Cliché as it may seem, fans somehow find and discover BTS at the moment they need them the most. But as fans will also soon realise, BTS find ways to be there at the right time. 

It's been almost a week since the rest of the members began their mandatory military service, effectively putting group activities on a hiatus until their much-awaited reunion in 2025. Today (20/12), the group's latest docu-series titled BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star debuts on Disney+. The timing couldn't be more perfect as we find ourselves nostalgic about our cherished OT7 moments.

In what could be the best see-you-later gift, the eight-part series takes fans on a journey across BTS' decade-long career, chronicling their humble beginnings, seemingly endless struggles, hard-earned triumphs, and a look at what would be their enduring legacy. In never-before-seen candid and honest interviews, RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook share their stories in their own words.

Fans who have watched countless Bangtan Bombs and Episodes, as well as previously released documentaries like Burn The Stage, Bring The Soul, and Break The Silence may be familiar with some of the footage and material, but this documentary offers more straightforward and free-spoken commentary by the members. Perhaps it's because the events happened years ago, and it's easier to talk about the sentiments now that the struggles have passed, but it's quite refreshing to see the members be so much more comfortable and candid with the stories they share today.

The Beginning

In the first episode, the members take us back to their early days – following their dreams guided by Mentor and HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, preparing for their much-awaited debut, stepping on the live stage for the first time, finally releasing their debut album, and getting their first win, as well as recognising the fans who have been there since Day 1. 

"This is all thanks to you, ARMY," Jin reads from a letter he wrote for RM, Jimin, and Jungkook's Birthday Party in October 2013. A decade later this still proves to be true. In all things, from the triumphs of winning their first Daesang to the frustrations of cancelling their 2020 Map of the Soul world tour due to the pandemic, BTS never fail to give thanks to and send their love and appreciation for ARMY. (The end credits, as usual, read: Special Thanks To Our Biggest Voice, ARMY). 

Adolescence

As BTS grew as artists and people, they became more earnest in their songwriting, putting their life experiences into song. In '2!3!,' a song dedicated to fans about overcoming and enduring tough times together, RM shares how it "shaped BTS and ARMY". 

With each year, the group achieved more milestones together with ARMY, but with triumphs also came the challenges. Winning their first-ever Billboard Music Award and later on, performing at the American Music Awards led them to greater heights, and at the same time, presented them with struggles beyond what they imagined. While rewarding in many ways, the fame and success were "psychologically hard" on the members which made them rethink their initial contract renewal in 2018. "We were way past our limits. 'Will there ever be an end if we continue?," SUGA shares about their thoughts at that time. "We didn't think this fame was a scale we could handle," SUGA adds. 

In Episode 2, we witness the victories and trials the group faced as they succeeded far beyond what they dreamed of.

A must-watch for long-time fans and even just curious music fans, BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star is now streaming on Disney+. 

Episodes 3 and 4 will be available on Disney+ on 27 December. Two new episodes will be released every Wednesday until 10 January 2024. 

Episode 1 – The Beginning

Episode 2 – Adolescence

Episode 3 – Pursuit of Happiness

Episode 4 – Disconnected

Episode 5 – Welcome!

Episode 6 – Begin and Again

Episode 7 – Still Purple

Episode 8 – Promise For Tomorrow