Definitely SG! There's no "implication" here...Moonbyul is *very* clear with all of the lyrics of this song - especially using "SHE said." No ambiguity there at all...this is about two women. Historic for KPop! How awesome for everyone, but especially any LGBTQIA+ Koreans.
I'm Korean, and I thought it was really bold for moonbyul to show this kind of content in Korea. I wish she would try more of these kind of styles. I know it's a challenge and I think it was really brave of her to try. And apart all of that, the song is too good 👍😋
I agree, although the music video itself is "subtle," the lyrics were very overt. Especially for Korea. When the song came out Moonbyul confirmed the song was erotic and said "Many people will have this question when they watch the MV: "What's both of your relationship?" You can watch the mv and decipher it yourself." But most of all I feel like the reactions of Korean lesbians and wlw was telling. They responded VERY positively and understood all of the sexual metaphors in the lyrics. I'm very, very proud of her.
Iirc Moonbyul confirmed the intention of this song in a statement online, so even if the lyrics have a vagueness to them, the song is exactly what it sounds like :) which is awesome and a breath of fresh air. Seori’s vocals are so beautiful too!
17:37 "the female gaze is more about a slower dance" - you couldn't have put it into better words. As a lesbian myself, shutdown was perfect to me, in every sense it could possibly be. The delicate, sensual tones in the whole video, the way Seori was looking at Moonbyul in the MV, with that soft yet wanting gaze and of course the explicit lyrics which solidified that it indeed is about wlw - everything was simply so attractive and yet everything that my heart wanted. No hyper sexualization at all. Just showing the normalcy of a wlw relationship, of their love and of course making love. Moonbyul perfectly toed the line and I cannot applaud her enough to be honest. This was a very bold step for her but I also feel it was something that she wanted to do for a long time. Korea might not be ready for her or any queer representation yet but to the many queer fans of Moonbyul (and mamamoo in general), she has given us something truly special.
I agree that the lyrics are a bit risqué, but I think that’s what makes SHUTDOWN a statement song. In pop culture, be it western or Korean, LGBT romance is rarely represented. but with this song, and G999 which has the lyrical meaning of being different and from another planet, yet refusing to be called an alien, we see Moonbyul doing what many artists shy away from doing - to represent and normalize homosexuality in her music. This is further amplified by the use of the specific pronouns “SHE SAID” in shutdown. While G999 was an “awakening” song or the first introduction, SHUTDOWN depicts a honey moon phase, and takes a more adult turn with both the lyrics and message. Moonbyul has previously said she doesn’t like using specific pronouns in her songs because she wants to create relatable music. However, the fact that she DOES use pronouns in SHUTDOWN, and actually uses them to represent a lesbian relationship, is SO POWERFUL. There is clear sapphic poetry in those lyrics. You can clearly read them like a poem. And like you said, the accompanying video could have been equally sexual, however Moonbyul uses a normal and warm setting of a home. This NORMALIZES homosexual relationships, sending the message that same sex couples and “sex” in general need to be normalized in the conservative cultures of developing countries. Especially considering how gay marriages are still not legal in South Korea. NEVERTHELESS, I highly think that we shouldn’t use this song and it’s message to ask Moonbyul intrusive questions about her own sexuality or ASSUME anything. She can be whoever she wants and she doesn’t need to tell us. And we certainly shouldn’t assume that just because she wrote this song, it automatically makes her a w|w herself. Like heterosexuality shouldn’t be forced on an idol, I think homosexuality should also not be assumed. However what we CAN take as a message is simply that Byul cares. She CARES enough to make a song and represent a minority group. She CARES enough to make the stand despite any consequences. She simply CARES. I think this song needs to be hyped about even more. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, and that’s saying something ❤️✨
Totally agree with your analysis - thank you for your explanations about the word Alien - these two songs really make me float in zero gravity - definitely a fan of Moonbyul - she deserves more international recognition
Appreciate the little talk on gaze and how this kind of stepped out is that. The song is both explicit yet poetic. It didn’t feel hypersexual, felt more sensual than sexual. And I appreciated that. Moonbyul definitely toed a careful line, but I’m proud that she wanted to go for that. She herself confirmed that it was an erotic song, and articles have confirmed it’s between two women. So that’s another small step forward. G999 is like that incredible, otherworldly draw you feel towards someone when you first meet (and become lovers). Shutdown is what happens (eyebrow waggle) when your compatibility is so high. At least, that’s what Moonbyul has told us so far. She’s aiming for her whole album to be like a story. (Unfortunately seems like an unhappy ending though. 😅)
Just putting Moonbyul, who we know is a damn legend already, aside for a second... Seori's visuals and vocals are just monumental. Mirani is also a fantastic talent that I think Moonbyul has helped to show off a bit more, which I'd say she deserves. Both songs are fantastic in different ways.
Yes exactly! Loved Mirani since Show me (especially the stage with Mushvenom) and was so happy about the collab). And I love Seoris soothing voice, it matches so well with Moonbyul. I am still so happy about these Collabs.
I just thought of Shutdown as a song full of innuendos depicting lesbian sex but you're right, Moonbyul really was straddling the line for what's appropriate in Korea.
Thank you for pointing out how lesbian representation is more often than not consumed by general audiences through the male gaze. Moonbyul has created an amazing piece of queer representation and I loved your point about how it was filmed through the female gaze. The mv is so tender and slow and warm and it’s so cool that a popular korean artist was able to make content like this. It really shows you how the world is changing.
One interpretation most fans agree on which factors in the script Moonbyul wrote is that she’s by herself the majority of the mv waiting until she can see her lover and trying to distract herself. But she also distracting herself from the passionate thoughts she keeps having for her lover. So Seori throughout the mv is representing the thoughts Moonbyul is trying to ignore and the scene where Seori turns on the tv is supposed to mean turn on in the sexual sense The scene with Byul on the bed opposite from Seori is when they’re finally together and that’s why she’s looking at her
Mirani was on Show me the Money, she's one of the people who sang VVS. Also her solo stuff is really awesome, my favorite is Daisy ft. pH-1 but honestly everything she puts out is great
Always love your thoughtful breakdown on all aspects of these videos, man! On the note about Shutdown being both subtle and obvious in its queer overtones, I understand -- I'm a lesbian and queer music in my area (middle east) is very similarly done. Subtle enough for inuendo to fly over mainstream people so as to not create a scandal, but still with obvious tones for the queer community to pick up on the specific appeal because we know its for us. The whole "if you know, you know". I found this to be true with this MV - Moonbyul can still have her career in the mainstream without it being jeopardized by being labeled a lesbian artist and risk failure, while still having a heavy nod to the queer fans and possible (/probable? lol) queerness within her. This whole MV lyrically is very poetically sapphic in its appeal. At 16:50 your comments on the female gaze were spot on. Like I said, always great hearing your thoughts!
