BTS Introduction: Encountering a New Culture Part 3 - Feeding Each Other

Encountering Korean Culture

In the previous articles (1 and 2), I talked about my encounter with K-POP culture, but next, I would like to list some things within Korean culture that made me go, 'Oh...!'

Bangtan feeding each other

This is definitely something that can't be left out, right? It's a path everyone goes through, ARMYs! The first time I saw it, I couldn't believe my eyes. I thought only Jungkook was being fed because he was doted on so much, but then I saw Yoongi being fed by Jin-hyung too. What does this mean!? I was confused all by myself.

It seems many ARMYs were surprised, and the reaction from Western regions, in particular, seems quite large. If you're curious about the buzz, please search for 'BTS Feeding'.

As a Japanese person, I can only imagine what they are feeling when they feed each other, so I vaguely understand it by replacing it with the relationship between myself and my children. However, since the ones doing it are seven handsome adult men, I sometimes can't help but feel shaken. Why are they so cute!!

For now, I'll leave this legendary video where Yoongi is cute as he desperately searches for a donut the maknae will like. The original is here. It includes Jin-hyung trying to go for the donut Jungkook got with his mouth.

After this, Hobi also naturally gets some of Jungkook's coffee. The natural flow of him begging with his eyes instead of asking with his mouth is amazing. Even though there seem to be multiple coffees, why do you get it from someone else, Hobi-sensei!

If there is something delicious, Bangtan will offer it to someone or open their mouths and say 'Ah.' From those incredibly natural movements, one can see that sharing food and drink is a daily occurrence for them.

Seeing Jimin-chan excitedly biting into a member's taiyaki, I feel like there might be a sense that 'it tastes better when someone else gives it to you.' I also can't overlook how Taehyung looks so happy when Hobi offers him a bite, saying 'Hyung~💜.' Does 'being fed' have a rewarding element to it, beyond just being happy to be treated kindly?

This is trivial, but in this section, the posted image and the video thumbnail match perfectly. I just happened to take a screenshot of a scene I liked, but... it's reassuring to think that everyone reacts to the same parts 😇

Feeding harassment

Here is harassment that abuses this feeding culture. It's when someone who is on a diet says, 'Feed me.' I was stunned because it was such a new idea. Jin-hyung and Taehyung are too devilish, lol.

The existence of the concept of an indirect kiss

There is one thing that really bothers me about this feeding each other business. It's V's statement during the 'Perilla Leaf Debate'.

It was a debate episode where they measured jealousy levels based on 'Can you forgive your partner for peeling perilla leaves for a friend?', and within BTS, opinions were split between the 'mature' group who said 'If there's trust, anything is fine' and the 'no way, absolutely not' group, Jungkook and V.
You should definitely watch the video for Jungkook's super cute 'Andwae' (No way), but what caught my attention was V's argument.

V has the concept of an 'indirect kiss'...!?

I was incredibly surprised by this.
Because usually, isn't it way beyond just chopsticks with them?

They give and receive half-eaten or half-drunk things, and they share chopsticks, so I thought they were feeding each other having already transcended such vulgar concepts. Is that not the case!?
When V came on Suchwita (EP.21), I saw Jungkook hand the chopsticks he was using to V and resume eating with a spoon! (Excited fan)

Seeking experts

Phew. Sorry, I got excited.

Is the line that it's okay for yourself and the members (family) to do it, but not for a partner to do it for a friend? This feeling is the one thing I don't understand. I'll wait for an explanation from expert ARMYs!
I mean, they have that concept and yet they still feed each other... how precious... (confused)

Our neighbor, South Korea, so close yet so far. I thought I understood it to some extent, but it seems my understanding is still lacking.
I will continue to strive to learn more (about what, I don't know).

Bonus

Jungkook later said at his 'Golden' showcase, 'I will peel the perilla leaves for you,' which apparently shook the ARMYs, thinking the youngest has become an adult...!! lol

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Namjoon eating what V offers without asking any questions.

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