My feelings on Jin leaving KAT-TUN

[stencilled]

My feelings about this have been fluctuating since the news hit. But now I think I've adjusted and well, here's my view on the matter.

First of all, I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of Jin's. I was introduced to KT around the time Rescue was released and Jin was already in his gloomy phase by then. I've watched KT's older videos and Jin from back then is a huge contrast to the recent Jin. In the past he was more open and engaging, but the recent Jin was so gloomy that I never invested much in him to begin with. But even though I wasn't a fan of his, I didn't hate him either. I was really mad at him for treating KT like his security blanket and never showing his appreciation for the group like the other members did. But I don't think anger = hate. My anger was an emotional reaction to his provoking behaviour, but I never hated him. I was, and remain, neutral towards him.

And honestly, I'm not all surprised by his departure from KT. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Jin, in my eyes, has never been a team player. The other members have said it, even Jin himself has admitted it: Jin is self-centered. He wants what he wants. And what he wants is to go solo, and even if that means ditching his group, he'll do it. And now he has and I think that it's for the better, for both him and KT. I confess, for a while now, I haven't seen Jin as part of the group. What makes KT such a cohesive group despite the members' strong opinions and clashing personalities is their mutual goal to rise to the top as KAT-TUN. If the boys all had different goals, given their personalities, I doubt that anyone of them would have remained in the group.

And that's whats happening with Jin. His dreams have found a new path that diverges from KT's and he's chosen to follow it. And I'm going to have to agree with Johnny's decision to not allow Jin back into KT if he still decides to go solo. I rather not have Jin back in KT knowing that he'd rather be elsewhere. If he's going to be in KT then he better love it like all the other members do, but that's not going to happen and I don't think I can blame him for wanting something different. But I do blame him for dragging down KT for so long. Seriously, even if he was upset because he wasn't getting an opportunity to go solo, that doesn't excuse his childish, mopey behaviour these past few years. But who knows, maybe this little rebellion of his persuaded Johnny to give him the green light for his solo tour.

Whether Jin will be successful as a solo artist in the US or in Japan is not relevant to me at this point. What's important is that Jin has FINALLY made a decision after dragging this issue along for so long. He needs to grow as an individual and be comitted to whichever path he chooses and so I think he made the right decision in leaving KT. If he did both solo and KT activities then he would give less of himself to both and neither Jin, his fans or KT would be happy with that. By choosing to go solo he'll be able to tackle his career with all of his potential and at the same time, release KT and allow them to move forward as a 5-member group.

Personally, I think a five member KT will do well without Jin. Sure, Jin's voice will be greatly missed since he was the lead vocalist, but in JE idol groups, I don't think that singing ability is weighed very heavily. If the fans wanted to listen to amazing vocals, they would focus on singers, not idols. The charm, in regards to idol groups, comes from the interactions between the members. That's why Jin and Kame were so popular in the past, because together they made AkaKame. With Jin's departure, I think what KT lost in terms of vocals will be regained by their growing member-ai. Often when groups lose a member, the remaing members grow closer (which is what's happening to the kpop group Super Junior; they've lost three members this year, but just by looking at them, you can tell that they've grown closer than ever as a group) and judging from KT-TUN's jweb entries and interviews, I think they've realized just how important KT is to them. All five of them are happy and grateful for what they have, and watching them together makes me happy too. They're no longer as tense as they used to be when Jin was around. And I also believe that as a JE group, they have more potential than they did with Jin as a member, because while Jin does bring a new flavour into KT, he also kind of inhibits them. For example, his refusal to dance in the D-motion PV and performances. I'm sure the PV would have had a dance routine if only Jin hadn't refused to dance. And the KT-are-bad-dancers excuse doesn't work because just look at KT's latest PVs.


In my eyes, Jin leaving KAT-TUN is beneficial to all parties involved, excluding the 6-nin and Akame fans, which is understandable. I sincerely feel for thoses fans who have grown attached to Jin and have been following KT ever since they debuted. In fact, I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad: happy because I never let myself invest too much in Jin so his going solo doesn't hurt me as much, or sad because I wasn't able to know the fun, Bakanishi of the past because I'm sure he must have been incredibly lovable in order to gain so many hardcore fans.

In the end though, for me, KAT-TUN without Jin is still KAT-TUN. (yes, Kame's covering for the K and the A, and nobody better blame him for it. >:-[ )

Comments

[andreecynthia.livejournal.com]

I have to give you incredibly big props for posting your opinion on KAT-TUN. You are absolutely right with everything you said. The members will remain strong and you are right that Jin has has this moppy attitude for about a year or two now so i feel like this is a huge step up. The fans I know understand this situation (or at least should) and should back off to any hating comments or slurs. Thank you again for writing this. Your words mean everything.

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

You're comment makes me incredibly relieved. I don't want to step on any fangirl's toes and I tried to write as objectively as I could so I'm glad that got through. I'm tired of all the hate and denial recently. KT and Jin have chosen their paths, and yes those paths are separate, but it's what they want. Fans can't ask for more than that.

