'Forever We Are Young': A BTS ARMY documentary sets theatrical release - but why are fans boycotting it?

BTS fans are in for a treat - or so it seemed. The feature-length documentary Forever We Are Young, directed by award-winning filmmakers Grace Lee and Patty Ahn, is set to hit theaters on July 30, with tickets going on sale from July 2. The film promises to shine a spotlight not on the band itself, but on the global phenomenon of its fandom - ARMY, a 90 million-strong, intergenerational and culturally diverse community whose passion and activism have shaped BTS' legacy.

A celebration of fandom and identity

Unlike previous BTS documentaries, Forever We Are Young is told by ARMY, for ARMY. It captures the spirit of unity, resilience, and creativity that has defined the fandom's rise. From Seoul-based dance classes teaching BTS choreography to a BTS-focused convention in Lewisville, Texas, the film explores the emotional connections fans share with each other and the group. At its heart, it's a story of belonging, identity, and the healing power of music.

BTS: The band that sparked a movement

While the band members - RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook - don't take center stage in the narrative, their impact is deeply woven into the film's fabric. With six Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles since 2020 and sold-out stadium tours across the globe, BTS' influence is undeniable. The Grammy-nominated group has won numerous awards, including Time's Entertainer of the Year (2020) and Artist of the Year at the AMAs (2021).

pic.twitter.com/VOpYItKm7X

¡ª BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 13, 2025

Special screenings and collectibles

Forever We Are Young had its world premiere at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, where it received a standing ovation and glowing reviews from both fans and critics. It has since toured film festivals in Copenhagen, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Hawaii, further cementing its place as a cultural tribute to fandom itself.

Distributed by Trafalgar Releasing, known for organizing global cinematic events, the film will have a limited theatrical run. Select cinemas will offer exclusive merchandise, including branded concessions and official movie posters available through the film's website.

FOR ARMY. BY ARMY. Celebrate the fandom when "BTS ARMY: FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG" comes to cinemas worldwide!

? In cinemas for a limited time from July 30

? Find more info at https://t.co/oaDr2YzsWK#BTSARMY #FOREVERWEAREYOUNG pic.twitter.com/YR7ikxYdml

¡ª Trafalgar Releasing (@TrafalgarRel) June 25, 2025

Why are BTS ARMY boycotting this then?

The controversy began on X (formerly known as Twitter) when many active ARMYs noticed that the makers of the documentary Forever We Are Young had previously been at the forefront of boycotting BTS while the members were enlisted in the military.

Why was there a boycott against BTS? It's because they wanted the seven men - who were fulfilling South Korea's mandatory military service - to publicly speak out against the genocide in Palestine carried out by Israel.

Some supporters of this narrative claimed that backing BTS was equivalent to supporting Israel. The situation escalated further due to the involvement of Scooter Braun - reportedly a Zionist and a key figure in HYBE America - which added fuel to the fire.

As a result, many BTS fans who opposed the unfair boycott of the seven Korean men - who were fulfilling mandatory military service - are now calling for a boycott of the documentary itself. Interestingly, the film is also being released in Israel, the very country the original boycotters were speaking out against.

Adding to the backlash, the film's release date, July 30, coincides with Kim Seokjin's U.S. tour, the eldest BTS member's first solo tour since completing his military duty.

BTS ARMY not going to watch the documentary

Many users on X shared that they won¡¯t be supporting the documentary and plan to boycott it - just as its creators once boycotted BTS.

One said, "So glad to see so many ARMYs speak up against this 'documentary' and its creators. I hope we can continue educating the fandom and make sure this film disappears into oblivion - unwatched and condemned on its face."

So glad to see so many ARMYs speak up against this ¡°documentary¡± and its creators. I hope we can continue educating the fandom and make sure this film disappears into oblivion unwatched and condemned on its face.

¡ª Killin* It Jung Hoseok? (@SierraNicoIe) June 26, 2025

Another commented, "This is from people who boycotted BTS and their music, so no, this is not by ARMY. It's a big NO from me."

This is from people who boycott bts & their music, so no this is not by army. It's a big NO from me.

¡ª killin¡¯ it Soo? ¡ï ?????? (@vantemingoogie) June 26, 2025

One fan wrote, "JULY 30? Same date as Seokjin's U.S. tour! Nah, I'll watch Seokjin's concert instead."

JULY 30? Same date with seokjin tour in US! Nah will watch seokjin concerts. https://t.co/Vhv4VXw354 pic.twitter.com/4KlQXHW2T4

¡ª ????s???????? (@CYPHERS_DDAENG3) June 26, 2025

Another added, "NOT by ARMY. People who boycott BTS and their music are NOT ARMY. Stop shoving this down our throats. We don¡¯t want it."

NOT by army. People who boycott bts and their music are NOT army. Stop shoving this down our throats. We don¡¯t want it.

¡ª Kooboobs??? (@vrmy061313) June 26, 2025

One user tagged the group's label, saying, "Hey @bts_bighit, please reconsider endorsing a film that was produced and directed by people who boycotted BTS and slandered their names on the internet for months. They are not representative of ARMY and should not benefit from using ARMY and BTS' name."

Hey @bts_bighit please reconsider endorsing a film that was produced and directed by people who boycotted BTS and slandered their names on the internet for months on end. They are not a representative of army and should not benefit off using army and BTS¡¯ name.

¡ª Kooboobs??? (@vrmy061313) June 26, 2025

Another post stated, "What's with 'For ARMY, by ARMY'? This is by boycotters - people who harassed BTS for months and used derogatory names. Don't pretend this represents the fandom."

Whats with "For army by army". This is by boycotters who boycotted their projects,harassed them for months used degratory names like https://t.co/a6ZnNJKgnJ pic.twitter.com/1eeDAEoonE

¡ª Berilyn? (@Berilynxt) June 26, 2025

More about BTS

All seven members completed their mandatory military service in June 2025, and true ARMYs are eagerly awaiting their return to normal civilian life. The boys already have packed schedules, with many of them abroad - either filming for upcoming projects, preparing for solo tours, or attending various events.