MBLAQ’s “It’s War” Music Video: Terri’s Take
~Cloud Cover by Terri :-}, Managing Editor
I seldom write reviews on anything. I don’t write them, because most of the time, I feel like reviews of entertainment are completely meaningless. Different people are entertained by different things. So, to tell someone that something is bad just because you don’t like it has always felt somewhat absurd to me. So, most of the time, I don’t put much stock in anything critics or reviewers say. However, after I watched MBLAQ’s newest music video, I really felt compelled to say something about it myself.
But before I do, before I start talking, you really need to watch the music video. Otherwise, you won’t understand my refererences. So, please watch the full music video of MBLAQ’s It’s War below, courtesy of J.Tune Camp’s YouTube channel. And then we’ll talk.
Now. Before I say anything else, let me first say that, overall, I did find this music video reasonably entertaining. Really, I did. The music was well crafted. The costuming was spot on. Their choreography was some of the best I’d seen out of them in a long time. Even the love triangle story, although not very original and adolescent in concept despite the stark backdrop was well-delivered by all of the players. So, the boys totally had it going on. Yes, they did.
In spite of all of that, though, I still had a problem with it. My problem with the music video wasn’t with the contrived, adolescent love triangle story. My problem wasn’t that I had trouble suspending my disbelief that a man might be able to point a gun at his friend and lover and then manipulate time and space to actually shoot himself in the neck. My problem was I don’t understand why it had to end that way in the first place. Why did the director and producers of this video think that the only result of this scenario was for someone to save face by committing suicide? I just don’t get it.
Thinking that I had missed something somewhere, I scoured the Internet for an English translation of the song. I finally found it here:
That didn’t help a bit. The translated lyrics told me that the song was exactly what I thought it was: a boy’s response to his friend’s and his lover’s betrayal.
Some commentors on J.Tune Camp’s YouTube have suggested that Joon didn’t really shoot himself in the neck, that some unknown, hidden assassin shot him instead. Please. If that is the case, then why did the director go to great lengths earlier in the video to show Joon’s expertise at redirecting a bullet’s path? From a writer’s perspective, that doesn’t make sense. The foreshadowing in earlier scenes tells the viewer that Joon was an expert enough shot to shoot himself while pointing the gun at someone else–and in my opinion, that’s exactly what happened.
The only time a mystery assassin was present was at the beginning, when the girl got shot and Joon shot the assassin to protect her. So the idea that a mystery assailant abruptly appears out of nowhere to shoot Joon at this very moment in time doesn’t work. Besides, you can clearly see the bullet with its special markings shoot past the couple, pass behind and around them, and then head back towards Joon.
Here in the U.S.A., suicide is the third leading cause of death among our teenagers. (1) So, it’s not something we find entertaining or amusing. In South Korea, suicide is the number one cause of death for those under forty years old. (2) So my question is this: Why in the world would a South Korean music producer as adept as JYP decide to make suicide the focal point of such a talented group’s new music video? It simply boggles my mind. It’s also incredibly sad to me to think that, because of its sensitive subject matter, this music video will likely have no chance in hell of ever being played on television in South Korea.
But maybe it isn’t sad to MBLAQ’s management. Maybe that wasn’t what the producers were going for in the first place. Maybe their South Korean fans don’t matter. Maybe, instead, they were going for other K-Pop fans in other countries, who are less likely to take the time to dissect the content of the piece than I am. Who knows? I certainly don’t. After all, this is the second video that contained a love triangle shooting scene. The first one was Y, which faced great controversy and eventually had to be re-edited.
I understand that suicide does not have the moral significance in other countries that it does in my country. I know that in some countries suicide is often used as a way to protect one’s dignity or honor. But I also know that even in the foundation of Confucianism, suicide is not considered the best alternative. So, as far as I’m concerned, for music producers in Asia to continue to perpetuate the idea that suicide is the best or only way out of a bad situation is simply unconscionable.
To the millions of teenagers who will be watching over this video. I hope you understand that in real life, suicide is a hell of a lot uglier and a lot more final. Just because one of your best friend steals your lover from you doesn’t mean that you need to kill yourself over it. You will survive. Life does go on and things will get better. Frankly, it’s the much stronger person who walks away. I should know.
In my humble opinion, the stronger story choice would have been to have Joon shoot past the couple because he didn’t have it in his heart to kill them, put down the gun, and walk away. Why the powers-that-be in MBLAQ’s world thought otherwise will likely remain a mystery to me.
That’s not to say that suicide should never be used in any story–ever. That’s not to say that stories that include suicide shouldn’t ever be written. I’m a writer. So, I really do understand the importance of being able to write about suicide if need be–both non-fictionally and fictionally. However, I also am of the opinion that if suicide is a subject someone out there wants to write about, them they’d better have a damned good reason for doing so and they’d better do a damned good job of it. Otherwise, in my opinion, the end result is simply pigswill.
