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okay so this is going to be a super long thread but PLEASE bear with me- I know I don't have nearly as many followers as op but I just want to put out my thoughts as well.
So I’m sure a lot of ppl have already seen this thread- and I’ll admit at first I was super concerned also https://twitter.com/kkum825/status/1260742788225744896
So I’m sure a lot of ppl have already seen this thread- and I’ll admit at first I was super concerned also https://twitter.com/kkum825/status/1260742788225744896
I’m not neurotypical myself and I have a cousin who’s autistic so I’ve seen how people with neurological and developmental issues get treated in Korea. It’s difficult and a very sensitive topic. However, as I looked at the context of this clip, things weren’t adding up-
so I brought in my mom, who has worked as both an English and Korean teacher and who loves Korean literature and the Korean language. If she were still as strong in English as she used to be, I’d say she’s WAY more qualified than me to be a translator haha.
저능하다 (Jeo-neung-ha-da) isn’t a word I’m super familiar with to begin with, so I showed her the clip. She immediately said that using that word in that way doesn’t make sense, especially since it’s preceded and followed by flattering words (famous and smart).
While the word can be a grave insult, for that exact reason, it’s not something to be thrown around lightly in the way that the r-slur was for a really long time here in the US. It’s not really commonly used to insult someone.
She said if someone said that to you (and meant it) that isn’t a situation to laugh in at all. That would be someone asking for a fight. There is a difference in culture in using insults and hurtful words between Korean and English, so their reaction wouldn’t make sense.
So what does that mean? She thinks he misspoke.
If you look at the full context of the clip, Haechan asks Jaemin for his closing thoughts, and Jaemin basically says “It was an honor to be on the amazing Haechan’s show.” In that context, would it really make sense for him to throw an insult in there?
She thinks he meant to say 전능하다 (Jeon-neung-ha-da) which is not only super similar, but really easy to say wrong (the double n can be really tricky, especially if it’s a word you’re not familiar with).
Jeon-neung-ha-da has an extremely positive meaning, it means “almighty, all-powerful,” most commonly in reference to God. They are laughing because while trying to compliment Haechan, Jaemin accidentally misspoke and insulted him.
Of course, there is no way for us to be 100% sure. I’m not Jaemin, I don’t know what he was thinking at that moment. But I think this interpretation makes WAY more sense than him randomly throwing in a super serious insult into a list of compliments.
I just wanted to put out this possible explanation for those who might feel confused and hurt, as I was confused and hurt. But this explanation really makes sense to me.
Basically, my mom thinks Jaemin tried to use a fancy word and, since he's not super familiar with it, mispronounced it. Should we reach out to SM for clarification? Probably. Should we assume that NCT Dream were laughing about ppl with intellectual disabilities? No.
She really whipped out her dictionary and gave me a Korean lesson alsjdkdjd I love her so much
Hello!! So my notifs are already getting a little crazy- but my DMs are open if anyone has any respectful questions or comments. I’m not an expert and since I’m neither Na Jaemin nor was I on that set that day, all I can do is provide my interpretation. Thank you!
ALSO!!! PLEASE do not use my words to attack or harass kkum!!!! I do not in any way consent to my words being used in that manner- you will be blocked if I see you doing that!!! They were hurt by this situation and made a thread, something they have every right to do.
I’m simply providing an alternate perspective for those who don’t speak korean/have easy access to the perspective of a native Korean speaker. DO NOT HARASS ANYONE INVOLVED WITH THIS SITUATION. Thank you!!!!!!
