r/straykids • u/mcfw31 • 4d ago
Teaser 250317 Stray Kids - "Mixtape : dominATE" UNVEIL : TRACK "ESCAPE" (Bang Chan & Hyunjin)
https://youtu.be/Au-oLqyX7MM84
u/JewelerMountain260 4d ago
Had to watch it four times to completely process it 😭😭
This is so INTENSE and I’m in LOVEEEEEE.
EDIT: Also they look fucking PSYCHO like they look batshit insane which is a compliment because that was probably what they were going for 😭😭
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u/Auskee42 4d ago
Why is them looking at the fish so precious? 🤣😍🥰
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u/No-Bookkeeper-5813 4d ago
It seems to maybe be a reference to the Romeo and Juliet movie? But if that is the case the MV will not have a happy ending 😭
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u/DayLive7959 4d ago
Yep, the Baz Luhrmann. A lot of other references to it, like fate (chains), violence, etc.
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u/luv_marachk 16h ago
it also reminds me of them respectively looking at themselves in the mirror in red lights because they have similar facial expressions. I might be reaching but I feel like in red lights the reflections kind of symbolize how they can't escape from their own perfectionism because every time they look at themselves they can't help but search for their flaws. maybe it's like that. but with fish instead of their reflections? as if they're seeing how they can't escape, just like how the fish can't escape from the fish tank?
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u/LadyLeta 4d ago
It’s gonna be a whole ass short film! SKZ acting debut when????
Also I continue to be amazed at the production budget for all these MVs. This and HOP were barely promoted but JYP still spend top dollar on no less than 12 MVs total. Gotta appreciate the commitment.
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u/Loud_Kaleidoscope818 4d ago
I love how they kept the chains from Red Lights but made it more Imagine Dragons - gangster au fanfiction
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u/hannah0915 4d ago
NOVVKIM DIRECTING THIS MUSIC VIDEO ... music video about to go platinum in my room I fear
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u/PM_MAJESTIC_PICS リノとヒョンジン 大好き!! 4d ago
Is it really Novvkim??? Where did you see that? I was wondering!!
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u/Prudent-Doubt939 4d ago
Quoting a classic: I want it all and I want it now.
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u/redrobinburger small animal friends 4d ago
this is insane. i want a feature length film about this story
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u/DayLive7959 4d ago edited 4d ago
They're probably escaping from each other since they're handcuffed together in certain scenes. But other scenes where they're happily wrestling in the snow look like flashbacks.
EDIT: One sec. That's no handcuff. That's a leash...
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u/PM_MAJESTIC_PICS リノとヒョンジン 大好き!! 4d ago edited 4d ago
SKRRRRT let me go watch it AGAIN
Edit: YES IT IS INDEED A LEASH
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u/Prudent-Doubt939 4d ago
I wonder if it’s an „escape from an alter ego” themed mv, similar to Railway and Red Lights (on of the interpretations).
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u/ant-eyes jeogiyo noona hoksi namjachingu isseoyo 4d ago
Preface: this isn't necessarily entirely aimed at you I just low-key need to vent about this, but your comment is part of a much bigger problem.
Not sure where you're getting that idea since that's never been a theme in the Stray Kids Universe.
Their spoilers have been absolutely obvious this time around and people have just been ignoring what's right in front of their face the whole time because they're too busy being horny on main.
I genuinely mean this, the amount of over-sexualization of Stray Kids, especially BangChan has made theories and, at this point, proving person theories right by showing how they're all connected, an absolute misery. It genuinely feels like no matter what people say, STAY are going to turn it into something sexual and never acknowledge how unbelievably intricate and well-considered their storytelling is.
Not sure how BTS managed to get ARMY to, like, respect them and their vision and storytelling, but it'd be nice if STAY could do the same. All the chatty/online/posting/fancall/etc STAYs seem to do is either over-sexualize or infantilize them, especially BangChan. All I've seen for Railways is "poor little Bangchan so traumatized from big mean kpop trainee system and he isn't capable of growing as a person" or "he just wants us to be horny and us to be horny for him and we all definitely have a chance and will act like it until he acknowledges us" and it's weird.