Setting aside the issues I had with the suicide in this piece, here are some other things that bugged me:
- Even though it’s obvious from the English translation that the real war here is between the two boys, fighting over the girl, that story is played out against the backdrop of what appears to be a war-torn city. So, I thought, okay, desperate times, desperate measures. But what and whose call to arms is it? The answer to that question was mysteriously absent. Because we never find out what is going on around the boys, their personal story is less gratifying to the viewer.
- If you will listen closely in the first few seconds, you will hear the first part of a Malcolm X speech: “We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.” Huh? What in the world was the director going for with that one? Maybe this voiceover made everything crystal clear to others, but to me it simply muddied the waters. Was anything in this music video about a race war? Anything at all? Did I miss something somewhere? If not, then surely the producers could have found a more meaningful English voiceover. Did anyone involved in the production of this music video even understand what Malcolm X was saying?
I don’t know what I was expecting from MBLAQ next, but this certainly wasn’t it. Like I said, although I enjoyed the music video, I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been a little more socially responsible.
Maybe next time.
Terri :-}
Cloud USA 
Well I don’t think it’s that hard to grasp the concept of redirecting a bullet’s path. Also, Joon wasn’t really manipulating time at all, it looked like it was slow motioned on purposed. If you’ve watched “Wanted” (you should if you have not, its an awesome movie) then I don’t think it’s that impossible to grasp that concept of redirecting a bullet’s path and end up killing yourself. In “Wanted”, Angelina Jolie acted as an assassin and she was able to redirect a bullet’s path to the extent that it killed a bunch of people who were standing in a circle, herself included at the end, with just one single bullet. That would be more hard to believe in my opinion than Joon killing himself with the redirected bullet. Also, in my opinion, the reason why Joon decided to end his life has to do with the starting, what I saw it as was that Joon was actually a hired assassin who’s tasked to assassinate the girl (who’s probably someone he loves), but ends up failing to do so, and seeing that the girl is also being hunted down by other assassins, he decided to help her. And out of guilt that he accepted the job of assassinating her, he decides to take his own life. Presuming that the paper he took out in the end of the video is a cheque that was given to him to assassinate the girl.
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Rae,
Thank you for your comment.
First, I never said I didn’t understand the bullet maneuver. In fact, I said several times that I did. And I think everyone else got the “Wanted” reference too. So, I’m not sure why you are assuming we didn’t get it.
With regard to time manipulation, slow motion IS time manipulation. There is nothing in the video that tells us who was doing the manipulating (the director or the character). Really, it could have been interpreted as either.
Thanks for your insight into Joon’s character. I did get that he was a hired assassin that was supposed to kill the girl and instead ended up protecting her from another killer and then fell in love with her.
And that wasn’t a check he took out of his pocket. What he took out of his pocket were two airline tickets that presumably he was going to use to get the girl out of harm’s way, but instead gave to the girl and his friend to use because he realized she loved his friend and not him. Which served as the main motivation for him taking his life as a sacrifice. He loved her and so more than anything, he wanted to keep her safe. For example, if he died, then no one could torture him to find out where she was.
Gosh, I watched this again before I responded to your comment and I was once again struck by what a superb actor Joon is. I do hope he is offered some juicy dramatic roles in the future, because he’s incredibly talented.
Again, Rae, thank you for your comments. We really appreciate them. :-}
Terri :-}
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I don’t think he killed himself just because he lost the girl. But from my point of view, it seems like he really loved her-at least, as much as he could within that short amount of time-and Thunder was obviously someone he was close to and trusted. Also, the way he came back for her with a plane ticket or whatever in hand, makes me think that he left to do one last job before he quit. So I think it’s more along the lines of a major betrayal after he’s already led a rough life. And if he takes himself out of the picture, they can live in peace without the guilt of that betrayal. Or, perhaps, it was a last act of revenge. If I were in that situation, I’d probably blame myself for his death. Honestly, only Mblaq and their producers could really tell you what’s happening. This is just my opinion, though.
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Dancing was great! The video was about love, friendship, betral.
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@ Terri
I HAVE SAME THOUGH too
at FIRST i saw the Short clip MV why when JOON try to shot them and instead the bullet shot joonie trun himself now i get it ….
and YES after all i see the full Mv now i know this bought more entertainment and love story they have in here …
Some commentors on J.Tune Camp’s YouTube have suggested that Joon didn’t really shoot himself in the neck, that some unknown, hidden assassin shot him instead. Please. If that is the case, then why did the director go to great lengths earlier in the video to show Joon’s expertise at redirecting a bullet’s path? From a writer’s perspective, that doesn’t make sense. The foreshadowing in earlier scenes tells the viewer that Joon was an expert enough shot to shoot himself while pointing the gun at someone else–and in my opinion, that’s exactly what happened.