I’ve been a hardcore Moomoo for about 5 years. Honestly I’ve always loved Moonbyul, but she was never my bias. I liked her solo work, although it wasn’t really my style. But this year I have LOVED really getting to know Moonbyul. Through her radio show and her appearance on variety shows. She’s awesome. Excited for this new album.
i think that "shutdown" is a beautiful song. it plays beautifully with that delicate line between sensual and loving and tender. the way she sings "you can ruin me" and all the metaphors, seori's breathy voice... it all feels very intimate but also blunt in a way that i love. i'm obsessed with this song, they did and amazing job and as a lesbian i'm so happy!! also i read some of the reactions from kmoos and they were really happy with the song too :)
As a bisexual person and a hardcore fan of Moonbyul, I'm not lying when I say Shutdown was a masterpiece! K-pop is notorious for queerbaiting in a lot of songs, like in Monster by Irene and Seulgi where the music video depicts a sexual tension between the two girls, but it ultimately adds nothing to the song. Of course, it's not Irene's or Seulgi's fault, since they didn't direct the music video. It's just that they happen to be a popular fan favourite ship and the company decided to profit off of that by showing sexual tension, which in its barest form is just sexualizing queer relationships for the sake of a wider audience. But Moonbyul went about this the right way. By writing a song that is about a sapphic relationship with erotic undertones, but portraying no sexual tension in the music video itself, it's clear that Moonbyul's intentions were not to queerbait. The lyrics in itself are very obviously about a romantic and sexual relationship between two women, with she/her pronouns and famous metaphors that are exclusive for sapphic relationships. But the music video just shows a cozy and healthy relationship between these women, with no sexualizing for profit. It means a lot to me to see queer representation that is not hypersexualized or a tragic forbidden love trope. By the way, I think it would be better if you referred to it more as sapphic or wlw relationship, than using the word lesbian. Since neither of these characters are confirmed to be lesbian, it's possible that they may be bisexual or pansexual women, who can also have an attraction towards women. It's safer to use more general words so as to not assume. Love your reviews as always! (For some reason, my comments don't show up? This is the fourth time I'm posting it)
I agree, we should becareful to use words that define them. In Korean communities people's reactions are really discret and the way they imply about the subject of the song are really implicit. I guess it means Korea isn't really open about these kind of subjects yet 🥲
@@lerogod8261 That's definitely a point but what I meant was more that women being attracted to women isn't exclusive to lesbians, since bi and pan women may also feel the same kind of attraction. So it's better to use an umbrella terms that is "sapphic" or "wlw" than labelling them as lesbians, since it wasn't confirmed that the two women in the song are lesbians. And it probably wouldn't be confirmed because like you said, these artists would be a lot more careful about saying it straightforwardly. But there is a chance, given that Moonbyul has talked openly about queer relationships, and has generally shown open support to the community. It is very possible that she might be part of the community, or maybe just a good ally (though the former option seems very likely to me, I won't jump to conclusions).
Yeah, that’s what always bothered me about “Monster” - it felt like SM was profiting off of Irene and Seulgi’s queer fans without any intention from sm to show actual rep/support for the queer community.
Oh god I was hoping you would react to this, thank you so much!! By the way, Moonbyul has been releasing movie scripts to go with her songs, you can find them on Mamamoo's yt channel community tab, I think you would love to read them! She also explained that the album is about a love story, G999 is supposed to represent their first meeting, Shutdown is supposed to be the "Honeymoon" phase, and her title track is the breakup song.
I think we can conclude that Moonbyul is a genius lyricist and a genius in every aspect. She's more of a queen for taking this direction for her album 6equence. You should buy her album.
“Absence” is a phenomenal song, I love it so much! And these 2 song are just great - from the beginning till the end! Thanx, PD, for reacting our MoonStar)
moonbyul's songs are just so unique and beautiful with their own special ways and it's so amazing that you can offer another perspective on it, thank you!!!
I was not expecting this reaction!! But I’m very much thankful for this and getting in depth on how the film complemented the shutdown video. I’m so in love with these songs and I think these show Moonbyul’s growth as a songwriter and solo artist. At the start I was just ok with her bsides on her first solo album but these ARE ON THE NEXT LEVEL.The symbolisms, melodies and play on words some are more clear cuz of your reaction PD so thanks!. Very much on repeat these past few days and I’m so looking forward to the title track!!
seori and moonbyul work so well together it’s crazy, i’m so proud of seori and how far she’s come and i’m so happy to watch her grow more and more in this industry. her talents are incredible and she deserves this so much ❤️🥺
I'm/everybody's pretty sure that Byul is involved in the filmmaking, the script, and all the creativity herself - as she and mamamoo always have - and it makes me feel more loved because the songs become more personal like she wrote it with 🌈me🌈 in mind lol if that makes sense. So, the mv's and lyrics are extra special cuz she intended it for - as you've said - the female gaze.
I've always loved Moonbyul, but these last releases have make me love her even more. Not only both songs are great, I'm amazed by the concepts and how they're executed. Go girl!!
Tbh moonbyul always emphasizes on how her lyrics are aimed to be gender neutral. The detailed lyrics of "Shutdown" like references etc are VERY VERY implicative
omg!!!! I'd been waiting for this!!! shut down is AMAZING also, seori's first album from 2020 is so good; if you loved her vocals here, I highly recommend it!!
Literally every song on that album is a 10/10. Will forever be in debt with Suyeon from Weki Meki for listening to a bunch of her songs on a v-live leading me to discover her.
