Watch BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star

BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star is an intimate look at the legendary K-pop group BTS. Filmed over the course of nine years, this docuseries chronicles the incredible journey of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook from their early days as trainees to global superstardom.

Directed by Asian American filmmaker Minhyuk Lee, Beyond the Star pulls back the curtain on the lives of the seven BTS members. Through never-before-seen footage and interviews, fans get insight into each member's hopes, dreams, hardest moments and most joyous triumphs. The series shows BTS's brotherly bond as they overcome challenges together and lift each other up during difficult times.

We see the grueling training process BTS endured, from long days of vocal, dance and language lessons to the high pressure of evaluation days, where trainees' futures hung in the balance. Beyond the Star reveals BTS's uncertainty during their early years, as they pushed forward with unwavering passion despite lack of widespread recognition. However, through relentless hard work and dedication to their craft, BTS ultimately succeeded in spreading their music and message around the world.

Beyond the Star highlights many of BTS's career milestones, like winning their first music show award, selling out stadiums on their world tours, and being the first K-pop group to be nominated for and win a Grammy. However, the series emphasizes that beyond the accolades, concerts and press tours, at their core BTS are seven humble friends doing what they love.

Interspersed with footage of their meteoric rise to fame are quiet moments showing what normal life is like for BTS during rare bits of downtime. We see them unwinding through activities like playing video games, golfing, fishing and going bowling or to amusement parks. These scenes spotlight BTS's playful camaraderie and strong friendship.

While documenting BTS's external successes, Beyond the Star also delves deep into the group's inner lives. Each member candidly shares their insecurities, worries, and personal struggles with depression and anxiety. By opening up about mental health issues plaguing so many of today's youth but often stigmatized in Korea, BTS hopes to help others feel less alone.

Beyond the Star is a moving testament to the power of music to cross borders and bring people together. By spreading positive messages through their lyrics, BTS built an inclusive community of millions of fans around the world, which they affectionately call ARMY. Their heartfelt songs about self-love and chasing your dreams have touched the lives of so many.

Beyond the Star shows that behind all the noise of fame, at their essence BTS are seven friends bonded by their love for music. Their story illustrates that with hard work, perseverance and authenticity, seemingly impossible dreams can come true. BTS's monumental success came not from luck or overnight fame, but through blood, sweat and tears. Beyond the Star inspires viewers to also fearlessly pursue their passions and never give up on themselves or their dreams.

BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on December 20, 2023.