The only time a mystery assassin was present was at the beginning, when the girl got shot and Joon shot the assassin to protect her. So the idea that a mystery assailant abruptly appears out of nowhere to shoot Joon at this very moment in time doesn’t work. Besides, you can clearly see the bullet with its special markings shoot past the couple, pass behind and around them, and then head back towards Joon.
——-
now i surly understand about this much more expected then i see last Y everbody make a lot comment on JTune why JOON again who have to be SHOOTING and killing when i read u post up now it make more sent to what i read in their comment and yes i got scare a little when i see him be always be the one be holding the gun i know he very GOOD ACTOR JUST LIKE HIS Ninja Assassin acting no regret at all.. their love tangle always got me their but anyway and i agreed that Jtune should give some more clip to see but more but like it was written and i except at lest they MBLAQ did show his fan they giving such good entertainment of they performance afterall every point out wanted about love and bullet now that make more sent and internment what i did NOT know the short clip when by was that i did cough what it is either ahahahah
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Sorry Terri but I’m w/ParkBoRa on this one (except for the part about you needing therapy…I don’t know anything about that…^^). I don’t think suicide is as taboo a subject in western culture as you seem to state in your review. Half of the people in Shakespeare’s works commit suicide, and those works are considered to be classics. Edward Cullen tried to commit suicide in one of those Twilight flicks (I’m trying not to spoil too much for anyone who might be reading this and hasn’t yet seen all the movies). It makes for a more dramatic story. People on the verge of suicide don’t need a music video to push them over the edge; they need to get away from whatever tragedy in their lives is already pushing them in that direction. It seems rather condescending to give a poor review to a music video in which suicide is clearly used as a dramatic tool. Sure, the media has some responsibility for the images it portrays to the audience, but let’s put the majority of responsibility where it accurately lies, on the parents and families of the kids watching the video. Not once did I ever think of committing suicide after breaking up w/my bf in high school, no matter how many chicks in books and movies and music videos did. It’s called being grounded, and it is not the media’s responsibility to keep our kids grounded, it’s ours.
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Redd,
I didn’t say suicide was a “taboo” subject. I said I thought it should be handled with care when used in entertainment. I especially think that it should be handled carefully by young men who serve as role models to kids all over their country. (But of course, that’s just me. I for one believe that the Media and celebrities have great influence over their audiences–particularly over their fans.)
And just in case you’re assuming that I think Twilight is a great piece of fiction, I got news for you. I don’t. Shakespeare, on the other hand, was an incredible writer. His writing was filled with violence–including scenes of suicide. The difference is his stories were extremely well crafted.
Obviously, not everyone is going to agree with me that MBLAQ’s music video was poorly-written, and like I said, that’s okay. I’m also really glad that this thread has generated some critical thinking. That’s wonderful. Thank you all for participating.
Terri :-}
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I’m sure they pick up Joonie and Thunder cuz these boys have charisma, they project emotions really well and both are georgeous. The end was made to leave a strong impression on fans and if that was their goal, they achieve it with honors. Yes, the story have huge holes in it. How come Joon gets soo in love with a girl he saw a day or two? Is Thunder so naive to accept a girl he knows is his friend’s girlfriend and knowing he’s an assassin? We needed a few scenes more to develop the story properly. But all in all, I think the video showcase the boys’ acting skills as well as their singing.
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Mari,
Yes, I agree that a strong impression was their goal. Joon is an excellent actor and he certainly made a strong impression. He dies really well, doesn’t he? :-}
I don’t think they meant it to be a day or two. I think they meant it to be a good period of time. The story just wasn’t conveyed well. That’s all. Which is a shame, really.
Also, why didn’t they use any of the other boys in the story? I mean really. All that talent there and nothing done with it. It was such lazy writing. Sigh.
Terri :-}
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Hell yes!! Joonie gave me chills with that death scene! I mean, the boy is such a talented actor! In Ninja Assassin was the same, his screams in that “twisted my gutts and I’m dying” scene were so darn good that to this day, I cringe every time I see it. He’s impressive in the video and its a shame they didn’t use his full range doing some loving scenes with the girl to balance the video. Also, is true that they could give the other boys some scenes cuz I know they
are good actors too. They missed a golden opportunity there.
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Ooh, I agree, Mari.
Joon was awesome in Ninja Assassin. What a great actor he is.
Terri :-}
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Hmm interesting, Terri, what the writers should have done is make a longer version also to incorporate more content so we who arent Asian {Koreans} can get it. Sometimes Americans just have different way of interpreting stuff.
What I like about it is the acting talent that Joony and Thunder show most and then theres the dancing.
