The King IS BACK! | REACTING TO TAEMIN 태민 'Guilty' MV | DG REACTS 

Thank you! I really enjoy all your analysis. Just a note, In July (I think), Taemin updated his Instagram bio with a famous quote from Hermann Hesse's famous novel Demian “The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas.” I think his outfit with the feather hat represents the god Abraxas.

Kim wook (his stylist/ visual director) mentioned that the story is about two characters actually" the one that being controlled" and" the one that can't be controlled and control" and that actually makes things more clear when you separate the characters

As a Lesbian I first thought it was kinda queer coded, mainly the teasers, and also the lovin' you is a crime theming but I don't think it's about that anymore. It looks like more like a villain origin story? The lyric ego seems very "evil" at first, but the imagery shows his past, traumas, as he visits those rooms and walk alone and that make me see it like in another way. Even if it seems straight up evil, the feeling guilty aspect hints that the ego know its bad but kinda can't help it because it was the only way to go. So I think the storyline is more like the world is messed up, it breakes you, and you have to do what it takes to keep going, and maybe it means cross that line of "wrong" to achieve what you hope for. I think that deep down is someone who hopes for love and care, as Taemin seem to long for his memories of being a child playing, and maybe a past lover, but as he grew up he come to realize that maybe relying on people and loving them only makes you hurt, as show when he desperately is grabbing someone else for help etc. And now he has become what he feared, lying and scheming to make people stay, and kinda got what he wanted as we see him being worshiped as a God., but he is still fighting with himself because he feels guilty about being this way? And in the last scene hi is all alone again, which may means that the love that he get this way (the adoration) wasn't what he truly wanted in the end. Idk. I've also not read the book so I don't know if make take makes sense but this the story that I got from this piece. Being right or wrong it doesn't matter in the end because it is a masterpiece anyway

The article about Guilty album's behind story; The main theme of this album started with Taemin's opinion that it was 'erotism'. The goal was to express erotism by substituting Taemin for two characters: ‘the person I can control’ and ‘the person I cannot control, who I feel like I will be controlled by.’ The goal was to elicit emotions from the audience. The explain of the MV storyline by Taemin; In the music video, I am forced to harm my friends in a situation where there is an absolute watcher . I was shocked to realize that all my friends had disappeared because of me, and I ended up becoming a villain.

Another masterpice from my King. I cried so much because of this MV.. Taemin is amazing ❤

Taemin did it again!! 🔥💎

The concept of his new mv and album was actually more influenced by Hermann Hesse's book "Demian" (it was officially confirmed by Taemin and the mv director). He began his career in the K-pop industry at the age of 13, and the mv depicts the toxic experiences he had to go through as a young idol, such as control, coercion, and competition (there are more clues about this in the mv trailer clip). These experiences led to his mental anguish and difficulties, expressed through his frenzied dance movements. But, ironically he still wants the love and recognition of the public as an artist. In the end, when he is aware of who he is, he burns it all down and is reborn as a new being. That is the god Abraxas, where good and evil, male and female, pain and joy are intermingled in chaos. Taemin, with a crown of angel's feather and a demonic face, symbolizes this transformation/identity. “The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas.”

The beautiful thing about music is that everyone can interpret it however they want/feel. All comments are correct, I also have my own opinions. But I want to express how much someone like Taemin is needed in k-pop. How much we need a voice that communicates something deep and artistic, that touches people's hearts and awakens them in some way. He's that kind of artist. He doesn't make things easier for us. He invites us to investigate books, films, other artists. He makes us curious

One thing is sure: Taemin never releases something one- dimentional, it's always layering of different concepts vusually, vocally, choreographically. Mind blowing piece, really loved your analysis and worm in an apple explanation for main move in choreo, striking visual ❤

taemin absolutely KILLED it ! the dancers did so amazing👏 what a fantastic music video and what a fantastic song🌟

I think that it would be good for you to check his mv teasers and trailers, because there is more things showed in them. I also read that a lot of people thinks that it's about his military service.

I personally find this mv very queercoded, it’s so so beautiful and the concepts of ‘loving you s a crime’ and liberty , the touching in dark rooms with mood lighting … taemin often uses these but this is the most obvious one for me yet ❤️

Thank you for the reaction!! I find it interesting how at 4:16 it almost seems like Taemin is struggling to escape, but reaches the gates and stops himself. Then, the hands catch him. I don't think it's real hands (like, someone caught him). To me, it looks like he has a chance to escape from something that is tormenting him. But certain feelings don't let him take final step (maybe feelings of... guilt?). I really liked your idea that the hand under his shirt is like a worm! I also thought that it's like "something that got under his skin" (once again, maybe feelings of guilt, regret, people's ideas etc.).