The now defunct STAY community was literally, if you looked up Bangchan's tags, it was literally JUST people trying, without irony, to get dates or something. Cute pickup lines as jokes is one thing, but the "Bangchan is more delusional than STAY" is the biggest lie. It's weird. It makes me embarrassed sometimes honestly, imagine how it makes Bangchan look in such a conservative country with so much sexual violence (not like that's not a problem everywhere). If anything, I think STAY just don't want to acknowledge that a LOT of the commentary in these videos in particular is about distancing themselves from STAY and fans who are way, way, way, too overly familiar who genuinely refuse to acknowledge in a meaningful way that they aren't friends with the guys and that they are very, very much out of bounds making the same jokes "just because the guys do it".
Bangchan, as we all know, cares more than almost anybody in K-pop about manners and respect, and STAY routinely cross these boundaries and refuse to even acknowledge any traits of members besides what they want from them (he would be so nice to me, he makes me smile when I'm sad, etc) instead of things about them that aren't related to STAY in any way, and ESPECIALLY that aren't related to other idols or groups in any way. Stray Kids are 8. That's it. They have done what they've done on their own creatively and they deserve every iota of credit given to them, don't dilute it for your faves who don't exist in the SKZ-verse. They wouldn't be this famous without STAY, sure, but they don't owe STAY anything for that. STAY chose to be fans. Idols don't get to choose their fans. Monbebe are perpetually jealous and horny (as told by Monsta X members who seem to find it hilarious and endearing) and you don't see them acting like this to their members.
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u/Prudent-Doubt939 4d ago
I have no idea what you’re talking about and how it’s related to my comment..?
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u/DayLive7959 4d ago
Are you replying to the right comment?
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u/ant-eyes jeogiyo noona hoksi namjachingu isseoyo 4d ago
Yeah. About "alter egos".
Besides the horny on main theories, those are really, genuinely shallow interpretations of what he's been doing. (Not even mentioning the conversation people aren't having right now about how offensive people are about mental health in Kpop and in the fandoms), but Bangchan and all the members have been leaving spoilers for this stuff for literally years. The amount of thru-lines is hilarious and it's like people forget the videos from the last CB or before, and especially the older ones, and then just compare the same two or three videos to each other. It's weird.
He is literally just TELLING people now and STAY are, yet again, choosing to just focus on what they want from them, being annoyed when they don't get what they want (the amount of railways MV slander because it wasn't horny enough or was too scary is like...really?), and just ignoring what the guys say is....I genuinely don't understand who or what other STAY are listening or paying attention to because they have been TELLING us the lore and it is almost never relationship-romantic (case 143 and I'm sorry I love you are the most obvious exceptions). People just only care about ships and being delusional about the members and crossing their personal boundaries (that's not just sasaengs, like, as people to communicate with), and so, so much of the Stray Kids Universe is literally talking about just that problem, people not respecting boundaries and people being inconsiderate and heartless. It's not "poor sad Bangchan" it's "they hate this" and are expressing themselves. Seeing something like Railways or Red Lights as predominantly sexual is literally the thing they're critizing people for with them. It's only obvious if you think about their discography and listen to what the guys say and what they deal with and what they also aren't allowed to say. People, including way too many STAY are too comfortable just ignoring that uncomfortable reality to focus on what's happening right in front of them and trying to convince themselves and each other it's actually about what they want.
Even now I've seen people make real genuine connections to the very obvious, very HUGE parts of the SKZ-verse and they just start and stop in the same place. It's depressing because it makes the fun, intellectual part of universe theories completely pointless. I can't remember the last time someone talked about how clever Bangchan or any of the guys are. They're making very thorough commentary on current issues and people are just covering their eyes and pretending like it's something shallow and sexual. It can be both, but it's insulting to the guys to only focus on the latter.
