We often see "respectx" trending or see people talk about respecting the boys but then turn around and say disrespectful things or act in a way that is anything but respectful. So what does respecting an idol really mean? A short thread.

Let's take into account the official definition first. It means a) to admire somebody and b) to have regard for their wishes and choices.

Now, obviously respect is not an easy word to define (as we can see when we read the lyrics of Namgi's song), but if we try to attach this word to fan behaviour and the way we act towards idols, there are two things that stand out:
-Respecting their choices
-not crossing the line

What I see here a lot, is people saying things like "Xmember deserves better", "The company mistreats him", "Free him", "I want this, I need this" and people analysing and twisting things the boys say from for example: "Please love all 7" to -> "Please love me more".

These are all instances of disrespecting the trust they put in us. They give us a lot, it is our duty and our only right to take what they give and appreciate it. If there is something we don't like, we are always free to leave. But what we cannot do, is put words in their mouths

I would hope that this space becomes safer for us AND for the boys again, by reinstating the wall/distance between us as fans and them as idols, we do not know personally and whose exact thoughts and feelings we will never know. As said many times:
THEY CREATE - WE APPRECIATE.

So what does that mean?
If you want to respect them, take but do not demand. Love, but do not control. Read and listen, but do not twist it to fit into your fantasy. Take a step back from seeing them as our beloved idols and view them as adults who can speak for themselves.

So "Respectx" doesn't mean to freak out everytime sb says something you disagree with and go into protection mode because you feel like an extension of x member. It means acting less like a stan (stalker fan) and moving more like a lover of their art, who does NOT interfere!