THREAD exploring how well #KARD_GUNSHOT depicted the complexities of abuse through the lyrics and visuals bc wow alot of thought went into this 3 min song

(General trigger warnings for mentions/discussions of abuse and the abuse related aftermatch. Stay safe )

Most of this mv takes place through flashbacks/simulations where each member relives their trauma + responds in a different way. Notice the cameras: this is both a reference to the pressures of the idol industry + how abusers can often enjoy watching their victims be distressed

Somin touches on the "verbal" part of the abuse the most w/her opening lyrics and pencils representing words. Shes playing a characters whos constantly facing criticism and manipulation by someone claiming that its under the guise of love

The most interesting aspect though? She's in a cycle of actively seeking out the criticism, even being filmed opening a "gift" from these people. This is a depiction of digital self harm, wherein cyberbullying victims will actively search for words and comments that hurt them

(Its not actively clear why victims of online harassment do this since its such a new phenomenom but based on my experience its an easy void to fall into bc people internalise the idea that they deserve manipulation and then seek out more comments to affirm that)

Alot of ppl find this scene unsettling: Somin is looking directly at us and smiling, yet shes clearly suffering and not in her right mind. If we take the cyberbullying theory, shes looking directly at the netizens attacking her and passively accepting the abuse

Somin breaks the cycle not by attacking another person but the CAMERA. Shes rejecting the abusive micromanaging and reaffirming her right to privacy. She also walks away out of the room and out of her gaze; announcing that her life is not our business

Jiwoo on the other hand represents a toxic emotional dependency on an abusers APPROVAL. Her verse talks about the fear of being nothing without an abuser constantly being pleased with her, and the emotional highs and lows that come with it

Notice the multiple mics and loudspeakers: Jiwoo is resorting to loud, attention seeking behaviour because of her emotional dependency. Even though she knows its bad shes doesnt know how to function without this approval

Also note that shes in a literal cage and her "companions" are mannequins. Even though this abusive relationship is supposedly making her happy, shes still trapped with no real support system

BM represents the emotional complexity of supposedly "unaffected" people who dont show any response to distress and many even seem complicit but are actually suffering deeply. This is specially important for men bc some believe they cant be victims of abuse

Notice the contradiction: he says he doesnt give a damn, but then admits he's in pain. Sometimes ppl go through so much emotional distress their pain feels "empty". You cant feel trauma unless you process it

BM isnt actually damaging anything in his flashbacks. He's instead blinding hitting targets painted on cloth. This represents just how overwhelming and distressing his experience is internally. He doesnt know how to handle his own emotions and it seems futile to try

IMO BM breaks the cycle by reaching out to other victims. He refuses to be apathetic anymore and instead recognises that his pain is traumatic and his grief is shared. Once again, specially important for men bc society discourages them from talking

Jseph is easily the most complex out of all of the depictions, and the opposite to BM: instead of processing his trauma, he uses it as a rationale and justification for hurting others, egged on by another abusive community

Notice that in the beginning, he's completely alone, which is common among survivors bc abusers isolate you. However the moment he begins harassing ppl, he suddenly finds a community, which encourages him to continue the cycle of abuse

Jseph verse actively recognises that some victims (especially male victims who are told they cant be abused) begin to believe that this behaviour is normal, and treat other ppl that way, metaphorically closing his eyes and losing his identity

He also recognises that its much harder to break out of these habits than popular narratives show, calling abuse "an ankle grabbing trap" that pulls you back in. Similiar to digital self harm, harmful coping mechanisms can become deeply addictive

In the end, he not only destroys the computer, which was his link to his abusive community, but also burns the mask, both taking accountability for his actions and recognising that he has to wear the scars of his trauma without shame

The ending of this mv is a masterpiece honestly: Jiwoo, realising that theres a version of her which is completely built on trauma and toxic behaviour, faces it head on instead of running away. She finally accepts she has to move on

Look at the expressions in her eyes: she doesnt hate the traumatized version of herself, she even feels sympathy for her. But at the same time, she knows that she can never go back to that dark place and must choose happiness and self worth

Note the colour coding as well: past Jiwoo was wearing red, but present Jiwoo was bathed in green. In the end, both colours come together, showing that Jiwoo has accepted her trauma as part of her and recognises she is a whole, complex person

(Btw, these are just my theories based on my research! Someone else could have an entirely different interpretation and thats perfectly valid!)