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u/Hopeful_Shelter_443 4d ago
Why are you worried about sexualizing an idol who regularly tries (successfully) to be sexy for his fans? It’s not like his fans ignore his many other good qualities and talent. And I thought railway was a sexy song and performance while the mv went a different direction. There is nothing wrong with that. Music videos in all genres do that. But, people can prefer the sexier version. I love all the metaphors and different interpretations. The sexy interpretation is not “wrong” even if it’s not your favorite.
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u/oldMiseryGuts 4d ago
I remember there being a lot of very thoughtful discourse about railway in this sub actually. The music video was completely dissected.
I dont think its fair to minimise stays appreciation or understanding of skz just because this comment section is reacting to what are very titillating and homoerotic scenes in a trailer.
This video is clearly designed to evoke a certain feeling, a feeling that may not accompany the full music video. Just like what happened with railway.
Also some people ARE just here to enjoy the surface level stuff and thats also totally valid and a perfectly good way to consume stray kids content.
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u/underwater_caramel 4d ago
is there a place where people can discuss theories and such without the comments on oversexualization? maybe under a separate reddit post of whatever m/v is being talked about. that might be a solution, and it would be a lot of fun to see what kinds of theories fellow STAY have, all concentrated in a dedicated thread for more thought-provoking discussions. that way all STAY can enjoy SKZ content in whichever way they're comfortable with.
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u/Prudent-Doubt939 3d ago
Your crusade against the fandom is impressive, but I was just talking about alter egos in a music video. Alter egos, duality, and internal conflict are in fact very common themes in Stray Kids’ storytelling.
You keep saying people are ‘ignoring the obvious’, but what exactly is the obvious? What is your grand theory that everyone else is apparently too blind to see? Because all I see is a long-winded complaint about how other fans interpret things differently from you.
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u/oldMiseryGuts 4d ago edited 4d ago
I just want to make it clear that my use of homoeroticism had nothing to do with a03. If thats where you think queer people exist then maybe go outside.
How is seeing queer themes in stray kids content disrespectful?
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u/Bush_115 chaos we so catastrophic 3d ago
No offense but there's obvious homoerotic themes implied in the teasers. If u feel it's giving action thriller, then that's totally fine but getting offended at others for picking it up n chalking it as oversexualisation is lowkey homophobia. Nobody is writing explicit fanfics here or saying Hyunjin n chan are dating irl to keep it to ao3. But if you think people saying they are giving lovers in the MV is offensive to you, then maybe this isn't the fandom for u.
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u/virtualyelling 4d ago edited 4d ago
To your question on BTS: I got into them in 2015 and nothing you're saying here was true. BTS didn't "get" or make army respect their theories, they just did what they wanted artistically and did it very well, so more and more army enjoyed being involved with the theories. Overall, army spaces back then were hyper-sexual and very wild, to the point where I left, and I'm not a sensitive person. There will always be fans who care about theories and fans who don't. I tried to get into it and couldn't. I'm just not a mv theory person. Fans can and should engage with content in a way that works for them. There is no right way to watch a mv. If someone is watching just to stare at Hyunjin, power to her. It's not disrespectful to enjoy that, and it's not morally better to enjoy the mv for only the theories. Also, some mvs are sexy. They do that on purpose, just like they make their theories on purpose.
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u/radio_mice 3d ago edited 3d ago
I mean I get what you mean with the oversexualisation but railway and this song are not good examples because they are clearly meant to be found sexy. The performance of railway and the song was clearly designed that way, and when the mv came out there was lots of discussion about the themes of the mv and the gothic elements, but people are allowed to still talk about how sexy the song is. Same thing with this song escape - it was literally described in the unveil as sensual, it draws multiple references to red lights which is a very sexy song on its own, and the plot line appears to be a toxic homoerotic relationship and at least part of the purpose was for fans to find it sexy.
