REVIEW: ‘Are You Sure?’ Episodes 1–2

Fans of BTS are accustomed to a particular brand of reality series. From the early, chaotic days with Bon Voyage to the later stage refinement of In The Soop, BTS delivers travel vlog-style content that allows fans to partake in their everyday lives and exploration. Are You Sure?, which stars only members Jungkook and Jimin, takes a page from previous group docuseries but with a calmer, low-key effect. It harkens back to their roots, letting go of unnecessary luxury for something more grounded and, dare I say it, down to earth. Or, at least, as down to earth as two members of the most famous band in the world can be.

Are You Sure? Episodes 1–2 come on the heels of Jungkook’s rained-on performance for Good Morning America, as he and Jimin embark on the first leg of a journey to see them visiting three countries. Rough around the edges and overlong at moments, the episodes rely a lot on the charisma of two band members, which they have in spades. One of the most significant downsides of the otherwise comforting In The Soop was how lavish everything got. There was no actual roughing it, as they indulged in the finest food and comforts even if they were amusing while doing so.

Meanwhile, one of the absolute charms of Are You Sure Episodes 1–2 is that while traversing New York State, Jungkook and Jimin participate in activities that viewers might find themselves doing. From kayaking to hiking, there’s no unnecessary added extravagance. Their days are spent riding around on a motorcycle (also rained on), visiting a local brewery and tasting New England IPAs, and holing up in what, by all accounts, seems to be a small burger joint as kids laugh and play in the background.

They shop at Walmart, and Jungkook is as thrilled to munch on the Twinkies he acquires there (inspired by his watching the film Zombieland) as they are later to enjoy local lobster rolls. There’s no escaping the apparent wealth of their lives, but it’s probably the closest fans will be able to say “they’re just like us” in ages. At one point, a fan sees the two at Walmart (where they’re happily picking out pre-made pizzas) and asks first if they’re Korean, followed by a tentative “Are you BTS?” The doubt makes sense because they are, at that moment, about as far as globe-trotting stars as they can be.

And that’s what makes for so much of the fun of Are You Sure. We’ve seen pieces of this type of series from the band before, and fans aren’t learning anything new about Jungkook and Jimin’s close bond in Episodes 1–2. But there’s a carefree attitude that both of them give off, demonstrated through the sheer amount of bathroom humor that makes it fresh. They’re comfortable in front of the camera, and some could argue they’re too relaxed, but those moments where they play things fast and loose make for solid entertainment.

Fans will love the length of the episodes, with both coming in at around, if not over, an hour, and some moments run overlong. Their hike loses visual steam, as does their second trip to Walmart. The filmmakers are trying to capture the minutia of their daily lives. Still, there should always be a level of engagement or interesting filmmaking to elevate it from being simply a vlog. This is especially true in locations that are less visually pleasing. While later locations such as Sapporo in Japan and Jeju Island in South Korea promise greater landscapes and ocean views, the New York episodes are less visually arresting.

Are You Sure Episodes 1–2 find their spark in the shoot the sh*t dynamic between Jungkook and Jimin. Some of the funniest moments are the most relatable, such as Jimin coming down with an unfortunate stomach bug and later suffering an elbow to the nose from a sleeping Jungkook. It’s not necessarily a want to see these idols suffer, but there is something innately humbling about being on vacation and needing to be handed a dose of Pepto Bismol.

We can expect only so much sincerity from idols — especially ones who have reached the caliber of fame as BTS has. But Are You Sure Episodes 1–2 allow for a relatively down-to-earth version of Jungkook and Jimin. Relaxed and enjoying simply going along for the ride of this venture, the two help craft a silly and spirited atmosphere, coming across less like idols and more simply two friends enjoying small pleasures and company while making fun of one another along the way.

Are You Sure? Episodes 1–2 are out now on Disney+.