Kuwentong Bangtan: Music Video Review: Credit Roll, Kim Namjoon, RPWP 2024

This scene from the MV of Credit Roll prompted me to revisit the Constructivist Theory of Media. What we see flashed on the screen is a mediated construct of reality. These constructs are created by content authors and creators with an agenda or a purpose to inform, to persuade, to influence, to entertain; for propaganda at some point; and in many cases, to control the ebb and flow of information and shaping public opinion in the process. In the video, Namjoon is speaking in front of a camera in a room he shares with other people. A story in a story with layers that can be peeled.

While Namjoon faces the camera on broadcast, he communicates his message that has been crafted, framed and produced for an intended audience. Sadly, it escapes them as yet another TV production. Unaware of the dynamics of the media content prepared for their consumption, they choose the appeal of food. They huddle and listen to each other’s stories on real time while partaking on dishes shared within their circle.

The technology we use to communicate and make connections can very well be the technology that divides and isolates us from each other. Namjoon finds himself at the right place with something to say but he is the wrong person because, people interpret content from media and the internet based on their own values, cultural norms, beliefs and biases. More often than not, people believe and listen to who they know within the confines of their chosen cliques.

When the credits roll, Namjoon asks, “Do you hang tight or goes off to life?” Whatever our answer is, he is grateful because, despite being "godamn" lost, he can come back to “me”.

Thank you, Kim Namjoon for making RPWP.  What a well thought out album. Well curated, artistic and tastefully done. For the past three weeks, it challenged me to rethink of my own message and biases; my fears and the uncertainty of a future yet to come. Thank you for opening doors to find “me” and doing it in the most humane way.

Now, I’m off to do some art.

#RPWP_CreditRoll #RM_RPWP #festa2024 #ARMYGlowUp2025 #AGU_Communication