There's something I want to point out about this video of Niki. Beyond how it showcases the energy he's put into being a crucial team-player throughout this show... It also shows that he understands HOW to be a well-tempered team leader/teacher.
Niki's way of speaking to his team members is clear, strong, and yet considerate. Notice he never becomes unnecessarily insulting? He doesn't use a condescending tone or judge people. He genuinely watches and critiques, and gives solid advice to build up the team.
There have been too many mentors on this show, who seem to believe that being LOUD, or humiliating their students, will force them to change. Niki understands how to gain respect, deliver tasteful critique, and uplift his entire team- both in quality and morale.
Niki is a 14-year-old boy, far from home, speaking a foreign language, on a show which continues to scapegoat him/diminish his spirit for drama's sake. He's had to be on his toes this entire journey... starting with the 1st performance having to switch to the center position...
Then being sent to the Ground, where he spent weeks as the de facto dance coach. He saw his team fall short again and again- including when he stepped up for the special stage- and continued to blame himself for the shortcomings. But still he got up again, to lead his team.
And when he finally made it to the I-Land in 10th place, he was still gracious, lively, humble, and supportive of his teammates. While others deliberated over unfair rankings, Niki- who has arguably worked as hard as/harder than anyone- remained positive and self-responsible.
So, with all of this as context, it becomes even more sad to see how Niki's been treated. Even just trying to add one extra dance move, was enough to frame his entire character as selfish. When he's many times shown himself as helpful, self-responsible, warm-hearted, and mature.
Of course Niki has shortcomings, and more to learn- don't they all? But I think it's a misjudgment of character to say that he, of all people, stands out as a lacking team player. How so? Because when he's not commonly helping others, he dares to think outside of the box?
It's this same quality of self-assuredness, that allows Niki to be the productive leader/genuine friend that anyone paying attention has seen. His ability to think for himself is a GIFT, which should be cultivated, rather than sabotaged. It also makes him a strong creative force.
Niki is literally that meme of "He was a poem, but they couldn't read." He's had perhaps one of the most tumultuous journeys this entire season, which he's actively taken to heart and grown from... And I just wish people could see his true spirit and potential.
If you’ve read through this and agree, please consider retweeting the original tweet. Niki could use more defense and votes. Thank you!!
THIS IS SO SCARY BECAUSE IT’S SO RANDOM TO SING “MARRY ME” IN THE TUNE OF “REMEDY” FROM JAMAIS VU??? LIKE???? HOW CAM RM & JK JUST HAVE THIS CONNECTION?? HELLOOO????
The way Bighit dropped the single release schedule in an actual fun and respectful way, letting the fans know that we’re actually getting something and letting us feel excited! And rendering that scammy Columbia countdown obsolete 😌💖
San is one of the most in pocket dancers in all of Kpop. He stands next to someone like Taeyong for me. Someone who just Gets how to move, how to withhold, how to play with the lows and highs of his energy, lose himself into the music without inhibition, while also keeping his energy present and mature. There’s a special awareness that he has and uses wisely in expressing himself. I think Hongjoong has that outstanding performance ability as well, as far as handling his energy. But specifically with dancing movement, San has that aptitude to control and release his body like a true artist.
In my 3 years in the BTS fandom, they have really never let me down at 12am kst. They’ve never overexaggerated or pretended to have something, only to take advantage of my attention. When they say wait for it, often times it’s even better than what I could have imagined.
As someone who has been in the 1D fandom since 2012, I’m very very very used to being disappointed by the tricks of Sony. However, like I said, I’ve spent the last 3 years regaining some trust away from that...
So to be bamboozled like this by BTS was a bit of a surprise... until I realized it was just Columbia’s doing (a subsidiary of Sony). Then it makes sense.
These people turn everything they touch to rot. They infiltrate something good, and cheapen its integrity. They really think that fans are stupid... and maybe they trained 1D fans to have low expectations (which is a really sad story actually), but somehow it kinda broke my heart to see so many well-pampered ARMYs actually be so disappointed and surprised to be “fooled” by the countdown?
We’re not used to being treated like that here, and I really hope nobody does get used to it. It’s actually so sad the apathy and distrust that accumulated in the 1D fandom... the people are lovely and I always wish they’d gotten to experience actually being treated with more respect, as I’ve felt with BTS. And yet, for a little while I’ve felt similar business forces trying to take over here too. And I don’t like it.
Please don’t get used to this. I know it’s a small thing, but it really adds up to make you lose a sense of trust and excitement. There are people who actually care about you as more than a number 🙏🏽
I would love to see ATEEZ cover this dance/something similar. I feel like they could really dig in deep and pull off the dark/artistic/passionate vibes and characters. I really think they’re one of the best performance groups in all of Kpop and they’d suit something this powerful.