About the MalcomX speech, I think what that’s might be refering to is the Asian people saying “We have the right to be heard in the Western world” like the 60’s, where Black people called for equal rights. What do yoall think? I mean thats a bit radical, I would have gone Martin Luther King instead. *–*
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Patrice,
I agree with you. I did like the editing between the story and the dancing. I honestly thought their choreography was their strongest yet. Don’t you think?
About Malcolm X’s speech, that is an interesting idea. Could be. Hm…
Terri :-}
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Yes I think their choreography was dead-on and their performance on MNet was too sweet :}. They remind me most of Rain with the look and everything on the show..fantastic!
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The Malcolm X speech?…..(*still scratching my head*). The director would almost have to explain what his thought process was on that one. I’m NOT offended that it was used at all. However, it just seemed random as hell is all. There’s nothing else in the video that relates to the speech or Malcolm or anything in that regard. The only thing that makes any sense to me is the “by any means necessary” line within the speech. Maybe Joon’s character did what he had to do, by any means necessary as it related to his best friend getting with his girl. Who knows??
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I liked the choreography but the story line in the video made absolutely no sense. I also don’t like the use of guns in music videos and I don’t find suicide entertaining. I’d like to know who decided to include the Malcom X quote and why. It was incredibly random. I’m just waiting for the live performances so I can watch that instead of the video.
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Thank goodness it wasn’t just me.
Terri :-}
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Oh, and as far as I’m concerned, a producer doesn’t just pull Malcolm X (much less Malcolm X actually speaking) out of his behind just because its a fun idea he had. That producer meant to give this MV more depth and was trying to get something across with that, to the people who would catch it. The question is what. I mean, Joon could have said “By any means necessary” himself, out loud, and been done with it. So… ? Hm.
Stephe ^@@^
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Stephe my other thought of the meaning could also be whats happening in North and South Korea? I mean those of us that know the true meaning of Malcolm X and this speech. And in this it holds very true to the horribleness of the people still stuck in North Korea and lets face it Lee Joon saying these words will NOT hold the same effectiveness.
If I’m wrong what do you think is trying to be said, curious?
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Hey, gurl. 🙂
I’m really not sure, simply because the storyline is so all over the place. I can’t seem to wrap my mind around where the heck Malcolm comes in.
But that is pretty interesting, your thought about the North and the South… will ponder that some more!
Stephe ^@@^
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This is a great thread.
(thanks for participating, everybody)
And now back to it.
Stephe ^@@^
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When I saw the video I knew it would be backlashes and I didn’t want to make any comments on this since it seems my thoughts are not always very popular either. OH WELL! hahahahaha
This is how I see it first I love the video yes all of it, I felt a lot of emotions watching it which I’m sure thats what suppose to happen, and people have been committing suicide for centuries and its had nothing to with looking at a video, television, or watching a movie.( I’m feeling the daggers now!)
I’m a Christian and in no way do I believe in suicide for ANY reason I’m not sending my soul to hell.
But I’m also sick of people trying to find someone to blame for the ones who do commit suicide or do mass murders. These people that do that something is twisted in their brains and rather they go to church every sunday, and lead a so called perfect life something snaps in their head and makes them do what they do.
Why I liked the video I liked the words the meaning behind them a friend that would always be there for you no matter what having a love that should be yours and only yours, and the hurt and pain you feel buy the betrayal of them both at once? Wow! That packs a mighty punch for anyone and in that instant wanting them to feel the pain you feel. Suicide!
Doesn’t make it right its just a concept, and maybe an instant feeling.
The Malcolm X wording had nothing to do with race but more of the words ” Buy any means necessary” and the reason I think they always have Joon playing these rolls is because he’s a good actor and he does carry that solemn look very well. hehehehe
A video or movie etc. is suppose to be entertaining and not everyone will like what they see and or hear, thats just the way it is, but at least its getting your attention and its getting a lot of buzz and I hope they keep it they way it is as for it being shown on television I understand them having to change some things because of the pointing the finger at someone to blame issue.
And like you Terri I KNOW I’m gonna get hated on for my opinion but ya know what we all have them, but we should at least be respectable about them to each other without making snide comments or hating on someone for not agreeing with you.
Oh one other thing BiA I do agree with you, what the hell happen to a good old knock down drag out fight? Life is a precious gift.
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Hey Lotus,
What’s up lady? I agree that people who are bent on committing suicide will do it regardless of influences. But, like Terri I do feel that it can’t be dismissed the “power” of visual mediums. Images carry a boat load of power and influence. As Black women, you Know WE know. (Makes me cringe thinking that some person in a far away country may be under the Highly Mistaken impression that we All like to “drop it like it’s hot” Only because of video images where they’ve seen others doing so on YT). However, I do fully understand your point. No hating on you lady! (SMILES)
Yeah, the Malcolm X thing. I felt the same as you, it had to be the ONE line “by any means necessary.” I guess that was supposed to be Cool and dramatic? Don’t know. Oh well.
