In 2017, The Rose built a millions-strong global fanbase as a breakout Korean indie
rock band —after all four members dropped out of the K-pop training system to
pursue music on their own terms. Now, after a turbulent three-year hiatus, The Rose
is making their comeback with an electrifying tour. The Rose documentary is an
intimate, all-access view of the band’s audacious bid for redemption,
independence, and a second chance for glory.

“The main message of The Rose when we first created the band was ‘healing
together with music. Coming into this new chapter of The Rose, we really wanted to
remind ourselves and also remind our listeners.” – Woosung (Sammy)
From Squid Games to BTS, Blackpink to Parasite, Korean pop culture has taken the
world by storm. The K-pop system is famous for producing global superstars under
extraordinary pressure, offering unparalleled levels of fame while maintaining
control. As trainees are prepared for the world stage, they hone their skills to
perfection, often while enduring extreme challenges.

In 2017, after all dropping out as K-pop trainees, Sammy, Leo, Dylan and Jeff chose
each other to form the indie rock band The Rose. They immediately became a
sensation with their first single, “Sorry” which had over 60 million views on Youtube.
But, a 2019 lawsuit with their label forced the band into a hiatus as their star was just
beginning to rise.

The three Korean national members of The Rose used the hiatus to perform their
mandatory military service, while Sammy – an American citizen – built his own
successful career as a solo artist. This distance, and the mental health challenges all
four of the bandmates faced, put the future of The Rose in serious jeopardy.
In 2022, inspired by their dedication to their fans, and the unbreakable bond of their
friendship, the band took the first steps to comeback on their own terms. They
founded their own label, wrote their own songs, and found mentorship and

management at Transparent Arts founded by the U.S. band Far East Movement.
Most importantly, they made a commitment to bring all the lessons they’d learned
about healing and balance to their fans, without the spin and control they
experienced in K-Pop culture.

Our film will allow the audience intimate access to the real life stories, profound
personal challenges, and artistic journeys of all four members of The Rose. Like
Some Kind of Monster or Alone Together, we will weave these personal journeys
into their tour that highlights The Rose’s music and the impact these artists make on
the lives of their fans. We’ll meet the Black Roses, who stand in merch lines for hours
hoping for a glimpse at their idols, and learn why the band is so loved around the
world – especially outside of Korea.

We’ll gain rare, unfiltered insight into the gilded cage of the K-pop system and the
band’s efforts to build something better and more sustainable for themselves. And,
as we witness their challenges and their triumphs, their rock star personas and the
real people behind them, it will change the way audiences think about Asian men,
K-pop idols, and rock music itself.

With exclusive access to the band as they write, record and perform in their
comeback tour, we’ll be with The Rose for their journey to change the world of
music while staying true to themselves.