Taeyong's special relationship with Tyongfs

How is Taeyong redefining his relationship with his fans? Is he curating a special bond that others struggle to create?

Taeyong is someone who values connecting to his fans. Many of us who have followed his journey would be familiar with him coining the term ‘tyongfs’ to define his specific fans. What Tyongfs means however, is continuously evolving. In his original meaning, he made a point that the ‘f’ stood for friends- Taeyong’s friends. The ‘f’ could also stand for fans- Taeyong’s fans. In a more recent bubble however, Taeyong made a point about the relationship between himself and his fans being deeper than that- that his fans could be perceived as family. So the ‘f’ in Tyongf this time referred to Taeyong’s family.

In a bubble today (25/2/22) however, Taeyong went even further to accentuate how deep this bond goes. Taeyong stated,

"I really like the fact that we are not just an artist and fans relationship, we are friends. People could even be jealous of tyongfs".

This alludes to him seeing his fans as more than simply admirers of his art. They are friends. People he shares his story with as he moves along his life’s journey. This is something so intimate that it really does feel like it’s a community of friends connected by an intangible thread- souls united in a unified journey forwards. Taeyong frequently mentions that he wants to be his fans’ happiness and today’s bubble showed this once again.

And the lyrics? Emotional words connecting Taeyong to his fellow Tyongfs in a heartfelt way that makes one actually feel they are in his actual thoughts. Taeyong has frequently mentioned wanting to be a source of happiness and strength for his fans. It really is a bond that feels authentic.

Whether it’s posting images on Instagram, or sharing his thoughts on bubble, Taeyong has curated a very special relationship with his fans. This relationship however, isn’t something organic- it’s been developed and fine tuned by Taeyong because of who he is.

So what exactly sets Taeyong apart from so many others?

His honesty. His vulnerability. His ability to not shy away from his inner emotions which can sometimes be down and blue. Such as his most recent bubble messages from 20/2/22;

“We’re already happy but are insecure about this happiness or worried that it won’t last long; or that some things in the future will take it away. Stupidly, the happiness is always inside us but we didn’t know, we see it but maybe we’re trying not to….

In the future too, no matter what happens, I’ll try and find happiness again among this subtle happiness but even so, because there’s you all, please empathize a lot with me as one person called Taeyong and let’s understand each other, like now.”

By him sharing these vulnerabilities with his fans, Taeyong has managed to connect to them in a deeply meaningful and intimate way. Taeyong opened his heart and soul to his fans. It’s a risky endevour. I’d assume not many would have the courage to expose themselves in this way. But Taeyong did. By doing this, he has managed to forge a bond that is unbreakable and lifelong. This is not something that can be bought or taught. It has to come from within. Taeyong’s earnest and sometimes candid honesty is what brings his ‘friends/fans/family’ closer to him. When he frequently refers to himself in a negative tone, refers to himself as one not ‘knowing things’ or ‘still lacking’, or when he disparages himself cruelly calling himself ‘stupid’- his fans connect.

Seeing Taeyong exhibit what appears to be debilitating self esteem connects us because we’ve all felt that way at some point in our lives. Every single one of us have had self doubts or concerns about being worthy or good enough. For someone as talented and respected as Taeyong to still feel this way, is indicative that we are all human after all. We breathe the same air. We live under the same sky. We are one and are united by our genuine love for each other.

Perhaps one of the most poignant messages Taeyong sent his fans was on 23/2/22 in which he posted an image he’d seen earlier that day at a gallery.

“I am that tiger”

“You are that princess”

Tyongfs are the princess taking Taeyong the tiger’s hand and leading him above the clouds towards the brightly lit moon. Metaphorically, Taeyong as the gracious tiger is willing to be led towards the brilliantly bright light of the moon that illuminates the night that brings forth cyclical regeneration and change.

As Taeyong the man changes and evolves, so too does his ever tight bond with his fans who are all on this journey of self discovery together.

If I had one song I’d recommend for Taeyong at this time, as one that is guiding him towards that moonlight, it would be Marina- Handmade Heaven.

One listener called it a “spiritually healing song for introverts. The yearning for a quiet paradise. A paradise that already exists in our minds that we can never fully materialize yet take solace in. Sometimes the goal of introspection isn't to replace one's sorrow with happiness, but to dwell within the world of quietude, slowness, imperfection.”