American Hustle Life Ep. 1 ( REACTION )
Added 2022-11-04 03:47:50 +0000 UTCSo I have a ton of thoughts on this....
Comments
Hi, it's months since you posted this but I'm going to add something anyway. Jungkook's expression did break my heart. He was only 16. Suga said much later that he had checked for and seen cameras so he was calmer than others (street smarts) , but obviously didn't know the language and the guys were twice his size. Coolio was an a_hole. When Suga throws in his lines about fried rappers and pill-poppers, you bet these Americans a big part of that.
SusieToo
2024-05-31 04:10:16 +0000 UTCI’m so protective of these guys, so when I first saw this I was beyond furious. America is notorious for high crime rates and violence, and then the first day they’re here they experience that. On top of it RM is the only one that was fluent in English. I can’t imagine being screamed at in a different language when you’re already terrified for your life. Poor Jungkook saying he was afraid of being sold off and thinking of his mom and dad!! Plus his little Iron Man socks. They were all so young, too young to go through something like that. What if one of the boys did try to go after one of the guys? I could see Suga doing that to protect the others. Someone really could’ve gotten hurt! I was held at gunpoint when I was 18 and a cashier. Stupidly I chased after the guy when he left the store. The adrenaline was overwhelming. My dad was in law enforcement for 45 years, so he taught me a lot of defense things…but the moment I was in a situation my brain just sort of broke and I made a poor choice. There were too many ways this could’ve gone wrong. I was too pi$$ed to even watch any more episodes, so I’m glad you’re reviewing these. I would like to see the rest of their journey in this to just see how this training really did impact their career.
Crystal Riley
2023-02-06 10:24:45 +0000 UTCThat "kidnapper" was a sadist enjoying his role a little too much. Psychological torture came naturally to him. It was the "take off one sock" thing. It's so subtle, but there's a difference between "take off your socks" and "take only one sock off". It is a pointless, arbitrary order that is a more twisted way to dominate someone. Oh, and he was carrying a weapon, too, strolling around with the cane thing. These are not incidentals. If this was a cop show, I'd go ahead and profile him as an abuser. lol I'm still bitter about this episode because when I first saw it, I was ratioed and invalidated in comments after saying Coolio was a petty bastard who squashed a puppy by attacking Tae. Everyone said it was tough love. I said it was a man-child dominating someone powerless so he could feel big. And it didn't matter if he was told to make a fuss for the show. He enjoyed that, too.
FlyUshkiFly
2022-11-12 07:10:28 +0000 UTCI've seen this a couple of times. This was a "reality" show that was not totally unscripted. The kidnap scenario was unnecessary. Suga was the only one who realized it was a prank when he saw the camera (he didn't survive on the streets, so to speak, by not being very observant)..maybe the others were acting too. Coolio, rest his soul, was totally out of line...especially with Tae. Glad you're reacting to this...
susan
2022-11-06 20:26:07 +0000 UTCyes he did. he went because Bang PD asked Son Sung-duek to pick out the most promising of the BTS trainees and bring him to USA for dance training. This happened in 2012.
susan
2022-11-06 20:18:22 +0000 UTCI have never seen this show in full before because in truth I know how protective I am and how triggering seeing the guys be mistreated is for me. I wasn't wrong. This first episode legit made me want to go to battle for the guys. There was no legit reason for that whole kidnap stunt or for these "mentors" to be so hard line. There is a difference in motivating someone and abusing them. This felt like abuse to me. And yes you're right, when you are in a terrifying situation you freeze. I was once in a store that an armed robbery took place in and believe me the only thought is will I make it out of this alive. I saw that same look in the guys. This was like playing Russian roulette with how the guys would respond to this. They could be motivated or forever traumatized. As polite and well mannered as they are I don't know if they would ever reveal what they truly felt after this. I know the show is supposed to get better but first impressions matter...
A. Brown
2022-11-05 23:49:11 +0000 UTCStill hard to watch again and I still don’t understand what the point of this fake kidnapping..me too was growing up with coolio love that songs even he gets better after ..I didn’t like the ways he treat Tae ..Tony and Nate was a really good mentors but the third was rude with Jin .Rm are the only one who speak fluent in English but even him,we can see his really confuse too ,they all really young at that that was really hurt and uncomfortable to see those cringe moments..thank John always a pleasure to see you reacting to our 7 angels ..take good care of yourself see you soon
Sokha Hem
2022-11-05 22:58:07 +0000 UTCI understand that they had yo make it rough to pass the message of hip hop roots... but they are from Coreia and its a very rough culture there to specialy with kpop idols....BTS had it very very rough from day 1. They strugle in every shape or form since there audition to big hit. Being away from there famelies money issues HATERS....i mean they had it all. Coming to the U.S. a country they admired and get that impact?realy?there humble personalety is what made them survive it and endure it. There is not many people who could have done the same. I am sure there is lots of thing that where hiden from viewers....
catia velosa
2022-11-05 10:12:59 +0000 UTCTony and Nate are great guys. I know Tony is still in contact with BTS today. The kidnapping was seriously not funny. Those poor boys! And there are a couple more moments coming up that will make you feel the same way, but it gets better as the series goes on. I know that after the first couple days, RM complained to Big Hit about how they were being treated, and the tone of the show got noticeably better.
