When BTS made their debut in 2013, they were largely seen as a promising yet untested group from a relatively unknown music agency, with low expectations for longevity. Many anticipated that they might dissolve within a few years, but the reality unfolded differently. Through intense dedication, resilience, and remarkable talent, BTS evolved beyond the confines of the K-pop genre to achieve global recognition as one of the biggest pop acts.
In Bao Nguyen’s insightful documentary, BTS: The Return, set to premiere on Netflix on March 27, the filmmaker provides an unfiltered account of the group’s trajectory. Viewers witness candid meetings with management, where the members express artistic visions that do not always align with financial imperatives. The inclusion of these engaging and occasionally contentious moments between the artists and management invites viewers to consider alternate scenarios: What if BTS had opted for a different musical direction? What if they had chosen another project over the beloved folk song “Arirang” as the central theme for their upcoming album Arirang?
During a Korean dinner shared in a rented Los Angeles residence—a temporary home while they focused on producing Arirang—the band members exhibit signs of exhaustion and express frustration over their pace of progress. “I just want to have fun making music,” J-Hope articulates. “But I feel like we’re holding back. We’re kind of operating like a factory.” V contributes to the discussion by noting that they are meant to explore more experimental avenues, yet it does not feel innovative. Jimin elaborates, stating, “This album is so special because it’s been so long [since our last record]. But the issue is that we wanted to avoid a long hiatus following our military service. Now it feels like we’re rushing through this project.”
Perhaps unintentionally, Nguyen’s emphasis on the time constraints faced by BTS while creating Arirang serves as a metaphor for South Korea’s rapid transformation from the aftermath of the Korean War to a contemporary, affluent nation. It highlights the tremendous achievements that can emerge in a brief period, yet it raises a critical question: what sacrifices accompany this swift progress?
The monotony of daily life reminds the members of their mandatory military duty.
동반입대 is a Korean term for friends who enlist in the military together, providing mutual support throughout their approximately 18 months of service. Among the seven members, only Jimin and Jung Kook participated in this program, yet the shared experience of military service remains a recurring theme throughout the documentary. RM voices concern that the daily routines they have established while working on Arirang mirror the regimented life they encountered in the army. “Personally, I really hate to be stuck in a routine,” he shares. “We spent a year and a half in the military, and now it feels like a dream. It seems like we were never there… Trends evolve, and new artists continue to emerge. We must adapt as well. How can we evolve if we keep resisting change? That’s merely existing.” However, the film balances these contemplative reflections with moments of lightheartedness; for instance, the group bursts into laughter when RM humorously plays the army’s morning reveille on his saxophone.
Jimin is a homebody.
On stage, Jimin exhibits an electrifying presence, but he reveals that he prefers the comforts of home when not performing. Describing himself as a gentle homebody, Jimin meticulously cleans his dishes, cherishing a dish towel gifted by his mother, and enjoys watching educational science programs while dining on takeout. “These are the types of videos I like to watch when I’m eating or trying to sleep,” he notes, engrossed in a program featuring archaeologists at a Korean university. “I enjoy moments devoid of obligations or workouts,” he quietly admits. “I was not always an introvert, but as I matured, it just became a part of me. I could easily spend 10 hours alone in this space.”
Jin has no songwriting credits on Arirang. Here’s why.
Being the first member to enlist, Jin resumed his career the day following his military discharge. He recorded two solo EPs and sold out every performance during his #RunSeokjin_EP tour, effectively sustaining the BTS brand in the interim. Due to his touring commitments, he joined the group in Los Angeles later in the process, after significant progress had been made on the songs for Arirang. Jin acknowledges that it would have been advantageous to postpone recording until after his tour, but he understands the reasons for the tight timeline. “They produced a really wonderful album while I was on tour,” he reflects. “Coming in late and being unfamiliar with the progress is intimidating, as I must navigate my role within the project.”
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