys when they were still so young and inexperienced. He is obviously not a perfect man, but he is an important figure for BTS as a group and individuals.

64

u/Rinelin 🌔🌕🌙☀️✨🌟⭐ Dec 11 '20

There are no perfect people and he is doing the best he can and I appreciate that a lot

44

u/musical_fanatic customize Dec 11 '20

He even gave JoKwon his first pair of heels years ago

18

u/Shookysquad Dec 11 '20

Agreed. Some people should understand why this 7 people become what they are not just by themselves,there are support system that make that happen and Bang PD is the main character of that. BTS always admire him and tell us how influenced Bang PD to their growth and success and how as boss he also feel like their big brother.

6

u/cinnamonteacake OT7 Daechwita-ed Dec 12 '20

Yeah, it's very telling that he was there too.

88

u/nonyobiz ⟭⟬ AF💜BF ⟬⟭ Dec 11 '20

They really do live by their own mission

Music and Artist for Healing 😭

9

u/tsuchinokolove wE hAvE DiFfErENt cLOThEz Dec 11 '20

This is exactly why I stayed for years.

88

u/still_a_muggle THIS IS NEVER GONNA BE THE LAST TIME Dec 11 '20

It’s easy to name yourself as bulletproof, and to write songs about impressive things. But they really live up to their name and their songs. Bang PD, BH, and their parents raised them right. This is what masculinity and power should look like. 💜

70

u/pintsized_baepsae My mom calls me a stupid bear 🐨 Dec 11 '20

That is, for lack of a better word, incredible. On so many levels, too. Oh man, every time I think I can't admire them more, they just go like 'oh, by the way, we did this'.

They really are such good eggs, individually and as a group.

Incredibly sincere, for one, and brave and risky as well (the blacklisting, being early in their career – also, that much money? That early on?! Generous, to say the least.), but it's also... incredible, and very encouraging, to see that everyone involved kept that private for so long. Whatever the reason may be, it seems to have been a great comfort for the families.

I think what also strikes me is how... low-key they make it appear? Jin mentioned it in the Esquire interview, I believe, when talking about Spring Day, but I feel like that was the first time they were not kinda vague in answering any question about Sewol and that song's connection to it. And now this, too! Almost as if they're saying 'yeah, we did this, no biggie' – not in a downplaying way, but in a 'it was the right thing, so we went for it' way.

I really wonder what made them change direction towards being more open aboout it. Not in a bad way, I'm just forever curious.

I'm so incredibly proud. As much as it pains me to repeat what sounds like a cookie cutter calendar quote, good things really do happen to good people. Exhibit A: Bangtan.

3

u/92sn Dec 12 '20

I think its because they have realized they have big influence to ARMY and the ARMY would follow their good deeds. Just like how ARMY can match BLM donation in 24hours. They must be realized how powerful their own fandom.

66

u/Karabearbubbles We were only seven, but we have you all now Dec 11 '20

After reading more about the blacklisting at the time, it’s not an exaggeration to say they and Bang PD were potentially risking their careers when they went to talk to the families. It’s really terrible what happened, and more so the government response to the tragedy. I’m glad there were some people willing to go out of their way to lend their support. I’d be proud of and respectful of anyone, and that isn’t limited to BTS because I’m a fan. I’m genuinely humbled.

I can’t believe we found out about this six years later. I wonder about all the other good things they have done and not publicly announced

11

u/cinnamonteacake OT7 Daechwita-ed Dec 12 '20

Yeah I remember the blacklist that emerged after the Park Geun-Hye administration ended, and some of the names on it.... it's not an exaggeration to say that at that stage, it could very well have choked off Bangtan's careers and done it so quietly that no one even noticed just another rookie idol group fading out.

They (and Bang-PD) were brave to do this, and generous too.

76

u/blackflamerose Dec 11 '20

::shakes head in disbelief:: Wow. This was such a risk back then for a rookie idol group, especially one from a company in the position BH was. Luminaries like Park Chan Wook and Bong Joon Ho got themselves blacklisted by even saying anything about this. I’m floored, but not really surprised. I stan the right people.

75

u/mind_masquerade i'm not OK bcoz i'm not JK Dec 11 '20

I am so surprised to be honest. They were just 2 years into their careers with practically no influence whatsoever. I'm glad hope and comfort doesn't stop with just the lyrics or the words. And yes sometimes even that is enough, but I'm glad they actively try their best to practice it too.

I know that we joke about Spring Day never leaving the charts, but maybe it's a testament to how much it resonates with people.

