• By Ridhi Suri
  • Sat, 04 May 2024 09:17 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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The highly anticipated K-Drama, inspired by the alternate universe of BTS's HYYH era, titled BEGINS ≠ YOUTH, has recently premiered, generating significant interest among ARMYs. The Korean drama series set in the BTS Universe, features Seo Ji-hoon, Noh Jong-hyun, Ahn Ji-ho, Seo Young-joo, Kim Yoon-woo, Jung Woo-jin, and Jeon Jin-seo. Premiering on Xclusive on April 30, 2024, the show airs every Tuesday at 16:00 (KST). Fans were captivated by the cast and storyline to the extent that they expressed a desire for the drama to be available on more accessible streaming platforms. However, a particular scene dampened some of that enthusiasm.

BTS Army Disappointed

In one of the scenes, the two main characters, Kim Hwan, played by Seo Ji Hoon and Min Cein, portrayed by Noh Jong Hyun, who are based on the fictional versions of BTS members Jin and Suga, respectively, are featured. The scene depicts Cein skeptically asking Hwan, 'Hyung, do you like me?' This is followed by Cein's hesitant gestures, indicating a reluctance to be approached by Hwan. He then requests Hwan to communicate with him from a distance. The scene, meant to be humorous, has stirred discontent among many fans who perceive it as carrying homophobic implications.

Soon after this, Numerous ARMYs were disappointed, believing it deviated from the original BTS Universe (BU) concept, often scrutinised for potential queer subtext. A user said, "idk why any of yall expected any queerness from this show... its true that majority of the intl fanbase would overwhelmingly support it but hybe only really cares abt pleasing their korean fans and gp." Another said, "ok but hear me out, it might be out of character for yoongi BUT internal homophobia is such a cliché for gays that are in love with their best friend so it makes sense really." A third comment read, "this is the biggest load of horseshit I've ever seen. why go and spoil a beautiful story by forcibly removing queer context. this is not the authentic hyyh message that the original conveyed so well without the straightwashing. what a waste of like 5 years anticipation for this." Check:

 

About Begins ≠ Youth

Expanding on the storyline depicted in BTS' music videos and the Save Me webtoon, Begins ≠ Youth follows Kim Hwan as he encounters six other boys. As they come together, they discover that each one is facing personal struggles, and unitedly, they learn to conquer their greatest challenges.

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