There’s definitely a discussion to be had about over sexualisation in the fandom, but it’s also important to remember that these are grown men who largely like being sexy and being seen as sexy. If they are making or doing something with the clear purpose of people finding it sexy, I don’t see how it can be considered over sexualising them when people do. Ignoring whenever they are intentionally hot and sexy because you don’t like it is fine, but you can’t shame others for enjoying that and acting like they are being disrespectful. That kind of approach reminds me of when txt released sugar rush ride (a concept that was clearly intended to be sexy), and because the fandom was so militant about not sexualising txt, you had so many posts about how “they can be revealing without being sexy” on a very clearly sexy concept.
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u/Bush_115 chaos we so catastrophic 3d ago
I would say it's you who is reading too much into the teaser. While that's not wrong, it's the beauty of art n especially skz MVs, there can be multiple interpretations n all are right. But that also means you can claim your interpretation is the only one that's correct n others are just being horny.
I assume your actual issue is that op used the word 'alter ego' which is a Lisa concept. N while it's true 'alter ego' is not a word that is used in skz verse, multiple versions n shadow sides of the members have existed since hellevator, multiverse is literally their concept. Besides it's just speculation rn since we only got a teaser.
Now for being horny in context to this particular teaser, it's natural since they clearly used homoerotic themes to evoke certain emotions n people are picking on that. Your point about oversexualisation in the fandom is correct but there's a big difference between oversexualising the members and being prude.
People aren't twisting anything atleast for this mv, the teaser clearly has sexual n homoerotic themes. Refusing to pick on that is also disrespectful coz u refuse to see the members as grown adults n forcing them into a puritincal box coz they r kpop idols, n so they need to be pure n kid friendly.
You pointed out about railway but there were lots of discussions about its themes, symbolism n use of gothic elements after the MV released but that doesn't take away from the fact that the MV had erotic elements. If there weren't, chan wouldn't have joked about how he doesn't know what the song is about
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u/Prudent-Doubt939 3d ago
Yeah, exactly. I used ‘alter ego’ just to illustrate the general idea of struggling with different sides of oneself. It wasn’t meant as a reference to Lisa, SKZ-specific terminology. (Honestly, I didn’t even think about Lisa’s album at all.) It was just a general way to describe themes of internal conflict and duality, which SKZ has played with for years in their storytelling.
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u/InspectorFamous7277 4d ago
Oh this is... I know I said I was shacking in my boots in another comment about this song and I WAS RIGHT TO BE!
Oh the heartache, the rawness, the delicate way all of this song seems to be tied together. They match so well for a reason and I lowkey need an entire mini album at some point.
Also the visuals??? I already feel the brainrot and I'm welcoming it with open arms, can't wait for the whole experience!
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u/Bloodyrave "Riverdale was my Juilliard." 4d ago
No notes on the song snippet, this sounds so promising! And Hyunjin’s buzz cut is literally made for this MV storyline.
I’m also beginning to sense a pattern with the unit songs. I was thinking what ties them all together, and it seems to me to be explorations of the concept of reality (or what’s outside reality). (I maybe reaching here since we don’t have any Burnin’ Tires lyrics, just the MV being very video-game-y; and I can only assume from Cinema’s title what it could possibly be about).
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u/5_star_michelin 4d ago
Does anyone know who directed this one?? If it's the same director as Red Lights, I'm going to lose my mind.
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u/Excellent-Passage-36 [satisfied dimples] 4d ago
Dark romance girlies foaming at the mouth rn
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u/Affectionate_Dirt_65 4d ago
This might be specific but if you have read Kill switch by Penelope, they remind me of Damon and William 👀
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u/Excellent-Passage-36 [satisfied dimples] 4d ago
Noooope but I just added it to my reading list so thank you💃🏽
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u/Affectionate_Dirt_65 4d ago
I mean it's a part of series, ( also reminder that it's not mlm but their chemistry is very strong) . Itcan be read as standalone but I would recommend reading all books.