Lotus, I agree….shoot myself?….Hell No! I’d just wanna kick his @ss….big time. (SMILES)
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BiA I’ve always said if my man cheats on me and its someone I don’t know, oh well what can I do? But ifs its with my friend OH LORD help her!!! cause its about to go down! Because you never know what lies are being said to an unknowing person, but a friend or family member knows better.
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Well, Lotus,
Okay. Let me just go ahead and reveal this, not for any other reason than just because maybe it will do somebody out there some kind of good.
This actually DID happen to me. Being cheated on with one of my best friends. (okay, okay, not Stephe…a FORMER best friend, obviously…thought I’d better clear that one up real quick. LOL.)
And guess what? I didn’t kill anybody. And I’m still alive, so I guess that means that I didn’t kill myself either. :-}
I am not revealing this for any reason other than to reassure everyone out there that you really can survive a hell of a lot more than you think you can. Really. And you can come out the winner too.
Besides, the best revenge is a life well lived, don’t you think?
Terri :-}
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Oh, and this was a best friend who I’d known since college. So, we’d been friends almost as long as me and Stephe have been friends now when I found out.
Trust me. People will lie and they will lie to your face for years, if they can get away with it.
Terri :-}
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Hahahahaha, Hello Terri,
Well ya know to be perfectly honest that whole theres a good and bad way to put suicide in a movie/ video/ book etc. Not so much, in my opinion. Killing yourself is still killing yourself….
Romeo and Juliet were FOOLS! the first time I read the book and then saw the movie I loved as well as other of Shakespeare’s work, but my first thought and if I remember right I was 13 was damn their dumb as hell! Now I feel sorrow for anyone who does it.
I’ve been cheated on also but not buy anyone I knew, sorry it happen to you Terri but she wasn’t your friend sweetie. Now I didn’t say I would kill either one of them cause its just not worth it. But I would beat the hell out that Bit*h! Cause like I said she knows better, also if I was in the girls position I would have NEVER cheated on my man thats just not who I am. I don’t believe in running through family or friends, I don’t play that. I will tell ya a true story though; This guy came on to me and I wasn’t interested in him but my girl was single and I thought I’ll hook them up, I did they really dug each other after about 6months my girl came to me and said hey 2 of her other friends told her she should watch out for me that I might try and take her man? I was like WTF? If I wanted his a** I wouldn’t have gave him to you! I was hurt by that really bad. I told her so but I also told her she better watch her back cause shes being played. Well guess what a month later she called me crying she caught his butt in bed with both those nasty Bit*hes at once. True story!!
Terri I’ve always hung out with people older than myself cause I had to grow up fast so I learned a lot at an early age my childhood was taken away from me, what I’m trying to say I do have hi moral standards, now I’m no saint by any means but I’m also a very loyal person and there are things I just will not do for any reason, I’ve had a lot of male friends and all of them treated me with much respect I never cross lines with a friend so the man that would be in my life was always secure he knew he was my man and the other guys knew they were just friends, also my girls trust me around their men. I only brought this up because you said it was crazy to leave his woman with his friend, you should be able to do so without them betraying you, and that again is my belief.
Now as far as I’m concerned a music video is not always going to be thought provoking and I’m fine with that but at the same time unless its just lame as hell as long as I’m entertained I’m all good . But we all have what we like and don’t like, right?
Terri I do enjoy our in depth conversations its been awhile. hahahaha
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Ah ha ha,
Poor Romeo and Juliet…
Yeah, you’re right. She wasn’t my friend. It would have been nice to know that from the get-go, though. But she was a really good liar. So, I didn’t. That’s no surprise about your friend and her man. Once a player…
Yes, you SHOULD be able to leave your woman or man with your friend and trust that they won’t betray you. But I know better. That isn’t a good idea. No matter how much you think you trust them, it is not a good idea to test boundaries like that. For every one person that is trustworthy, there are five that aren’t. Years of experience has taught me that. And I’ll just leave that there.
I honestly did enjoy the MV. I really did. I just didn’t like the ending much. That’s all.
Thanks, Lotus. I’ve really enjoyed our conversation too. Very much.
Terri :-}
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I also would like to apologize for my own opinion, I guess I’m just not on the same page with you all her…lol….sorry I’m not as kind hearted as you all seem to be…
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Hi, Bo Ra.
You don’t have to apologize for finding the MV entertaining and liking it — lots of people do. And if you love MBLAQ and want to support them, then you are on the same page with us here. 🙂
Stephe ^@@^
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Hello Park Bo Ra,
I would say you shouldn’t have to apologize for your opinion. However, the one thing you should know about us here is that (given the topic at hand) we do “Go Hard” in our opinions sometimes (I know I have), but we always try our best not to “Go Hard” on each other. That’s the difference. Otherwise, we’re a pretty easy going bunch!
