Popular Disney Plus docuseries BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star aired two new episodes, 5 and 6, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 5 p.m. KST. The series follows the decade-long journey of the seven members of the South Korean band BTS – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungook in the music industry. Apart from documenting the band’s journey towards global stardom, it also showcases the personal struggles and hardships they faced to earn the same.
One of the biggest milestones in their journey was in 2022 when BTS announced that they were taking a break from their activities as a group and focusing on their solo activities. In Episodes 5 and 6 of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star, the members delve deep into their thoughts about reorganizing as a group, with each member having their own interpretations of the decision. Some talked about how the break helped them retain their identity, while others reflected on the music they wanted to make as a solo artist.
BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star Episode 5 & 6: BTS members talk about personal lives amidst global success
The latest episode 5 of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star started with the band’s first concert after the pandemic-related regulations eased up a bit. Their performance at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was jam-packed with their fans, also called ARMYs, cheering and celebrating the much-awaited reunion. The band also decided to give it their all for the four-night concert in late 2021. They were worried if they would be able to perform this way again.
RM, the leader of BTS, called the concert a “miracle.” Considering the band had just spent so much time away from fans due to the pandemic, the concert felt like God’s blessing. But BTS also ensured to spend some time outside doing what they loved. Jin, the oldest member of the band, went to an amusement park with some of his friends. Meanwhile, Suga went to the mountains, and J-Hope roamed around the streets clicking pictures. The maknae line (younger members), Jimin, V, and Jungkook spent their time on the beach.
The episode further documented more laurels for BTS members. Accepting the Artist of the Year award at the American Music Awards in 2021, getting appointed as special presidential envoys for future generations and culture, and getting their diplomatic passports marked a new chapter in the history of BTS. V hoped that people remembered the band as artists who imparted positive influences.
Episode 6 documented BTS performing at Seoul’s Jamsil Olympic Stadium. It became their first concert in the home ground after the pandemic-related regulations eased up. But it came at the cost of strict guidelines, where fans couldn’t make any noise. Although it was a brief moment of regret, the band and the fans made the best out of the situation. BTS hoped for concerts full of ARMYs’ cheers.
Eventually, the band decided to speak at length about their decision to take a break from group activities. Each member had their own reasons and interpretations of the decision. J-Hope promised that he had a lot more to show until BTS became whole again. He further explained that, back then, the band had no answers to what their next message would be.
Suga recalled that he’d forgotten the kind of music he’d wanted to pursue as an individual. He further stressed that the message they were sending out as a group was much bigger. But in this process, he forgot his individuality. V talked about how members felt that they had to prioritize their personal lives. He opened up about the members wanting to start doing what they love to do.
Jungkook opened up about not being able to take charge when he was with others. He was curious to discover the kind of music he’d make if he was in charge. While Jimin wasn’t sure of BTS’ message, he thought it was essential for them to spend time apart. This was because he believed that would help them to reorganize themselves.
Meanwhile, J-Hope felt that the process of learning and understanding themselves in their personal lives would help bring BTS together.
Tune in to the final two episodes of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star on January 10, 2024, at 5 p.m. KST on Disney Plus.
