Filmmaker Bao Nyugen Captures BTS's Return After Military Service

The documentarian shares his behind-the-scenes experience filming the K-pop superstars' creative process.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:26pm

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Filmmaker Bao Nyugen was brought on by Hybe to document BTS's return to performing after a four-year hiatus due to the members' mandatory military service. Nyugen, known for his work on projects like 'The Greatest Night in Pop' and the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary 'Be Water,' had the opportunity to go behind the scenes with the K-pop group as they created their first album in this new chapter. In an interview, Nyugen discusses his initial experience attending a BTS concert, the unique connection the group has with their fanbase, and the meta undertaking of capturing the band's creative process.

Why it matters

BTS is one of the most documented K-pop groups, with numerous tour documentaries, travel shows, and hours of behind-the-scenes footage available. Nyugen's new documentary, 'BTS: The Return,' provides a rare, intimate look at the group's creative process as they return from military service and embark on a new era. This insider perspective offers fans a unique glimpse into the lives and artistry of the global superstars.

The details

Nyugen first became involved with the project after attending a BTS concert at SoFi Stadium in 2022, his first time seeing the group perform live. He was struck by the immersive and emotional connection between the band and their devoted fanbase, the 'Army.' This experience reminded Nyugen of the relationship between Odysseus and Penelope in 'The Odyssey,' with BTS members embarking on their military service while the Army eagerly awaited their return. Hybe, the entertainment company behind BTS, then brought Nyugen on to document the group's creative process as they worked on their first album after completing their service.

  • Nyugen attended a BTS concert at SoFi Stadium in 2022.
  • BTS members completed their mandatory military service in 2022.

The players

Bao Nyugen

A documentarian and filmmaker known for projects like 'The Greatest Night in Pop' and the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary 'Be Water.' Nyugen was brought on by Hybe to document BTS's return to performing after a four-year hiatus due to the members' military service.

BTS

A popular K-pop group with a devoted global fanbase known as the 'Army.' The group recently completed their mandatory military service and are embarking on a new creative chapter.

Hybe

The entertainment company behind BTS that commissioned Nyugen to document the group's return to performing.

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What they’re saying

“BTS has these long dialogues with their Army, and it was really beautiful to see the connection that they can build in such a big stadium. Just witnessing that connection, that relationship, reminded me a bit of The Odyssey. BTS, the members, are almost like Odysseus about to go off into the military, while Penelope is the Army, longing for that return in many ways.”

— Bao Nyugen, Filmmaker

What’s next

Nyugen's documentary, 'BTS: The Return,' is set to provide fans with an intimate look at the group's creative process as they embark on a new chapter after completing their military service.

The takeaway

Nyugen's experience capturing BTS's return to performing offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the global K-pop superstars. By drawing parallels to 'The Odyssey,' the filmmaker highlights the unique and deeply emotional connection between the band and their devoted fanbase, the 'Army,' as the members navigate this new phase of their careers.