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Well said, BiA. Thank you.
Terri :-}
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Thumbs up, BiA.
Stephe ^@@^
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Agree BiA! ^_~
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Bo Ra,
Please don’t think you have to apologize for your opinion. You have a right to your opinion and it is always welcome here. As is mine.
As you will see from a later comment of mine, I don’t have an issue with suicide or violence being used in entertainment. I just think it should be used with purpose and care. That’s all. What I don’t appreciate the most is terrible writing. This music video was badly written. But again, that’s just my opinion.
Terri :-}
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@nononosarang, my comment was not meant to be a smart ass remark, it really concerns me when people think that that the media can send you into a suicidal path, which is not true,I just thought maybe Terri is taking it too much to heart, if it’s not the case I’m feel much better, but I do respect her and any one else’s opinion, it was just concern that’s all 😦
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Glad you explained. S’all good.
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I think they just simply wanted to make it dramatic. Sure as hell they never thought this would raise moral questions. I pretty much hope teenagers are not stupid to think this encourages them to commit suicide because they saw it in an MV. You really *have to be stupid* to do that (to take an MV of your favpurite group as an example on what to do with your life). If this were to be the case you would have to ban all dramas in the world because they *might* influence people to do bad things. No more HK action movies because people might think they are as cool as donnie yen and can kill a Japanese dojo with a bare fist. No more gay Ang Lee dramas, because boys might turn homo. I think you simply have to see these things as they are: pieces of artwork (hm well, pop videos are hardly art in the art sense but still…). As a writer myself, I also sometimes make my heros die. I did that numerous times because that’s just how my mindset was when I was writing the story. Sometimes I turned a totally bliss story into a nightmare, because I felt like it. maybe the srcipt writer of this MV also had a thingie for dramatic endings. Maybe they just consider this an MV and not educational material 🙂 My 5 cents.
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I think you definetly made a good point, after reading some awful reviews about the mv, I really appreciate that you took the time to discuss the main point that was a problem in this mv. I really liked the whole production of it, it is a music video after all it doesn’t have to be perfectly acted and some cliches,e tc don’t matter. However, I wish it didn’t have the suicide part, it wasn’t necessary, and yes I did cry at that point like many others, but it still wasn’t necessary at all. At least in Y when joon kills the girl, the song has a strong theme of revenge throughout. This song on the other hand doesn’t have that, there was a lot of hate in the lyrics, like hating the friend who betrayed him, but nothing to warrant suicide, I like the idea that he could have had a change of heart and walked away, as if he had given up, which would have shown his anger at the betrayal well, he’s angry at his friend but he still cares about him so he should have just dropped the gun and walked away, I think it would have been a nicer ending, the directors might have thought it would be anticlimatic, but I really think it would have wrapped up the mv well.
ps. jtunecamp is not under jyj
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Lava,
Thank you for your comment. I think you meant to say JYP there? If so, you are incorrect. JYP merged with J.Tune Entertainment. J.Tune Camp is a subsidiary of J.Tune Entertainment. Thus, JYP DOES manage MBLAQ, under J.Tune Entertainment.
All of those company changes happened sometime last year.
Terri :-}
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Wow everyone has made some interesting points. Some points I had not thought of. Honestly when I first saw it, I really did not read to much into the video. It was just very entertaining to me and I loved it a lot. All the guys are looking super duper hot! I love the song, dancing, and the way the video looks. Until someone pointed out the reference to Wanted regarding the bullet bending. I did not even pick that up. Which is so funny because I saw that movie and loved it. Anyway for me I found the video to be simply entertaining and I loved it.
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Certainly nothing wrong with that at all, Flower. The Boys worked hard on this MV so it’s good that you and lots of other fans liked it.
It’s good that there are differing views on it, too — some of the best things draw a variety of opinions, right? And one thing goes without saying — we adore MBLAQ and always want to see them do well, which is why the “mama” in us will come out every now and then. Heheh^^
Stephe ^@@^
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I totally agree that it good that there are different views on it. Yes we do adore them and it is nothing wrong with wanting to see them put there best foot foward.
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well Terri, I think you are reading way to much into the video, it’s for entertaining purposes, when a person decides to commit suicide they don’t need movies, music, videos or anything else to motivate them to do it, they are already down that path, a movie or a video will not put them over the edge, it’s their mental and emotional state that drives them to do it, yes suicide is rather prevalent but not because of the media but because people cannot handle things that are going wrong in their lives, I thought the video was superb and obviously they like Angelina Jolie’s work, I for one loved it and see nothing wrong with it, but I think since it bothers you so much maybe you should talk to someone..
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Bo Ra,
LOL. It’s not me who needs to talk to anyone, dear. But thanks for your concern.
I call ’em like I see them.
