NEW YORK – All seven members log onto a livestream, broadcast from a beach. A few years ago, this was a common sight for fans of BTS. However, after the K-pop boy band took a nearly four-year break from group activities, seeing them together again is truly remarkable.
This reunion sets the stage for “BTS: The Return,” a new Netflix documentary directed by Bao Nguyen, known for “The Stringer” and “The Greatest Night in Pop.” Produced by This Machine and HYBE, the documentary provides an intimate glimpse into BTS’s journey leading up to their latest album, “ARIRANG,” which was released on Friday.
The film, primarily in Korean, follows the band—RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope—as they adjust back to their fast-paced life as a group. Here are some key takeaways from the documentary, which premiered on Netflix on March 27.
South Korea’s Military Service and BTS
As BTS fans know, “ARIRANG” marks the first full-length album the group has released since all members completed mandatory military service. In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve for 18 to 21 months, a law aimed at maintaining national security.
The documentary touches on this topic right from the start. In the first minute, RM mentions how he “learned to hustle” during his time in the military, followed by clips of the members undergoing the emotional experience of having their heads shaved and wearing uniforms before reuniting as a band. Before announcing their comeback in June, they had not appeared together in a live broadcast since September 2022.
The Journey to ‘ARIRANG’
After completing their military service, BTS quickly gathered in Los Angeles to begin work on “ARIRANG,” their fifth studio album, which features 14 tracks. They lived together in close quarters, which made for an intimate, albeit hectic, creative environment. In the film, Jin shares that he joined the group in Los Angeles just one day after wrapping up his solo tour.
The road to releasing the album wasn’t without challenges. RM reflects on the uncertainty of a K-pop group’s longevity, referencing the so-called “seven-year curse,” where many groups either disband or lose members. Fortunately for BTS, they continue to be one of the most beloved bands globally, leading them to explore their sound further.
As RM stated, “We’re doing a lot of experiments, trying to find out, like, what makes us special?” This quest for authenticity became a central theme in their new music.
Creativity in Los Angeles
Los Angeles proved to be an inspiring backdrop for the band. The documentary reveals moments in the studio with high-profile producers like Diplo and South Korean songwriter Pdogg. It showcases their creative process, highlighting individual members’ contributions, from Suga’s serious guitar playing to V comforting an anxious Jin.
After their time in LA, the band returned to South Korea to complete and mix the album, solidifying their creative efforts.
Connecting with History
A significant turning point for the album came when they learned about the historical context of “Arirang,” a traditional Korean folk song that dates back to the 1400s. Boyoung Lee from Big Hit Music shared how Koreans in 1896 recorded the first Korean-language song in the U.S. with music producer Alice C. Fletcher. This story inspired the title of their album and reconnected BTS with their cultural roots.
In one poignant scene, Suga emphasizes the need for authenticity in their music, expressing concerns about a song’s reliance on English. RM agrees, stating, “For this album, authenticity matters.”
Facing the Future
Preparing for their comeback was a daunting task, as members felt pressure to meet fan expectations after their long hiatus. In moments of lightheartedness, V practices pitching baseballs in a parking lot, later throwing a pitch at Dodger Stadium to ensure he doesn’t disappoint fans.
Even during downtime, the band discusses music, reflecting on what they could have done differently in the studio, indicating their dedication to their craft. Jung Kook openly questions, “I wonder if we’ve done a good job here?” highlighting their collective desire for excellence.
Choosing the Right Single
The decision for their first single, “Swim,” was met with mixed feelings. Some members worried it might lack the energy needed for a lead single, recalling their initial doubts about “Dynamite,” which ultimately became a record-breaking hit. Suga, however, was supportive, envisioning fan enthusiasm for the more mature sound of “Swim.”
“It’s a cool, mature song for us,” RM affirmed. “It’s time we give off a grown-up vibe.” The band’s commitment to evolving and expressing their maturity is evident, as Suga states, “We’ve all gotten older in general. We tried to express more about being an adult.”
