BigHit's first female trainee finally sees the light of day by joining Bangtan Sonyeondan, a decision seen by many as a joke until it starts to pay off. Join her journey from nothing to Korea's Noona.
*Disclaimer - boys are real people and I'm just...
This became the album that was classed as 'the debut' for Grace. This was the proper start of her contract and it was shown during the Skool Luv Affair era - though the album and era received mixed reactions, it proved to be the opener that Grace needed.
The high school outfits fitted Grace perfectly and she was instructed to play the guy's love interest, which was funny considering how close they had finally gotten during the time between the previous albums. The acting between Yoongi and her as well as her and Seokjin were the most convincing and Grace played the role like she was born for it. The school skirt was slightly shorter and they matched the colours to what she had worn in her previous high school, mixing in British elements such as tights and kitten heels. Jewellery was now at a minimum and the make up was barely there.
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Boy in Luv's choreography really allowed Grace to shine through as she was next to each member when it came to their part - she matched their movements perfectly especially during Yoongi's part and on stage, she had immense stage presence.
Her concept photos also changed - gone was a girl, now a woman in her place. An edgier look was taking place and her figure now started to shine through, Big Hit now employing a stylist specifically for Grace. This was the first time she dyed her hair from her dark brown to red. She was front and centre, with the seven boys around her.
The songs also reflected the change - boys in love, boys attracted to women, and she had a little hand in the song-writing especially Tomorrow, Jump and Just One Day. Performances now became her favourite thing to do, to listen to the crowds reaction and while she may not have more lines, the dances and performances centered around her a little more. Cypher Part Two is her favourite out of this album and has covered Yoongi's part for fun, though she had to do it live once or twice later on.
Fans started to fully welcome her after seeing her more in the BANGTAN BOMBS where they had a camera for her solely and ARMY had her trending when they noticed she was the one who was tying the boys ties, fully enrolled in her 'mother' role and another video saw her helping Jungkook with his studies in the background. It was clear BTS clearly adored her and vice versa.
Facts:
Although this was an era that turned out to be a turning point for BTS, this was also an era that Grace didn't feel quite comfortable in her role. From being nothing to then being the 'it girl' for at least the storyline was disconcerting as it went from 0-100 quickly. Didn't feel quite comfortable in a school uniform as she was 23.
The only time she wore a skirt for music videos and performances, the second and last time was for Dope. After that it was trousers or shorts with skin-toned tights.
The era was also known as the 'Emo' era for black chunky jewellery and the Converse with jackets, with chequered clothing as well.
There were many clips of the boys trying to 'flirt' with Grace, but none of it worked as she met every 'line' with a stone face. However, the boys couldn't handle Grace flirting with them.
Massive advocate for no more eyeliner on the boys.
Really enjoyed meeting ARMY properly at their first MUSTER where ARMY kept screaming 'Unnie.'
