Because Empty Fame Is Evil. That's Why.

My mini-Boramonth celebration is off to a late-ish start. For that I "blame" the onslaught of content that's been dropping since the start of the month + some IRL stresses.

ANYHOO, for the first of BTS-centric posts, I'm sharing a v. special Pixid episode that features Jimin pretending to be a provincial fan.

For starters, Jimin is ADORABLE AF both while hiding among the other folks as well as after he's revealed. Another thing I like is seeing depictions of what non-Seoulites ARMYs have to deal with as soon as a concert or tour is announced. Yes, it's true that they're In South Korea, but there's still a TON of traveling and logistic expenses that most I-ARMYs would never consider.

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NGL, I've had to the most to calm the fuck down in order to do a post with a semblance of coherence. Because, this was one of the most happy surprises this show has ever done.

Cuz the idea of SHINee's TAEMIN BEING A GUEST ON SUCHWITA????? LORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDE! (❤ ω ❤)

*Calming down*

On top of seeing him and SUGA interact, what makes this a MUST-SEE episode can only be brought up bulletpoint style:

* Taemin and Yoongi are both 93z--something that, as mentioned by both of them, is a rarity in K-pop. Not many 1993 folks became idols.

* Taemin is his group's maknae while Yoongi's considered the second oldest (after Jin). So their idol experiences are v. different w/r/t the members' dynamics.

* Taemin is also technically Yoongi's sunbaenim (senior) since SHINee debuted 5 years before BTS.

* Both are v. influential for different reasons that each admire in the other.

It's not like Taemin and Yoongi were total strangers. More like fellow idols who would chit-chat in a general way while doing their respective promotions. If anything, Taemin's connection to BTS is usually focused on his v. close friendship with Jimin.

*Takes a deep breath*

WHICH MAKES JIMIN'S RANDOM APPEARANCE HALFWAY THRU THIS EPISODE A MILLION TIMES AWESOMER. From then on, there's Taemin and Yoongi's nascent friendship, Yoongi and Jimin's bond (no explanation needed), Taemin and Jimin's besties' vibes, and all three having a friendly convo.

This is deffo one of those episodes I've rewatched a few times cuz the tone is lulzy, the conversation goes from introspective to casual, and the overall mood is extremely cordial.

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How abt a double-layered return to Suchwita? ;)

Filmed on September 3rd (but not airing until Nov. 4th), episode 21 of SUGA's talk show had the first guest to do a second appearance: Jungkook sitting down to have some noms in between talking abt his solo adventures. Early on in the episode, Yoongi acknowledged that Jungkook's first ep was a bit chaotic because, realistically, he (JK) only had one song to promote.

This time around, he had a full album plus several performances to chit-chat with his hyung. As much as I loved the loopy vibes of JK's first episode, I really preferred the way things flowed this time around. The conversation had more depth (in terms of Jungkook's own musical tastes and colors) with some funny asides. ON TOP OF THAT, Jungkook drops a v. mild spoiler that he and Jimin filmed some kind of travel vlog show at some point this year. #EXCITE

Even better, halfway thru the episode, Yoongi sat up and turned around, calling Taehyung from his hiding place. So the fun vibes went up a few levels and everyone (including the viewers) had an even better time.

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As a bonus, here's an 18-minute surprise concert that Jungkook did on Times Square on Nov. 9th of this year:

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V being the guest in Suchwita episode 18 completed BTS' individual members' appearing in the show. There were a ton of high expectations. Not only because V (like most of the members) didn't do a ton of in-person interviews (off the top of my head, I can only think of 2 Japanese shows and 1 episode of Yoo Quiz) during the Layover promo cycle. Just like the rest of the members, his involvement in the entirety of his first solo project was deep; so much of it was a good representation of what V sees as great ways to connect with ARMYs and any future/casual fans as well (see V-icnic, his fangsign event; inviting ppl (while in disguise) to see him sing; and v. few appearances in Korean web shows.)

Suchwita was an excellent platform for him. Not only because of his friendship/bond with Yoongi would put him at ease, but because everything abt that show invites some degree of self-reflection and personal insight.