@IHateBeingAKangaroo and I thank bighit every day for having her on a txt song because that's how I found her. I wanna cry and Who escaped? are some of my favorites from her album but yes, they're all 10/10 😭
I love byul! I will follow every member of mamamoo in ther solo activities, but Moonbyul just gets me EVERY TIME. I have a thing for artists that are always experimenting, challenging themselves, going on directions that we couldn't antecipate sometimes not even they could. Byul work is always "refreshing" and she is a fucking lyricist too!
PLEASe do a video going into how queer coded the script for the song with Mirani is it’s incredibly queer coded. Especially the line where she’s looking at this woman and thinking “I’m not an alien how can I breathe here” which we take to mean trying to figuring out her sexuality and where she belongs You need to read the two scripts released, one for this song and one for the song with Mirani. It’s syooosed to a be part of a larger cohesive project. It portrays the different stages of a relationship. The song with Mirani is first meeting and the song with Seori is in the relationship.
OH i didnt expect you to react to these so quickly! I figured you might've wanted to wait until the whole album comes out, but I'm really happy to see you reacted the G999 and Shutdown now. They're both incredibly well-crafted songs. After finding out that Moonbyul's previous comeback was somewhat "rushed" timing-wise, I kept wondering how her next project was gonna be like if an album as amazing and ground-breaking as Dark Side of The Moon was "rushed". And looking at how things are going, it seems like Byul is gonna outdo herself on this one.
Thank you for reacting to these! I’m in love with both songs and what Moonbyul is creating with 6equence. I want it to be the 19 already! I also became a fan of Mirani and Seori with these collabs, you should check Mirani’s latest album Uptown Girl and Seori’s single Lovers in the night :)
Im so happy for these collabs. Mirani is amazing rapper and her music is so good too and Seori is great singer and I absolutely love her music. And these collabs were amazing without a doubt. I love the vibes
All of Moonbyul's music is so great and unique to listen to. I remember you mentioning WheeIn in the video too and she's actually having a release quite soon too (I think a few days before Moonbyul), this is her second mini album which will be called 'Whee', her first mini album is titled 'Redd' with title track 'Watercolor' (highly recommend listening to it if you haven't already).
god this comment is so late 😅 but i think one of the most revolutionary parts of shutdown as a song is that it escapes the sexual binary that sapphic relationships in the media are often thrown onto- one side being intensely passionate and hyper-sexualized for consumption by men and the other being pure, innocent, and completely devoid of sexuality for the sake of making wlw relationships more digestible to society. moonbyul’s lyrics toe the line perfectly, the poetic euphemisms and the framing of both women as active participants give it an inherently queer tone-it’s definitely sexual, but it reads as genuine queer sexuality. very “for women, by women” energy and i am so stoked that it exists
Thanks for reacting to Moonbyul I’m so proud of her 😍 for doing this for the gays, I’m gonna buy both versions of her album just because of all the thought and sapphic energy she’s putting into them
Myyyy favorite rapper and dancer Moonbyul 😍❤️💓💓 love you Moonbyul 😍 my only one bias 🥰🥇 Moonbyul 😎😎😎🖤🤟🤟🤟🌋🌋🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 thank you for reaction Moonbyul 🤟🤟🖤🖤😆😆😆🥰🤧🥰 please reaction more Moonbyul mv's please 🥺😍
I've taken the time to watch and enjoy all your Mamamoo related videos (may it be group things or individual things) for some time now, and I am both surprised and delighted at your delicate and deep analysis of Shutdown. I'm honestly very touched by it and I don't even know why xD Thank you for this amazing video!!!!!
Ever since I knew Gain I've fallen in love with any sensually confident songs. Knowing the track record of both Moonbyul and Seori, I wasn't surprised with what they came up with together - a sensually confident song. It instantly became one of my favorites. But I thought Seori was going to have a collab with Bibi first.
no matter how many times i watch or listen to shutdown, i get butterflies and a permanent smile.. everything about it is so perfectly beautifully portrayed
omgomgomgomg thank you for reacting to these!!! :') i didn't know if you would i'm soooo glad you did, i loved hearing your opinions, especially as a filmaker myself and also as a huge moonbyul fan. i agree with i think everything you've said and i'm also really excited for her album, loved these songs and mvs, as you said shutdown is really beautifully done and it's true that it's something new i didn't know i needed, defenitly loved your reaction, thank you! can't wait for the title track hehe
Thank you for your reaction, really liked it! Moonbyul's mind is so beautiful and vast. I'm so grateful to her for making such beautiful and meaningful songs.
i was SHAKING when i first listened to shutdown. it feels SO GOOD to be represented in music holy fucking shit. i think i understand why cishet people like their fellow cishet people in media now??? because like ☠️☠️that's actually crazy
I REALLY like Mirani, she was a contestant at show me the money 9 in 2020, she didn't win but went far enough, she is one of the people who sang VVS, and also sang Achoo along PH-1 and HAON, she has some great solo songs: like Daisy with PH-1, Tikita with Lilboi (show me the money 9 winner), RAMIRANI with Ra Mi Ran and the list goes
PD: I am not an expert on this! Also PD: has two of the greatest lesbian short films I have ever seen as a woman. Both with over 1 million views. PD, please do not discredit yourself, if anyone in the reaction industry is an expert on this subject, is definitely you!
Oh my I clicked faster than I thought possible. PD. MOONBYUL. Please more mamamoo/solos I love your insight and recognition of moon and can't wait for more !
this was amazing!!! I always love your reactions but you really did these two (incredible for me) songs justice, especially Shutdown... I don't know how to really describe it, but you analyzed the song and the music video in shuch a way that it really touched such a depth and a deeper meaning for me too, even though I had watched it like a houndred times before😂 loved it💕
Mirani was on Show me The Money and as another comment mentioned, she’s one of the musicians on VVS. She is also signed to GroovyRoom’s label AREA alongside GEMINI :) You should react to them both as both Mirani and Gemini just came out with their respective EPs 💗
If the day comes that Moonbyul decides to share with us her identity, we will all be here for accept her. And even if she's just seeking to show more representation, we will all be here to thank her. And, as a side note, I've recently found your channel and binged some of my favorite songs over the month. I'm barely able to remember some simple words in Korean, as I'm learning it and German as my 3rd and 4th hobby languages. So having your viewpoint as someone who is more immersed in Korean language and culture has added so much to the sentimental value of songs like this, MAGO, Apple, etc. Thank you!
