From debut dreams to personal demons, B.A.P bares all in a heart-wrenching episode.
The second episode of B.A.P's documentary "Man on the Moon," titled "Up to Here, Until Now," offers an intimate look into the group's past, present, and future. Opening with a poignant black background and text overlay asking, "What does '___' mean in your life?" each member's response ranges from "the happiest moment in my life" to "everything about my twenties," setting a reflective tone for the episode.
Following a unique Q&A format, the episode delves into the members' experiences as trainees, first impressions of each other, and stories involving former leader Yongguk. The group candidly discusses the atmosphere before their debut and their future goals, providing fans with a deeper understanding of their journey until now. However, the episode does take a more somber turn as it explores the period following their final tour as a group. Each member took time for personal growth, with Yongguk, Daehyun, and Youngjae also completing their mandatory military service during this time.
In a particularly moving segment, Daehyun shares previously undisclosed struggles. He reveals "one-by-one losing everything " after their 2018 due to swirling rumors about overwork and vocal strain. Despite confirming his vocal cords are fine, Daehyun opens up about battling depression, experiencing panic attacks, and feeling he "ruined" every song he sang in practice or on stage. His candid discussion about this slump and his ongoing journey to overcome it provides a raw look at the challenges faced by many, giving viewers going through similar experiences the sense that they are not alone. The episode also doesn't shy away from addressing the concerns other members had for Daehyun. Jongup and Youngjae express their worry during the recording of their album, while Yongguk, true to his leadership role, focuses on offering advice rather than concern.
A turning point for Daehyun came when Jongup invited him as a guest at a recent solo concert. This experience reignited Daehyun's passion for performing, reminding him of the thrill of being on stage and the power of fan support. This moment proved crucial in his decision to return to music. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with members offering well wishes to their future selves as they prepare for their upcoming album release. This forward-looking segment beautifully balances the retrospective nature of much of the episode.
As the credits roll on the second episode, one thing has become more clear: B.A.P's story is far from over. This documentary not only chronicles their past but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in their careers. With the raw honesty and determination displayed in this episode, Yongguk, Daehyun, Youngjae, and Jongup seem poised to reclaim their place in the K-pop landscape, reminding everyone why they were once referred to as industry leaders.
Image and Video Credits: M.A Entertainment