Terri :-}
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“but I think since it bothers you so much maybe you should talk to someone..”
My my what a smartass remark. LOL
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Terri, maybe you need to see if Bi can donate some “combat” gear to Cloud USA staff or some “hazard” pay or both. (SMILES)
WOW, angry much?
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LOL,
I know right? That’s okay. I’m a writer. I understand that when I write an unpopular opinion I might get flack about it. Ain’t nothin’ but a thang.
Terri :-}
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You are right Terry …..so sad=/
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Este video me puso muy nerviosa y triste a la vez. No creo que sea buen mensaje para nosotros los jóvenes, que a veces estamos confundidos con nuestros problemas y un poco desorientados. La música es bonita pero nada más. Estoy viendo en You Tube que a muchas chicas les ha gustado, les parece muy romántico este final. El amor es algo tan bonito, no se debe involucrar con la violencia, ni con la mentira, ni el engaño. Gracias Terri y a todas las chicas, estoy leyendo sus comentarios que son muy valiosos para mi. No estoy segura, pero Rain habrá tenido conocimiento de este concepto? ..Me gustaría saber que piensa él. Mblaq, es un excelente grupo, me gustaba cuando Rain estaba aquí, junto a ellos.
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eu também gustaba cuando Rain estaba junto a ellos^^
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Im reading a lot of comments on Youtube and wow theyre coming in fast and furious supporting MbLaq. Thats good for the boys. Apparently June is a assassin so maybe thats why he took his life and gave the tickets, just quessing. Jooney is my fav tho, so I didnt like he had to die in the end. Maybe next MV will have a lighter concept.
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Patrice,
Yes, I do believe that Joon was the assassin and he decided to save the girl, instead of kill her. As for the plane tickets, I assumed that he had finally come to pick up the girl, so they could run away together, but then he found that his friend had fallen in love with her, which instigated the fight.
By the way, where was Joon all those weeks that his girl was healing and bonding with his friend? That remains a mystery, as far as I could tell. Really, dude? You leave a girl alone with a guy for weeks and then you’re shocked to find that they have grown to like each other? Seriously? I won’t even mention how badly that story-line was done, because I’m sure I will just upset somebody else. (Oops. Too late.)
It’s not the concept of violence in the video that I find disturbing. Not in the least. I enjoy a good action piece now and again. I mean, seriously, if I could sit through Ninja Assassin without vomiting from all the gore, then that’s saying something, don’t you think?
Suicide in entertainment doesn’t bother me either–if it’s done right. For example, the suicide in Rain’s music video of his song “Bad Guy” was perfectly crafted. His motivation to kill himself to protect not only himself (so he didn’t have to face going back to prison) and others (his girlfriend and his family for whom he was causing so much pain) was extremely strong. He was young, but he was a bad, bad guy. And he knew it. In that instance, although the suicide saddened me, it made complete sense–in a cinematic way.
Likewise, JYP’s suicide in Rain’s BMW “Still Believe” mini-film also made sense.
What I don’t like, though, is violence used in entertainment piece so carelessly. So, you see, it’s not that I think suicide shouldn’t be used at all in dramatic way, in entertainment. I just think it should have some real purpose and not be so BADLY used. As in this music video. That’s all. Just because they were imitating Angelina Jolie’s work doesn’t mean that they did it well. It just means they did it.
For those of you who think this MBLAQ music video is so great, I’d love to know why exactly you think that? Please do tell, because I really REALLY don’t get it.
It’s not that I thought the entire piece was horrible. I didn’t think that. But I also didn’t think it was all that great, either. So, would someone please explain to me why I should think this is a “superb” video? I’m willing to listen. I really am.
Terri :-}
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You are right Terry about all you said. I can’t understand why Joon have to die at the end or the reference to Malcom X’s words. I did understand the reference to the movie Wanted cuz it was the only movie were assassins learned to bend the way the bullet goes. I like the video, it was fun to watch and the lyrics are good but as you said, it wasn’t necessary to do such a tragic ending and I thought it was too violent for Korean media. Let’s see what happens. I hope it goes well for Mblaq.
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Mari,
I hope it goes well for MBLAQ too. I did like the video, but not as much as I would have otherwise.
Bummer.
Terri :-}
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Does anyone remember the concert Rain did where someone jumps on stage from the audience supposedly and shoots him..after I first saw it, I was alarmed and searched all over the internet to see what I could find out about it. It was a stunt but to this day I still don’t understand wat the reason was behind it.
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Patrice,
Yes, I remember it. It was alarming. Not sure I understand the reasoning behind that either, but that kind of thing has been done in stage shows elsewhere. I’ve seen it, but can’t recall where just now. Sort of a “thug” thing, I think.
I didn’t like that either.
Terri :-}
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I just want to know why, every time I turn around, JOON’s got a gun and pointing it at some chick. And is usually seeming to fire it at some chick.
