Netflix documentary director Bao Nguyen has compared BTS’s military hiatus and reunion journey to Homer’s classic epic The Odyssey, describing the group’s return as a story shaped by separation, longing, and emotional homecoming.
Speaking during a recorded interview presented at the 5th BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference held at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea, Nguyen explained how the idea emerged while watching BTS perform at SoFi Stadium in 2021—just before the group began mandatory military service.
“I thought BTS reminded me of Odysseus going off to war,”
Nguyen said.
“And ARMY, in a way, felt like Penelope waiting for their return.”
The filmmaker emphasized that the comparison was not intended as a literal narrative structure but rather as a conceptual lens to understand the emotional weight behind BTS’s global journey.
A Creative Lens Beyond Cultural Translation
Nguyen, who directed the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return, said he deliberately avoided framing BTS through a simplified Western interpretation. Instead, his approach focused on observation rather than explanation.
“I didn’t want to simplify Korea or BTS for Western audiences,”
he noted.
“My goal was to observe, not define.”
He added that conversations with BTS members themselves helped shape the documentary’s thematic direction, particularly discussions with RM regarding Greek philosophical concepts of time—Chronos and Kairos.
“When RM mentioned those ideas, it helped me find the language of the film,”
Nguyen said, explaining how philosophical reflections deepened the narrative structure.
Humanizing Global Icons Through Personal Moments
Nguyen also drew inspiration from poet Ocean Vuong’s philosophy of storytelling “with people rather than about people,” which influenced how BTS members were portrayed in the documentary.
This approach is reflected in intimate scenes such as Jin playing tennis, RM visiting a museum, and Jungkook spending time with his dog Bam. These moments aim to highlight BTS not just as global superstars, but as seven individuals with distinct emotional worlds.
According to Nguyen, these personal glimpses were chosen with input from the members themselves, reinforcing a collaborative storytelling process.
The discussion was part of the BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference, which brought together around 50 scholars from 10 countries to analyze BTS’s influence on global culture, fandom, and the evolution of Hallyu.
Held under the theme “The Next Generation Hallyu & BTS,” the event explored how BTS’s narrative extends beyond music into broader cultural and academic discussions.
Nguyen’s remarks highlighted how BTS’s journey continues to resonate beyond entertainment, positioning the group within a larger framework of modern mythology and global storytelling.