BTS criticise exhausting work hours in new documentary 'BTS: The Return'

Global K-pop sensation BTS has opened up about the intense pressure behind their latest album Arirang, revealing that some members felt guilty even asking for a break during its creation.

In the new Netflix documentary BTS: The Return, the seven-member group—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook—detail the demanding schedules and emotional toll of their long-awaited comeback.

Leader RM admitted the relentless pace of the K-pop industry made it difficult to step back. “If I say we need rest, it feels like I’m doing something wrong,” he said, adding that he sometimes felt disconnected from the group’s identity.

Jungkook echoed those concerns, comparing the group’s workflow to a “factory,” while Jin reflected on how their mindset has evolved, saying they no longer feel the same desperation when songs don’t succeed.

The documentary follows BTS’ reunion in Los Angeles in 2025 as they worked on Arirang, their first group project since 2020’s Be, after completing South Korea’s mandatory military service.

Members also spoke candidly about the pressures of global fame. Suga admitted he once feared the group’s success would end, while RM described the burden of stardom as wearing a “heavy crown.”

Despite the challenges, BTS emphasised their commitment to growth and authenticity, continuing to explore themes of mental health, self-love and resilience.

The documentary highlights both the group’s creative control and the ongoing demands of the K-pop “comeback” cycle, offering fans a rare, unfiltered look at life behind one of the world’s biggest music acts.