In 2021, Western media ― for the most part ― continued to disappoint the ARMY community with over-inflated innuendos, twisted words, and false or outdated information. All of which was unavoidable had they invested as much time conducting their background research as they did in willfully or subconsciously ignoring facts and fabricating truths to fit their own agendas. It’s not difficult to tell when ‘another’ article, blog, or interview of this nature has surfaced, as ARMYs are quick to highlight on social media the benefits of not engaging with this material in any shape or form, often posting comments like “don’t click” or “don’t rt.”
One of the most recent examples came at the expense of the three BTS members who tested positive for Covid after returning to South Korea. One ARMY referred to the “dehumanizing tone” used by the journalist, while many others criticized the presence of micro-aggressive tactics in the same article — from the title to its distorted content, it was flawed from the start.
In fact, even as this blog is preparing to go live, another problematic article from a Western outlet has surfaced, resulting in ARMYs once again recommending to their social media mutuals not to waste their time, energy, and clicks. Of course, everyone is entitled to make up their own minds for themselves. Our friendly reminder, would be to do so discerningly and to continue serving as a source of what is factually accurate when facts are being distorted and misrepresented.
On the other hand, there has also been some very satisfying content released throughout the year. With a stroke of the keys, a well-crafted body of writing can suddenly take on the qualities of a time machine, transporting its readers back to a specific moment in time — to an interview, performance, or an image, a feeling, an emotion, or even another publication. A well-versed interview, months in the making, will demonstrate due diligence in its preparedness through the questions asked and responses given, the style and atmosphere of the interview environment, and the quality of engagement between the interviewer and interviewees.
As an example, in a behind-the-scenes commentary video by the very talented Sakshma Srivastav ― who carries the titles of Television host, director, and producer; actress, model, and self-proclaimed ARMY member ― Sakshma explained the process she engaged with in order to facilitate a much coveted interview with the BTS members. This interview was, by far, one of the most wholesome and endearing interviews with BTS that ARMYs had seen in a long time. Feeling somewhat privileged, Sakshma summed up her experience. “I worked so hard for these questions… if somebody is giving you even a minute of their life, then you should make sure that you respect that opportunity, and you take it seriously, and you make sure that you do justice to this chance that is given to you, out of all the other people.”
In the lead-up to the interview, Sakshma also mentioned watching hundreds of BTS videos as background research on the septet. A very different approach from one particular male interviewer, whose sole background research apparently took place during his 13-hour transpacific flight. Not surprisingly, the reporter missed the ‘journalistic integrity’ mark on just about every point that he wrote. It's very easy to see that he did not do justice to the opportunity given him, nor did the result of this assignment reflect a respectful intent. So much so that Borasaek Vision and writer/recording artist Elliot Sang both felt inclined (and rightly so) to critique said article. If you’re interested in a breakdown of ‘what not to do,’ both of these writings will address that for you.
Now back to other highlights of 2021.
This month, ARMYs have been bombarded (in the best way possible) with a BTS collaboration never before imagined. For the first time ever, an artist graced 11 covers of GQ Korea and Vogue Korea simultaneously, and the results have been astounding. Well-presented interviews with each individual BTS member, stunning photoshoots, and film footage that makes your heart skip a beat are more than enough to carry ARMYs into 2022 in style, albeit a little short-breathed. Top this off with Louis Vuitton’s #LVMenSS22 Collection by Virgil Abloh, and it’s no surprise really that ARMYs may be feeling a little out of sorts right now.
If we focus for a moment though on the interviews alone, the fact that the members felt comfortable sharing intimate aspects of themselves — free to philosophize and critically reflect on their present, past, and future selves, is testament to the quality of the interview questions and the interviewers themselves. This is something we’ve also become accustomed to with the Weverse Magazine articles — refreshing insights into the artistry of BTS, but it’s not something that we would experience often from Western journalists.
Every now and then, though, a gem shines through the quagmire of Western attempts at journalism. Gems such as Liam McEwan, whose question at the recent Permission To Dance LA Press Conference gave leader Kim Namjoon the opportunity to break down everyone’s contributions to BTS’ achievements, highlighting that in his eyes, his own contribution to their success is a mere 5%. He then qualified his statement with the remark that within the chaos of today’s music industry, thinking of their collective success in these terms keeps him grounded.
Other times, a voice rises up, above the hustle and bustle of life, and reminds us that the world, not just the ARMY fandom, is experiencing something indescribably profound with BTS. This was the case with Lenika Cruz’s most recent writing titled “The Spectacular Vindication of BTS.” For all the right reasons, it resonated — no clickbait titles, no distorting the truth, no over-promising, and under-delivering. Respectful, responsible, and reliable: three great attributes of a well-written article. Finally, journalism as it should be.
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Written By: Shelley
Edit By: Aury
Checked By: Mheer
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