Book Review: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

Reading The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga was a profound experience that not only introduced me to Adlerian psychology but also deepened my connection with BTS, especially Min Yoongi. Knowing that he read this book (ITS Season 2) made me feel closer to him as an ARMY.

The book’s concepts around self-esteem, identity, and empowerment are powerful reminders of the cognitive behavioral therapies I’ve used to manage anxiety. It’s a liberating read, especially that I finished reading the book amidst controversy and chaos in the fandom. Because Suga found value in this work, I have great faith that he and BTS will continue to endure and overcome any challenges they face.

ApoBangPo!

 

Kuwentong Bangtan: Yoongi's Call to Action

I’ve read Yoongi’s letter multiple times, and each reading reveals deeper insights. Conversations with my ARMY daughter and fellow Tita ARMYs have helped me find clarity and peace amid the worries.

On the surface, Yoongi’s letter is a heart-wrenching apology from someone caught in the crossfire of sensationalized media. But when you look closer, it reflects the cultural nuances of a country deeply rooted in a complex history of geopolitical conflict that continues to shape modern life both locally and globally. Beyond the lines, Yoongi’s letter is a powerful “call to action” for ARMY to stand firm in our support for BTS—all seven members.

The members have ongoing projects that deserve our full attention:

JK’s documovie

Jikook’s travel documentary

Jin as a tourism ambassador

And in just a few months, Hobi will be discharged from MS

‘Scootergate’ has undoubtedly impacted the members’ activities, with Yoongi carrying much of this burden. By extension, all their projects are affected.

This is the perfect moment for ARMY to rally together and show unwavering support and love for all seven members.

At 3 PM today, Manila Time, the teaser for Jin’s Soul Tourism promotion will be released. Later, at 8 PM, a new episode of Half Star Hotel in Lost Island will drop. When you can, please watch these, along with JK and Jimin’s travel docu. Organize watch parties for JK’s upcoming movie, plan Hobi’s homecoming celebrations, and share NamkookMin content online as their birthdays approach. And of course, keep streaming Yoongi’s albums!

In doing this, we are not just supporting BTS—we are protecting and cherishing them, as one and as seven.

Kuwentong Bangtan: Angry Streaming for Min Yoongi

Kuwentong Bangtan: Strange by RM and Suga

When NamGi performed Strange for the very first time on D Day Final Day 3, I was flooded with emotions. NamGi started out as competitors, and in the process, they became friends; they shared dreams and fights; and they collaborated on numerous songs and albums that defined Bangtan into the artists they are today. There is a lot of history going on in that performance. A treat for fans, old and new. A nostalgic look back at what they were and an assertion of what they can be in the coming years.

As a spectator, I was in awe. As an army, I felt special.

In Strange, NamGi questions the illusions that society imposes upon us as accepted norms. They prompt us to reflect on the masks we all wear, either for protection or deception. Strange has the sarcasm of a twentysomething brave enough to ridicule the cliques, the "barkadahan," and challenge the hegemony along the way. It is an intelligent and nuanced commentary on a system that may prove efficient but is too controlling for creativity to flourish.

This is RM’s verse that hits close to home:

"You think you have taste?

Oh, babe, how do you know?

I mean for God's sake

Everything's under control.

The choices you’ve been given

Are all preferences controlled by the capital?"

I admit. Reading the lyrics, even to this day, is like taking a dose of my own medicine. I have been part of a system that aims to control. I have circles of friendships that may turn into cliques if we fail to examine ourselves constantly. I belong to a hegemony that NamGi sings about.

But I love Bangtan too much to take offense. NamGi are like my good friends who are decades younger but wiser than this ahjumma is still learning how to be. With their music, they are asking if I can have a second look at society in general and at my life in particular. And they do it in a caring and constructive manner. It is up to me now to decide what to do.

Just be, Joonie. Serve well, Yoongi! ApoBangPo!

Kuwentong Bangtan: Min Yoongi and Our ARMY Life. So far.

On the last day of work, I had the chance to visit the campus after nearly two years of work from home arrangement. Naglambing si daughter.

ARMY Daughter: Mama, please don’t forget my book list.

Checking her PM that has the book list, I was impressed.

Me: You make Namjoon proud!

ARMY Daughter: It’s actually Yoongi. Siya kaya ang nagpabalik ng loob ko sa libro.

Me: Yoongi made you read again. Is that why he’s your ultimate bias?

ARMY Daughter: No, he’s my wrecker of all time. Alam mo yun… kase, Yoongi is like the missing piece in a puzzle. The things he say on interviews, parang yun ang period. A punctuation. A closure. He isn’t perfect, just like any human being. But he is frank, firm and —

Me: Dependable. Stable.

ARMY Daughter: Yes! After his battles with depression, di ba? Pwede pala ma-achieve ang balance or the sense of it. At least.

I didn’t see Yoongi in this light until this conversation I had with my daughter. Ah, the stuff I learn from her and BTS. And because it’s Christmas in four days, I just want to throw my gratitude to Min Yoongi to the universe. Thank you, Min Yoongi, for being an inspiration to my daughter. She is going through her own personal struggles of being and well-being. Your life story, so far, is a reminder of hope, grit, and to go after what is worth fighting for.

Borahae!