The thing abt V is that he's the kind of person who has a v. unique way of moving thru life. Or, better said, he's a loveable weirdo who also happens to be TREMENDOUSLY handsome, LOL. However, by sitting down with Yoongi, he could let go and be as candid as he felt comfortable with. Secure in the knowledge that his hyung wouldn't trip him up or push him in uncomfortable ways.

This results in an episode in which V and SUGA discuss the 2018 burnout; V's process when it came to working on the album (including why he chose to work with songs others had written for him); the general vibe of the entire album; his friendship/dynamic/bond with Yoongi as well as with the rest of BTS, etc.

There's also a LOT of hilarity cuz, if there's one thing that Yoongi does when it comes to interacting with the maknae line is BE HELLA CLOWNING with them. The way he's so terribly indulgent with Jimin, Jungkook, but especially V always leaves me feeling a ton of emotions as well as quite light-hearted.

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Unrelated to the episode, here's a lovely performance of "For You"

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And now, my posts abt Suchwita hit pause once again! That said, the Fannish 50 (with a few of them being BTS-centric) will continue. :DDDD

ETA: there's an ongoing conversation abt ideal bodies (including dieting as an idol) during the first half of the episode. Adding a soft warning for topics that some folks might find triggery.

Just like with Jin's episode, Hobi's appearance in Suchwita was filmed back in Feb 17, 2023 (or, roughly, a day before Hobi's actual birthday). But, per Hobi's request, it didn't air until July 19, 2023 (or abt 3 months and change after he enlisted.)

This time, Hobi wasn't quite promoting "On The Street" (his collabo with J.Cole)--though he did talked a little abt it.

Instead, the episode was an exploration of Hobi's own history, pre-debut to early post-debut BTS' lives, being the first member to launch a solo album (and do an amazing solo concert that I wrote abt on this post), etc.

There was, as expected, a LOT OF GIGGLING happening from both Hobi and SUGA as well as some good observations on the idol industry and how they both see themselves AND BTS within that world.

One thing that's mentioned but not super delved into is how close to BTS and Big Hit were close to get dissolved. From Sope's perspective is a moment they reminisce abt being told the group had to move out of their dorms cuz the company had run out of money. Rapline stayed put out of, I guess, stubborness. Bang PD was able to raise some additional funds and BTS lived to deliver the true breakthrough of their rookie era: I NEED U.

Fun fact abt that: An investing firm gave BH ₩4 billion (or around $3.6 million US) and held 30% of BH. Which is how BTS was able to try for one last time to reach for actual success. By the time the firm sold the stakes back to BH, the firm had made ₩108 billion (or around $75 million US.)

After the episode's over, we get a LOLARIOUS teaser for the next BTS member to appear (Jungkook) that feels extremely chaotic. :DDDD

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NGL, episode 9 of Suchwita should've been titled "Yoongi's Revenge", hahah. He was in full mischief mode for a good part of the 37 minutes of it.

This time, he appeared as the guest with the intention to promote his first solo album D-Day under his AgustD moniker. Just to add more chaos into the mix, this was the first (and so far only) time in which there's been a guest host. Who else but RM would be chosen to act as host. He did pranked Yoongi a little by renaming the show as R-chwita (including changing the neon sign that hangs in the studio.)

What follows is Yoongi doing his best to annoy RM by acting up intersped with good conversations abt creative burnout, how one gets over that mindset, the quest for a work-balance life, being ambitious, and general stories abt BTS in the current timeline. Yoongi's one request before the episode begins was that he didn't want to talk or focus too much on the past.

One of my fave things is watching RM's ep followed by this one since it's a good way to gauge some of the ways that RM and Yoongi connect with one another.

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NB: This post's title is a h/t to SUGA's often repeated trivia of having known RM for "X number of years". At time of this specific Suchwita episode, they'd known each other for 12 yrs/soon to be 13. Although unofficial, the Namgiversary (as it is known in some corners of the fandom) is Nov. 13, 2010.

Am finally (FINALLY!) ready to do individual posts abt the BTS members' guest appearances in this show. \o\ \o/ /o/!

