On March 10, 2025, Deadline announced that Forever We Are Young, a compelling documentary centered on BTS’s devoted fanbase, ARMY, will make its world debut at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. Under the direction of Patty Ahn and Grace Lee, this film has been chosen for the prestigious ’24 Beats Per Second’ segment, a category that celebrates influential music-oriented films.
The documentary delves into the evolution of ARMY—from a passionate fan group to a significant global cultural force—highlighting how it has influenced discussions on music, activism, and social change. Scheduled for its first presentation at the famed Paramount Theater on March 10, 2025, the film will also see a subsequent screening at the ZACH Theater on March 11, 2025. Additionally, the festival will showcase Lost!, a film featuring the charismatic leader of BTS, RM.
Following the announcement, ARMYs expressed a mixed bag of excitement and apprehension across various social media platforms. While many fans eagerly anticipated the documentary, some voiced skepticism, particularly due to the absence of official commentary from BTS members or their management company, HYBE. One X user, @JKRoundieAgenda, articulated their concerns:
“Hmmm, it’s interesting but I’m weary because I am not sure what narrative they are pushing.”
For many ARMY members, the documentary is seen as recognition of their impact on the cultural landscape. Some humorously remarked about the significance of their fandom:
“Not us being famous enough to get our own documentary, I see why everyone’s mad,”an X user commented.
“Damn, fandom so impactful we got our own documentary,”a fan remarked.
“Fandom too powerful we even got our own docu and stand in the same festival as our fave. Tannies must be so proud of us,”another netizen added.
Conversely, some fans have shared concerns over how the documentary might portray the ARMY community:
“We have to be careful. Do not hype it until we know what it’s about..we have been burned too many times,”a fan commented.
“I’ll be side eyeing this until it comes out… please don’t hype it up until we’ve seen what it’s about. If you want to celebrate BTS at SXSW, RM’s Lost! is in competition for the music video!,”another fan expressed.
“oh?… I…am apprehensive about this,”an X user mused.
“If it’s not from BigHit, No, I am not convinced,”another fan asserted.
Insights from the Directors: Behind the Scenes of the BTS Fandom Documentary
In an interview with Chosun Biz, the co-directors of Forever We Are Young shed light on the documentary’s intent, portraying it as a thorough examination of ARMY’s influence that goes beyond mere fandom. Co-director Patty Ahn, who also serves as a professor at the University of California, San Diego, noted that ARMY is a unique community characterized by values such as self-love, unity, and social activism.
The directors highlighted how BTS’s music prompts fans to initiate meaningful endeavors, encompassing everything from dance performances to charitable initiatives and digital activism. As Patty Ahn eloquently put it:
“BTS delivered the messages of Loving yourself, Valuing friendship, Speaking your truth through their music, and ARMY created a new fandom culture rooted in consideration, community, humor, and joy. This cultural phenomenon has not existed before. ARMY has changed our thinking about culture.”
Grace Lee, an award-winning filmmaker, underscored the diverse nature of ARMY, noting its wide-ranging demographic, which includes various ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. The documentary features fan stories from cities like Seoul, Los Angeles, Texas, and Mexico City, capturing their fervent engagement with the music of BTS.
As the premiere at SXSW draws near, fans remain engrossed in discussions about the documentary’s potential impact and significance.