Author’s Note: Hello! This is my letter/tribute to GOT7 for their 10th anniversary as a K-pop group. This piece has two parts. The first part is going to be my experience and journey of being an Ahgase and the second part is a thank you section to each GOT7 member. That second section will include some of my favorite songs that they’ve produced and what I like most about them. For the photos I chose, I want y’all to see each member smiling. Hopefully, seeing them smile will also brighten up your day. Congratulations to GOT7 for still being together and I look forward to the next time when you’re all together again. This will be a long piece so read at your own pace. Enjoy!
19 Minutes Read
I’ve been an Ahgase/IGOT7 since December 2016. I wasn’t a hardcore fan yet at that point, I just knew I liked GOT7. I don’t remember which music video was the first one I saw of GOT7. But I can say it is between Just Right and Hard Carry mainly because my formal introduction to K-pop was through the REACT channel on YouTube. GOT7 was one of the groups they showed and from there I began to listen to more and more K-pop. And to be honest, GOT7 was not my favorite group when I first started listening to them.
Mainly because I didn’t know what type of K-pop I liked yet. I truly had no idea there were so many groups out there to explore. I listened to other groups but I always kept coming back to GOT7. Eventually, by the time GOT7’s Flight Log Arrival was released in March 2017. I had become an Ahgase. I watched so many videos of GOT7 on various Korean Variety shows. Their variety shows such as GOT7ing, Real GOT7, GOT2DAY, etc. Not to even mention their other appearances on Weekly Idol and other programs. I burned through all of these shows in such a short time that I realized I hadn’t even dived deeper into their music yet.
I would say that GOT7’s first full EP/Album I came to like every song is Flight Log Turbulence. Before that, listening to GOT7’s discography that was produced before Flight Log Turbulence was difficult. I don’t blame that on them directly. If anything, it is the artists who produced it for GOT7. I understand that GOT7 didn’t have much influence or input into what they wanted their music to sound like early on in their career. That applies to a multitude of K-pop groups. And with GOT7, many of their B-Sides just didn’t hit with me when I listened to them early on. Keep in mind this was before I listened to Flight Log Turbulence.
This doesn’t also mean that all of their B-Sides before Flight Log Turbulence were bad. I feel like the only song from GOT7’s debut EP that had a feel and glimpse of what GOT7 could become was ‘Playground’. I say that because the song sounded good, the lyrics were good, and you can hear GOT7’s voice coming through. I can positively say that after each EP/Album that GOT7 releases, their music continuously improves. I think one huge factor why is that GOT7 began to have the ability to produce songs and have them be part of their next releases. I also say that mildly because I know, and other Ahgases know that GOT7 members have produced some great songs that never got approved or made the cut to be included in their releases.
The more I listened and watched GOT7 on different shows and platforms the more I realized why they are my favorite K-pop group. GOT7 does not compromise who they are in their interactions and intentions. I don’t personally know them and we are only able to see certain sides of GOT7. They have not given me any reason to doubt them or create distrust about them. Whenever they’re on variety shows, they are always willing to try new things and give a good effort on those shows. One of the best examples of this is GOT7’s appearance on Weekly Idol and slaying their 2x speed dance.
Whether it is the group deciding for it to be a funny bit or taking on the challenge seriously and nailing it. They’re always themselves and they fully commit to it. It is refreshing to see a group rarely filter who they are and what they’re doing. They’re also absolute savages. Not only to each other but to their fans too. And Ahgases embraces that about GOT7. I’m also grateful I’m part of a relatively mature fandom. Every K-pop fandom has a portion of fans who are toxic and crazy, I think that is inevitable in any fandom. For the majority of Ahgases, I think we are a chill and nice fandom for the most part.
Going back to GOT7’s discography, their color and uniqueness blossomed in Flight Log Turbulence. Every single EP and Album since that release has been fantastic overall. There might be one or two songs I don’t like as much from each release but overall, they are incredible. One of my best examples is GOT7’s 7 for 7 mini album released in October 2017. I enjoy all the songs in that mini album, the only two that I don’t listen to as much are ‘Moon U’ and ‘Remember You’. That doesn’t mean they’re bad songs, just not as much of my style (Please don’t get mad at me Youngjae and BamBam stans). There have been other songs by Youngjae and BamBam that I greatly enjoy too.
