J-Hope’s “On The Stage” tour was nothing short of a spectacle—bold, introspective, and full of artistic depth. While his albums have always been explorations of style and sound, this concert felt like a reflection. It wasn’t just a showcase of his music; it was a journey through his artistic evolution, tying together pieces of his past work into a cohesive masterpiece.
RM’s documentary RPWP is a fascinating deep dive into his journey as an artist, both as part of BTS and on his own. After watching it, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much it reveals—not just about him, but about BTS, K-pop, and even life in general. Here are ten things that stood out to me.
BTS has undeniably set the bar sky-high in the music industry. With record-breaking achievements, sold-out stadiums, and an incredibly dedicated fanbase, the group’s success is unparalleled. But as each member ventures into solo projects, one big question remains: Can they match the level of success that BTS has achieved as a group?
.webp)
Published March 6, 2025
Documentary Analysis
Beyond the Star: A New Look at BTS
BTS has always been fiercely protective of their personal lives, choosing instead to share the depths of their professional journey with the world. Over the past decade, their career has been chronicled through numerous documentaries and films, each shedding light on their evolution as artists. So, with so much already out there, what more is there to tell? Apparently, a lot. And in a refreshingly new way.
Beyond the Star isn’t your typical documentary. It doesn’t follow the usual formula of a neatly laid-out narrative. Instead, it leaves room for interpretation—inviting fans to form their own conclusions, much like how ARMYs have pieced together the intricate storytelling behind BTS’s music videos.
It’s an intelligent and confident way of storytelling, relying on the audience’s ability to connect the dots. But should we be surprised? This is the same band that wrote songs like Black Swan and Anpanman—a group whose fans deciphered the complex storyline of The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series through music videos alone.
A Unique Beginning
The documentary opens with BTS Connect, an international art exhibition that didn’t receive as much global media hype compared to their other projects. It wasn’t about BTS’s music directly, nor was it financially motivated. Instead, it was an artistic attempt to materialize the intangible—music given a physical form. The documentary doesn’t explicitly explain why it begins here, and it likely won’t. The connection is left for viewers to make, a choice that reflects BTS’s confidence in their audience’s intelligence.
Rewriting the Narrative
Rather than presenting BTS’s journey in a chronological timeline, Beyond the Star moves in unexpected ways. Just as you think it’s about to dive into the early days of their career, it suddenly shifts to the global impact of the group. Then, without warning, it jumps to the struggles of the COVID-19 era. This non-linear storytelling mirrors the complexity of BTS’s journey—one that hasn’t followed a straight path but has instead been shaped by challenges, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery.
COVID-19 was a pivotal moment for the group. It wasn’t the beginning of their success, but it marked a significant shift in their artistic identity and personal growth. Suga struggled with the loss of live performances, questioning the purpose of his music without an audience. J-Hope coped by immersing himself in relentless work, filling the emptiness with creativity. Each member reacted differently, yet they all faced the same reality: the pandemic forced them to pause, reflect, and redefine their purpose.
The Reality of Success
One of the most striking takeaways from Beyond the Star is BTS’s realization that achievements don’t necessarily change anything. Jimin once thought turning 21 would feel different, only to find that life remained the same. Similarly, when the group won their first major award, they quickly realized that their work ethic, struggles, and aspirations hadn’t changed. This realization is something many people can relate to—chasing milestones, expecting them to bring transformation, only to find that real change comes from the everyday grind.
No Villains, Just Growth
Unlike many success stories that emphasize overcoming external adversities, BTS’s narrative doesn’t position anyone as an antagonist. They’ve faced rumors, financial struggles, and criticism, but they don’t dwell on blaming others. Instead, they focus on their journey—on ARMY, their music, and their personal and collective growth. It’s a perspective worth considering: perhaps the challenges we face aren’t obstacles set by enemies but rather circumstances that shape us into who we are meant to be.
The Power of Desperation
Much has been said about BTS’s hardships, but less is discussed about the desperation that fueled their success.
Songs like Danger were born from a fierce hunger to make it, a drive to escape financial instability and prove themselves in the industry. Historically, some of the most groundbreaking successes emerge from moments of desperation—when there’s nothing left but sheer determination to push forward.
.webp)
Seven Pillars of Strength
While the rap line is often credited as the foundation of BTS’s artistry, Beyond the Star highlights something crucial: BTS’s strength comes from all seven members. Early footage of the vocal line actively participating in songwriting and melody composition emphasizes the teamwork that defines the group. BTS isn’t built on three pillars—it stands firmly on seven.
Even after a decade, BTS continues to evolve. Beyond the Star reminds us that their journey isn’t about reaching a final destination but about constant growth, resilience, and passion. It’s a story that belongs entirely to them, and yet, it resonates deeply with millions. Because at its core, BTS’s story is about perseverance, self-discovery, and the enduring power of music.
So, as I continue watching Beyond the Star, I can’t wait to see what new insights unfold. But one thing is clear—BTS’s story isn’t just about their success. It’s about the relentless pursuit of artistry, the unwavering connection with ARMY, and the reminder that the real journey is in the everyday moments, not just the milestones.
Related Video
REWIND
.webp)
The recent exhibits dedicated to BTS members Jimin and Jungkook offered an in-depth look at their artistry, but in two very distinct ways. While both exhibitions celebrated their journeys as musicians, the execution and focus varied, reflecting their individual styles and creative processes. Let’s explore some of the highlights and what made each exhibit special.
.webp)
When you listen to BTS’s music, you might notice something interesting—the rapline’s sound feels distinct and well-established compared to the vocal line. Some fans even describe their music as having a more “certain” or “defined” identity. But why is that?
.webp)
Books have a way of making us pause, reflect, and even question aspects of our own lives. Some stories entertain, some educate, and then there are those rare ones that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. Almond by Sohn Won-pyung is one such novel. It’s a beautifully written yet deeply unsettling book that forces us to rethink the way we perceive emotions, pain, and the human experience.