I always love and wait for your reactions to both SHINee and Taemin. You have so many great insights. I had to really chew on this one. I know that Taemin really loves philosophy, just like my daughter who is getting a minor in philosophy at college. In "L'erostisme" the author argues that eroticism is "a psychological quest not unlike death." As a Christian, Taemin has often used his music/MVs to illustrate his conflict with being a Christian while also being in a world that thrives on eroticism and all sorts of worldly temptations that are considered sinful for those with a Christian worldview ("Want", "Famous", the NGDA trilogy, etc.). The situation only intensifies when you couple those temptations with celebrity status. Things become more easily attainable and acceptable through money, constant peer pressure, and the desire for acceptance from those peers, the company, and fans. For Taemin, an additional factor thrown into this already mental chaotic mess is the fact that from the time he entered the celebrity world as a very introverted idol at the tender age of 14 (intl. age), he was constantly sexualized by the company and other celebrities. In Asian countries, it is considered high comedy to cross-dress, wear long hair extensions and act girly. Due to Taemin's innocent "prettiness" as a child (and later on) those in the industry made full use of Taemin -- constantly dressing him as a girl, fawning over him, petting him, making lewd jokes, etc. As much as Taemin cried out that he was A MAN (Taemin wanted to look and be more masculine like Minho), the more tone-deaf everyone became -- all except his SHINee brothers. This situation prompted Jonghyun to pen the song "Pretty Boy" for Taemin, which stated that "I am more than the imaginations in your head." The lyrics are quite scathing to those who would make Taemin what he wasn't. Even today, many speculate that he is gay because he finally adopted the "genderless" style. However, Taemin has said in many interviews that, as an artist, he had to find a niche that would make him stand out and use that unique niche to build his career. That's just what he did. Additionally, if anyone watches his social media lives, he will often say something about being a "man", like (paraphrasing here), "As a man, I can't show you my chest" because he was talking with his fans of whom many are under 18. He will slip in these hints often, as if he feels he must make that distinction to make his masculinity clear. Taemin also revealed in his 2020 interview with Ravi on "Ravi's Close-up: Taemin", that he despised school. In fact, as a Kindergartner, he would leave home with his lunch, not say anything to his mother, and go to the park for the day. However, not understanding the concept of passing time, he would return home within an hour. His mother caught on quickly. One of the reasons Taemin became an idol was to get out of all the extra classes Koreans take after school to boost their studies in order to do well on standardized tests. Finally Taemin's mother, tired of fighting him told him that if he passed the open audition for SM Entertainment, he could drop all of his after-school classes. Taemin went and did just that on the very first try. There are only 7 other idols (I think, or 8 other) who have done this in the history of these open auditions attended by thousands. Despite this, Taemin is extremely intelligent especially in science and math. He finished school and college while navigating an insanely packed schedule. Lastly, I feel like Taemin is giving us a very real picture of just how horrendous his military service was in the very beginning, on top of how the anxiety and depression medications made him feel (symbolized by the inhaler), and fighting against himself and his demons to stick through it despite how awful it was. Remember, he never said a word about wanting a transfer. The decision was made for him by military personnel for his well being. That says a lot. Taemin was asked by Suga on "Suchwita" how he prepared for "Guilty, and Taemin responded that he reflected a lot on his past, where he had been and what he had done and wanted to reveal his story on a much deeper level. I feel "Guilty" is that revelation of how parts of his childhood were good, but between school, the challenges of being an idol at such a tender age with no control, and his military experience -- all these "institutions" -- have effected him tremendously. He is constantly treading that fine line of wanting to remain that innocent kid (good) that entered the celebrity world and "died" by losing that innocence and the temptations of embracing all the eroticism and sinfulness of the world (bad). If what I am just speculating about is true, releasing all these bottled up feelings and frustrations may be very cathartic for him.

Wow, I love your analysis. I completely agree that this is an internal struggle within Taemin. So far, all of Taemin’s videos have been self-reflective (his words) so it makes sense that this video would be too. Although the video feels sensual I don’t think it’s sexual. I personally feel like it’s him reflecting back on his childhood, his struggles to become “Taemin,” the huge sacrifices he had to make, the pain and losses he had to go through to become who is he. The hand under the shirt is almost like his own inner hand twisting and molding him much like the hands of the unidentified persons (maybe the industry) that have shaped him. And in one of the lines he basically says he had kept his own voice and image and the more he gives into the pain the sweeter perhaps his successes. So I really think this is a self-reflecting Taemin and i agree with you that at the end he “wakes up” and he is alone without all his inner demons and thoughts and feelings. I think you’ve had the best analysis of this video so far from everyone else I’ve seen.