Thank you for reviewing Moonbyul's pre-release songs! I liked the way you elaborated on the difference of male gaze and female gaze and how it was seen on Shutdown's MV! 💖 I've always loved Form of Therapy because of such elaborations! Till your next Mamamoo video review! Thank you!
I had been waiting for you reaction and I'm so happy with it as expected 🔥. Thank you for touching on the sapphic representation Moonbyul presented and how brave she was to do this❤
I always love your analysis on songs. The part about the difference between a male gaze and a woman's gaze was spot on. Yes Moonbyul did an incredible job toeing that boundary between making a very in your face queer song by showing it in the mv and by making it more subtle by leaving the mv open to interpretation but the lyrics very sapphic. I love the way she did this because it's a huge nod to the majority of mamamoo fans but still subtle enough to be accepted by homophobic Koreans and not jeopardize her idol status.
The first time ive heard of name seori was when CoreJJ a pro players was asked on his favorite Kpop singer and it was 'Seori' ever since then i've been in love with her voice
I never have tto "consider hitting that like button" its automatic. I love your takes on these songs and your detailed critique on both MVs and camera usage it's so incite full
I see where you're coming from by viewing Shutdown in the context of Korean censorship and social standards but I have a slightly different take on it. I agree that the MV is done tastefully but I think the lyrics are a lot more explicitly about lesbian sex than you seemed to and that the MV clearly and unabashedly depicts a lesbian relationship and attempts to normalize it along the way. You didn't mention the set & costumes but I think they're extremely important. The set says HOME in caps and they're dressed in the comfy, casual clothes of a nesting couple. Contrast Shutdown's set & costume design with sexy hetero songs where the couple are dressed to kill and act out an edgy, dangerous mating dance on a stylized set from the perspective of the male gaze you mentioned. Shutdown's set & costumes seem intended to depict their relationship and the erotic content of the song as just as normal as any other. Imo this is another fantastic, groundbreaking MV from Moonbyul. Btw, Seori should be commended for her acting - she sure didn't shy away from the concept and stared at Moonbyul with bedroom eyes coupled (so to speak) with come hither body language. Replace Seori with a male actor and make the lyrics hetero and there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that he was going to join her in bed as soon as the cameras stopped rolling. Regarding G999, it's such a fun song and I think you're going to like Mirani. There seems to be a reference in G999's lyrics to Mirani's latest song 티키타 (Tikita), which I love. I'd also recommend Daisy, which features pH-1. I think there might be another level to the puns in the title G999 that continue the play on numbers and letters that she & Mamamoo started with Gogobebe. In G999 the lover is often identified with the earth and in one line MB says she feels like a 99 missing that 1. So if the one she's missing is the lover is the earth is G9 and we do the math then G999 = G9+99 = Lover + Moonbyul = 100%.
i was waiting for you to react to this two videos!! they're super cool and imo they connect and lead us to the main title track which at this point i don't really know what it's gonna be about, i think it's kind of the process of a breakup but who knows..
G999 is a really fun song 90s throwback song, the way they are dressed give me TLC vibes and I love that. Both songs are 10/10 for me. For mv, because you get so much from the mv of Shutdown (like the turning on of the tv and the light at the end and the pouring of the milk at the boatman part) the mv of Shutdown is definitely a solid 20/10. Any explanation for why Moonbyul can't see Seori in the mv? I've seen some say Seori is her imagination but at the very end she sees her.
i'm so happy that you're able to interpret shutdown this way. i think you're absolutely right and i feel like the intention is for people who know what this is about to get it and for it to fly over people who don't get it's heads. its beauty lies in the subtleness. i love it.
The little tiktiktik in the prechorus is sooo good for setting the tension and the expectation of what will come next in the narrative of the song, it really feels like the mood just before making a move ughh moonbyul nailed it
Moonbyul has confirmed that Shutdown is an erotic song on her radio show so she definitely wants to make the message VERY clear
I mean, she says "Inside you I'm a skilled boatman. When the water gets a little stronger it’s going to get rough"
Definitely SG! There's no "implication" here...Moonbyul is *very* clear with all of the lyrics of this song - especially using "SHE said." No ambiguity there at all...this is about two women. Historic for KPop! How awesome for everyone, but especially any LGBTQIA+ Koreans.
I'm Korean, and I thought it was really bold for moonbyul to show this kind of content in Korea. I wish she would try more of these kind of styles. I know it's a challenge and I think it was really brave of her to try. And apart all of that, the song is too good 👍😋
I agree, although the music video itself is "subtle," the lyrics were very overt. Especially for Korea. When the song came out Moonbyul confirmed the song was erotic and said "Many people will have this question when they watch the MV: "What's both of your relationship?" You can watch the mv and decipher it yourself." But most of all I feel like the reactions of Korean lesbians and wlw was telling. They responded VERY positively and understood all of the sexual metaphors in the lyrics. I'm very, very proud of her.
Iirc Moonbyul confirmed the intention of this song in a statement online, so even if the lyrics have a vagueness to them, the song is exactly what it sounds like :) which is awesome and a breath of fresh air. Seori’s vocals are so beautiful too!
17:37 "the female gaze is more about a slower dance" - you couldn't have put it into better words.
As a lesbian myself, shutdown was perfect to me, in every sense it could possibly be. The delicate, sensual tones in the whole video, the way Seori was looking at Moonbyul in the MV, with that soft yet wanting gaze and of course the explicit lyrics which solidified that it indeed is about wlw - everything was simply so attractive and yet everything that my heart wanted. No hyper sexualization at all. Just showing the normalcy of a wlw relationship, of their love and of course making love.
Moonbyul perfectly toed the line and I cannot applaud her enough to be honest. This was a very bold step for her but I also feel it was something that she wanted to do for a long time. Korea might not be ready for her or any queer representation yet but to the many queer fans of Moonbyul (and mamamoo in general), she has given us something truly special.
