Constructions in the Media

Topic #1: What constructions exist about the media?

In the song Silver Spoon (뱁새) by BTS, the lyrics of the song constructs a version of reality that the current generation is viewed by others as a failure. The artists talk about how the older generation views our generation, and how the media influences their views of our ‘lack of effort’ and our ‘shorter legs’, which can translate to how over time, people change, and in turn, so should our world.

One of the lyrics that really do stand out to me, is the line “In the media, they go on and on about ‘the generation that’s given up’”. This quote is pretty much self-explanatory - the media, which influences a large portion of our world, won’t stop talking about how the current generation has “given up”. In Korea specifically, talking about the generation that’s given up is about how the current generation is trying to become successful, but instead are having a hard time achieving their dreams. One article states how the different generations feel as though they have to give up certain things to become successful. The current one (referred to as the Chilpo Generation (7포 세대) in which the word ‘Chilpo’ translates to ‘Seven’) feels as though they have to give up on seven things in life: relationships, marriage, children, becoming a homeowner, social life, dreams, and hopes.

This idea of a generation mislabeled and abused by the older generation is carried on in their other lyrics, such as “Ah, stop going on about ‘effort’ and more ‘effort’”. This is as if someone from the current generation is talking to someone from the previous generation; it’s as if they complained about having it so hard, and the older generation told them that they’re not putting in the effort, which is why they’re unable to become successful, such as find a job, or get into a university. BTS creates a reality in which all young people are struggling to ‘grow up’, due to the the fact that the ‘rules have changed’. Another article, (this one written from the globe and mail) talks about how bleak the employment rates are for those who are trying to find a job. This further supports the message that BTS sending, as both texts are expressing the hardship that young adults face as they try to make their way into the working world.

But one of the most important lines (as it is repeated again and again!) is “They call me a try-hard, Our generation has had it hard”. Before explaining what these lyrics are trying to say, first, we need to understand what it’s saying exactly. The part ‘Try-hard’ is using a metaphor; the word they use is Baepsae (뱁새), which is a very small bird. They constantly compare the Baepsae to storks, specifically their legs (the size) which actually relates to a saying in Korean, which translates to “If the Baepsae tries to be like a Stork, their legs will tear off,”. This is a metaphor for people who try to be something they’re not, and only end up getting hurt in the end, which can relate to how the current generation (the Baepsaes) isn’t like the past generation (the storks). You can’t force two different types of people to be the same (which may relate to their lyrics “Change the rules, change, change. The ones who came before us want to, want to maintain” referencing how the ‘storks’ don’t want to change, despite the future generation, the Baepsae’s being different.)

Baepsae had gained a lot of popularity in Korea and among international ARMYs for its unique sound and catchy tune, something that’s unique to BTS, yet also very different. However, taking a closer look at the song gives us a deeper meaning, much like most of BTS’ music. Despite its seemingly negative message, I think that this song is actually something of hope to young adults and teens. It tells them that what they’re going through, their tough situations, isn’t something that they have to struggle alone with. BTS especially can relate to this message, coming from a small company, yet rising to the top, despite all the negativity they got from other people, as well as sometimes even their own families. (But that’s a story for another day)

The Baepsae vs the Stork