I was waiting for your analysis of guilty!!! I love your takes on Taemin's mvs and you brought up many points for me to think of about the mv! Hahahaha Guilty is probably the best release of 2023 and hardly any upcoming track will top it. Taemin is out of this world. Thank you for the reaction!!

On taemin advice, he does play the piano. Again, he kills it in this video.

So many comments I agree with, as far as analysis & interpretations. One thing you brought up that caught my attention was the use of color. Where you see (or at least describe) blue as sad/depression & yellow/orange as happiness....I viewed it more as blue=shame/denial, orange =acceptance/true self. Overall, I find there are so many layers that Taemin evokes, and I find this more so with the extra MV clips that show more of the storyline on IG & Twt. It's just such a beautiful look at oneself & appreciate the many layers that is provided to us as the viewer.🖤🥀

Muy interesante tu analisis, hay muchas cosas que puedo reconocer cosas que Taemin mismo menciona en las entrevista. Shinee esta haciendo un maravilloso recorrido de hacer arte expresando sus miedos y sentimientos, utilizandolo de una manera muy catartica. Hace 14 años que sigo a Shinee y no puedo estar mas orgullosa de todo lo que han crecido como artistas y como personas... Taemin sin dudas es unico en su clase

sometimes you just have to do that no other idol will do it the way Taemin does it. Truly the king of kpop.

No one could be like TAEMIN TAEMIN is the different level forever. His vocal is so insane THE KING of kings

I love that you're not only reacting but also interpreting the story/movements!!

taemin *NEVER* disappoints! ❤️‍🔥

I always enjoy your reactions because you get very detailed with it and your voice is so soothing always thank you.. just a little more context for you TAEMIN did say this song in particular was about selfish love..❤️

Guilty AF.😁 Thank you for reaction ❤️👊

💎 What can we say other than THE KING IS BACK!? I absolutely love how deep Taemin’s songs and MVs are…they aren’t just entertainment or for clicks/views, but he tells a story. He wants to make people THINK and question and reflect. This isn’t something one can watch and then move on. His concepts are intellectual and personal. 💎 Regarding the song itself, his haunting whispers with the beautiful runs on top give me chills…the rap section was unexpected, but fit perfectly and suited the song more than I’d have imagined. I loved how the song switched gears in unexpected ways…there are certain formulas that most kpop songs follow, but this moved in ways I’d never imagined it would and it’s perfect. 💎 As far as the choreography…holy freaking moly. I KNEW it would blow my mind…of course it would-it’s Taemin! With that said, I can’t help but wonder if this isn’t some of his best work to date. It’s provocative without being slutty. Not only that, but you can SEE him being jerked around without any hands on him at all. Around the tenth time watching the video, I happened to notice some of what the background dancers were doing (it’s hard to peel my eyes from Taemin!). There are some genius moves that add to the overall look of the stage…some possibly inspired by breakdancing and some quite acrobatic. I can’t wait to see how it plays out on stage! 💎 All I can really say besides the King has returned is, if loving Taemin is a crime, I’m “G-U-I-L-T-Y … Who's gonna punish me?” 💎

Taemin always gives us a masterpiece

Not me coming here expecting only to watch a mv reaction. Thanks for the facts provided and I love your reaction

I like your take on Bataille. Or just the fact that you genuinely care enough to find meaningful correlation. Your visceral reaction to Taemin's vocal killer moments is also very enjoyable, because I can relate. He gets under your skin, he just does.

You analyse everything so accurately and in detail...It's impressive

I really love your analysis. Especially the association to “Requiem of a Dream”. I really love his impressionistic MVs which brings up so much emotions that can be interpreted in so many ways that’s why his and his team’s work is really not comparable to any MVs out there. That’s how unique, special and cool Taemin is!! And agree, musicality, voice, performance, video.. score.

taemin is very artistic with his work I would like him to explain the meaning in his own words.

Taemin's shirt says "Libertine", meaning: "#1- a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained; 2- a freethinker in religious matters.

I go to dgreacts to find the things I miss out on MVs. You never disappoint 🙌🏻

El idol de idols. El patrón. El rey. El gran Taemin regreso 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

I love the way the you express your POV. I actually agree with what you’ve mentioned.

