BTS Monuments Beyond the Star Review Episodes 3 and 4: The 8-part South Korean mini docuseries, 방탄소년단 모뉴먼츠: 비욘드 더 스타, exclusively available on Disney+ Hotstar, features the seven members of the K-pop boy group from Hybe Labels: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The series also includes the chairperson, Bang Si-hyuk (Bang PD), who is the founder of Big Hit Music, along with Myung Seok-kang. Directed by Park Jun-soo, each episode runs for 30 minutes. Following the premiere of the first two episodes on December 20, 2023, Episodes 3 and 4 were released today, on December 27, 2023.
– The Review Contains Mild Spoilers-
BTS Monuments Beyond the Star Episodes 3 and 4
After covering the initial days of the BTS members when they debuted and the struggles they faced to succeed, Episode 3 focuses on their journey, and the times they were happiest as they gained recognition worldwide. It picks up from where the previous episode left off, discussing why they chose to renew their contracts. V emphasised that one thing that was certain for him was ensuring his members’ happiness at all costs, which is why he was ready to renew his contract.
They delved into one of the greatest passions for any artist: concerts. They discussed the array of concerts held during the Love Yourself world tour and reminisced about being among the initial South Korean artists to grace the stage at Wembley Stadium. Jimin also reflected on witnessing immense love from people outside Korea despite language and cultural differences. It led him to ponder why they were adored so fervently. However, he realised that music holds the incredible power to connect people, transcending barriers of language and culture.
Throughout the documentary series, even as it celebrates their accomplishments, it consistently acknowledges their humanity. While they’re acknowledged as stars and icons, at their core, they’re individuals who transitioned from boys to men while constantly in the public eye of South Korea and beyond. BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star intimately explores moments from their past, revealing how their personal lives were consumed by the pressures of their immense fame. Taehyung openly discussed how their existence primarily revolved around hotels and flights, leaving little opportunity for them to venture beyond these confines. The series deeply explores their passion for concerts, the only moments where they feel they can genuinely attain what they yearn for.
In BTS Monuments Beyond The Star episode 4, the series delves into the hardships of isolation during COVID lockdowns. It captures the time their world tour was cancelled, a difficult moment after extensive preparations. However, it doesn’t solely focus on the sombre aspects. The series showcases their resilience amidst adversity and restrictions. They organised their first online concert, Bang Bang Con: The Live.
The series unfolds to reveal the announcement of their comeback single, Dynamite, coinciding with Jungkook’s birthday, marking their first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. They also shared the significance of the Grammy nomination, highlighting the payoff of their relentless hard work. Jin expressed that the nomination alone was meaningful, aspiring to perform on the Grammy stage.
Often, the artists we admire don’t receive the full recognition for the profound impact they’ve had on our lives. They’ve dedicated themselves to entertaining, guiding, and supporting us, often without knowing us personally. From their early performances as children to their portrayal as adults in these episodes, the transformation is striking. Their interviews reveal the weight they’ve carried and the remarkable maturity they’ve gained along this journey.
Final Thoughts
Most of the videos featured in this documentary were from their BTS Vlog on YouTube. What truly sets this series apart is how it seamlessly combines years of footage, showcasing the immense passion and dedication the members held throughout. It encompasses everything from joyous moments to sombre ones, revealing their genuine love for their fans, the ARMY, as they never shy away from showing their true selves. This docuseries is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the transformative power of music. It vividly portrays how hard work, unwavering desire, and resilience can elevate an artist to incredible heights.
BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Let us know your thoughts about the series if you’ve watched it in the comment section below!