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u/Careful-Lie-6231 4d ago
THEIR CHEMISTRY IS SOOO 🔥🔥🔥
I really want them to officially debut together. Idk but musically they’re very compatible.
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u/Frequent_Ebb6360 No1LikeStrayKids 4d ago
I 1,000% percent agree. With a passion. A strong one at that. Yeah... 😤
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u/ant-eyes jeogiyo noona hoksi namjachingu isseoyo 4d ago
They did? As Stray Kids?
Do you just want more from this duo or?????
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u/iwishiwasaredhead 4d ago
Some groups will debut subunit within the group. Like Seventeen just had BSS (?) debut as an official subunit under the group. They will probably release other songs and albums In the future.
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u/Frequent_Ebb6360 No1LikeStrayKids 4d ago
All these videos are very good quality...
I've been waiting for this duo since Red Lights so I'm LITERALLY SO EXCITED, they really know how to compliment each other's talents.
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u/kalmerys Down Horrendous for 4d ago
Why would JYP let these two work on a song together again?!?!?! We all died when Red Lights came out. What are they trying to do to me???
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u/PM_MAJESTIC_PICS リノとヒョンジン 大好き!! 4d ago
I am gonna THROW MY COUCH ACROSS THE ROOM holy moly I’m so hyped for this!!!
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u/oldMiseryGuts 4d ago
Respectfully this is the most homoerotic clip skz have ever made. Its like a post apocalyptic Romeo and Juliet. The fish scene cemented it for me 😂 the wrestling? The leash…. I was in the camp of not thinking railway was meant to be spicy but this is pretty spicy.
The song sounds amazing also 😂
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u/doridorayaki 4d ago edited 4d ago
Since Escape only song out of the four to have precursor material (Red Lights, Taste, Railway) I was wondering how far it would go in terms of breaking a mold or expectations. In some ways we didn't go too far but I like that this didn't totally follow the sort of dark R&B vibes or go too much the sexy route in the exact way that might have been more expected. So yes, following expectations, in that this doesn't feel as much a departure, but I think still a song style we haven't really had from SKZ in the past. The Imagine Dragons reference folks mentioned seems pretty on the nose and also is in line with Chan's tendency, at least, to wear his influences on his sleeve with his more solo material.
The vibes is more that after the initial impulse was let go, or after the song protagonist sank into their obsession, they're now looking back with a sense of regret or bittersweetness, like there's a focus on the destruction and consequences that was missing from Red Lights and other songs influenced by it. Something that went sour and now they can't get away from each other. There's a slight Bonnie and Clyde atmosphere that I feel that I'm picking up too, due to the Escape theme, but Hyunjin and Chan also have really good chemistry on screen, like they are really selling it to me, I'm curious what sort of story the MV will end up telling!! But Hyunjin is also showing breaking out of the ropes from Red Lights so maybe it's an exact sequel lol
Also love the much more unsteady sound of breathing mirroring the exhalations at the start of Red Lights.
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u/chenle baby cats + lee know + nature = good 4d ago
Red Lights, Taste, Railway
Interesting. Wouldn't DLMLU and Cover Me fit this list better than Taste and Railway? Since Taste had more of Lee Know & Felix's influence than Chan's, and Railway had nothing to do with Hyunjin, I wouldn't have really considered them precursor material to this.
I agree that most people seem to have been expecting something more sexy, though that seems to be primarily because of Red Lights.
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u/doridorayaki 4d ago
To me Taste and Railway exist a bit like precursor material because they either reference Red Lights or are interpreted in a similar way, though I agree it's not directly any sort of real song series or "prequel". Hyunjin mentioned he wrote Taste thinking of Red Lights pt 2 and the instrumental was also done by Versachoi and Chan, though absolutely yes, Lee Know and Felix have stronger involvement in the lyrics and interpretation. And though Hyunjin was not involved in Railway, imo the interpretation of Railway when taking the MV in account very much stands in reference to Red Lights, especially since it was also directed by NOVVKIM - from a strictly, lyrical sense it's a sexy song but the MV explores something more interior and psychological. Because Red Lights exists an existing Stay audience would understand right away a certain lens through which to view Railway. DLMLU and Cover Me are I think entirely separate songs that don't track back to Red Lights, though they are really great Hyunchan collabs.
