BTS Documentary 'BTS: THE RETURN' Set to Premiere on Netflix, Lacks Musical Insight

The highly anticipated documentary film 'BTS: THE RETURN', chronicling the group's comeback after four years, is set to premiere on Netflix on the 27th. However, industry insiders have expressed disappointment over the lack of musical involvement from the members in the film.

On the afternoon of the 20th, Netflix held a screening event for 'BTS: THE RETURN' at Cinecube Gwanghwamun in Seoul. The event was attended by the film's director Bao Nguyen, producer Jane Cha Cutler, and Kim Hyun-jung, VP of Big Hit Music.

Throughout the documentary, BTS members are seen grappling with concepts and direction, expressing their anxieties. The film captures their struggle to define the group's future identity. However, it falls short in showcasing their 'musical' struggles. Apart from RM writing a few lines of lyrics, there is no depiction of members like Suga, who focus on composition, creatively crafting music.

Why Focus on 'Human Struggles' Instead of Music?

This could be due to the production team's intention to avoid disrupting the creative process. Director Bao Nguyen stated, "It was important to capture their vulnerability in front of the camera while ensuring it didn't interfere with their work."

The film prominently features footage shot with camcorders, capturing the members' natural interactions. Bao Nguyen explained, "We wanted to capture the familial bond among the members, so we handed them old camcorders. We aimed for a home video feel to capture genuine moments that couldn't be staged externally."

Producer Jane Cha Cutler added, "While making this documentary, we captured intimate moments and brotherly interactions among the members. We were concerned that asking them to film during their challenging work and dorm life might be disruptive. We cautiously requested their cooperation, and they graciously obliged, for which we are grateful."

Director's Perspective on BTS Members' Struggles

Director Bao Nguyen also shared his observations of the members' struggles. He said, "Initially, I thought capturing their creative process would be easy. But after a few days, I realized they were under immense pressure, and it was different from what I had envisioned." He added, "The film captures how they overcome challenges as brothers and a second family. It conveys the message that they could achieve it because they were together as seven."

Bao Nguyen described BTS's burden as "bearing a heavy crown." He remarked, "We sometimes overlook what 'BTS' means and the immense responsibility they carry as Koreans and global artists. It was enlightening to see how they turn this responsibility into creative output. It was evident that they don't take their circumstances for granted and work diligently."

Producer Jane Cha Cutler expressed her hope that the documentary would be a cherished memory for BTS. She said, "My favorite scene is when the members watch their rookie performances and enjoy themselves. I hope they look back on this documentary with affection even after 10 years."

Director Bao Nguyen added, "When you watch home videos featuring family or friends, you realize 'those moments shaped who I am today.' In this fast-paced world, I hope the members see this film and think, 'We grew through this process and shared it with these people.'"

The documentary film 'BTS: THE RETURN' will be available on Netflix on the 27th. It features scenes from their world tour, military service, and songwriting sessions in Los Angeles for new songs.

Meanwhile, BTS is set to release their 5th studio album 'ARIRANG' at 1 PM on the 20th, marking their first full-group activity in about four years.

Reported by Min-Kyung Lee, Ten Asia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr