BTOB Wants to Get Rid of the Formal Greeting Culture in Music Shows – Here's Why
BTOB Peniel and Minhyuk expressed their desire to get rid of the formal greeting culture in music shows, saying that the gesture makes them uncomfortable to interact with their junior idols.
On the September 8 broadcast of Naver NOW's "Midnight Idol," hosted by MONSTA X Kihyun and IM, BTOB Peniel and Minhyuk appeared as special guests.
During the broadcast, the BTOB representatives opened up about the greeting culture common on music shows.
BTOB Minhyuk and Peniel Share Discomfort When Junior Idols Formally Greet Them in Music Shows
On the radio show, the MONSTA X hosts said, "As I'm getting older, I think I'm more used to seeing my juniors greet me on music shows. What do you think? I still don't know what to do."
Peniel seconded and said, "I still feel so awkward with the greeting culture."
Minhyuk also empathized by saying, "We talk a lot about this among ourselves (BTOB members). We have more seniority since we are older (debuted earlier), but I hope that juniors won't come to greet us," adding that he doesn't know where to look when their junior idols say hello to them.
In particular, it is common in music shows that junior groups or rookies will visit the waiting rooms of their senior idols. During this moment, the juniors will do their formal greetings, give out their albums, ask for signs, etc.
Peniel, who grew up in the U.S. and have a different culture while growing up, also conveyed how the Korean greeting culture between junior-senior made it harder for him. He narrated that even going to the bathroom or standing in the hallways is a pain, as the younger idols always (formally) greet them.
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BTOB Wants to Change the Idol's Greeting Culture, Encourages Juniors to Speak Informally to Them
Sharing these stories, Minhyuk avowed to gradually change the greeting culture, explaining that the group wants to make it a more natural and good experience.
Minhyuk said, "They can just greet us naturally and brightly, must they really have to come to find us and greet us like that...Since we are seniors, we want to change it."
Nevertheless, the "Outsider" singers expressed their support to their junior idols and attested, "I know everyone is working hard and I know they are passionate friends with dreams. I also know that they are working hard even if they don't say hello."
Peniel then encourages the younger idols to just speak informally with him and drop honorifics, such as calling him, "Hey Peni!" or "Hi Donggeun!"
As a response, BTOB, which will commemorate its 10th debut anniversary next year, gains support from K-pop enthusiasts.
Through various online communities, music fans commented, " BTOB are really good seniors to try to change the culture to their generation for the better."
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Written by Eunice Dawson
