WEEK 53 | Determined to Shine

Monday Muster
Written By Quince

January 6-12, 2025

Resilience.

 

Have you ever met someone who you felt seemed particularly meant to live the life they were living? As in, you couldn’t imagine them being anywhere or doing anything other than exactly what they are when you’re introduced? When we talk about our “seven normal boys from Korea” we often throw around words like “fate” and “destiny”, because it truly feels like there was some sort of grand cosmic plan to bring them together into one group.

 

Pre-debut Yoongi

But there is, perhaps, one member of BTS who seems more intrinsically bound to the creation of music than any of the others. One whose origins were ill-suited to provide support for seeking a career in entertainment, but whose determination and drive also made it impossible for him to pursue anything else. And with a name that literally translates to “gloss” or “shine”, he was clearly pre-destined for greatness.


Min Yoongi was born on March 9, 1993 in Daegu, South Korea, the younger of two sons. His mother suffered health issues when Yoongi was very young, needing heart surgery not long after he was born. The family wasn’t wealthy, and while his parents worked a lot to support them, they also weren’t terribly demonstrative or outwardly affectionate. Yoongi, also quiet and reserved, learned self-reliance and the value of hard work at an early age.


Though his interest in music started earlier, it was at age 13, after hearing Epik High (are we seeing a pattern here?) for the first time, Yoongi decided that he was going to become a rapper. He started writing lyrics, and even learned the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) program in order to produce music as well. It didn’t take long before he found the underground scene in Daegu and slid easily into the rhythm of rapping and performing as well. Eventually he joined a local hip-hop crew called D-Town, picking up the self-aggrandizing stage name of “Gloss” along the way.

Fansign SUGA

Gloss became well-known throughout Daegu, even writing and producing tracks for other artists—though he was often taken advantage of, and not paid properly for his work. At some point, he became a big fish in a small pond. He knew if he was going to keep growing as an artist, he’d have to relocate to where the music scene was really happening. And when he heard about an open hip-hop battle competition being held in his area, called “Hit It”, he realized it was his chance. 

He entered, and ended up placing second. Turned out, the competition was put on by a small music company called Big Hit Entertainment. Though he didn’t get the top spot, the producers at the company recognized talent when they saw it, and they offered Yoongi a contract right away to become a producer/writer with them. He moved to Seoul, and into the Big Hit dorms in late 2010, at the age of 17—very much against the wishes of his parents. They didn’t think music was a stable career choice, and didn’t support his decision to pursue a life as a rapper. But Yoongi was determined.


During his time as a trainee at Big Hit, fate took a lot of twists and turns. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the rise of Min Yoongi… from “Gloss” of D-Town to SUGA of BTS to solo rapper AGUST D. We’ll see how a fierce determination to prove his worth led him to make unlikely choices that could have blown up in his face, but ultimately instead helped him discover his dreams, and face his demons.



 
 
 
 

Skip to Content: Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four | Day Five

 

DAY ONE:

Debut SUGA

From the start, opposition has always fueled Yoongi, rather than holding him back. He had been told several times that if he was going to act like a musician, he was going to ruin his family financially. So, he always made sure to have one or two odd jobs on the back burner while he pursued his craft. 


When he was in high school, Yoongi worked part-time at a recording studio and freelanced as a songwriter/producer for other underground hip-hop artists. Unfortunately, as he was writing for other struggling artists, he was sometimes not paid for his work. Some days he had to choose between food or bus fare. But he never asked for help. He wanted to make sure he was as independent as possible, and never a burden on his parents.


After joining Big Hit, moving to Seoul, and becoming a trainee, that didn’t change. With no guarantee that he’d be able to turn his new opportunity into a lucrative career, he still carried odd jobs on the side. In 2012, while working as a delivery driver on the side, he was involved in a motor accident that dislocated his shoulder and made training extremely difficult.

He could have quit to seek treatment, but instead he doubled down and worked harder, still determined to prove to himself (and his parents) that he could do it. He also hid the cause of his injury from the company, afraid that he would be sent home and not allowed to debut with BTS. His shoulder would continue to aggravate him for several years after the fact.

 

Big Hit Audition Rap-Battle 2010

 
 

SUGA - Special MC 140411 Music Bank

 

Fun Fact:

“SUGA… Shooting Guard… Shooo-Gah…”

In the early days of the group, Yoongi faced insults about his chosen stage name, many of which came from his former peers in the underground hip-hop scene. He endured several snide remarks saying that because he’d become an Idol, danced, and wore makeup, he was trying to be sweet “like sugar”.