I agree that the lyrics are a bit risqué, but I think that’s what makes SHUTDOWN a statement song. In pop culture, be it western or Korean, LGBT romance is rarely represented. but with this song, and G999 which has the lyrical meaning of being different and from another planet, yet refusing to be called an alien, we see Moonbyul doing what many artists shy away from doing - to represent and normalize homosexuality in her music. This is further amplified by the use of the specific pronouns “SHE SAID” in shutdown.
While G999 was an “awakening” song or the first introduction, SHUTDOWN depicts a honey moon phase, and takes a more adult turn with both the lyrics and message.
Moonbyul has previously said she doesn’t like using specific pronouns in her songs because she wants to create relatable music. However, the fact that she DOES use pronouns in SHUTDOWN, and actually uses them to represent a lesbian relationship, is SO POWERFUL. There is clear sapphic poetry in those lyrics. You can clearly read them like a poem. And like you said, the accompanying video could have been equally sexual, however Moonbyul uses a normal and warm setting of a home. This NORMALIZES homosexual relationships, sending the message that same sex couples and “sex” in general need to be normalized in the conservative cultures of developing countries. Especially considering how gay marriages are still not legal in South Korea.
NEVERTHELESS, I highly think that we shouldn’t use this song and it’s message to ask Moonbyul intrusive questions about her own sexuality or ASSUME anything. She can be whoever she wants and she doesn’t need to tell us. And we certainly shouldn’t assume that just because she wrote this song, it automatically makes her a w|w herself. Like heterosexuality shouldn’t be forced on an idol, I think homosexuality should also not be assumed. However what we CAN take as a message is simply that Byul cares. She CARES enough to make a song and represent a minority group. She CARES enough to make the stand despite any consequences. She simply CARES.
I think this song needs to be hyped about even more. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, and that’s saying something ❤️✨
Totally agree with your analysis - thank you for your explanations about the word Alien - these two songs really make me float in zero gravity - definitely a fan of Moonbyul - she deserves more international recognition
WoW i wish Moonbyul would see this btw i remember u from shorts 😆
This exactly what i feel thank you for using time to explain !!
Don't forget about Hayley Kiyoko a.k.a. Lesbian Jesus, lol. Moonbyul is bigger than her though so I guess you're right.
‘it automatically makes her a lesbian’ just say wlw
Appreciate the little talk on gaze and how this kind of stepped out is that. The song is both explicit yet poetic. It didn’t feel hypersexual, felt more sensual than sexual. And I appreciated that. Moonbyul definitely toed a careful line, but I’m proud that she wanted to go for that. She herself confirmed that it was an erotic song, and articles have confirmed it’s between two women. So that’s another small step forward.
G999 is like that incredible, otherworldly draw you feel towards someone when you first meet (and become lovers). Shutdown is what happens (eyebrow waggle) when your compatibility is so high. At least, that’s what Moonbyul has told us so far. She’s aiming for her whole album to be like a story. (Unfortunately seems like an unhappy ending though. 😅)
Ooh, totally agree! Shutdown is sensual ❤️ she made it warm fluffy and not hypersexualized ❤️ SHE NAILED ITT
Just putting Moonbyul, who we know is a damn legend already, aside for a second... Seori's visuals and vocals are just monumental. Mirani is also a fantastic talent that I think Moonbyul has helped to show off a bit more, which I'd say she deserves. Both songs are fantastic in different ways.
Totally they did all an amazing job! Moonbyul and Mirani, Moonbyul's clone and Seori 👌🏻
Yes exactly! Loved Mirani since Show me (especially the stage with Mushvenom) and was so happy about the collab). And I love Seoris soothing voice, it matches so well with Moonbyul. I am still so happy about these Collabs.
I just thought of Shutdown as a song full of innuendos depicting lesbian sex but you're right, Moonbyul really was straddling the line for what's appropriate in Korea.
Thank you for pointing out how lesbian representation is more often than not consumed by general audiences through the male gaze. Moonbyul has created an amazing piece of queer representation and I loved your point about how it was filmed through the female gaze. The mv is so tender and slow and warm and it’s so cool that a popular korean artist was able to make content like this. It really shows you how the world is changing.
One interpretation most fans agree on which factors in the script Moonbyul wrote is that she’s by herself the majority of the mv waiting until she can see her lover and trying to distract herself.
But she also distracting herself from the passionate thoughts she keeps having for her lover. So Seori throughout the mv is representing the thoughts Moonbyul is trying to ignore and the scene where Seori turns on the tv is supposed to mean turn on in the sexual sense
The scene with Byul on the bed opposite from Seori is when they’re finally together and that’s why she’s looking at her
Mirani was on Show me the Money, she's one of the people who sang VVS. Also her solo stuff is really awesome, my favorite is Daisy ft. pH-1 but honestly everything she puts out is great
Daisy is amazing! Both the original and the remix. Her latest album is great. I love Lambo! on that album.
Buy her album friends. She deserves the support.
RBW confirmed that the song is about "love between two women" and there is also Moonbyul straight out saying the song is "erotic" X)
I'm obsessed with the way Moonbyul sings *"You can ruin me"*
so melodic aaah
Always love your thoughtful breakdown on all aspects of these videos, man! On the note about Shutdown being both subtle and obvious in its queer overtones, I understand -- I'm a lesbian and queer music in my area (middle east) is very similarly done. Subtle enough for inuendo to fly over mainstream people so as to not create a scandal, but still with obvious tones for the queer community to pick up on the specific appeal because we know its for us. The whole "if you know, you know". I found this to be true with this MV - Moonbyul can still have her career in the mainstream without it being jeopardized by being labeled a lesbian artist and risk failure, while still having a heavy nod to the queer fans and possible (/probable? lol) queerness within her. This whole MV lyrically is very poetically sapphic in its appeal.
At 16:50 your comments on the female gaze were spot on. Like I said, always great hearing your thoughts!
