Documentary Review — The Rose: Come Back to Me

The Rose is a South Korean band that unexpectedly had their big break in Europe after their 2017 single “Sorry” went viral on YouTube. Their documentary, “Come Back To Me,” chronicles the group’s rise and struggles. It details the band’s beginnings and the passion each member has for music. At the same time, it shows the challenges of staying together and the obstacles that nearly ended their careers.

One of the pivotal moments in The Rose’s history was a lawsuit against their former management. The band fought for two years and eventually won, a rare outcome in an industry known for notoriously restrictive contracts. The documentary does not go into details, which would have been interesting, but it makes clear their legal victory was instrumental in their ability to continue as a band.

Their current label, Transparent Arts, also adds an interesting layer. Founded by the artists behind the 2010 hit “Like A G6,” the company was created from the founders’ experience as an Asian American group navigating the music industry. They wanted to create a label that they themselves would have signed to, which makes The Rose’s partnership with them particularly fitting.

“Come Back To Me” touches on broader issues, such as how the K-pop industry’s machine-like production of artists often leaves them with little agency, and the conflicts that can arise within group dynamics. Beyond the industry conflicts, the film focuses on the band’s persistence through difficult times. Between mandatory military service, the pandemic, and years of uncertainty, The Rose was extremely fragile. Instead, they returned to play sold-out shows at venues like the Kia Forum and eventually performed at Coachella.

I first heard about The Rose when a friend invited me to their concert at the YouTube Theater. A few days later, she asked if I wanted to see the documentary at a small independent theater in Glendale after she came across a TikTok about the screening. Even as a casual listener, the documentary was an engaging and thoughtful watch. “Come Back To Me” captures how The Rose found its own way in an industry that rarely allows that kind of freedom, which is a story that feels meaningful even to those outside the world of K-pop.

(Image: Letterboxd)