NEW YORK (AP) — In a striking return to the spotlight, all seven members of the internationally acclaimed K-pop boy band BTS logged onto a livestream from a beach, an image that resonates with their fans. The livestream marked their first full-band activity in nearly four years, following a hiatus that included completing South Korea's mandatory military service. This moment serves as the opening for the new Netflix documentary titled “BTS: The Return,” directed by Bao Nguyen and produced by This Machine and HYBE, the entertainment company behind BTS.
The documentary is predominantly in Korean and provides an in-depth look into BTS’s journey toward their latest album titled “ARIRANG,” which dropped on March 27, 2026. It showcases the seven members—RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and J-Hope—as they navigate the challenges of reacclimating to life as a unified group after years apart.
Central to the film is the mention of South Korea's mandatory military service, which all able-bodied men aged 18-28 are required to fulfill for 18-21 months. RM reflects on his time in the military during the livestream, indicating that he “learned to hustle.” The documentary also features moments such as the members shaving their heads and transitioning back into their roles with the band. The last time they appeared live as a complete group was in September 2022, prior to their military commitments.
Following their service, the band moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 2025 to begin production on “ARIRANG,” their fifth studio album. They lived and worked together in close quarters, an experience described as intense given the timeline. Jin joined the group in Los Angeles immediately after completing his solo tour, resulting in him missing early stages of the album's writing and recording process. RM candidly shares concerns related to the longevity of K-pop groups, specifically referencing the so-called “seven-year curse” where groups often disband or lose members.
During their creative sessions, BTS engaged in discussions centered around their identity and what defines them as a group. RM articulated the desire to experiment with their sound and emphasized the need to uncover what makes BTS unique. Jimin expressed the urgency to produce quality music quickly, noting, “We’ve been out for too long.”
The environment of Los Angeles acted as a creative catalyst, with footage of BTS collaborating with well-known producers such as Diplo and the South Korean songwriter, Pdogg. The documentary captures their interactions in the recording studio, showcasing their dynamics and the challenges they faced in selecting a lead single.
The inspiration for “ARIRANG” came from the historical significance of the traditional Korean folk song of the same name. This concept was a driving force behind the album, which sought to celebrate BTS’s South Korean roots. Suga articulated the need for authenticity, emphasizing that their lyrics should resonate with their cultural identity. He raised concerns about the balance of English and Korean in their music, echoing sentiments shared by RM.
Preparing for their comeback presented challenges and evoked uncertainty among the members about fan expectations after their prolonged absence. Strategies to alleviate pressure included casual activities like V throwing a baseball, which later transitioned into a practice session at Dodgers Stadium, indicating an effort to connect with their audience. Even during downtime while sharing meals, the members remained immersed in discussions about their music and future directions, underscoring that their creative process is ongoing.
As they neared the album's release, there were disagreements about their lead single, “Swim.” Some members felt it might lack the necessary energy. However, recalling their earlier hesitation about “Dynamite”—which became a monumental hit—encouraged them to embrace new directions. Suga displayed early support for “Swim” as a strong yet mature offering that could reflect their growth. RM agreed, noting the importance of presenting a more adult image in their music, while Suga pointed out the necessity of expressing their experiences as adults.
