To GOT7, with love

[Photo: GOT7’s Encore music video]

My earliest memory of the South Korean group GOT7 was me watching the music video for their 2015 hit “If You Do” at a music store in the mall. I only saw it for a short while, and I had no idea of who they were. But I thought they were magnetic. The song was right up my alley, the choreography captivating, and their charisma overflowing. At the time, I had disconnected from my various passions and interests, including K-pop, as college life warranted undivided attention. I moved on with my day and let it become a fleeting moment.

So I didn’t think I would recognize the group when Inna, my batchmate who also worked for the Inquirer, introduced me to them. It was October of 2018, and GOT7 just came out with its third studio album, “Present You,” a month prior. She told me to give their music a go. So I did. First it was “Lullaby,” the lead single, which I really liked, and then came the album’s other tracks. A few moments later, I found myself in a marathon of the group’s earlier discography.

All of a sudden, realization kicked in.

I already knew them before—it just took me a while to really see them.

[My message to my friend when I realized I already knew GOT7 way before.]

This is the story of how I became a full-fledged fan of GOT7. I expected to be just a casual listener, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I went from merely hearing one song to familiarizing myself with their whole catalog, from casually watching that video of Jinyoung and Jackson being interns at Dingo to spending countless hours going from one variety show to the next.

Years later, I find myself writing stories and publishing posts about them for one of the country’s leading news organizations. GOT7 rekindled my love for music and helped me rediscover my interest in K-pop; in fact, they’re the only group I wholeheartedly—and religiously—follow.

okay now it’s really sinking in—i really saw #BamBam. THIS CLOSE. WOW. for the cry ang ahgase today hahahuhu. thank you @BamBam1A! #BamBamFansignMNL pic.twitter.com/2QFzlRZj18

— denver del rosario (@dnvrdelrosario) July 28, 2022

the best leader. we love you so much, JAY B.#JAYBinMANILA2022 @jaybnow_hr pic.twitter.com/xVhewXljbt

— denver del rosario (@dnvrdelrosario) October 1, 2022

I wasn’t there from the very beginning. I came in late and felt a bit hesitant to claim the Ahgase label. But, as they say, what matters is that we’re here. Looking back on how it all started, I’m thankful that they entered my life when they did. Back then, I was a struggling sports journalist who was deeply insecure about my skills and uncertain about the direction of my life.

But GOT7 has always been my refuge in the storm, a knitted sweater I can wear on a cold day, a bottle of flavored beer I can drink whenever I need to wash my worries away. GOT7 perfectly encapsulates the essence of an artist, which is to make us feel less alone. I’m sure we all have that one thing we latch onto in our moments of doubt and worry; in many ways, they have become anchors, grounding us when we need to find our center.

At times I feel guilty whenever I can’t support the group as much as I’d like to, as life is catching up with me, quickly. I am turning 26 soon, and I am fully aware that there are decisions I need to make. But with GOT7, it’s hard not to take it easy. Their passion is catching, their brilliance bewitching, and their devotion inspiring. You will find yourself listening to their music for hours, relating to their experiences and realizations, attending their shows with your light stick in hand as you get lost reminiscing about the past and looking forward to the future. For a moment, you’ll feel time slow down; for the rest of your life, you’ll always feel proud to be a part of something special.

WHAT. A. SHOW.

I just know it will take me days—maybe even weeks—to process this incredible experience of seeing your favorite artist in person. Thank you, @marktuan, for giving us the gift of your music.

What a way to start the year! 💚#MarkTuan #TheOtherSideinMNL pic.twitter.com/YcntfqfOlm

— denver del rosario (@dnvrdelrosario) January 14, 2024

I’ve written this once before and I will write it again: I will never love another group the way I love GOT7. Some might think this is shallow and trivial, but I disagree. How can such a connection be superficial when it taught me how to love, to find my own standard of happiness, to fight like hell for my dream, and to live my life to the fullest? 

I’m uncertain about a lot of things. I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to pursue a master’s degree in two years like I’ve planned. I don’t know if I’ll still be in this country for long when better opportunities are out there. But I do know this: I will always hold GOT7 close to my heart, and I will live my life as earnestly and righteously as they have. I am in this for the long ride.

Happy tenth anniversary, GOT7. Let’s make it twenty, even thirty.