Back in December 5, 2022, the pilot episode dropped with none other than RM as the first guest. And, like, if there's anything to know abt Namgi (RM/Yoongi or RM & Yoongi)'s whole everything is that they're the public core of BTS' music. [FTR, this is both true (cuz they're credited as songwriters of the bulk of BTS' catalog) AND not exactly true(because all of the members do contribute to the discography.] As two of the group's most prolific songwriters (RM currently has 217 songs credited to him; SUGA has 167), theirs is a bond that puts creativity at the forefront.

As such, this 35-min episode dives into the creative process; discussions on what's different of writing for BTS vs. writing for one's own solo work vs. writing for artists outside of BTS; quick anecdotes abt their respective lives before they became trainees; the significance of RM's solo album Indigo, etc.

In between stories, there's a lot of RM being a brat, Yoongi reacting like the long-suffering hyung he is, and some goofy promotion of the show's sponsor. I've genuinely lost count of how many times I've watched this episode. It's funny, comforting, and shows two people whose connection begins with music and becomes something more.

This being the pilot episode, I need to mention that there are 2 things that are unique to it.

1. The set itself.

Unlike the rest of the eps, this set is comfier (possibly alluding to it being someone's living room, maybe?) with the cream sofas and the purple background. OTOH, I do like the interior decoration a lot. OTOH, I can see why Yoongi and his team would want something that is still cozy but also looking less dressed down (if that makes sense.)

2. The chosen song.

At the end of the episode, Yoongi tells RM the song that he thinks best represents RM. And, for whatever reason, this is the only episode that was brought up. It's not as if the song plays in the background, so I don't see any licensing issues. Alas.


One thing I want to give a heads up abt: from 26:56 to 28:51, the conversation focuses on how quickly things changed for them (and everyone else) by late February 2020. They also talk abt their frustration and (to a lesser degree) their fear regarding the pandemic.


Anyways, this is a good episode. Check it out:

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Inspired by Jungkook co-headlining the Global Citizen concert later today, I decided to do a post abt Kpop artists who have performed at Lollapalooza. Something that began in 2022.

Disclaimer: The Lollapalooza I'm referring to in this post is the 4-day festival that's held at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Which is also the one most ppl are familiar with. I'm aware there are 7 other versions of the festival that happen at other places. Those go by "Lollapalooza (Name of the Country)". I'm sure awesome things have occurred at those other Lollas, but I wanted to make it clear which one I'm talking abt here.

So, 2022 was the first year that Lollapalooza had K-pop artists on its schedule. As of right now, all of the artists have been from HYBE and/or Big Hit, but I can see the ppl behind Lollapalooza making deals with other Korean agencies to have their artists appear in future years. Especially given the monumental success for what's considered to be the biggest music festival in the USA.

I'm gonna list the 3 performances, say what I liked abt them, etc in ascending order of "like it fine" to "ZOMG, I LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE SO MUCH I'VE WATCHED IT MANY TIMES!"

Let's go!

3. TXT on Saturday, August 5, 2023

Dubbed TXTPALOOZA by many, this was a solid return to the festival for that group. This time as headliners!! Something that's absolutely deserved. At this point, they were near the end of their "Act: Sweet Mirage" world tour and totally ready to give both festivalgoers and online audiences an amazing show. Which they did! It was a solid hour and a half of a ton of their songs with a live band adding an extra layer of awesomeness to the goings on. At first, I thought my attention was going to be on Soobin and Yeonjun, but I kept zeroing in on Taehyung and Beomgyu. I thought the sets and costume changes were good too.

The ~110k audience was v. enthusiastic, singing along to every song while the guys did their thing onstage.

THAT SAID, I do rank this show in last place due to some technical stuff. So, to reiterate, this isn't abt being so-so abt TXT. On the contrary, they were amazing despite the (again) technical stuff that downgraded the watching experience for me. I watched the set after it got uploaded to TXT's YT channel since I was zzzing when they performed live (as I had to wake up at 4 a.m. to watch Day 2 of my manz's D-Day Tour: The Final, but I digress). My issues with this show were:

1. Yeonjun and Huening Kai's handheld mics were lower than they should've been during the first three songs. IIRC, I'm almost sure that Taehyun's mic was glitching a bit as well. I only noticed this because, all of their voices were way clearer when they switched to the headset mics and then back to their handhelds. Their voices remained steady.