I have been waiting for your reaction and knit-picking of this masterpiece. Thanm yoy! Taemin- the God of Storyline and drama. It's incredible what he did. I am forever grateful for his music and presence.

I have seen lots of reaction of Guilty MV, but no one explained so much like you do. You even preview the summary of that book which TAEMIN had mentioned before you watched the MV! I do really enjoy your reaction. Thank you!

Wow, i didn't notice there are so many interesting details in the MV, thanks for your reaction!

good reaction. I love Taemin.

The King is back!!!!!!

A lot of people have their own opinions. The reason is probably, as always, Taemin's MV is artistic. Of course, I always enjoy listening to your interpretation, too. It was very interesting.🙂

i have been waiting for your reaction to guilty since it dropped 🫶🏻🫶🏻 thank youuu!

Happy that both of you are back 😃

I'm waiting for you to react his DINGO KILLING VOICE, DG 😢🙏🏻🤧

I follow you analasyse but since the trailer I really do connect the scratching the leg till it bleeds with something else. In the trailer you see that the grown up in that image hands him a gun and he pulls the trigger where after he puts his nails in the flesh of his leg. The trailer starts fun, fun with the boys but then they all get locked up, they get tested, they get controlled... That's where the inhalor comes up, as if that is what triggered his anxiety. If you take that back to his real life, I think that represents his time in the military. He got panick attacks, people took advantage of him, manipulating, controlling and he kept it all to himself (When he ends up back outside, next to the car, dancing like he has gone crazy, alone) There is a line in this song as well, 'Give up, you are trapped inside me' that could convey being overpowered by emotions. Because he can pretend 'I can walk like that, talk like that, play like that'. But maybe I'm reading into this way too far or seeing things that aren't there. Taemin himself said that it's about a toxic love. I still have a few theories that aren't really explainable yet hahaha, but I'm working on them. Anyways, I'm just happy to have him back with a masterpiece of a comeback, whatever the meaning behind the mv is :)

I was waiting for your reactionnnnn now I feel that I understand everything yay! Loved your interpretations and attention to detail, as always.

I really enjoy your reaction and explanation, thank you 🙏

Great reaction! Thank you 😊

First time to watch your reaction video. Appreciate your incites and opinions, so detailed.

Choreographed by Casper and the amazing Bada Lee.

Hi, i am back. Good rection, ty. I was waiting to hear ur thoughts. =0] Good song. On 1st listen I felt strongly like crying. The tears were held in though the whole song though. But at the end i had to wipe my eyes. I just want to hug Taemin. On my 2nd listen i read the lyrics. And after i wondered was my reaction all in my head. There are layers here upon layers. Loved the fits and makeup. Some of the subject matter was an issue for me. I know Taemin had lots of mental health issues in the military. Based on the teasers I thought he would talk about it. And it looks like he does in his own way. I really want to hear his views on this song and album. I watched Suchwita ep. w. Taemin right after this. Glad he is back giving us headaches, lol. Perfect vocals in my opinion. The feathered headband is a Native American thing for me. I feel it has an important significance. The lyrics had nothing to do with the images in the MV. I think this is way over my head and i will watch some reactions to see what others think of Taemin's msg here. Feels based on imagery. Great choreo. Need the dance practice ASAP. =0p Borahae. -NY USA 2019 Army💟 Loved that long skirt. He looked so good, dang. I also was getting examination. After a few reactions i am thinking he is showing military and psych mental health area. Like a mix of places. I was thinking were ppl saying he was guilty of making them feel attracted to him? Does he feel guilty about something? Lots of thoughts going through my head. I am so glad u watched the teasers. The more i watch the more i think that he is combining the military facility with a mental health facility. And we know he suffered in the military and asked for a transfer. So it seems he is portraying his struggles here. @ireneserrano4570 said on 10/30/23 I'm still confused about the exact meaning, but again, there could be different interpretations as with his other songs. But from the visuals i get the feeling it refers to abuse, it can be at so many levels. It can have psychological and physical or both, you can suffer it under your own family, friends, at school, at work, in love relationships... Then who is the perpetrator? many times you can be trapped by those people, even in a group or the society, you don't even realise but by the time you realise you have been actually abused THEY are gone, who can you blame exactly? I have gone through my own dose of abuse, and after years you realise but you end up blaming yourself too, as if you hadn't known better but then you allowed it...😢 Also the images of classroom and rooms with beds, and a kid surrounded by a group...Taemin is watching him from the door as if he was watching himself as a kid... also at the end those kids in school uniforms, all spread around, one grabbing the legs of an adult that grabs his leg, bleeding... South Korea also has buIIying as endemic.. at schools (kids also teachers committing suicide as they can't either find understanding or help by their surroundings, on the contrary they are treated as the outcast and weirdos) also at the workplace, in the Military, in university... Their social rules, their stratification and obsession with seniority, comparing their ages, wealth, possessions, their marks, everything... the social pressure on kids and in general on everyone to be better, the most xx the most xx...). The crazy mix of their traditional values and the contrast to the monstruos capitalism that devours all traditional values... traditional collectivism versus wild individualism... @pamela-623 said on 10/30/23 this is an amazing comeback, so artsy so taemin, shawols had lots of interesting theories, my favorite being that this is an interpretation of the struggles in military enlistment, young men being taken, examined and given a gun, i find it so fascinating @princesssunshine79 said on 10/31/23 From what I have picked up here and there, I THINK, don't quote me, the song is about training at an extremely young age in a very exploitive industry, his horrible experience while doing his military service, and his own mental health. Again, I am not positive about any of this. But, for Taemin, it makes a lot of sense. Especially the last two bits because his 2 years away was a nightmare that really messed with his mental health and depression. I hope this helps a wee bit. 😁 @sumim2192 said on 11/1/23 Just a note, In July (I think), Taemin updated his Instagram bio with a famous quote from Hermann Hesse's famous novel Demian “The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas.” I think his outfit with the feather hat represents the god Abraxas.