In reality, Yoongi wanted to leave his persona as Gloss behind in Daegu. He chose SUGA as a play on his favorite position in basketball: shooting guard.

  1. SUGA EXPLAINS HIS STAGE NAME | 130629 KISS THE RADIO (47:17)

  2. SUGA EXPLAINS THE ORIGINS OF HIS STAGE NAMES | 2023 CLIP - THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON (1:03)

  3. BANGTAN BOMB: Suga with basketball (0:30)

  4. BANGTAN BOMB: Suga On The Basketball Hoop (1:06)

  5. BANGTAN BOMB: Shooting guard SUGA with cheerleader 2 Jimin (2:53)

  6. BANGTAN BOMB: BTS Plays Basketball (2:50)

  7. COMPILATION OF SUGA AND BASKETBALL (2:48)

 
 

DAY TWO:

One year before he kept the accident that ruined one of his shoulders a secret, Yoongi had made another decision that marked a turning point in his life. He’d joined Big Hit initially as a songwriter and producer. Not long after, he started working with another trainee at the company, Kim Namjoon—also known as Rap Monster. As they began collaborating on songs and rapping together, Big Hit realized that Yoongi didn’t just belong in the studio—he should be on stage as well.

 

And so began the formation of what would eventually become BTS. Its original concept was a hip-hop group formed entirely by rappers who would write and produce all their own material. Aside from Rap Monster and the newly-named SUGA, a few of the other Big Hit trainees were tapped for the group as well, including Supreme Boi, and one Jung Hoseok. Hoseok, who would soon take the stage name j-hope, had been signed on because of his dancing abilities. He soon began learning about rap and songwriting from his fellow trainees. Seeing his talent increase, and knowing the popularity of Idol groups, Big Hit began to consider a change. And SUGA, who’d been told quite particularly by the CEO that he would never have to dance as part of BTS, suddenly found himself face to face with learning choreography, or chucking in his plans to Debut. Supreme Boi bowed out (and is still a producer at Big Hit) but SUGA, much to even his own surprise, decided to stick with it.

SUGA’s First Love

Even more surprising, after BTS debuted, SUGA actually found himself enjoying his role in the group. While he did have to dance, his songwriting, rapping, and producing skills were still at the forefront of his contributions. The first few years of their career, their discography was heavily rap-based. SUGA, along with Rap Monster and j-hope, wrote several blistering tracks that spoke out not only against society, injustice, and their haters, but also encouraged healthy self-care and examination.



In tracks like “Intro: Never Mind” and “First Love”, SUGA explores both his relationship with music and his own mental health. As we’ve already discussed, he’d been through a lot in his life by the time he debuted as an Idol. He was left with mental and physical scars. Like his fellow member Rap Monster, he used songwriting as a form of therapy.

Never mind
It won’t be easy, but have this engraved in your heart
If you think you’re gonna crash, accelerate even harder, you idiot

Never mind, never mind
No matter how thorny the road is, run 

Never mind, never mind
There’re a lot of things in the world that you can’t control


”First Love” is about SUGA’s discovery of his love for music through the old piano in his childhood home. He characterizes music as his touchstone, and what he can always come back to whenever the rest of the world doesn’t make any sense. In several different interviews, when asked what he’d be doing if he was not in BTS, SUGA has repeatedly stated that he’d still be working in music—likely writing and producing—no matter what, because he doesn’t how to do anything else.

 

Bangtan Bomb: SUGA’s Sleep Mate

 
 
 
 
 

Bangtan Bubble: When facing opposition, do you slow down, or “accelerate even harder”?

 
 

Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!

 

DAY THREE:

Agust D Album Cover Art

By 2016, BTS had become well established in South Korea as an Idol group to be reckoned with. They’d begun evolving their sound and image beyond just rap and hip-hop, committed to exploring how far they could take their talents together into other genres.


And while he contributed to the creation of that exploration, when it came to his own music, SUGA was still firmly rooted where BTS had their start—in rap. He’d been working on a mix tape for a while, and was finally ready to release it that year. The self-titled Agust D was dropped on Sound Cloud on August 15th.


Self-titled? SUGA knew it was different. Different enough from what he produced with BTS that he needed to to release it under another name. Ever practical, he didn’t think too hard about what to pick—he just went with what he knew. His new alter ego was still a part of himself, so… how about SUGA backwards? And maybe an homage to his hometown and first rap crew as well—DT for “Daegu Town”.

And thus was born AGUST D. Ready to kick some ass and not care about the names.