2. Adding to the sound ~issues, the sound editing AND sound mixing for TXT's show were askew. Specifically when it came to the audience. People were yelling from start to end--at times fighting against TXT's singing during some of the slower songs OR whenever the guys said any kind of ment.

3. The camerapeople during the TXT concert kept panning to the audience--oftentimes for ZERO reason while the group was performing onstage. So then, the cameras would be SCRAMBLING to find the TXT member that was singing at that moment. It was v. distracting.


Having said all that, is it still worth it checking the show out? OF FUCKING COURSE IT IS! I just added my gripes so that others can adjust their expectations if they're inclined to do so. Here it is

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2. TXT on Saturday July 30, 2022

I swear I don't have any beef with TXT, LOL. Even though it might come across like I do. ANYHOO, this was the first time a Kpop group performed at Lollapalooza.They had a fairly chill spot (8 p.m.) that was right before one of the headliners. Unlike this year, the set was shorter (abt 45 mins.), but the energy was thru the roof!

Per what I know, this performance came at the tail end of the USA leg of their Act: Lovesick world tour. I actually liked this performance over this year's, dunno why. The guys are full of energy and v. sweet with their fans.

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1. J-Hope on Sunday, July 31st, 2022

HOBIPALOOZA, Y'ALL!! *Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees*

This was...*dreamy sigh*. So, pretty much like everyone everywhere, I was v. O____o?! when it was announced that Hobi was going to be a HEADLINER for Lollapalooza. The FIRST KOREAN SOLOIST AS A HEADLINER. This was to take place roughly 2 weeks after his first solo album, Jack in the Box, was getting a digital release. (The physical version of the album wouldn't be available until almost a year later.)

As much as I loathe capitalism (especially the late stage we're at), I do have to give kudos to Lollapalooza for understanding ARMY and setting things up in a way that showed respect to both Hobi and the fandom. There was a special section of Hobi merch (including ARMY bombs, i.e. BTS lightsticks). According to those who attended, the merch tents were well-stocked and had a friendly staff. There were a ton of welcoming and sweet messages on social media from official Lollapalooza accounts, etc. Over here in the US, Hulu got in on the YAYS train by announcing a free trial offer to ppl interested in watching any and all of the Lollapalooza shows. Outside of the US, folks could watch it on Weverse and some could watch it on Big Hit's YT channel. All for free-ninety nine.

I snagged that free trial offer and settled in to watch TXT on Saturday and then Hobi on Sunday, LOL

WHAT A FANTASTIC HOUR AND SIXTEEN MINUTE SHOW!!! Hobi performed to a crowd of 105k folks (plus some ridic numbers online. I think Weverse said they had 14-15M viewers. Sadly, I couldn't find the Hulu numbers, but I've got a feeling they were pretty high too, heheh.)

The 20-song setlist covered all of the new and old solo songs by Hobi plus a few snippets of rapline and BTS group songs and a special performance too. In short, it's the kind of awesomecakes show that gave Hobi the opportunity to display his artistry, charm, and amazing talent at dancing and rapping. The live band was fantastic too. Oh, and the dancers (yet another collaboration with The Lab) were great as well. NGL, I still get goosebumps during some of the key moments as it almost feels like a dream..

Here is the entire show:

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Finally, as a bonus, here's a 22-minute behind-the-scenes BTS Episode of Hobi getting ready for his groundbreaking show. Featuring bonus!Jimin (who flew to the US to give Hobi much needed emotional support) and TXT. :D

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Despite being only 30-years old, Yoongi does have a higher-than-expected amount of experience w/r/t the K-pop business. Which is something he enjoys using to help his juniors navigate that world. And so, the next three episodes are all centered around Yoongi in his business elder role.

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Kicking things off is episode 4 with SEVENTEEN's Hoshi as the guest. His 'excuse' is that he's promoting BSS' hit "Fighting" (BSS is a SEVENTEEN subunit that did a comeback after 5 yrs).