I second all that
I’ve been a hardcore Moomoo for about 5 years. Honestly I’ve always loved Moonbyul, but she was never my bias. I liked her solo work, although it wasn’t really my style. But this year I have LOVED really getting to know Moonbyul. Through her radio show and her appearance on variety shows. She’s awesome. Excited for this new album.
i think that "shutdown" is a beautiful song. it plays beautifully with that delicate line between sensual and loving and tender. the way she sings "you can ruin me" and all the metaphors, seori's breathy voice... it all feels very intimate but also blunt in a way that i love. i'm obsessed with this song, they did and amazing job and as a lesbian i'm so happy!! also i read some of the reactions from kmoos and they were really happy with the song too :)
I have never once been so early to a video before but for moon it's necessary
As a bisexual person and a hardcore fan of Moonbyul, I'm not lying when I say Shutdown was a masterpiece! K-pop is notorious for queerbaiting in a lot of songs, like in Monster by Irene and Seulgi where the music video depicts a sexual tension between the two girls, but it ultimately adds nothing to the song. Of course, it's not Irene's or Seulgi's fault, since they didn't direct the music video. It's just that they happen to be a popular fan favourite ship and the company decided to profit off of that by showing sexual tension, which in its barest form is just sexualizing queer relationships for the sake of a wider audience.
But Moonbyul went about this the right way. By writing a song that is about a sapphic relationship with erotic undertones, but portraying no sexual tension in the music video itself, it's clear that Moonbyul's intentions were not to queerbait. The lyrics in itself are very obviously about a romantic and sexual relationship between two women, with she/her pronouns and famous metaphors that are exclusive for sapphic relationships. But the music video just shows a cozy and healthy relationship between these women, with no sexualizing for profit. It means a lot to me to see queer representation that is not hypersexualized or a tragic forbidden love trope.
By the way, I think it would be better if you referred to it more as sapphic or wlw relationship, than using the word lesbian. Since neither of these characters are confirmed to be lesbian, it's possible that they may be bisexual or pansexual women, who can also have an attraction towards women. It's safer to use more general words so as to not assume. Love your reviews as always!
(For some reason, my comments don't show up? This is the fourth time I'm posting it)
I agree, we should becareful to use words that define them. In Korean communities people's reactions are really discret and the way they imply about the subject of the song are really implicit. I guess it means Korea isn't really open about these kind of subjects yet 🥲
@@lerogod8261 That's definitely a point but what I meant was more that women being attracted to women isn't exclusive to lesbians, since bi and pan women may also feel the same kind of attraction. So it's better to use an umbrella terms that is "sapphic" or "wlw" than labelling them as lesbians, since it wasn't confirmed that the two women in the song are lesbians. And it probably wouldn't be confirmed because like you said, these artists would be a lot more careful about saying it straightforwardly. But there is a chance, given that Moonbyul has talked openly about queer relationships, and has generally shown open support to the community. It is very possible that she might be part of the community, or maybe just a good ally (though the former option seems very likely to me, I won't jump to conclusions).
+++
Yeah, that’s what always bothered me about “Monster” - it felt like SM was profiting off of Irene and Seulgi’s queer fans without any intention from sm to show actual rep/support for the queer community.
I completely agree.
Oh god I was hoping you would react to this, thank you so much!! By the way, Moonbyul has been releasing movie scripts to go with her songs, you can find them on Mamamoo's yt channel community tab, I think you would love to read them! She also explained that the album is about a love story, G999 is supposed to represent their first meeting, Shutdown is supposed to be the "Honeymoon" phase, and her title track is the breakup song.
Nooooooooooo not a breakup song ;_;)
I think we can conclude that Moonbyul is a genius lyricist and a genius in every aspect. She's more of a queen for taking this direction for her album 6equence.
You should buy her album.
“Absence” is a phenomenal song, I love it so much! And these 2 song are just great - from the beginning till the end!
Thanx, PD, for reacting our MoonStar)
moonbyul's songs are just so unique and beautiful with their own special ways and it's so amazing that you can offer another perspective on it, thank you!!!
When I tell you I prayed every day since Shutdown came out that you’d react to it
Agree. Finally someone **credible to react to it.
Obsessed with both songs! Cant wait for her title track
I was not expecting this reaction!! But I’m very much thankful for this and getting in depth on how the film complemented the shutdown video. I’m so in love with these songs and I think these show Moonbyul’s growth as a songwriter and solo artist.
At the start I was just ok with her bsides on her first solo album but these ARE ON THE NEXT LEVEL.The symbolisms, melodies and play on words some are more clear cuz of your reaction PD so thanks!. Very much on repeat these past few days and I’m so looking forward to the title track!!
seori and moonbyul work so well together it’s crazy, i’m so proud of seori and how far she’s come and i’m so happy to watch her grow more and more in this industry. her talents are incredible and she deserves this so much ❤️🥺
I'm/everybody's pretty sure that Byul is involved in the filmmaking, the script, and all the creativity herself - as she and mamamoo always have - and it makes me feel more loved because the songs become more personal like she wrote it with 🌈me🌈 in mind lol if that makes sense. So, the mv's and lyrics are extra special cuz she intended it for - as you've said - the female gaze.
I've always loved Moonbyul, but these last releases have make me love her even more. Not only both songs are great, I'm amazed by the concepts and how they're executed. Go girl!!
Tbh moonbyul always emphasizes on how her lyrics are aimed to be gender neutral. The detailed lyrics of "Shutdown" like references etc are VERY VERY implicative
Alexa and Moonbyul on the same day?! Hell yeah! Really hope Moonbyul's solo stuff starts getting more attention cuz she just kills it everytime
We know about Moonbyul is genius how she prepared this scenario for her cb.
omg!!!! I'd been waiting for this!!! shut down is AMAZING
also, seori's first album from 2020 is so good; if you loved her vocals here, I highly recommend it!!
Literally every song on that album is a 10/10. Will forever be in debt with Suyeon from Weki Meki for listening to a bunch of her songs on a v-live leading me to discover her.
@IHateBeingAKangaroo and I thank bighit every day for having her on a txt song because that's how I found her.
I wanna cry and Who escaped? are some of my favorites from her album but yes, they're all 10/10 😭
I DIDNT EXPECT PD TO REACT TO THIS OMG
I love byul! I will follow every member of mamamoo in ther solo activities, but Moonbyul just gets me EVERY TIME. I have a thing for artists that are always experimenting, challenging themselves, going on directions that we couldn't antecipate sometimes not even they could. Byul work is always "refreshing" and she is a fucking lyricist too!
