Because of their role as global ambassadors for Hyundai, people were expecting BTS to take part in this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar in some way. Hyundai itself has released multiple teasers about the “Goals of the Century” with BTS for the World Cup. Still, it was surprising to find that Jung Kook was chosen to sing the Official Soundtrack “Dreamers” and perform at the World Cup’s Opening Ceremony on November 20th.
One of the most talked-about topics once the “Dreamers” music video came out was the Whale Sharks. The appearance of this creature caused a hot topic amongst the ARMY. How could it not? A whale is the dearest creature for both BTS and ARMY. Starting from “Whalien 52” which came out on November 30 2015, as part of The Most Beautiful Moment in Life pt.2 album, the story behind this song has resonated with many people through touching subjects related to alienation, and being silenced or misunderstood. Though the creature in the “Dreamers” music video isn’t exactly a whale, but a Whale Shark, perhaps it’s still connected in some way with us.
Qatar is the largest home for Whale Sharks. One of the most recommended activities while visiting Qatar, is to swim with these Whale Sharks, especially between April and September. The seawater in this region has a unique ecosystem that attracts Whale Sharks. The seawater around the Whale Sharks’ viewing especially is 27 Celsius, perfect for fish to breed. As fish, planktons and algae are their main food, this area attracts a lot of them. There are 600 Whale Sharks in Qatar's sea that the Whale Sharks Research project in Qatar has recorded in their database, setting a world record.
Image Credit: FIFA
THE WHALE SHARKS ON “DREAMERS” MV
In an interview with Aljazeera, Ahmed al-Baker, the CEO of Katara Studios who produced and directed the “Dreamers” MV explained the appearance of the Whale Shark on the MV. Long story short, the creature’s presence is to represent how people see Qatar. Furthermore, he explained how people tend to be scared and uncomfortable towards something they don’t know or understand, or something that appears bigger and outside their control. That’s usually how common people feel the first time they see the Whale Shark. The massive size of its body, the wide mouth, the pattern on the skin and the calm way it swims tend to send chills down one’s spine. But once they learn more about this massive creature, they would find out it's one of the most gentle and majestic sea creatures. They would find out that it won’t attack humans or other sea animals, and it only eats fish eggs, and small fishes, plankton and algae — perfectly calm and minding their own business.
According to Ahmed al-Baker, with this philosophy, the Whale Sharks represent Qatar so the MV seems to be promoting the importance of respect for everyone, no matter where you come from or what you look like. Very timely as the world seems divided with the idea of Qatar hosting this great event, especially with different concerns and criticisms being highlighted about the country this year. Because of this it is important for listeners and viewers to do their own research about Qatar and the concerns being expressed.
Image Credit: BANGTANTV
Though the Whale Shark reference was taken from the majestic creature often found in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the whole philosophy could resonate with the journey of BTS and ARMY. Getting looked down upon and underestimated isn’t a rare occurrence for someone who is part of the fandom and the journey. The whole stereotype surrounding the boy band and its fans could be suffocating. Being one of the biggest fandoms in the world is also quite overwhelming from the outsider’s point of view. ARMYs are understandably protective over BTS, after everything the band have been through, but for people who aren’t part of the journey, it could be unnerving to see such a huge fandom willing to fight ‘tooth and nail’ for their beloved idols.
Like how people tend to be scared of something they don’t understand, it’s easy to just turn their back and walk away without any further investigation. It’s easy to build a defensive wall from stereotypes and prejudice. But if they learned more about ARMY and BTS, they would realize that ARMY is one of the most thoughtful and charitable fandoms in the world. ARMY and BTS are one of the few idol-fan relationships that remain the most intimate , sincerest, warmest, together advocating for kindness and upholding justice with a loud voice.
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Written By: RAM
Edited By: Esma
Checked By: Shelley