FWIW, the thumbnail gives you a good idea of how AWESOMECAKES this episode is. Yoongi is v. tender as he gives Hoshi advice. Meanwhile, Hoshi is disarmingly sweet. They go over things such as the mundane aspects of dorm life, enlistment anxieties, and what makes a team (i.e. K-pop group) last. It's deffo one of the non-BTS episodes I've watched a lot of times cuz it's such a DELIGHT from start to finish. I do recommend watching it even if you're not a fan of either group. :P

One important point that Hoshi brings up is BTS' influence in the K-pop world.

Here are some things (off the top of my head) that BTS has either made trendy/commonplace in K-pop OR created themselves.

Things that BTS has made trendy (meaning that there were other K-pop artists who were doing these things before, but the Tannies deffo made them popular)

- Having a large (over 15 dancers) background group for performances;
- Adding English subtitles to their content (including music videos);
- Using YouTube 's premiere feature AND doing MV reactions of their own videos;
- Having a presence in social media (NB: after they won a Social Media award in 2017, a ton of artists who had debuted 2+ yrs BEFORE BTS DID started using their Twitter accts. This happened within 1 to 2 months after BTS' win, btw.)
- Releasing music on Fridays (to lure the Western market);


Things that BTS created (that ALSO became things that other K-pop artists do)

- Upload photos after performances with messages to their fandom;
- Give their fandom an official logo;
- Halloween dance practices (in which artists are wearing costumes);
- Making in-house behind-the-scenes, making of music videos, and variety content that's NOT produced/filmed by Korean TV networks. And then using platforms such as YouTube, Vlive (rip), and Weverse (or its Weverse equivalent) to air the content.

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Episode 8 is a bit more lulzy (imo) but just as lovely as the Hoshi ep. This time, TXT's Taehyun and Yeonjun only showed up to hang out, hahah. This episode was filmed after they finished promotions for their latest mini but before they went on their world tour.

The conversations range from trainee life to keeping your ambition in check. Unlike Hoshi or Woozi below, Yoongi (as well as the rest of BTS) and TXT do have a shared history. Like Yoongi mentions, TXT (and Lee Hyun) are the only artists who practiced at the old, pre-HYBE building. Another thing I liked is that there's enough trust and friendly bonds for them to discuss (however lightly) the BTS-and-TXT comparisons. Especially since TXT is (arguably) seen as the one HYBE group that is poised to follow in BTS' steps and success. Which is deeply unfair because, regarding of their resources and the huge amount of talent in both groups, they ARE different ppl.

All that said, I do have to give a warning abt this episode:, Yoongi's introduction points out that both Yeonjun and Taehyun are ppl who can hold their liquor. Unfortch for Yeonjun, he does get quite drunk. It begins to be noticeable around the halfway mark and then gets progressively more intense. The overall tone of the episode presents Yeonjun's drunkness as funny-cute (if that makes sense?). Yoongi mocks him in a verrrrrrrrrrrry gentle way.

In any case, the warning is for folks who might find Yeonjun's intoxication uncomfortable to watch and/or might feel secondhand embarrassment. FTR, Yeonjun slurrs his words and (by the end of the episode) is falling asleep. Finally, Yeonjun did post abt it when the episode aired and MOAs (the TXT fandom) asked him how he felt. The basic gist is that he didn't remember much, if any thing at all, but he was grateful for his hyung (a.k.a Yoongi) for being such a sweet host.

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Episode 10 was a meeting of worlds, ngl. Ever since Suchwita premieered, folks had been wanting to see SEVENTEEN's Woozi and SUGA have a convo. This is something that makes a lot of sense as they have a lot in common. Starting with how they're aaaaalmost each other's dopplegangers (as BOTH of them mention at different moments in the episode) to both of them being so hardcore when it comes to songwriting and producing. Woozi was promoting SEVENTEEN's latest mini FML

My one (1) sort-of-regret abt this episode is that Woozi keeps things focused on the music business and producing to the point of not loosening up (IMO) until the last 10 or so minutes of the episode. OTOH, I liked seeing both him and Yoongi ride the same wavelength in terms of creatung music. OTOH, Woozi had an almost excessive formality that some might find off-putting, IDK. As a first impression (for ppl who have never 'met' Woozi before), there's a strong possibility that Woozi comes across as a tad too dry. YMMV.