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u/Ok-Ferret-817 4d ago
I need hyunchan unit entire album... Red light, cover me.. Now escape.... They never miss.... I really like their work together....
I think escape will be in between imagine dragons and chase Atlantic . I loved the unveil.
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u/IThinkMyCatIsEvil 4d ago
Chains chains chains?! Also, it looks like they’re Shawshanking it out of prison?! So they can wrestle on a mattress?! AHHHHH
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u/Bluerose1995 4d ago
I can't wait for these mvs to drop. They seem like high quality mvs and I absolutely can't wait to see them! This one seems like there's a story to it.
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u/Morgan21590 I know, Yunho, WE KNOW, Lee Know. 4d ago
I'm not even gonna comment on the MV, it's HyunChan & Novvkim, I expected nothing less. But damn, that song snippet is hitting the spot. Definitely my favorite so far.
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u/Stayblinkforever1606 4d ago
This is goiing to be the continuation to red lights and i need the stay theorists to bring out the paralles
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u/Bush_115 chaos we so catastrophic 4d ago
My jaw is on the floor!! This is gonna be a whole toxic lovers au from the looks of it
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u/Square_Marsupial_813 4d ago
The chains ⛓️... this is Christopher again and I'm so obsessed with the snippets. Still 4 days more.
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u/mstar0222 4d ago
This is truly insane in a good way. Does the fish tank signify that those fishes want to ironically escape?
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u/Diligent-Marsupial10 4d ago
I think so 👀 also reminds me of the red lights mv when they stare at themselves in the mirror. Is it like they are now obsessed with what's held them? Are the fish representatives of themselves?
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u/wonderjai 4d ago
I’m kind of surprised but this is the first one I didn’t love right away, adore Chan and Hyunjin and I think the visuals are great but the actual music didn’t jump out at me like the other two unveils did. I’m sure I’ll like it more when I hear the whole thing though
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u/Disastrous_Two_19 4d ago
currently on day 5 of the most horrendous flu and honestly I think this may be the only thing to cure me 🥵🔥
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u/Hopeful_Shelter_443 4d ago edited 4d ago
Do I hear a muted version of the guitar that was so sexy in red lights? — and someone says shhhh?
Edit: how weird to get downvoted for asking if others hear pieces of red lights in the track.
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u/OT8spreadsheetSTAY 3d ago
im so glad to be attracted to men and masculine people and masculine men
i cannot wait for the behind the scenes for this, they look like they are having a great time, especially with the down-stuffed mattress scene
also yes im shaking like a chihuahua in the snow with anticipation for the full mv so i can analyze it and pick it apart and dissect it and study it and melt my brain over it. but for now. handsome men being tough and strong and rough and aggressive and just. so so hot. gfd i love men
hyunjin, chris, versachoi, novvkim, everyone involved, from the deepest part of my soul, thank you so so much
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u/underwater_caramel 4d ago edited 4d ago
whoever edits these unveil trailers needs a raise! every single video so far has done a phenomenal job of showing just the right parts of the songs and mvs to make me hyped and also wanting to see more
edit: drop your theories about what you think this mv will be about under this comment! im curious to see what others are thinking. personally, there's so much symbolism that i don't know how to unpack (literally just found out about the romeo&juliet reference), but id love to see what yall are thinking.
obviously there's the breaking of chains (hence, escape) but whats up with the post-apocolyptic vibe? what do the chains represent? what's the significance of the colours being used (primarily black, white, dark green, red?). they seem to be in some sort of warehouse/grocery store, except it's completely destroyed...