I didn’t like it the first time and I don’t like it now. I appreciate them going with more mature themes and I encourage them to continue going with more mature themes, but the way young people’s minds work today, this is a f*cked up message to have them mulling over.
Stop it with the damn guns already. And stop portraying Joonie as MBLAQ’s resident psycho girlfriend shooter.
Violence against women should not be an ongoing MBLAQ MV theme. For Pete’s sake.
(I’m not even going to start on the suicide slant. WTH.)
Stephe ^@@^
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Opps, missed word there. It’s ‘wish they can see what you…’ ^^
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That’s was what I felt when I saw their teaser before. Maybe anything but killing, committing sucide. My word was ‘Oh, not again!’ I wish they can what you posted here and our comments. Thank you, Terri! you always come up and say right time when its needed. Godd day! ^^
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They got the concept from the movie “Wanted” with Angeline Joilie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxEAE-10YTE Assassins that could bend bullets and in the end Angelina killed all the “bad guys” including herself by bending a bullet in a complete circle killing the other assasins and herself at the very end.
I believe they think it romantic sacrificing himself so they could be together, especially in the end when (even though shot through the neck) he gave them two airline tickets.
But I agree it’s a stupid concept, Joon just could have beat the shit outta Thunder and then walked away. (or visa versa)
The video is full of holes but most videos are especially kpop vids. Eatyourkimchi is going to love tearing this one apart.
That being said, Love the song and the lyrics. Definitely going to buy the CD when it comes out. Love their more mature sound less pop to it.
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Yeah, I remember Wanted. It was a bad concept then too.
Sigh.
Terri :-}
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Yeah, I saw Wanted also and the minute I saw the bullet sweep around them I knew it was from that movie also. I agree, what happened to a good old fashioned beat down. Back in “1909” when I was in high school, that’s about as deep as it got. Somebody yelled, “Fight!” and before you knew it was over. No bullets were involved. Young people are Intense these days to say the least so a video with this kind of visual subject matter. Not a good idea Jtune. Not good at all. Some people can’t distinguish fantasy from reality and this video “feels” like it could possibly be giving someone license to do a very real and (as you say Terri) Final thing. It doesn’t take much for everyday people to mimic what they see in videos and on TV. I can’t tell you how many young females I saw walking around (in the “real” world) with Kool-aid colored hair after Rihanna was photographed looking like a cherry flavored popsicle. So it’s a scary thing……………………………………
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And remember that football movie from from the 90s, “The Program”, where teenagers (and some other people in separate incidents) were killed imitating the daredevil stunt in the film where the players lay down in the middle of a busy street, along the yellow line, to prove how brave and tough they were? Nobody was angst-ridden or anything — they just thought it looked really cool and wanted to be really cool too. And ended up dead trying to have fun.
My point being, people will imitate something in a snap. And except for really extenuating circumstances, it is on the person when s/he does stuff like that. But it makes no sense for Powers That Be not to be more thoughtful about that sort of thing. Geez, how terrible of me for not liking to look at a girl through a rifle scope.
(LOL @ “1909”)
Stephe ^@@^
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Yes, Stephe,
I remember that movie and the unintended fallout from it as well. Here’s the NY Times article about that incident: http://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/19/us/not-like-the-movie-a-dare-leads-to-death.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm. There are plenty of other examples out there too, where life has imitated art, sometimes with tragic consequences.
For those of you who don’t believe that people aren’t influenced by the entertainment they watch, why don’t you go look up some statistics, so you will know the facts, instead of making lame arguments about it. No one out there is going to convince me that kids don’t mimic what the hear and see. It’s what they DO.
Terri :-}
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Yes Stephe, I absolutely remember when that happened and it boggled my mind why anyone would do that. When I was a kid, it never really occurred to me to mimic or do the “daredevil” type things I saw in movies. Obviously, for some the “common sense factor” doesn’t apply or “kick in” until…..Oops, too late. For about a year, I wore a key in my gold loop earrings just like 16 year old Janet Jackson (when I was 16 also) and I also had a pair of black/white loafers like her brother MJ when I was a teen as well. That’s about as “deep” as it got for me. But the point being, I “was influenced” by what I saw them wearing and it didn’t take much, cause I loved some MJ and JJ.
Entertainment-wise, the MBLAQ video was very good. The look, the dancing, the hair (SMILES). However, music CEOs and Producers walk a fine line all the time, when it comes to “being true one’s art” and just being plain stupid. I guess it’s the viewer who gets to decide what side the powers that be fall on. Hey, a nice little bullet to the neck “never” hurt anyone…right? (*end of sarcasm*)
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Dulcie,
I agree with you about the song. I thought their song was great myself.
And like I said, their choreography was amazing. Mesmerizing actually.
Terri :-}
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