A new documentary about the global influence of BTS’s fanbase, ARMY, is set to premiere in select theaters across the United States and internationally beginning July 30.
The film, titled Forever We Are Young, is co-directed by Patty Ahn, associate professor in the Department of Communication at UC San Diego, and filmmaker Grace Lee. It premiered earlier this year at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in Austin, Texas, and was later shown at special screenings in Copenhagen, Mexico City, and Los Angeles.
Filming took place in Seoul, Los Angeles, Lewisville, Texas, and Mexico City. The documentary features a wide range of BTS fans, including a dance instructor who teaches only BTS choreography, attendees of BTSReactorCon (a BTS-themed fan convention), and longtime fans who have supported BTS since their debut in 2013.
The film highlights not only personal stories but also how ARMY actively contributed to BTS’s global rise. One segment focuses on a fan-led radio campaign during a time when BTS was largely ignored by U.S. radio stations. Fans coordinated efforts to call and email local broadcasters, requesting BTS tracks. The directors called it “an inspiring example of fans finding their own ways to take action together.”
In a joint statement, Grace Lee and Patty Ahn said, “There is no BTS without ARMY and no ARMY without BTS. We hope audiences go on an emotional journey and meet a fandom that made us laugh, cry, and think.” The film includes BTS’s music and archival footage, which were cleared through cooperation with HYBE (BTS’s management company).
Patty Ahn has taught BTS and K-pop-related courses for several years at UC San Diego. Some of her students joined the production team as interns, contributing to the film’s development.
The title Forever We Are Young is drawn from the chorus of BTS’s song “Young Forever,” which fans famously sang in unison at the group’s 2019 concert at Wembley Stadium. Grace Lee explained, “That moment was symbolic of the relationship between the artist and the fans, and we felt it matched the film’s message from the start.”
Tickets became available on July 2 through the official website (btsarmymovie.com). Select theaters will offer limited-edition posters and themed concessions as part of the release.
