DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: JUNG KOOK - I AM STILL

4/5

Still J

3 Episodes. Starring: Jung Kook. Director: Park Jun-soo. On: Disney +.

Disney may be known these days as a streaming service that also channels Marvel and Star Wars property, as well as doing its Mickey Mouse self and Pixar proud, but it could also be a BTS channel. On the same day that the new Jude Law 'Skeleton Crew' children's show in a galaxy far, far away debuted, Disney dropped ARMY member, fresh off military duty, Jung Kook's 'I Am Still' three-part docuseries (directed by Park Jun-soo). Just weeks after a 'Party Edition' was shown, here in Japan, as a movie, on the big-screen, in its epic entirety. It all began with the South Korean K-Pop phenomenon's 'Permission To Dance-Live In LA', streaming in the palace of Walt's kingdom. But now, with this still, the 'Monuments To A Star' series, not to mention the 'Are You Sure' travelogue with bandmate brother Jimin, the Bulletproof Boy Scouts, are as a plus to Disney as 'The Simpsons' are. Of course, we're sure.

Released in the same week as the closest K-Pop act to BTS, BLACKPINK, are also doing the solo thing with 'Rosie' by Rosé, 'Still' sits next to 'J-Hope In The Box' and 'Suga: Road To D-Day', as some real BTS (behind the scenes) looks at the supergroups solo albums. Not to mention the same week that 'Are You Sure' guest V, after his 'Layover' returns to the charts in time for a 'White Christmas' with Bing Crosby. Not a month after Jin gave us his 'Happy' EP, back after duty. Still, what Jung is cooking up here goes deeper than the other BTS work we can find on Disney and the Hybe Entertainment, beyond all the big hits. Besides, his last series was really just him eating food. On 'I Am Still', worthy of a movie, and its theatrical release, for the 'Dreamers', the World Cup anthem singer goes from Seoul to the Big Smoke of London and the electric heart and core of entertainment in New York's Times Square. For a concert that rang in as many people as New Year.

Never dropping the ball, Jung Kook becomes a leading solo light. Moving and shaking with them all. Whether it be in '3D' with peers like Jack Harlow. Or legends that inspired him, standing next to Usher for a remix and more behind the steps visuals and testimonials. Just wait until you hear what the 'Confessions' singer has to say about his new protégée, comparing Kook to what Usher Raymond must have meant to the likes of Michael Jackson and James Brown. High, but deserved praise for a mighty man who is sealing the deal like his 'Seven' heaven single with Latto. You can see all these songs tracked for some alive live performances that border all the makings of a monumental star. Yet in quiet and compelling contemplation for such a young man, it's these wise words and the slower, still moments that really resonate. From the militant fanbase, to those who are their own singing and songwriting dreamers. One pure moment of this time capsule documentary before the enlistment moves his hairdresser to tears as he shaves Jeon's head for the army. There won't be a dry eye in the barbershop as you'll be talking all about this. Truly a 'Golden' moment for a man who has hit his own light. One that still shines bright. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Are You Sure', 'J-Hope In The Box', 'Suga: Road To D-Day'.