Moonbyul is a master at any style of song she tries. Cant wait to hear the whole album
PLEASe do a video going into how queer coded the script for the song with Mirani is it’s incredibly queer coded. Especially the line where she’s looking at this woman and thinking “I’m not an alien how can I breathe here” which we take to mean trying to figuring out her sexuality and where she belongs
You need to read the two scripts released, one for this song and one for the song with Mirani. It’s syooosed to a be part of a larger cohesive project.
It portrays the different stages of a relationship. The song with Mirani is first meeting and the song with Seori is in the relationship.
Please check out more Mirani music, she's an incredible artist
OH i didnt expect you to react to these so quickly! I figured you might've wanted to wait until the whole album comes out, but I'm really happy to see you reacted the G999 and Shutdown now. They're both incredibly well-crafted songs. After finding out that Moonbyul's previous comeback was somewhat "rushed" timing-wise, I kept wondering how her next project was gonna be like if an album as amazing and ground-breaking as Dark Side of The Moon was "rushed". And looking at how things are going, it seems like Byul is gonna outdo herself on this one.
Form of therapy is a place of culture. This entire video felt like a class in watching. Thank you for reacting to Moonbyul, she is my fave!
High key joining patreon just to see Absence which is one of my absolute favs of hers
Thank you for reacting to these! I’m in love with both songs and what Moonbyul is creating with 6equence. I want it to be the 19 already! I also became a fan of Mirani and Seori with these collabs, you should check Mirani’s latest album Uptown Girl and Seori’s single Lovers in the night :)
Im so happy for these collabs. Mirani is amazing rapper and her music is so good too and Seori is great singer and I absolutely love her music. And these collabs were amazing without a doubt. I love the vibes
All of Moonbyul's music is so great and unique to listen to. I remember you mentioning WheeIn in the video too and she's actually having a release quite soon too (I think a few days before Moonbyul), this is her second mini album which will be called 'Whee', her first mini album is titled 'Redd' with title track 'Watercolor' (highly recommend listening to it if you haven't already).
god this comment is so late 😅 but i think one of the most revolutionary parts of shutdown as a song is that it escapes the sexual binary that sapphic relationships in the media are often thrown onto- one side being intensely passionate and hyper-sexualized for consumption by men and the other being pure, innocent, and completely devoid of sexuality for the sake of making wlw relationships more digestible to society. moonbyul’s lyrics toe the line perfectly, the poetic euphemisms and the framing of both women as active participants give it an inherently queer tone-it’s definitely sexual, but it reads as genuine queer sexuality. very “for women, by women” energy and i am so stoked that it exists
I'm so genuinely in love with Moonbyul's craft, definitely one of the best artists.
I was hoping you'd react to Moonbyul's new songs! I love knowing the insights and understanding stuff like the word play for G999. Please keep it up!
Damnnnn didnt expect this but thanksss PD!
Thanks for reacting to Moonbyul I’m so proud of her 😍 for doing this for the gays, I’m gonna buy both versions of her album just because of all the thought and sapphic energy she’s putting into them
Myyyy favorite rapper and dancer Moonbyul 😍❤️💓💓 love you Moonbyul 😍 my only one bias 🥰🥇 Moonbyul 😎😎😎🖤🤟🤟🤟🌋🌋🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 thank you for reaction Moonbyul 🤟🤟🖤🖤😆😆😆🥰🤧🥰 please reaction more Moonbyul mv's please 🥺😍
Thankyou for reacting to this. G999 is truly my happy pill hahahhahah those famous "orchestra hit" sound 🤣
Moonbyul is such an artistically versatile gem, what she chooses to do with her art is what has solidified her as the legend she is.
"do you listen to moonbyul" is the kpop version of "do you listen to the girl in red"
I've taken the time to watch and enjoy all your Mamamoo related videos (may it be group things or individual things) for some time now, and I am both surprised and delighted at your delicate and deep analysis of Shutdown. I'm honestly very touched by it and I don't even know why xD Thank you for this amazing video!!!!!
Ever since I knew Gain I've fallen in love with any sensually confident songs. Knowing the track record of both Moonbyul and Seori, I wasn't surprised with what they came up with together - a sensually confident song. It instantly became one of my favorites.
But I thought Seori was going to have a collab with Bibi first.
no matter how many times i watch or listen to shutdown, i get butterflies and a permanent smile.. everything about it is so perfectly beautifully portrayed
omgomgomgomg thank you for reacting to these!!! :') i didn't know if you would i'm soooo glad you did, i loved hearing your opinions, especially as a filmaker myself and also as a huge moonbyul fan. i agree with i think everything you've said and i'm also really excited for her album, loved these songs and mvs, as you said shutdown is really beautifully done and it's true that it's something new i didn't know i needed, defenitly loved your reaction, thank you! can't wait for the title track hehe
One of the best songs ever
Thank you for your reaction, really liked it! Moonbyul's mind is so beautiful and vast. I'm so grateful to her for making such beautiful and meaningful songs.
I love the explanations you gave, it makes me appreciate the songs even more
i was SHAKING when i first listened to shutdown. it feels SO GOOD to be represented in music holy fucking shit. i think i understand why cishet people like their fellow cishet people in media now??? because like ☠️☠️that's actually crazy
Moonbyul voice is so beautiful it suits with seori's breathy and soulful voice
YESSSS A MOONBYUL EPISODE
Woooow your reaction was truly great. Mad respect!!!!
I REALLY like Mirani, she was a contestant at show me the money 9 in 2020, she didn't win but went far enough, she is one of the people who sang VVS, and also sang Achoo along PH-1 and HAON, she has some great solo songs: like Daisy with PH-1, Tikita with Lilboi (show me the money 9 winner), RAMIRANI with Ra Mi Ran and the list goes
i’m so happy you reacted to shutdown ahh
Thank you so much for reacting to Moonbyul's pre-release stuff! I am really excited for her Title Track "Lunatic" on January 19th! It' almost here!
love this song
PD: I am not an expert on this!
