The planning going into the ATEEZ storyline is clearly quite extensive, so I've attempted to collect all of my personal observations and theories. While I've heard a few pieces of theory from other people, most of this is my own conclusions that I'v...
At first, I wasn't convinced that this was a Dark Ego song. I was particularly drawn to the idea that Normal ATEEZ were becoming more like their Dark Egos in order to... walk up a bunch of stairs, I guess.
My current idea, though, is that it is the Dark Egos, and they are escaping the wonderland and returning to the real world. The biggest indicator for me that these are the Dark Egos is choreography. Yes, I know I talked myself into thinking that Illusion could be the Dark Egos as well, but there's something so reminiscent of Hala Hala towards the end of Wonderland.
Especially during that legendary moment where they... *doesn't know terms 'cause I'm not a dancer* Well, I call it the snake choreography. It's the bit where Hongjoong grabs San's tie, if that rings any bells. But anyway, the synchronization and... evil in that moment are overwhelming. Also the bit where San practically folds himself in half... that's not Normal ATEEZ, I'm quite certain.
However, Wonderland is obviously a journey. It's climbing up a staggering number of stairs to reach a hallway in the mountains and stare at a shiny door (more on the door later).
That's why I think the Dark Egos have been limited somehow, trapped for a while and unable to access their true power.
And they just escaped.
Things I noticed:
Right off the top of the song, Hongjoong has the compass. I'm really curious, honestly, how the Dark Egos and Normal ATEEZ switch props back and forth between themselves. I'm pretty sure Hongjoong's compass is slightly different in Wonderland than it is in Wave, but it's still a compass. Are they living in parallel universes? No one knows.
There is so much fire symbolism. Mingi raps in a ring of fire, everything is burning in the background during most of the dance breaks, Seonghwa has a lamp and later blows out a match... lots of fire. I'm curious about how it fits into the lore, but I don't have enough pieces yet, I don't think. Oh, and the lyrics literally say "we on fire," and I'm confident it means something.
Yunho is standing in front of a bunch of TVs. I don't know if this symbolizes spying on the other members or what, but it reminds me a great deal of Hongjoong's scene in the Diary Film where he's standing in front of all the TVs playing Zero For Conduct (BBC unite!!). I can't tell what Yunho's TVs are playing, though, unfortunately.
I noticed Hongjoong, Mingi, and Yunho wearing various chains (along with necklaces) around their necks. I'm not sure how much I need to pay attention to the styling, so I don't focus on their outfits too much, but I thought I should mark it down in case I decide it matters later on (yOU cAN mARK mE iN yOUR hEART-).
There's a compass-like symbol on the door in the mountains. However, it isn't the same shape as the symbol littered throughout the promo pics for I'm The One. Also, all eight members are at the door when it opens. This surprises me because-
WOOYOUNG IS CAPTURED. He's seen in chains throughout the music video, however he is included with the others at the door and they don't seem surprised to see him. During Mingi's dramatic moment at 2:44 he's standing in Wooyoung's chains with no sign of the boy. He also doesn't appear to be locked up like Wooyoung was earlier.
The theory I've heard in regards to Wooyoung is that he was imprisoned for killing all of the Dark Egos in Hala Hala. I don't know what my opinion is on that, but I believe that he escaped and Mingi goes to check on him and finds him missing.
The member most often shown on the stairs is Jongho with his flag (multiple members are shown with black flags, which emphasizes that they are Dark Egos), but Seonghwa and Yeosang (I think, it's a bit hard to tell) are also shown going up the stairs.
At the end of the song all eight members are pictured holding a white and black flag. Yunho is across from Hongjoong, and Yunho's shadow is the only one that falls directly onto the flag.
Conclusions:
Wooyoung was chained up but got free (Mingi discovered that he was missing)
Dark Egos have escaped wonderland
I just realized I have never once considered Hongjoong being evil and whoops I'm biased
Lots of stuff has happened but honestly I'm 98% confused
Parallel universes feel quite possible but idk
Screenshots:
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This is the "snake" choreography I mentioned earlier. Very Dark Ego. Oh, and since I never did say anything about it, there is also a marching band and various vroom-vroom motorcycle thingies. I feel like those don't have to do with theory stuff and more with "interesting MV" stuff, but whatever.
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The compass - Wonderland style. I can't get a good look at the one in Wave, but I don't feel like the design is the same. With the variation we've seen in hourglasses, that wouldn't surprise me at all. This is also definitely a different compass than the one Yunho has in Say My Name.
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There has to be a reason for Yunho's shadow. These MVs are too high budget to do something like that by accident.
