“BTS: Burn the Stage”: Episodes 1 & 2

March 28, 2018April 18, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

I imagine that for the members of BTS, presenting an idealized version of their real selves was par for the course. But with “Burn the Stage,” they have come to terms with who they truly are and are confident enough to show it to the public. It is difficult to explain why this first episode was so moving for me. Certainly, there is the aspect of seeing Asian Representation so beautifully presented; and in a manner that doesn’t exoticize these young men as strange creatures from a foreign land.

BTS: Boys to Men

January 26, 2018May 29, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

I cringed at the way Vogue infantilized BTS by referring to the musicians repeatedly as as “boys.” The youngest member is 20. The eldest is 25. They are old enough to vote and serve in the military. Then, too, there is already the disgusting stereotype of Asian men as not really being men, but servile, effeminate boys.

Rap Monster Article & “Friends” Giveaway

June 15, 2017August 14, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

This is for the A.R.M.Y! I wanted to do something fun and special for you… and this is my (small) way of thanking you: I am giving away some copies of my newspaper article and a copy of my book about the TV show, “Friends.”

But the ‘Little Girls’ Understand: Thank you #BTS ARMY

June 4, 2017April 27, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

A long time ago, the Knack released an album called “But the Little Girls Understand.” All the a-holes who make fun of girls for the music that they like and the boys whom they admire, well, it just goes to show that it’s they who don’t understand. Thank you, BTSarmy for being so enthusiastic and lovely!

Go Away With … Rap Monster (of BTS)

May 30, 2017April 25, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

BTS’ Rap Monster remembers being blown away by the opulence of Las Vegas during his first trip there: “I was last here in 2009 when I was 15. What I remember the most was the inside of the Bellagio. It was amazing. I had never seen a hotel like that before, where there was a whole world inside the hotel. It was beautiful. I got to see Cirque du Soleil’s “O” show. It was so nice. I remember the night view of Vegas, which was tremendous. I remember all the lights and people having fun. I saw a lot of people drinking, which was shocking to me then (since I was so young).”