good analysis ... liked your reaction ...👏

I loved the reaction and hearing your interpretation of the meaning of the song! I had to click on this reaction first out of all of the ones today. I wanted to point out that several of the dancers were in SWF Rian, Simeez, Noze, and Rozallin.

Waiting your reaction to the album!!!!

Taemin💯💖

I was waiting for you to react to it💗

thank you sm

Great analysis, Taemin is an amazing and unique artist. The story is very open to different interpretations but what have you said is part of what Taemin himself has expressed I believe, you weren't off with the mention of a god either, as the other book he took inspiration from is Demian by Herman Hesse and Taemin in the feather crown is representing the god Abraxas which is referenced in said book. You can also watch the mv trailer which expands on the story a bit more.

¡Amé tu análisis del video! 💛

Also I hope you stay safe too ❤

perfection

Taemin killing voice is out

Guilty is a masterpiece

A very thought provoking analysis. My first thought was he used Advice and waited to use Guilty because enough time had passed after the death of SHinee member. I read somewhere that Taemin had noted we should be allowed to be ourselves, so I thought maybe this video represented the struggle he saw his friend go through. Nonetheless Teamin has sung many emotions and left the viewer to their interpretation.

Teamin vs Teamin. 20 vs 30 year old. All his experiences. Cute vs. Sexy.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️

I'm so happy you uploaded your reaction. I just watched another reaction with the interpretation that it is about cheating, because, you know, Taemin is fameous so he has a lot of women. I had to wash that reaction off of me, yikes! There are bonus clips that extend the MV, please check them out, because they add to the meaning. I'm so interested about your opinion about those.

I’m going to try and explain the keys. I hope my words make sense. Lol. As we know Taemin has always been treated gross while in the business. The old manager msging him very sexual things, interviewers going way to far with him etc. even in the military guys would watch him shower and try to get pics of him showering. I feel the keys is saying that his “man hood” is what everyone wants and he holds the keys to it and thinking about that makes you feel guilty. Let’s face it, there is some very sick people out in the world,and fans can be sick aswell. The whole sexualizing him comes into this part of it. I also think the video is queercoded. The happiness as a child then having to hide bc you won’t be excepted as a gay idol or you will loose fans bc you are gay and your fan base is mostly women. I’m not saying he’s gay by no means,just what I feel about the video

I personally think this is about his military service. He is in a sort of campus and he's not free in there. For the lyrics... i thought about an impossible love, can be inside the military (this explains the "genderless" aspect of the mv) or before going in the military so he had to break up with his lover. Sorry if my english is not the best, is not my first language

the songwriter says she was inspired by her Cheating boyfriend so I don't know if the lyrics have anything to do with the video, it's rare

there are two girls in the room

gotta say i do NOT understand the the meaning this time. the LYRICS suggest he is a narcissist who doesn't care if he hurts you, and by the time you realize you have been manipulated and hurt, he's out. like he is arrogant. who's gonna hurt him? ... but the MV is ...... uhm i don't know? CAN SOMEONE EXSPLAIN what this means please 😭 i have never been so lost at a concept before. lol