Also PD: has two of the greatest lesbian short films I have ever seen as a woman. Both with over 1 million views.
PD, please do not discredit yourself, if anyone in the reaction industry is an expert on this subject, is definitely you!
Amazed by your very eloquent and balanced interpretation of Shutdown.
came for moonbyul, stayed for the sapphic/female gaze filmmaking breakdown!!
Oh my I clicked faster than I thought possible. PD. MOONBYUL. Please more mamamoo/solos I love your insight and recognition of moon and can't wait for more !
this was amazing!!! I always love your reactions but you really did these two (incredible for me) songs justice, especially Shutdown... I don't know how to really describe it, but you analyzed the song and the music video in shuch a way that it really touched such a depth and a deeper meaning for me too, even though I had watched it like a houndred times before😂 loved it💕
Mirani was on Show me The Money and as another comment mentioned, she’s one of the musicians on VVS. She is also signed to GroovyRoom’s label AREA alongside GEMINI :) You should react to them both as both Mirani and Gemini just came out with their respective EPs 💗
If the day comes that Moonbyul decides to share with us her identity, we will all be here for accept her. And even if she's just seeking to show more representation, we will all be here to thank her.
And, as a side note, I've recently found your channel and binged some of my favorite songs over the month. I'm barely able to remember some simple words in Korean, as I'm learning it and German as my 3rd and 4th hobby languages. So having your viewpoint as someone who is more immersed in Korean language and culture has added so much to the sentimental value of songs like this, MAGO, Apple, etc. Thank you!
BEEN WAITING FOR SHUTDOWN REACTION OMG
Thank you for reviewing Moonbyul's pre-release songs! I liked the way you elaborated on the difference of male gaze and female gaze and how it was seen on Shutdown's MV! 💖 I've always loved Form of Therapy because of such elaborations!
Till your next Mamamoo video review! Thank you!
I had been waiting for you reaction and I'm so happy with it as expected 🔥. Thank you for touching on the sapphic representation Moonbyul presented and how brave she was to do this❤
Ooooohhhh.. I was waiting for this. Nice
love everything about this! 💜
go byulie ✌️
It's annoyingly rare to see such a respectful and well informed exploration of lesbian culture, honestly thank you so much for this
I always love your analysis on songs. The part about the difference between a male gaze and a woman's gaze was spot on. Yes Moonbyul did an incredible job toeing that boundary between making a very in your face queer song by showing it in the mv and by making it more subtle by leaving the mv open to interpretation but the lyrics very sapphic. I love the way she did this because it's a huge nod to the majority of mamamoo fans but still subtle enough to be accepted by homophobic Koreans and not jeopardize her idol status.
I love her so much
Mirani is a rapper who competed in Show me the Money. She was apart of team VVS. Daisy ft. pH-1 and Achoo are my favorite songs from her.
The first time ive heard of name seori was when CoreJJ a pro players was asked on his favorite Kpop singer and it was 'Seori' ever since then i've been in love with her voice
I never have tto "consider hitting that like button" its automatic. I love your takes on these songs and your detailed critique on both MVs and camera usage it's so incite full
I see where you're coming from by viewing Shutdown in the context of Korean censorship and social standards but I have a slightly different take on it. I agree that the MV is done tastefully but I think the lyrics are a lot more explicitly about lesbian sex than you seemed to and that the MV clearly and unabashedly depicts a lesbian relationship and attempts to normalize it along the way. You didn't mention the set & costumes but I think they're extremely important. The set says HOME in caps and they're dressed in the comfy, casual clothes of a nesting couple. Contrast Shutdown's set & costume design with sexy hetero songs where the couple are dressed to kill and act out an edgy, dangerous mating dance on a stylized set from the perspective of the male gaze you mentioned. Shutdown's set & costumes seem intended to depict their relationship and the erotic content of the song as just as normal as any other. Imo this is another fantastic, groundbreaking MV from Moonbyul.
Btw, Seori should be commended for her acting - she sure didn't shy away from the concept and stared at Moonbyul with bedroom eyes coupled (so to speak) with come hither body language. Replace Seori with a male actor and make the lyrics hetero and there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that he was going to join her in bed as soon as the cameras stopped rolling.
Regarding G999, it's such a fun song and I think you're going to like Mirani. There seems to be a reference in G999's lyrics to Mirani's latest song 티키타 (Tikita), which I love. I'd also recommend Daisy, which features pH-1. I think there might be another level to the puns in the title G999 that continue the play on numbers and letters that she & Mamamoo started with Gogobebe. In G999 the lover is often identified with the earth and in one line MB says she feels like a 99 missing that 1. So if the one she's missing is the lover is the earth is G9 and we do the math then G999 = G9+99 = Lover + Moonbyul = 100%.
i was waiting for you to react to this two videos!! they're super cool and imo they connect and lead us to the main title track which at this point i don't really know what it's gonna be about, i think it's kind of the process of a breakup but who knows..
That was such a thoughtful critique!!
Always appreciate the expertise and opinions you bring to us, the amateur audience
G999 is a really fun song 90s throwback song, the way they are dressed give me TLC vibes and I love that. Both songs are 10/10 for me. For mv, because you get so much from the mv of Shutdown (like the turning on of the tv and the light at the end and the pouring of the milk at the boatman part) the mv of Shutdown is definitely a solid 20/10.
Any explanation for why Moonbyul can't see Seori in the mv? I've seen some say Seori is her imagination but at the very end she sees her.
Moon Byul is
... my god both vids were so good... but Seori's visuals and singing... she has me melting
Thanks for reacting to Moonbyul's pre-releases. She really work hard for this come back.
Just so proud of Moonbyul to released these two great songs before her album ❤
seori vocal never dissapointed everytime! i like her voice a lott!
i'm so happy that you're able to interpret shutdown this way. i think you're absolutely right and i feel like the intention is for people who know what this is about to get it and for it to fly over people who don't get it's heads. its beauty lies in the subtleness. i love it.
The little tiktiktik in the prechorus is sooo good for setting the tension and the expectation of what will come next in the narrative of the song, it really feels like the mood just before making a move ughh moonbyul nailed it
Moon being our gay icon is all I ever want tbh