GOT7 stage performance and dancing is top tier. I’m constantly amazed at the creativity in their performances. Like the beginning of ‘You Calling My Name’ that cool formation of Jay B activating each GOT7 member. Or the bridge part of Eclipse where each GOT7 member covers a member’s eyes. Watching GOT7 dance makes me want to dance because I see the joy and excitement they experience and I want that too. I am still not over GOT7’s end-of-the-year performance for ‘Teenager’, they remixed the song and added in some choreo using their jackets. If you haven’t seen these, please go and check them out yourself. Let’s get to the second part.
Jay B, the chic and sexy member of GOT7. I’ve always admired your leadership in GOT7. Being the leader of any group is challenging; yet, you carry that role and position gracefully. I still think about what you said during one of your concerts. “As a leader, I do constantly think about where our fate will take us, and will I be good enough to lead [GOT7] to it.” It makes me sad seeing you having to deal with that kind of pressure. And on a positive note, it makes me glad to see you have a vision for GOT7 and where they can potentially become. As an Ahgase, I think, “If Jay B can endure this pressure and keep going. I can keep going as well.”
I thank you for taking such good care of the members. Especially Youngjae during your debut, knowing he did not have as much training compared to the rest of the members, you took really good care of him. Thank you for still being with us. Jay B, I hope you know Ahgases from around the world trust in your leadership and direction for GOT7. I hope when you are discharged from the military, you’ll enjoy some good food and time to yourself and with the rest of GOT7 before diving back into producing music.
I was sad when you shared with fans that you were depressed through your YouTube channel. Thank you for being willing to share and open up to us Ahgases about it. I’m happy you’re doing better and I hope you won’t have to go back into a depressive state. As someone who grew up also bboying, it was so cool seeing another K-pop idol bboy as well. I greatly enjoy the music you produce. The chill R&B vibes you produce are straight up my style of music and I look forward to hearing even more of your music in the future. My three favorite songs Jay B has produced in GOT7 are ‘Don’t Leave Me Alone’, ‘Come On’ and ‘Teenager.’ There are so many other songs I enjoy from you too, it was so difficult just choosing three. Some honorable mentions are ‘Save You/I’ll Protect You’, ‘Prove It’, ‘Page’, ‘Eclipse’, ‘Thursday’, and ‘You Are’.
Mark Tuan, the flying acrobatic member of GOT7. My bias in GOT7! One thing I admire about Mark is his kind heart. All GOT7 members have great character and are kind, with Mark I gravitate to him the most. He comes from a well-off family and yet he’s modest in behavior and demeanor. One of my favorite stories about him is from BamBam. He mentioned his days as a trainee when he first met Mark and Mark owned a pair of Vans (a brand of shoes). After asking Mark about the shoes, BamBam learned they were shoes from overseas. Fast forward a couple of months later to BamBam’s birthday, Mark had gifted him with a pair of Vans.
Mark, you are my ultimate bias for a K-pop idol. No one else will ever take that spot away from you. Congratulations on the successful tour you had for The Other Side. I know you are still touring and hope this later half will continue that success. You endured so much during your time in South Korea and you still came out on top. You don’t talk much but rather let your actions do the talking for you. And when you do speak, others listen because your words mean that much more knowing how you are. You’re the older brother of GOT7 who lets the other members lean on you when times are tough. It’s okay to be a bit selfish for yourself sometimes, so I hope that you’ll continue to keep flying.
My three favorite songs produced by Mark in GOT7 are ‘Let Me’, ‘My Home’, and ‘See The Light’. You know I can’t let off some honorable mentions, and they are ‘Shopping Mall’, ‘If’, ‘Face’, and ‘Born Ready’. ‘Let Me’ is in my top songs of all time. I listen to it religiously. I would even go as far as saying it is in my top five songs from GOT7. The lyrics, the instruments, and the vibes are just so freaking good. Chill and relaxing plus the cuteness of the lyrics go perfectly together. And who could forget the iconic switch version of ‘Let Me’?! Like, it is one of the best switch versions from any K-pop group.
Jackson, the wild and sexy member of GOT7. Jackson never fails to make me smile or laugh with his great energy. He took such a big risk to accept the contract to become a JYP trainee when he was already an Olympic athlete. I’m so happy to know and see that risk paid off for Jackson as he’s now a superstar. And that risk allowed him to meet his second family in GOT7. He was also the first GOT7 member to venture out into solo music activities back in 2017. That unlocked a new side of Jackson Wang that Ahgases didn’t know about. It was amazing and I fully supported it. It showed how hard-working you are as an artist and individual.
