REVIEW: ‘Are You Sure?’ Episode 3

Things become a bit less low-key in Are You Sure? Episode 3. BTS members Jungkook and Jimin are joined by fellow band member V, who insists he come along to the Jeju Island portion of the recorded vacation. While the first two episodes suggested something more stripped down compared to their previous reality series adjacent efforts, Episode 3 leans fully into luxury as they explore and indulge in all the island offers.

In part, this is due to the nature of the setting they find themselves in. The humdrum familiarity of upper-state New York is much different from the dreamy landscapes of Jeju Island. Are You Sure? Episode 3 can coast on the beautiful scenery and the general charisma shared between the band members. But we almost want to see more from the island itself, and instead, much of Episode 3 contains itself to partially interior locations. We keep hearing about how beautiful the ocean view is without seeing much of it aside from aerial shots of them driving.

Instead, we spend much time in their rented villa—with an extra bed thrown in for a late stowaway, V — and indoor activities. In some cases, this is fun. For instance, the inside rock climbing gym is delightful, especially seeing how the three personalities approach different obstacles. Jungkook all but flies through the activities while V takes a more measured, cautious approach. It even adds to the now-running gag of Jimin suffering through these trips when he accidentally bites through his lip.

The three of them create some of the funniest moments through their easy dynamic and incessant teasing. Jimin, in particular, is a target, seemingly still suffering through a stomach bug. And there’s natural comedy in watching Jungkook and V wolf down a meal upon arrival versus Jimin, who watches on. The food aspect of these series is always a big draw, and for somewhere like Jeju Island, known for unique cuisines, it would’ve been nice to see more of it, even though we haven’t even seen a full day captured yet.

The second portion of the episode drags, even for the most ardent fan. While it’s fun, in theory, to watch the three of them go-carting, the time spent on it is excessive. Quite frankly, there’s only so many times you can watch someone go around the same track and find it engaging. It’s one of the moments where the series loses its travel documentary touch and leans further into media for fan consumption.

The assumption is that the fans don’t care what they’re watching as long as they watch their favorite idols. This is a disservice to the series—which is otherwise fun for the most part. With stronger, more decisive editing and trimming of certain activities, Are You Sure? would instantly improve upon itself.

But this is just one shortcoming in an otherwise delightful little series that understands its stars’ magnetism and the fun of simply watching them exist. While Episode 3 could use more engagement and less time watching them run around their rented home, it remains charming. This is especially true when we watch all three of them interact, giving way to a comfortable and hilarious friendship.

Are You Sure? Episode 3 needed more time spent taking in Jeju Island as part of an official travel series. That said, Jungkook, Jimin, and the added V charm with their boyish playfulness. While it doesn’t have the constant hilarity of the first two episodes, it’s a must-watch for any BTS fan.

Are You Sure? Episode 3 is streaming now on Disney+.