From the very first notes of the album, it’s clear that AGUST D is looking to make a statement. Both the intro and the title track include samples from James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”. And it’s followed by him delivering nearly four minutes of the most fast-paced, yet casually dismissive dressing down to his haters that we could possibly imagine.

 

Agust D

To be contained in the category called K-pop, my size is different, whoo
Yeah, if you want to get ahead of me, try booking first class
My seat is business, you’re economy
Forever you’re behind me, kissing my ass
The next goal is Billboard
Brazil to New York, my passport doesn’t really get to rest


”Give it to Me” follows, continuing in that same sly tone and smirk. It’s a message to everyone who said he’d fail and bring shame to his family. He welcomes success and lets us know that he’ll continue to chase it happily.


My success that even my family didn’t foresee

Even I myself was surprised, so what else should I say

A tough cookie approved even by my family, I’m a public enemy

Hyungs who benefitted by talking shit about us all get to taste the money

They say two different things from one mouth and join big companies

what you know about me? you can’t control my shit

In other words… “No one saw me coming. And I’m not done yet… just wait.”

 

“Agust D” Official M/V

 
 

“Give it To Me” Official M/V

 
 

Fun Fact

SUGA becomes a proper You Tuber.

Did you miss SUGA’s album reviews? Yeah, so did we. We’ve included them in the blog before, but they’re worth sharing again.

Hands.

That’s all. HANDS. Enjoy.

  1. 130110 SUGA'S MASCHINE MK2 REVIEW (5:30)

  2. 130728 SUGA'S 2 COOL 4 SKOOL ALBUM REVIEW (10:47)

  3. 140513 SUGA'S SKOOL LUV AFFAIR ALBUM REVIEW (16:15)

  4. 141122 SUGA'S DARK&WILD ALBUM REVIEW (26:20)

  5. 151001 SUGA'S HYYH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT IN LIFE PT.1 ALBUM REVIEW (25:57)

 

DAY FOUR:

 

Agust D “The Last”

In the case of Min Yoongi (and any of his alter egos), with every ounce of bravado comes an equal dose of humility as well. Though he lauds his success in “Give it to Me”, he follows that up with two songs on the album that explore the ramifications of the dark side of life as an Idol.


”The Last” is a gut-wrenching look at what one can endure when dealing with OCD and depression. While many celebrities struggle in silence, SUGA has often opted to share what he goes through, in the hope that it may help others.


Behind a successful idol rapper
stands my weak self, a bit dangerous

Depression and compulsion sometimes flare up

hell no
Maybe that’s my true self


I’ve mentioned before that when I first fell down the BTS rabbit hole, I didn’t understand the concept of “having a bias”. But the farther and farther I fell, the more I found myself coming back to Yoongi’s songs. Having suffered with depression for most of my life, his lyrics resonated with me in a way that nothing else had in a very long time. After that, suddenly, the word “bias” made a lot more sense.

 

SUGA & Jimin “Tony Montana”

Where “The Last” is emotional, “Tony Montana” makes a return to the brash—though it’s less bragging and more of a warning. As you may already know, Tony Montana is a fictional character from the 1983 Brian De Palma film “Scarface”, starring Al Pacino. He’s a Cuban refugee who arrives penniless in Miami, but then becomes a well-known drug lord. His obsession with money and power ends up leading to his undoing, fall from grace, and eventual death.

I know, feel like Tony Montana
Success and happiness, they are similar but different
But I want a bigger success
More wealth and even greater fame
I want money to chase me
I hope I don’t become a monster who chases only money


In other words, he doesn’t want success to change him. While he wants to climb higher and higher, he doesn’t ever want to forget how he got there, lest it lead him to fall to ruin as well.

 

“724148” The Meaning behind the song | Road to D-Day

 
 

Agust D feat. Jimin “Tony Montana”

 

“Tony Montana” Agust D with Jimin D-Day the Final in Seoul

 
 

DAY FIVE:

The final song on Agust D, brings the album to a close with both a touch of melancholy and hope. The track features Korean singer Suran, who SUGA wanted to work with after hearing her demo tape. He fell for her voice and knew she would be able to help him embody the two moods he needed on the song.

2016 Agust D Grazia Interview


In his rap, AGUST D describes how lonely fame can be, and how he often feels disconnected from life. He feels overwhelmed by the pressures of success, even while constantly searching for ways to achieve more.


Meanwhile, the chorus (sung by Suran) comes in and offers us a way out. As long as we can dream, we can hope. Holding on to one’s dreams is important and can provide us with meaning and direction in life.


so far away
If I had a dream, a dream of flying away

don’t fall away

If I had a dream, a dream of flying away

 
dream, hope it to be there with you at your creation and at the end of your life
dream, will be generous to you wherever you stand
dream, will eventually be in full bloom at the end of hardships
dream, the beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will the future be

2016 Agust D Photoshoot Marie Claire

The song’s vocals soar up and down, leading us through both despair and comfort, which is something that speaks to the two sides of Yoongi perhaps.

This theme as well—chasing dreams, and the relief they can offer is one that we see often from both SUGA and AGUST D. Though BTS also emphasizes that it’s okay to NOT have a dream all the time, especially when you’re young, it’s clear that dreaming is something that keeps him grounded, and ready to face reality.


 
 
 
 

Agust D “Interlude: Dream, Reality” | FMV

 

“So Far Away” (Feat. Jin and Jung Kook) | FMV

 
 
 
 

Bangtan Bubble: SUGA writes songs to heal. What’s your form of self-therapy?

 

Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!

 
 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

We’ve just barely begun to scratch the surface of Min Yoongi—I could write at least twenty more pages. Though he’s usually quiet and unassuming, it often feels like he barrels into my life like a tiny, hissing, therapeutic kitty kat.

Next week, rejoin us as we all get wrecked by his next solo mixtape: D2 and a very prominent scar…

 
 
 

Side Quest

MINT YOONGI. HERRINGBONE. GLASSES. PRETTY BLINKING. A RELUCTANT MUKBANG. ARMY SCREAMING INTO THEIR PILLOWS…


In November of 2015, BTS held the first part of their Hwa Yang Yeonhwa (“The Most Beautiful Moment in Life”) Concert Series, and different members went LIVE either together or solo before and after the concerts to talk to ARMY. SUGA went LIVE by himself before several of the shows, and… WHOO. *leans over, braces hands on thighs* 


They were something.

He blinked, he smiled, he teased ARMY, and told us all the things he’s not good at, like… eating? And putting in contact lenses. And even in the midst of complaining about what he’s doing, he shows his willingness to play along with whatever ARMY wants. He repeats the things they ask him to say, he even switches his chopsticks to his left hand when it’s requested, then proceeds to laugh at himself every time he drops his food. 

 

If you don’t find your Cute Aggression triggered after watching these, are you even alive, bro?


 
 
 
 
 

151127 Hwa Yang Yeonhwa on Stage Live | Vlive

 

151129 Hwa Yang Yeonhwa on Stage Live | Vlive

 
 

CREDITS:

YouTube/Web

BANGTANTV, HYBE LABELS, ad_07, AETAE, AFTAEHYUNG, ArmyRainbow7, BANGTAN SUBS, Bangtan's Corner, Blue Calico Yoonmin, BTS ARMY, BTS LIVE ARCHIVE, Dt sugA, Enjoy BTS more, friz프리즈, Hangul Pop, IWEE, JAEGUCHI, Jeonilysm, JJANGCAKES, JUNG HYUN RAN, KGDCA7, Kim Seunghee, LEMORING, M N, mar1eru, MIEL, MURMAST, NAVER, PHA CAFE, RabOn TurPig, REAL MIN, Records No.93, SAIMASHII 1306, SHUMATION, SUGAIRY, sweetoothsuga, TAECHWITA, Taeshie Tiktok, THE K-POP, TRUSFRATEDARMY7, Yoongi's illeGIRL, 매의눈밍간지, 미미⁷, 지후jihoo; Web: ok.ru

ARMY Project 529 Volunteers

Research Team: Angel (TikTok: Lilangel2828), Leslie Day (TikTok: Leslie Day), Merry (TikTok: merryj67), Sam T (TikTok: samt_26), Shelley (TikTok: shels167), Trudy (TikTok: theeducationmommy), Viv (TikTok: VivEliz); Video Team: Leslie Day (TikTok: Leslie Day), Namz (TikTok: Namz07)

 
 

Join us on TikTok every Sunday evening at 8pm ET for #the529live, a wrap up of each week's “Monday Muster”, thoughtful discussions, and tons of laughter! It’s hosted by AP529 Founder, Stefne, on her channel (@StefARMYProject529). Catch us every Wednesday night at 9pm ET on our project YouTube channel (@ARMYProject529) for #the529tea, when we dish about all the news going on with Bangtan. 

If you can't watch in real time and want to catch up later, Lives are recorded and posted to our YouTube (@ARMY Project 529).


Quince
Next

WEEK 52 | Rockin’ Around the Bangtan Tree.