K-Pop fandoms have been growing in population around the world, and with over 90 million fans and growing, the Army (“Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth) is the largest. The band these fans adore is BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan: translates to Bulletproof Boy Scouts). Which happens to be one of the few K-Pop bands I know the name of. This is due to news coverage, such as their contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement, and when each member fulfilled their military obligation.
Directors Patty Ahn and Grace Lee have created a documentary that offers some of the history of the band, with a greater focus on the fans. These two ladies happen to be Army members themselves, and their adoration of the band and the bonds with other fans are evident. The variety of people and the multiple countries represented speaks to the wide reach of the ‘being true to yourself’ messaging in many BTS songs.
The pacing of the documentary is well done, and I did not check the time once while watching. This felt like a digital scrapbook, providing enough information for someone unfamiliar with the K-Pop movement to gain an understanding of the genre, while also allowing members of the Army to feel the love and appreciation for their participation. There is also an underlying message that suggests that when enough people come together and utilize the technology available to them, change will occur.
The showings in the theater should be filled with Army members and those who want to understand what being a member of Army means to their loved ones.
Director: Patty Ahn, Grace Lee
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 1h 30m
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Genre(s): Documentary, Music
Movie Site: BTS Army: Forever We are Young website
Trailer: BTS Army: Forever We are Young trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.