Jesi Ryan
2022-11-05 05:38:52 +0000 UTCI saw an interview recently with Son Sung Deuk, BTS' performance director, and in it he said that Jungkook was chosen to go with him to America for dance training because he had the most potential to become a great dancer (not including J-Hope and Jimin who already were great dancers).
Purplehaze
2022-11-04 20:34:54 +0000 UTCIt's always so hard to watch this episode. I feel so bad that for most of them this was their first impression of America. I think the stunt was supposed to be funny but even after editing it's still just awful. While there is a bunch of cringiness in this show there are some gems too. Looking forward to the rest. 👍
Chalanna
2022-11-04 18:08:56 +0000 UTCYeah I agree, I'm not really big on that at all either. But! After watching Episode two just a bit ago, I am for sure excited to see the rest of the series, and hopefully seeing what they learn and take away from the whole experience, there are for sure some fun and funny moments they share after ep.1
John Reaves
2022-11-04 15:34:34 +0000 UTCI was wondering about the translators situation like, at what parts and when they are present you know. Like in episode 1 they weren't in the Van clearly but did they come in that night? or the next morning? or during the explanation ?
John Reaves
2022-11-04 15:32:06 +0000 UTCI’m going to amend what I said: based on the after interviews it seemed they weren’t really all that sure of what was going on. It makes me wonder if it left such a serious impression that it partly explains their aversion to flying commercial. You mentioned most don’t speak English so wouldn’t understand … what we don’t see throughout this series is the translators at work part of the time, we don’t hear or see RM translating what is being said.
Virginia
2022-11-04 14:03:08 +0000 UTCJK went to America to receive dance training. As I recall they felt he didn’t have enough soul in his dancing even though his technique and movements were good.
Virginia
2022-11-04 13:46:10 +0000 UTCAs a parent, they have a language barrier and in a different country. Just not liking the whole scared straight vibe.
Debra Gromacki
2022-11-04 12:33:00 +0000 UTCThe kidnapping was very much uncalled for, remember JK was still very young, the fact that they were in a foreign country whose language only RM was familiar with, RM may speak fluent English, but he is not fluent in American culture I guess, example “ Do you ever hook up with your fans?” Ellen’s inappropriate question for the members, RM didn’t understand what hooking up means, at least not the way Ellen meant it, our humor is different than Koreans, these boys are already under so much pressure as it is, and just like what they did to poor JK on his birthday, Manger pretending JK messed up big time, yelling at him, seriously he was a baby, who is a perfectionist, the idol industry itself is kind messed up as is, being physically assaulted by management and so on, and yes there is video proof of Tae getting hit and also one where JK flinches when being yelled at by a manager who raised his hand like he was going to hit him I’ve seen both, the one with Tae was on air with fans who did report it, manager wasn’t fired, they just moved him in the company. Sorry for the long rant, I do agree it helped shape them, they learned a lot, and thankfully they don’t hate coming to America after being scared to death with the fake kidnapping, oh and by the way, there has been an incident in Korea with sasaengs actually kidnapping an idol group, so…………
kookietaetan
2022-11-04 11:27:33 +0000 UTCYeah I hate the first episode. It does get better but I still feel they could have been treated better in some cases. However Tony is the best mentor out of all of them and really seems to care about the guys. There is another episode I can't remember wich one where Jin is treated really bad by one of the mentors. That episode is also really hard to watch. I think he hits Jin. I can't remember but I do remember after that you don't see that teacher anymore. It has been years since I watched these.
Ashleigh Mako
2022-11-04 07:06:16 +0000 UTCI think they recovered in the lasted show of Run BTS where they wear blind folds and someone jokes is this American hustle life 2. It probably was scary for sure and in a way I agree with you it probably wasn't necessary but in the end , I believe the show shaped them into who they are today even if it was just a small percentage.
Teresa Nike
2022-11-04 07:02:52 +0000 UTCYes I just read more info about this , he was the first trainee sent to the US for training. The dance director was given a budget and told to pick someone who shows potential to go and train there and he chose JK, now its a thing and trainees from other groups are picked yo go. So JK started it all.
Teresa Nike
2022-11-04 06:53:36 +0000 UTCYep the kidnapping was horrible and didn't serve any purpose other than shock value and ratings. I suspect Mnet paid a substantial part of the cost of the trip so not sure how much Bang PD could push back on certain things. Evidently he had some say as that Dante guy was dealt with when he crossed the line with Jin and Yoongi. Episode two is cringy and some other random things throughout however I believe in the end the good outweighed the bad. I think the guys all learned alot and two in particular got a much deserved confidence boost - Jin in dancing and Tae with singing. Over the years I have seen little glimpses of influence this experience provided. All of them have grown into even more amazing men and this experience is part of their story so I am glad you are watching it. 💜
Theresa Tucker
2022-11-04 06:16:50 +0000 UTCThere’s actually a video of a bunch of horrible “pranks” that Bang PD and BigHit pulled on them over the years. Some really mean stuff. There’s one with RM that breaks my heart. But true to form, they always react humbly and respectful and don’t seem to be mad or upset once they find out it’s a prank. Just genuine hearts these guys are.
Shannon Harden
2022-11-04 06:11:05 +0000 UTCYep. This was a horrible thing. I agree with everything you said. Their first intro to the US was kidnapping. Not cool. And you had a van full of black belts in Taekwondo and Jimin with several other disciplines as well. It’s a good thing that they didn’t decide to utilize those skills. It could have gotten really ugly. The rest of the series is O…K…but definitely not one of my favorites for them. But there are some really cute moments throughout.
Shannon Harden
2022-11-04 06:07:42 +0000 UTCThat was seriously messed up and I’m shocked that BH and Mnet would do that. The situation could have gone sideways in so many ways because you don’t know how someone will react when put in a dangerous situation. What if someone had tried to fight or run from the van into the night. I found this to be very triggering because of a very violent situation I was in when I was younger. Keeping your wits about you can save your life. I’m just glad that it didn’t get out of hand. I’m sure they learned valuable lessons from the experience as I’ve seen some of the later episodes but I wonder how they look back on it today.
Cheryl Lambert
2022-11-04 05:42:04 +0000 UTCYeah, the kidnapping incident definitely stayed with them because just over four years later when they were traveling in Bon Voyage, their staff was driving them to dinner but the members were confused about their surroundings and what was going on, and then suddenly it was “I have a bad feeling about this,” “what is this…Hustle Life?”, “you said you wouldn’t trick us again.” The whole kidnapping thing was just unnecessary, and like you said, Mnet and BH obviously did it for shock value (and by extension…ratings.) The boys were already going to be under so much pressure this trip with having to film AHL and also recording for their first full length album. The least they could have done is just let the members enjoy their first day/night in peace.
Tammy S
2022-11-04 05:31:52 +0000 UTCNot all scars are bad. Some could have saved your life. 🫤
Raynstor.m
2022-11-04 05:14:00 +0000 UTCSee I 100% get what you're saying and feel the same, I've experienced some pretty similar situations and its made me think about things differently, so I could see where their heads are at with the show. BUT, it still sucked to watch them so scared you know. I really agree, Cyphers, Ugh, Idol tons of songs probably are effected by their experiences in this show.... Did they write any songs directly about this show or experience ?
John Reaves
2022-11-04 05:11:25 +0000 UTCI think thats what they said in the show but for real, for everyone else's first time being here, I feel bad it was so scarring. BUT! I'm excited to see what they learned from the rest of this series.
John Reaves
2022-11-04 05:07:52 +0000 UTCWow. That’s interesting. I can see what you’re saying. If that’s the case…I can see why Bang PD agreed to let them go but wow I felt so bad for them. I wanted to cry when I saw the fear on their faces but that’s the mom in me. Very interesting.
Veronica
2022-11-04 04:53:13 +0000 UTCI do believe JK's first visit to America was for some type of training, I could totally be wrong about that though hahahhahha
flowersforaghost7911
2022-11-04 04:42:33 +0000 UTCBTS doesn’t know what’s going on but Bang PD and the manager do. BTS have their views and thoughts of what they think Hip Hop is and where it comes from but they don’t. So Bang PD sent them to the US to learn it’s roots. Do you think the OGs of Hip Hop had an easy life? Hell no. Hip Hop and Rap lyrics comes from the struggles many of these artists endured. How can BTS truly know unless they experienced these kinds of struggles. And that’s what they are being shown. The problem is with the exception of RM is the members don’t speak English. So they didn’t know what their acting kidnappers were saying to them or asking them to do. They didn’t even know what the video was saying to them because English is a foreign language to them. Let me tell you I have seen and endured worse treatment from those in the neighborhood I grew up in then what the guys are going through in this show. 🫤 Personally I think this show actually helped shaped them into who they are today. You will see from other episodes. You have to take the bad with the good to learn and grow from it. I am who I am today because of the bad things that happened to me. When bad things happen you can choose to follow in those bad footsteps or choose to learn from it and take a different path. I learned from it and chose a different path because I didn’t want anyone to have to go through what I did. I don’t think their cyphers and distracts would have been as powerful if they hadn’t gone through this experience. But this is just my opinion and perspective from what I have gone through. Thanks for watching and learning more about the guys. 💜🫰
Raynstor.m
2022-11-04 04:33:56 +0000 UTC