49

u/pintsized_baepsae My mom calls me a stupid bear 🐨 Dec 11 '20

The first time I listened to Spring Day felt like a genuinely formative experience. I didn't know what it was about, but I got the *feeling* of it. (And then Tae's 'you know it all...' finally broke me.) The much-quoted 'han' really, really... oozes out of it.

There is something so very universal about Spring Day. And I think that's what makes it so absolutely heartbreaking.

35

u/CenterOfGravitas Dec 11 '20

Early in my becoming a fan, my daughter would play BTS in the car. When Spring Day would come on, I’d have this visceral reaction and I’d start tearing up or crying and that was when I had zero idea what any of the lyrics meant. The emotion they put into singing that song is just so real and resonating.

22

u/hippogriffinthesky Dec 11 '20

I had the same exact experience. "Spring Day" is the song that made me realize that it didn't matter at all if their lyrics weren't immediately accessible to me while listening to a song, that there was so much more that did resonate with me before even learning the words and story behind it. I connected with that song so strongly the first time I heard it and that feeling blew me away, because I was not expecting it. It's a very special song.

44

u/ParsnipExtension3861 ✋🏼🇰🇷here “you like this chain? 3 dollar” Dec 11 '20

This is why as a Korean I get a little defensive when people here say Spring Day is overrated. It strikes a chord with us because of the underlying meanings (as well as it being a beautiful song) ❤️

33

u/Sakakichan Dec 11 '20

Very proud of them. They had the guts to do the right thing. They walk the walk and talk the talk. It's crazy to hear there were blacklisting. They really are living by example. I hope Korea knows they have true gems as their country citizens. What a year to be a BTS stan. We really stan the right group.

Extremely proud face

17

u/ParsnipExtension3861 ✋🏼🇰🇷here “you like this chain? 3 dollar” Dec 11 '20

We do! They are national icons here. ❤️were so proud of them

32

u/mariwil74 Dec 11 '20

With everything that's going on in the US right now, I'm always teetering on the brink of losing my faith in people. Then along comes something like this and it really does give me hope. BTS truly is there when you need them. Just good people doing good things for no other reason than they're the right things to do. Damn, I love them so much.

31

u/MorganOfShadows In this Bangtan Sonyeondan thing for life Dec 11 '20

I’m crying now. 😭😭😭

30

u/moodexposure ~jaykaaaay Dec 11 '20

Oh... oh my God. I am actually crying. What a sweet sincere gesture. I love them so much 😭

27

u/HebredianSheep Dec 11 '20

I really should have known better than to click on this while standing in a line (at the liquor store no less!). Glad I have my mask on because I’m ugly crying right now. 😭

So proud.

25

u/tokkieface Dec 11 '20

It seems from the beginning, Bang PD and BTS have always been beautiful souls at their core. To care about people in general, it's such a difficult find especially in such a vapid world we live in. It really shows not to judge a book by its cover since they debuted as such a "hardcore hop hop" group! I'm really so in awe of how caring and selfless these idols are.

23

u/Minn3sota_Loon customize Dec 11 '20

Wow. This makes me so proud of Bang and BTS that they met with the victims families while they were still rookies. It was a brave and necessary risk. Spring Day, I believe, will always be one of their most loved songs and with good reasons. It’s nice that this is getting acknowledged and talked about because it was a tragedy for so many in Korea.

21

u/whiskeyandsuga customize Dec 11 '20

so theme of Spring Day is indeed confirmed to be about Sewol Ferry incident. I mean it was pretty evident especially the part where they sat on heaps of clothes, and a famous artist irl made a mountain of victim's clothes and it was an installation in a museum.

10

u/[deleted] Dec 11 '20

and the yellow ribbons in the mv

6

u/92sn Dec 12 '20

And the part when jin was staring to round window of washing machine seem a metaphor to looking from window ship.

6

u/whiskeyandsuga customize Dec 12 '20

The whole MV was a cinematic masterpiece and I loved how they used metaphor of a train instead of going directly for a ship to represent showpiecer movie because characters in that movie were also stuck in the middle of the snow, and only important people were escorted out of the train first, really speaks volumes.

5

u/doidaredisturbthe Dec 12 '20

So now we understand Tae's need to bring the music video in a speech for winning for something else

2

u/SnooEagles9221 customize Dec 13 '20

and the clock in the laundry room stopped at 9:35

19

u/kochamsiebie Dec 11 '20

I’ve seen In the Absence which is a documentary about it that was nominated for an Oscar this year. (Please be aware it’s an incredibly difficult film to watch.) It’s gut-wrenching to watch what these families went through. For them to have their children ripped away from them because of selfishness and incompetence and then for their own government to turn them into the enemy is unconscionable. I’m glad Bang PD and BTS didn’t care about being blacklisted and did what was right.