I greatly relate to you saying how you had to outwork your peers because they were more musically gifted or talented in dancing in your time as a trainee. Because I too had that same mentality in my adventures growing up when I faced others who had more than me. You’ve worked so hard and I know it can become a burden to continue that incredible work ethic, it becomes scary to think about slowing down. It is okay to slow down. You’ve done enough. You are enough. We are more than grateful for the amazing things you’ve given to Ahgases. I hope you’re able to take time to rest for yourself, for your soul, and for your heart.
My three favorite songs produced by Jackson in GOT7 are ‘Special’, ‘Go Higher’, and ‘Phoenix’. Jackson’s songs in GOT7 are upbeat and bring hype energy which I enjoy. Some honorable mentions are ‘Boom x3’ and ‘Out’. Jackson has released so much more music as a solo artist and it has been cool seeing his solo musical journey. He’s experimented a lot with new genres and sounds. I know that is not easy so I’m proud of him for trying out new things. I enjoy more of his solo music more than some of the music he’s produced in GOT7. Having said that, some songs vibe with me and some don’t which is perfectly fine. I’m still going to enjoy seeing Jackson evolve as an artist.
Jinyoung, the mom of the group in GOT7. My bias wrecker of GOT7! Ahgases also know him as Actor Park Jinyoung. His acting skills have continued to improve every year. I knew how good of an actor he was when I first watched ‘If You Do’ mv. His acting in that mv when he ripped up the painting of the girl and then screamed afterward was very powerful for me. I didn’t even need to hear the sound to know his acting was top-notch in that part of the mv. I’m also happy to see so many other Ahgases continue to support his ventures in acting.
Jinyoung, I cried and was happy when you said “Only Ahgases know how talented GOT7 are.” back in your Keep Spinning World Tour in 2019. I was happy because it showed how much you were grateful for Ahgases and that our efforts to promote and support GOT7 are noted and appreciated. And yet, I cried because it reminded me of the notion that GOT7 is somewhat underrated. Ahgases knows how amazing GOT7 is overall but the rest of the world has not come to see this yet. Ahgases will be here for GOT7 and, the anxiety you feel may never go away and when it reappears, I hope you’ll come back and find moments of Ahgases support to help you get through those anxieties. I hope you have an amazing time back once you’re discharged from your military service.
My three favorite songs produced by Jinyoung in GOT7 are ‘Thank You’, ‘Love You Better’, and ‘The End’. Again, it was challenging for me to choose, so I had to include some honorable mentions: ‘I Won’t Let You Go’, ‘I Am Me’, ‘Mayday’, ‘Paradise’, and ‘Firework’. Park Jinyoung! You have a strong talent for writing lyrics that evoke so many emotions from your fans. I even go as far as saying you are the best lyricist in GOT7. I noticed I listen to your songs the most whenever I am emotional and it often comforts me during those moments.
Youngjae, the powerful vocalist member of GOT7. He grew on me throughout my time as an Ahgase. Not that I didn’t like Youngjae because I do, it was just the impact and role that I wasn’t sure of with him. He was the vocalist and that was about it. And boy was I wrong, when Youngjae sings, it is immaculate. Like, I felt bad and stupid for not seeing how amazing he is as an artist (this was back in the first few months of me being an Ahgase). Early on as an Ahgase, it occurred to me that out of the vocalists, I recognized Youngjae’s voice the most. That helped me begin to like him more in GOT7.
One thing I will never forget about Youngjae was the spoiler he gave during the preparation for Flight Log Departure. It was Youngjae, Mark, BamBam, and Coco doing a VLive at Han River, and Youngjae accidentally sang a part of the chorus in ‘Fly’. I laughed so hard when I first saw that video knowing it was an innocent mistake that led to an incredible moment between the members and Ahgases. Youngjae also has the best laugh in GOT7. He laughs so proudly and energetically that when I see him do it, it makes me want to laugh along with him too. I’m so grateful Youngjae debuted with GOT7.
