South Korean boy band BTS returned with episodes 3 and 4 of their latest documentary series, BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 5 pm KST on Disney Plus. The docuseries provides their fans, aka ARMYs, a closer look at the band’s decade-long journey in music. From covering some of their biggest milestones to the members sharing their struggles in one-on-one interviews, it is the ultimate handbook of their journey.
In episodes 3 and 4 of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star, the band talked about their global success, including performances at award and television shows, their interviews, sold out stadiums, and more. It also focused on how the band adapted to COVID regulations, which led to the cancellation of the much-awaited world tour.
The members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope Jimin, V, and Jungkook—talked about their personal dilemma back then. At the same time, they earned many other milestones. These included earning No 1. on Billboard Hot 100 for their single “Dynamite” and a Grammy nomination.
BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star episodes 3 & 4: BTS members reflect on their global success and dealing with COVID
The latest episodes of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star documented the members reflecting on the year 2018, which was one of the most difficult periods they had been through as a group. However, the members decided to frequent trips and spend time laughing and enjoying with each other to energize. Moreover, they realized that their fans were the major reason they were able to continue working on their music.
The episode then changed pace by introducing BTS to the global world. The members no longer flew commercial but took a private jet. More than that, things around them changed once they began to make a mark in the American market. From winning the Billboard Award for Top Social Artist for the second time in a row, their first performance, and numerous interviews, RM realized their sincerity was the only reason they could gain global fans. The BTS leader hoped they could be remembered for the same.
More laurels awaited BTS as they appeared on the cover of Time Magazine. They also gave a speech in the UN and performed in many television shows across America. In addition, the band received the fifth class of the Order of Cultural Merit from then-President Moon Jae-In for their outstanding contributions in the field of culture and art. The members further shared losing aspects of their personal lives but realized that their fans learned to live through them. From then on, they became a global sensation with sold out concerts across US and Europe.
However, just as they were at the peak of their careers in 2018 and 2019, they faced the world’s sad reality. The pandemic put a stop to their world tour. The newly released EP Map of the Soul: Persona, Map of the Soul: 7, and BE documented their efforts to normalize the situation. Meanwhile, the band didn’t leave the fans alone as they worked hard for their online ticketed concerts. They also felt happy having fans watch them through the screen.
All seven members had their own way of coping with the situation. Initially, Jungkook suffered an existential crisis. In an interview, he stated how he felt losing something essential to him. Meanwhile, the other band members shared their own struggles as they tried to cope up with what’s available and can be worked with. They even told how they tried to fit in as human beings in the COVID era.
Meanwhile, they continued to achieve multiple laurels. They finally hit No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for their globally successful single “Dynamite.” The members successfully managed to communicate with fans online. The band not only organized concerts but also came live to interact with fans. The final recognition for them in the episode was their Grammy nomination.
They awaited their Grammy nominations eagerly. Jimin played games to ward off the tension, while V chose to eat. Their anxiety rested after hearing their name nominated for Top Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Watch BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 5 pm KST on Disney Plus.