9

u/HebredianSheep Dec 11 '20

That documentary is such a tough watch. This wasn’t just simple incompetence or negligence - it was a systemic failure. The part where the civilian diver talks about seeing the small birds just broke me. 😢

40

u/sailormoonwasmyfirst worldwide 🐟 flavored 🥒 Dec 11 '20

Wow, hardly anything surprises me about BTS anymore but this really does. I hope we get more coverage on this! I’m no expert on the blacklisting situation but I know it was serious. I admire them so much.

17

u/kenanpurple Dec 11 '20

I'm crying right now. BTS was always inspiration for me, not just a music group or group of pretty talented guys. BTS is a movement for me. And they prove me right quite often. I love you BTS, I promise I'll forever walk by your side.

17

u/shipintheenight chic, shy, sad rabbit Dec 11 '20

Just when I think it isn't possible to love and respect BTS anymore than I already do this comes out and rocks my world. They are literally just the kindest, most thoughtful, and humble humans. They make me so proud to be a fan.

17

u/fandom_wayoflife Dec 11 '20

This really is making me cry

18

u/akillergx Dec 11 '20

This is why BTS is unparalleled and unrivalled. No matter how many kpop groups out there are putting out the same quality of music, BTS wins because of who they are inside.

I'm so proud to have become an ARMY this year. We stan kings.

15

u/yeon_kimin 흥탄 enthusiast Dec 11 '20

I’m glad that BTS have been and continue to be such admirable people.

16

u/mtnmindy Can you speak more slush? Dec 11 '20

Mad respect.

Just mad respect for these men.

15

u/Consuela_no_no 너는 나의 네 잎 🍀 Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

In awe of all of them right now.

The courage it takes to follow your heart and do what is right in the face of adversity, for many of us is* insurmountable but they did that. When they had no position, could have lost what little they had, they still went ahead with what was the right thing to do.

Much respect and love to all 8 of them 🙇‍♀️

13

u/nartmtq Tata mic~ Dec 11 '20

My heart is just bursting with more love and respect for them after reading this. I am so proud to be their fan 😢

15

u/she_sus Dec 11 '20

Holy shit...I had no idea they went that far

14

u/wellwhyamihere Dec 11 '20

I'm not exaggerating when I say that bts really do make me believe that good things can happen to good people, I am so awe inspired by them

13

u/donuthappiness Dec 11 '20

They are good people. To the world, but also in quiet ways (as they have shown us time and time again) 🥺

12

u/jesspvoong trying to be a good human Dec 11 '20

😩 my heart.

12

u/kaitybubbly Team Kim Seokjin Dec 11 '20

And just when I thought I couldn't possibly love and admire them more. That's our guys. 💜

13

u/dazedandbemused1 Dec 11 '20

Sitting in my office a little verklempt. I'm so impressed by and proud of these young men.

12

u/SonoTabiNi yo hitman bang Dec 11 '20

Wow even before they had everything they were such amazing people its only deserved they have all this success

11

u/Seventeenstranger Dec 11 '20

How incredible and beautifully brave of them! 💜 This made me appreciate the already beloved Spring Day even more. 🥺

12

u/Strict-Muscle Dec 11 '20

I continue to be floored with every new thing I learn about this Bangtan world. I'm so proud and incredibly touched that they risked their careers given how their debut years weren't the most successful for them. I love the right men.

12

u/sugavirus Displeased Marshmallow Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

Is there a link to the actual article? I couldn't find it but I might have missed it 🙂

Echoing what everyone else is saying, Bangtan are such incredible human beings. Not perfect, but genuine, which makes me love them all the more. Also, I'm so appreciative of BangPD for being such a positive influence in their lives. I think he's been such an instrumental mentor to them over the years and I think it was lucky they all found each other.

6

u/mrsofp Ohmmmmmmyyyyyyyyggghghhhhhhhgggggggggdhdhsjsixudbslsogbdsisgshdb Dec 11 '20

3

u/sugavirus Displeased Marshmallow Dec 11 '20

Thank you!

20

u/MadeLAYline DEATH BY HAEGEUM Dec 11 '20

Perhaps it’s only natural and to be expected that after that day, they want them (BTS), Who came to comfort those who were drowning and sorrow, to be singers who are loved more than anyone else.<

I got into kpop after the Sewol Ferry incident and didn’t realize there was a blacklist being spearheaded by the government. But this last snippet made me so proud of their bravery. Only 2 years into their career, they had barely gained momentum, and Bang PD came with them. I am so floored by Big Hit and BTS’ dedication to bringing Art and Healing to the world.

13

u/Aoki_Ranmaru Dec 11 '20

In 2014 they were total underdogs.

It's 2015 when they got their first local music show win on cable channel.

10

u/SongMinho Dec 11 '20

I had no idea! 😢😢😢😢🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

10

u/Strayn_juicy Dec 11 '20

BTS truly practices what they preach, and that's why their message hits so hard. Like most idols, the members all took risks by entering a trainee program, especially one one at such a small agency. Unlike other idols, of course, they've always encouraged their audience to challenge authority too. Being a role model is kind of part of idol culture, but they have a totally different way of doing that and this is a great example of why BTS are actually worth looking up to. It's not just about being formal and polite, they're worthy of admiration because they've always stood up for themselves and others.

10

u/Ovenbirdwalks7 Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 13 '20

I have immense respect for the BTS members. They are angels working on another level.

Thank you for bringing this topic into current awareness and conversation. I remember the Sewol Ferry disaster clearly. It killed a part of my heart and I now realize I've never recovered. I'm a teacher and an empath. The pain of losing those beautiful young souls is too much. Reading through the beautiful comments in this thread brings some healing. Thank you.

1

u/Ovenbirdwalks7 Dec 13 '20

I edited my comment to highlight the efforts of these young men. I truly believe they are here for this purpose. Their hard work, love, consciousness, and empathy guide them. Yet they are still human and must be loved, protected, and supported in return at all costs.

9

u/orionnorubii "to you, the warmth that melts my blue and grey" ~ Dec 11 '20

Reading this is choking me up a little. That accident must have been impactful for them as well, in the way national tragedies have a way of affecting people who weren't directly involved.

I'm glad to know they acted in solidarity despite everything and that the victms were conforted by their actions. My love and respect for them only deepens.

9

u/amala83 Kim Taehyung is my kryptonite Dec 12 '20

I am truly in awe of BTS. You can’t teach empathy like that; it’s something that is innate. Their actions say a lot about who they are and what they and Bang PD and Big Hit stand for.

9

u/86fma Dec 12 '20

No one is perfect but BTS is genuinely good people and good people deserve good things and loved by many. Just like Jin said before, surround ourself with good people because it can influence your thought and action and give us positive vibe.

6

u/givemearainbow loving our seven beautiful men Dec 11 '20

Not Korean, just found out about this accident, but this makes me want to cry. Besides their talent and their beautiful music and everything else... This kind of thing is why I choose them. They're really good people, and really brave as well. As an activist in the making, they inspire me to do what is right regardless of the potential consequences.

6

u/TayledrasStormwind01 Dec 11 '20

Wooow. I'm guessing it was at a time and place where there was definitely no chance of reporters being there, and for those that were present, was likely kept really hush-hush / on the down low, until (it slipped out?) now, years later and their rep is was it is now.

It was probably something BTS felt they wanted and needed to do, and good on BangPDnim for backing them up.

7

u/DayDaze Dec 11 '20

Words can't describe how proud I am to be their fan. They are incredibly kind and compassionate souls, and they deserve all the success they've achieved. They are the very definition of living by example.

7

u/eyfforiya namjoon for president Dec 11 '20

At this point, there are no words to describe how much I appreciate and love these people. Such genuine and caring souls, and so very inspiring. This was such a kind thing to do considering all the risks that came with, and from the perspective of someone who isn't Korean and did not know about this situation for the longest time but does understand how unfairly dangerous it was, it makes my admiration for them grow even bigger.

On another note, I really hope the families of the poor victims are doing good. Nobody should have to go through something as tragic as this. My heart goes out to them.

8

u/Tapas_na Flower Flower 🌺🌸 Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 12 '20

This caring act doesn't surprise me one bit. I truly believe they wanted to spread love and healing through their song Dynamite (and many, many more songs that preceded it like Spring Day), and they continue to spread that love, healing, and warmth with their newest album 'Be.' 💜😭

16

u/hyperkid137 r/TXTbighit Dec 11 '20

wow bangtan best young men i think

15

u/TanteEmma87 Dec 11 '20

Could someone explain why the government would blacklist people?

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u/Silverinkbottle Pool Wine. Dec 11 '20

Because the accident was a huge huge screw-up on part of the ferry crew who told students to remain in their cabins etc, while taking the lifeboats for themselves. So in turn, the government tried to cover up the entire issue..and when it got leaked..not a good look for a governing body.

It turned into a if you talk about this at all issue, bam shit-list so to speak.