[andreecynthia.livejournal.com]

True that! I think they should be happy with what happens. Yes it does suck that Jin left them but it's okay because look at how strong KT became. That's inspiring

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

They really have regrouped and become stronger and more united then before, ne? And I'm happy that they cried over it, becuz once they've let their emotions out, they can get over it and move on, which they're doing splendidly. I only now wish that fans would take them as an example and do the same. :)

[andreecynthia.livejournal.com]

True true.

[goldfreckled.livejournal.com]

excluding the 6-nin and Akame fans
Seeing as I am both, I disagree with this, but on the other hand I know I might be alone with my opinion:
To me at least, loving 6nin means loving them all. That shouldn't stop when they're not all in one place.
As for Akame, I've really been wondering about that, too -- I remember when I was in jrock-fandom and writing a huge epic MiyavixKai-fic suddenly the rumours of Miyavi getting married popped up; I never finished the fic -- but for me at least nothing changes (I'll just quote myself from what I wrote in the discussion-post @ akame_): "it doesn't matter if they're in a group and not talking or in different projects not talking because I can still see them hanging around conbinis at 3am and sneaking into each others apartments where no one can find them and laughing themselves sick about everyone thinking they hate each other."

♥♥

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

I LOVE YOUR OPTIMISM. WHY DON'T ALL FANS THINK LIKE THISS?? ;_;

But yeah, I think a fan like you is rare, lol. By 6-nin, I meant fans who only support KT if it has all 6 members. I'm not a 6-nin fan, but a KT fan like you in that I support each member, inc Jin, but I'll still support KT even if it loses a member.

As for Akame, I share the same stance as you do, but I can understand why others are so upset. I think the reason why Akame is so popular and loved is because it's mostly based on canon. Like all the fics are based on real life facts and incidents, but now fans will have to rely on their own imagination since I doubt Jin & Kame will be spotted together anytime soon (or ever) since Jin has solo plans in the US next yr too, and there's no way that a fantasy can live up to the reality. :/

[goldfreckled.livejournal.com]

Haha, I'm just easy. I love a lot of groups, a lot of people. I was so sad because of this stuff but in the end it's not doing any of them any good if I sit here in Germany and cry. ♥

The big appeal about AkaKame is their history. The friendship, growing apart, all that drama.
I don't think it's so much about real-life happenings since we don't get a lot of these -- sometimes someone posts something about them at a conbini or appearing at the other's filming-site, but actually it's pretty rare and if fics are canon-based it's mostly something that happened to one of them, i.e. Kame beating up a taxi driver, Jin having an eggplant a nude shoot, a new hair-cut... it's easy to find inspiration, I think, and there will always be room for fic containing phone-sex. ;D
I didn't know about more plans in the US (apart from the tour), but he probably does have some plans if he wants to make it big. However, just recently, he was back in Japan for a week. And K-T is trying to make it big as well, maybe they'll come to America?

What I'm trying to say is: Look at RyoUchi (who have a really similar story) or even RyoDa (who haven't interacted at all in the last five years and are still getting paired) -- there's still ideas, love for them and finally fanworks. Akamerars are generally crazy, we're not gonna stop the crazy, we're just suspending disbelief. :3

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

Then I wish all KT fans were as easy, lol. XD

Yeah, but AkaKame's history is canon. All the drama, friendship and angst spirals from their real life interactions. Fans of RyoDa and other like pairings don't have the same canon foundation as shippers of AkaKame do, and they're aware of that and have accepted it. But AkaKame fans are spurred on by these incidents. Like, they know the fic plots aren't real, but there is always a possibility that it could be because what they see in canon supports it. That's what makes writing and reading AkaKame all the sweeter. Seeing them together brings inspiration, and yeah, fans can adjust to shipping w/o that RL fodder, but it's such a let down from what their used to.

I just think everyone needs some time to digest the news and emotionally adjust themselves.

[krysyuy.livejournal.com]

We are like mind twins or something, I swear. LOL. XD Everything here is exactly what I feel/have felt at one time or another.

I'm glad that Jin has made a decision. For my little post on Jin's birthday, I remember writing that I hoped he would figure out what he wants. It seems he finally has. (I'm still kinda waiting for him to say it himself at a press con, though that probably won't be until after his fall U.S. tour? >.>;;) I truly hope he finds happiness in his decision and goes forward with the whole of his potential and power.

Not gonna lie - I'm really going to miss Jin's voice in KT songs. ;___; But you're right - if fans are looking for singing talent alone, JE is not the place for them. XDDD

In the end though, for me, KAT-TUN without Jin is still KAT-TUN.
Yes.

I can't add anything that you haven't already said or that I haven't already said at my own LJ. Thanks for writing down your thoughts - you put into words what I couldn't.

