Forever We Are Young
There’s something to be said about the power fans can have. Musicians are celebrated for their artistry and creativity, but how that speaks to an audience, and how that audience responds, in some ways, can make or break careers. This is the case for the K-pop group, Bangtan Boys – more widely known as BTS. As seen through this latest documentary, Forever We Are Young, the band initially wasn’t the most popular in South Korea. But something about their music, their carefree authenticity, and diverse personalities caught people’s attention. Now, they’re a worldwide phenomenon and the fans who saw them as underdogs have grown up with them.
The most interesting part of the film is its dissection of the parasocial relationship between BTS and their fans, referred to as “army”, an acronym for (Adorable Representative MC for Youth), currently 90 million strong and growing across the world. It covers all sides: the good, the bad and everything in between. But the focus of perspective never changes – it always looks at things from the fans’ point of view. Even without having seen or heard of BTS, those watching will feel the depth of connection between the fans and the band. However, the core of this story is less about BTS themselves and more about the sense of community made possible by this group. As one person explains, “More than a fandom, it’s a family.”
United in their admiration for BTS, those involved in the documentary have an array of reasons for falling in love with them. For some, it’s their songs with themes of rebellion and breaking down barriers. Others see themselves in the boys, with their struggles of making it. There are fans of all ages and genders who see BTS – with their disregard for hypermasculinity and their open sensitivity – as an escape and aid in processing grief, and a gateway to discovering their sexuality. Even their choreography resonates with many others who find freedom in dancing. This piece is a true showcase of how every part of BTS and their performance can touch different types of people, and how that, in turn, creates the links that continuously build the community.
The peek into fandom and “stan” culture is another interesting talking point, shining a light on how artistry can transcend language and cultural barriers. This is seen in the translation groups whose voluntary work grants access to millions of fans to BTS content. Beyond that, complex math and strategic planning are prominent in fandom culture, most evident when BTS broke Justin Bieber’s winning streak for Billboard Music Awards Top Social Artist in 2017. At the time, fans organised their voting system based on their time zones. It’s things like that, and matching the band’s donations to social causes, that emphasise BTS’s rippling effect beyond music.
Production beautifully illustrates the global impact of BTS as a whole with creatively simplistic visuals. Even people who don’t want to be on camera but are integral parts of the story are shown with grace, care and ingenuity through animation. Still, Forever We Are Young does not shy away from difficult subjects surrounding fandom – with conversations on toxic fan culture and boundaries, the question of cultural appropriation, and activism such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
Overall, the documentary is simply wonderful. The visuals are amusing but minimalistic. While the narrative structure can be a little bit muddled, it remains a fantastic feature with a purpose beyond enticing more fans into the world of BTS. As one fan states: “It’s a global collective that has the potential for global movement.”
Mae Trumata
Forever We Are Young is released nationwide on 30th July 2025.
Watch the trailer for Forever We Are Young here:
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