The release of the BTS-inspired K-Drama “Begins ≠ Youth” was very promising at first, but many ARMYs said they are not going to watch it. With its very high cost, some even claim that it is a scam.
During a press conference a few years ago, HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk shared the agency’s plans for a K-drama inspired by the fictional BTS universe. This K-Drama, originally titled YOUTH, was originally scheduled to air in 2020. Later, its airing was postponed to November 2023.
We are collaborating with a famous K-drama production company to create a K-drama inspired by BTS’ worldview. The latter should be unveiled during the second half of 2020.
Bang Si Hyuk
The K-Drama is based on the BTS universe, from the trilogy The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, the Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa series or the HYYH series with the group’s music videos. This time-traveling friendship story later expanded to other media, including the game BTS Universe Story, the webtoon Save Me, HYYH Notes, and now the K-Drama Begins ≠ Youth (also known as the name Begins Youth, Youth, or Blue Sky).
The K-drama follows the lives of seven boys navigating through their school years and personal growth, each facing family obligations, loss, poverty, abandonment, violence and rejection. After an unwanted return to Songju-si, Kim Hwan meets six boys. As a foreigner and the son of Kim Chang Jun, the boys sometimes find him suspicious and misinterpret his actions, leading to conflict. Despite these initial difficulties, they eventually become friends. At first it seemed awkward, but over time they become closer and open their hearts. They travel and play together, sharing their problems to help each other heal.
Realizing that they all have similar family problems, they become even closer. Hwan confronts his own feelings by staying with the other boys. As he spends time with them, he begins to appreciate Songju-si and truly wishes those days would continue forever. However, Chang Jun notices the other boys and considers them useless, insisting that Hwan stay away from them. Hwan, who has always lived an obedient life, raises his voice for the first time and confronts his emotions.
A full trailer for Begins ≠ Youth recently resurfaced online after the new year, although it was originally released in late 2023. It features an introduction to each character and their story. The trailer went viral due to fans’ anticipation.
At this point, no official release date has been revealed yet. However, ARMYs ultimately expected it to air in 2024.
Begins ≠ Youth release dates are finally revealed. Episodes 1-4 will be available on April 30, episodes 5-8 on May 7, and episodes 9-12 on May 14. However, despite the long wait, many ARMYs no longer plan to watch Begins ≠ Youth which will premiere on the Xclusive platform and not on a streaming service such as Disney+, Netflix or Prime Video. This will be the first K-Drama launched on the Xclusive platform.
Since this is not an ordinary streaming platform, there is no monthly subscription to watch many titles. Instead, each episode release is available for purchase. Even with the current discount available, it costs over $30 per set. So, watching all the episodes would cost more than 90 USD (83 euros). That’s not all, the purchase period is limited. After it ends, you need to buy or rent it from someone who previously purchased it.
This is a collaboration between CRB Media and HYBE leveraging Web 3.0 technology and using blockchain. Xclusive claims to be a blockchain-based platform aimed at innovating the content distribution process with the support of fans. This makes Begins ≠ Youth a K-Drama NFT.
Collaborating with @fingerlabs_io, Mantle proudly presents “Begins≠Youth” inspired by K-pop sensation BTS “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life”, a captivating series of K-drama NFTs distributed exclusively through Xclusive and powered by Mantle Network. 🚀
Explore the series through three exclusive packages:
Package 1: Episodes 1 to 4
Package 2: Episodes 5 to 8
Package 3: Episodes 9 to 12
The pre-sale of the above packages runs from April 2 to 30 or while supplies last. Secure your place now Youth Learn more about Begins≠Youth and the exciting world »
Netizens were shocked to realize that Begins ≠ Youth appears to have been transformed into a non-fungible token (NFT) and multi-level marketing (MLM) system. ARMY fans are disappointed by HYBE’s decision to stream the K-Drama via a blockchain platform.
Multi-level marketing (MLM) refers to a strategy used by some direct sales companies to market their products and services. MLM encourages existing members to promote and sell their offerings to other individuals and recruit new affiliates into the business.
Investopedia
Many say they won’t watch Begins ≠ Youth. Instead, they prefer to rewatch old BTS content or watch clips of Begins ≠ Youth on social media.
Recently, ARMYs were relieved when BTS and LINE FRIENDS’ BT21 clarified that they don’t do NFTs. The fan community has long been opposed to NFTs, ever since HYBE announced a partnership with blockchain technology company Dunamu several years ago to launch Momentica. It is an NFT platform where fans could purchase digital collectibles featuring some of HYBE’s popular artists.
Later, BTS leader RM reportedly made a presentation against NFTs and since then, there has been little discussion regarding the partnership. However, during its mandatory service, BTS’ K-Drama will be broadcast via a blockchain platform.
What do you think?