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

No offense to Jin or anything, but I think that one of the reasons his voice seems so great is because JE idols aren't really good singers, so he has like no competition. I came from the SuJu fandom, and SuJu's legendary KRY... after listening to them, Jin's voice pales in comparison, sry2say. But I totally understand why, to those who've only been exposed to JE singers, losing Jin's voice would be a big deal. For me though, the damage is minimal compared to the huge boost of member-ai that's forthcoming. ;)

[kachiessy-18.livejournal.com]

i envy your calm take on all that's happening. our views are very similar, but i wasn't able to convey my feelings the way you did, calmly and without anger. so, kudos!

i agree with most of what you said. jin and KT going separate ways will indeed be beneficial for them in the long run. i must admit, it's not necessarily what i want because i was, prior to this a huge 6nin KAT-TUN and AKAME fan. i truly want Jin's happiness but the part of me that loves the other 5 wishes he could have followed his dreams and not trample all over KT in the process.

im excited to see how the other 5 will grow as individuals and as a group from this. i firmly believe in them. im sure they're going to do just fine. ^_^

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

I think the only reason I remain so calm about this is because I saw it coming a mile away, lol. Like, I was never on board with all the "Keep the Faith" slogans going around and that made me more prepared.

I'm happy that my words were able to express your feelings as well. :)

i truly want Jin's happiness but the part of me that loves the other 5 wishes he could have followed his dreams and not trample all over KT in the process

I couldn't have agreed more.

Go go-nin!!XD

[kachiessy-18.livejournal.com]

I think the only reason I remain so calm about this is because I saw it coming a mile away -->> lucky you. you were spared (some/most) of the agony then. ugh, i was one of the KT fans carrying that slogan. it does seem like a slap in the face now. :|

Go go-nin!!XD -->> me like. im wondering if i should bring a banner like that to the taipei con. ill probably get killed by fans still carrying the "keep the faith" slogans. =)

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

I kinda stole the slogan from the comm that's dedicated to K5T-TUN: going_gonin. XD

Ugh, I hate that slogan so much. It screams of denial and false hope (imo). Before this whole debacle, I just rolled my eyes when I saw it, but seeing it now, even after all that's happened, it makes me twitch. :/

[brindhakrishnan.livejournal.com]

"What makes KT such a cohesive group despite the members' strong opinions and clashing personalities is their mutual goal to rise to the top as KAT-TUN. If the boys all had different goals, given their personalities, I doubt that anyone of them would have remained in the group."

I can't put my thoughts into better words and I have known KAT-TUN since 2007 though only recently decided to participate in the fandom. lol Yes. They all are so different but that one goal unites them. And I actually became a fan more or less around the time Jin had returned from L.A. the first time. I hadn't understood the hype very well at that time. But I saw the group so united and I just fell in love with them.(well I loved Kame first and slowly the rest). He left and came back and yet the group survived and was strong. They I feel are the most honest bunch because they're not afraid to say what they truly feel towards the others and I think that is their charm point. However the dynamics has changed over the past year and a half or so.

"By choosing to go solo he'll be able to tackle his career with all of his potential and at the same time, release KT and allow them to move forward as a 5-member group."

But I am afraid that even if the boys move on, Jin and KT will always be brought up when being mentioned in the press. The action of one could affect the action of the other for now atleast. Even when they promote Jin, they say things like..."He is an ex-member of KAT-TUN" or when Ueda is being interviewed during his concert, he wishes Jin success. I bet with ueda's interview So I think they should both be careful. Especially Jin since he's quite famous for being on friday every now and then.

I feel so much better reading posts like yours. It makes me think people are still rational in our fandom. :)

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

I think there was an interview translated recently where Koki mentioned that KT was KT because each of the members could take different routes (one on a train/a bike etc) and still end up at the same destination. That right there is the essence of KT, imo. <3

Yeah, that has me a bit worried too. But I'm more concerned with the awkward moments bound to happen when Jin and KT meet at music shows or JE's countdown. *winces* But from what I've seen, the Japanese fans have a group mentality and are mostly supporting 5nin KT (this is one of the things that will always annoy me; from now on we'll always have to specify whether we're talking about 5nin KT or 6nin KT, even though there now really is only 5nin KT. ugh) so Jin's behaviour won't really reflect on the group anymore. Hopefully. =) OTOH, I have a feeling that KT might be used to promote Jin

Aw, thank-you! I try my best lol. ^_~ <3333333

[kazuyachan.livejournal.com]

Well said
I totally admire your mature interpretation of the whole thing
unfortunately for me I am one of those denial fangirl
I blind mysf from seeing how out of place Jin is when he's still with kt
and since I love kt so much
I couldn't imagine anybody would be crazy and stupid enough
to leave kt
but I was wrong
and was heartbroken, angry and disappointed
lol but I am over it now
now I love kt just the way they r
and Jin well I wish him the best ,)

[scorch66.livejournal.com]

Aww, thank you - but I think I only sound so 'mature' because I was a newbie fan at the time so I wasn't as attached to Jin as other fans. I was a bit of an outsider so to me, Jin looked so obviously out-of-place among the rest of KT. He just didn't fit; didn't even try to and I guess that was the most upsetting especially when you care about the group as a whole. But like you said, I wish him the best too. And KT is amazing as usual. :') ♥