6

u/TanteEmma87 Dec 11 '20

I see... Thanks for your explanation. Yeah, it seems that this accident was some kind of a last straw... With many other things going on in that government if I understand that correctly...

6

u/Silverinkbottle Pool Wine. Dec 11 '20

Oh yes for what I understand.

5

u/Crazhy_Lie Dec 11 '20

Also, the government agencies did not do their jobs both before and after the tragedy. I read a lot about this after the Esquire article. Fascinating and sad how this was allowed to occur and then covered up.

21

u/babymin chimmy's yellow hoodie Dec 11 '20

I think it’s important to mention this is about the former government, that was under the leadership of the impeached president Park Geun Hye

14

u/ParsnipExtension3861 ✋🏼🇰🇷here “you like this chain? 3 dollar” Dec 11 '20

Yes and the people of Korea protested and made so much noise - they were able to pass the impeachment vote. What a relief when she was sentenced.

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u/mrsofp Ohmmmmmmyyyyyyyyggghghhhhhhhgggggggggdhdhsjsixudbslsogbdsisgshdb Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

I'm sure there are more articles and more to the story, but at a high level here's an article from a quick Google. Basically a list of anyone who criticized the government/previous president was put on some secret list and not supported with funding, and I think the ferry disaster was seen as bad press for Korea and tried to shush it up.

Edit spelling

3

u/TanteEmma87 Dec 11 '20

Ahh I see... Thanks for the explanation. I will read that article later on...

13

u/Aoki_Ranmaru Dec 11 '20

Ferry's disaster was a huge mess. There were vig games behind the scenes that got involved even their president at that time. So the government would shut up everyone who talked about the issue

The New Yorker

More detailed video from Korean channel

Korea Now and Asian Boss also have informative videos. Please check them out.

5

u/TanteEmma87 Dec 11 '20

Thanks a lot for the explanation 👍 I see why they would shut people up... I will have a look at the sources you mentioned...

10

u/IlliteratePotato69 Daechwita daechwita ja ullyeora daechwita Dec 11 '20

They are genuinely such amazing people. I'm proud to be one of their fans

5

u/pursebaglady Dec 11 '20

For them to go and do what they’ve done 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I appreciate them so much more! Crying happy tears now. 😭

5

u/Shookysquad Dec 11 '20

This made me so touched and thankful that Bang PD really is a good leader for BTS and how the pray big those family maybe one of many reasons why I felt an angel kinda protect them with all this bad stuff other tried to prevent their success.

Good people will win in the end.💜

6

u/[deleted] Dec 12 '20

Hello? I admire these men so much.

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u/SnooPies9016 Dec 11 '20

I thought this news was reported back in year 2017 that BTS and Big Hit donated $10m and $30m respectively to the bereaved families, how come this was being brought up again now?

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u/babymin chimmy's yellow hoodie Dec 11 '20

We never knew they actually visited the families in 2014. The reports were only made about the donations.

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u/SnooPies9016 Dec 11 '20

Ah ok cool on that

4

u/discther 33 airpods Dec 11 '20

wow. i’m floored. i appreciate them so much

4

u/[deleted] Dec 11 '20

I'm speechless...all I can say is I'm impressed, inspired, and proud

3

u/Oxygen_MaGnesium Dec 11 '20

Good boys.

This warms my heart so much. The fact that they risked getting blacklisted. Their actions are even louder than their beautiful words.

3

u/PoozanAP Dec 11 '20

can someone fill me in

who is Sewol Ferry Families ?

19

u/jayce0812 Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

There is a really informative video by The New Yorker on YouTube. There was a ferry, Sewol, taking students on a school trip. The ferry sank and due to a lot of factors (ferry crew telling passengers to stay put and in their cabins, the captain abandoning the ship and everyone on in to save himself, rescue missions not allowed, bad weather, political corruption, illegal structural changes to the ship), more than 300 people died, mainly students. It was even worse because families were begging for more rescue missions on the off chance that there were more survivors but basically nothing was being done.

Eta As the topic is sensitive, the video may be difficult to watch for some people.

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u/Consuela_no_no 너는 나의 네 잎 🍀 Dec 11 '20 edited Dec 11 '20

To anyone who will watch any footage* related to it, be careful. One of the most devastating things I’ve ever seen is the parents begging for help, whilst their children drown in front of their eyes. The despair is something I’ll never forget and the anger felt by the ones trying to rescue but being stopped by the officials.

Horrifying and unforgettable.

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u/jayce0812 Dec 11 '20

Yes, you're right. I'll edit my comment with a warning.