Which, in turn, means that this is another episode who I haven't really watched more than 2 times. :(

Have decided to close out Boramonth by reccing Suchwita episodes, heheh.

For those who might not know, Suchwita is a web talk show hosted by SUGA. The title means "Drinks with SUGA". He invites all kinds of Korean celebs (mostly K-pop idols, occasionally actors and TV personalities) to spend some time talking abt whatever the guests are promoting while having some drinks and foods. The episodes vary in length; some are abt 30 mins, others go over to the 45-min mark.

As a host, SUGA has a combination of charm and curiosity that helps even the most introverted person have a good time.

My first instinct was to rank the episodes (so far 12 have aired. There was an announcement just this morning for an upcoming episode featuring SeHo, a male comedian.) BUT I wanted to keep things as fair as possible. Instead, I've opted to group episodes by theme.\o?

This post's theme is all abt two v. significant episodes in which SUGA had conversations with two of his favorite artists of all time.

First up was BIGBANG's Taeyang

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OK, full disclosure: with the exception of SHINee and Epik High, 2nd generation K-pop artists aren't my cuppa. Intellectually, I am v. aware that BIGBANG is a group that's reached legendary status. That said, the only song by them I can recognize is "Bang Bang Bang". Also, unfortch for me, the main reason I ever learned abt them was from the many scandals during their long career (with the worst one being the Burning Sun one, so...there's that.)

Now, there are some corners of ARMY that 100% believe SUGA is an aloof guy who drops the angriest raps, etc. I definitely wish those folks could watch this episode because--even within the limits of having a v. public persona--SUGA displays facets of himself that contrast with certain public perceptions of him. Behold 30 minutes of a giggly, shiny-eyed SUGA who tells one of his longtime faves how NERVOUS HE IS to be seated across him. He is 200% in awe (though, eventually, manages to calm down a little and steer the convo without any stumbles.)

Overall, this is one of those episodes I've watched the least number of times (I think only 2x?). In part because, as adorable as it is to see SUGA be blushy and thrilled of (formally?) meeting Taeyang, I also have a neutral reaction to Taeyang's status. The other thing is that Taeyang (who was there to promote his single VIBE (featuring Jimin)) is polite in a way that remains at a superficial level for most of the episode. He doesn't really loosen up until around the last ten minutes of the show.

OTOH, I did liked the parts of the conversation abt having a long career in K-pop, the struggles every artist goes thru when they want to do solo stuff without breaking up the group they are a member of, what life is like when you've reached the top, etc.

In some ways, BIGBANG and BTS are on the same level--with each one being considered a representative of their respective generations (2nd and 3rd). So, despite the difference in their lives (Taeyang is 35, married, and a parent while SUGA is 30, single, and child-free), there are a few spaces both of them do connect.

Funnily enough, the guest two episodes later ALSO is one of SUGA's favorite artists: Epik High's Tablo

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Tablo was kinda there to promote Strawberry (Epik High's latest album). HOWEVAH, in all truth, SUGA and Tablo are actual!friends. Like, early in the episode, Taboo says that he showed up to hangout with his friend. The mood in this episode is 200% more casual. IMO, even if you might not know who Epik High is, this is fun episode. Frex, it so happens that both SUGA and RM were HIGH SKOOL, i.e. part of the Epik High fandom from way back in the day.

Just like with Taeyang, the conversation includes topics such as longevity in the music business, finding one's truth as an artist while trying to survive/make a living, what it means to be older in K-pop (Tablo is 42) while raising a kid, etc.

Given that BTS has reached their 10th year as a group, it makes sense that SUGA wanted to connect with his elders in the business. BIGBANG has been around for 17 years while Epik High will celebrate its 20th year in October of this year. Although I did liked Tablo's episode more than Taeyang's, watching both of them back-to-back offers a good perspective on where SUGA is nowadays.