In the world of K-pop documentaries, there's a formula that fans are all too familiar with. But when it comes to BTS, the most documented group in K-pop, filmmaker Bao Nguyen had a unique challenge: to capture a white-hot moment in time, their return after a four-year hiatus.
Nguyen, with a background in documenting pop-culture history, found himself in a meta situation, creating a film about the creative process of a band that has already shared so much with their fans. So, what did he bring to the table as an outsider?
The Power of an Outsider's Perspective
In an interview with Vogue, Nguyen shared his approach to the project. He believed that an outsider could bring a fresh perspective, one that might reveal beauty that the band themselves had taken for granted. It's a delicate balance, earning the trust of the group while offering something new.
"A filmmaker I respect told me that sometimes it takes someone from the outside to see the beauty that someone connected might take for granted." - Bao Nguyen
Nguyen's strategy was to immerse himself in their world, building trust and relationships. He wanted to capture the present moment, the immediacy of their return, and the creation of their new album, "Arirang."
Capturing the Present Moment
One of the key decisions Nguyen made was to start the documentary in media res, with Jin's arrival in LA. This marked the completion of "the return," with all seven members reunited. To capture the moments leading up to this, Nguyen gave each member a camcorder, creating a unique visual texture and a sense of nostalgia.
"I wanted it to feel like your mom or uncle picking up an old camcorder." - Bao Nguyen
This decision paid off, resulting in some of Nguyen's favorite footage in the film. It's a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are those that are least expected.
Preserving History, Creating Art
The story of "Arirang" is about preserving human history through music, and Nguyen's film does the same. But he didn't set out to create a historical record. His focus was on making the best film possible, and letting it take on a life of its own once it was complete.
"As artists, we're building a raft. When that raft is complete, we kind of set it off down the river, and we have no control." - Bao Nguyen
Nguyen hopes that the film will stand the test of time, allowing BTS to reflect on their journey with levity and meaning. It's a delicate balance between creating an entertaining documentary and preserving a moment in history.
The Duality of BTS
One of the central conflicts in the doc is the question of who BTS makes music for: their existing fan base, Koreans, or global fans. Similarly, Nguyen had to navigate the audience for his film. He grounded himself in the idea of making a film he'd want to watch, a film that pays respect to Army while also appealing to a broader audience.
"The only audience that I can truly know is myself." - Bao Nguyen
The film reflects this duality, with half set in LA, where BTS are musicians, and the other half in Seoul, where they are public figures. Nguyen captures this shift subtly, with the freedom and beauty of LA contrasted with the familiar environments of Seoul.
A Personal Connection
As an OT7 fan, Nguyen had a unique perspective on the band. He noticed the individuality of each member, yet saw the special chemistry that brings them together as BTS. His favorite song off "Arirang" is "Body to Body," and his favorite BTS song overall is "Spring Day."
"'Spring Day' is the best." - Bao Nguyen
In a lighthearted lightning round, Nguyen revealed that if he had the BTS members' numbers, he'd call RM in an emergency, J-Hope to plan a bachelor party, and Jimin to commission a personal theme song.
Final Thoughts
Bao Nguyen's documentary, "BTS: The Return," is a testament to the power of an outsider's perspective. It's a film that captures a unique moment in time, preserving history while creating art. As Nguyen says, it's a privilege to tell this story, and one that he approached with respect and creativity.