My three favorite songs produced by Youngjae in GOT7 are ‘Timeout’, ‘Sick’, and ‘Breath’. Honorable mentions are ‘Hesitate’, ‘Moon U’, ‘Sign’, and ‘Aura’. I’ve realized Youngjae’s music is the one I don’t vibe with the most out of GOT7. I’m sorry Youngjae stans! I do have to say I fell in love with ‘Timeout’ and ‘Breath’ on my first listen to those songs. They went straight into my playlist and were part of my rotation for a while. Youngjae’s solo music is interesting where they are light and chill. I like that about his music and I wonder if that’s something he’s planning to continue or experiment with some different sounds. I’ve listened a lot to his early unofficial releases on SoundCloud as ARS and I noticed back then his songs were about love and heartbreak.
BamBam, the cutie member of GOT7. The member that has undergone the biggest transformation is Double B. BamBam looked like a very cute kid when he debuted and puberty came in strong as he aged. Double B looks less like a kid and has now looked mature and grown. It also helps that BamBam is working out nowadays and is targeting his back and shoulder areas. The transformation is going to get even better and I know BamBam stans can’t wait to see it happen. I also love how BamBam does not shy away from rizzing up female idols that are comfortable with him (The best example I can think of is him and Wendy from Red Velvet). His pickup lines are both cringy and hilarious and I’ve included them in my game too. Thank you for that BamBam.
The one thing I greatly love about BamBam is his bravery. I say he is brave because he does things that he enjoys and it doesn’t bother him how others perceive him. He’s comfortable in his skin and who he is. Like when he was into dabbing and he was dabbing every single day when that was a thing. Seeing him be free with who he is makes me want to follow suit and emulate that as well. BamBam has unfiltered crazy funny energy that I love and it makes the interactions in GOT7 unpredictable and enjoyable. You make my life so much brighter and I thank you for all of the laughter you’ve gifted me.
My three favorite songs produced by BamBam in GOT7 are ‘Believe’, ‘Waiting For You’, and ‘The Reason’. There are no honorable mentions here because many of GOT7’s b-sides are collaborations by more than one member and I’ve mentioned them above already. I’ve enjoyed the b-sides that BamBam has been a part of and now as a solo artist, he’s gotten even better. I didn’t quite like riBBon as much compared to his newer releases of B(B) and Sour & Sweet. I’m excited to see the next time he releases new music.
Yugyeom, the Mr. Purity member of GOT7. Mr. Hit The Stage! Our dancing machine! And the maknae of the group. First of all, I just want to apologize to Yugyeom for being the target of GOT7’s difficult pranks when the group gets into acting mode and has a “serious” discussion back in Real GOT7 and GOT7ing. It must’ve been a bit difficult being the maknae of GOT7 and at the same time, you know all of your hyungs love you dearly. You also double down and give it back in the amount of teasing back to your hyungs and Ahgases love seeing those banters you have with your hyungs.
Yugyeom’s swagger on stage when he performs is so clean and good. One of my favorites is when he’s in the center of the choreo for ‘Hard Carry’, he slays so hard in that last section being semi-wet. Yugyeom, Jinyoung, and Jay B to me are like the three stabilizers in GOT7 because of how versatile they are. In dancing, singing, and rapping. He’s on par with Jinyoung and Jay B and that shows work ethic and improvement throughout his time with GOT7. You’re an amazing artist and know that Ahgases are forever grateful to have such a talented and savage maknae in GOT7.
My three favorite songs produced by Yugyeom in GOT7 are ‘Don’t Care’, ‘To Me’, and ‘1°’. There is only one honorable mention here from Yugyeom: ‘Thank You, Sorry’. I’ve enjoyed Yugyeom’s solo music because he’s really into hip-hop and R&B like Jay B. It also helped a lot that he joined the label AOMG which has allowed him creative freedom in his music. I love ‘Don’t Care’ and ‘To Me’, they just feel like slow grind music and I love the lyrics in these songs too. I’m excited to hear what new music he’s planning to realize in the future.
I hope this letter somehow in someway reaches GOT7 so that they know and understand how much they’ve impacted my life. I can go on and on about why I love and stan GOT7 and I will never be able to express what these seven beautiful humans mean to me truly. I’m so grateful to have found these guys when I did and how much they’ve helped me throughout my life with their existence as GOT7. So many great moments of laughter that brighten up my day. So many times their songs have given me the energy to get through the day. And the many nights of feeling sad and alone with GOT7’s music playing in the background comforting me. I’ve been truly blessed to have been born in a time to see GOT7’s journey in person. Like y’all said back when Spinning Top Album was released, let’s keep spinning together. Thank you so much GOT7.
Hello, I would appreciate it if you would give me feedback on what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment or email me too! Thank you.
MX Creations Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.