Exploring BTS’s Are You Sure?: A Culinary Vlog Adventure

I recently dove into the world of BTS in 2024, thanks to a friend’s suggestion to listen to the album Golden, by the group’s youngest member, Jung Kook. From the very first track, I was hooked. As a self-proclaimed music junkie, I hadn’t encountered such a cohesive and enjoyable pop album since Doja Cat’s Planet Her—especially not from a male artist. This led me to explore the vibrant fandom known as ARMY and the extensive discography of BTS.

The Bangtan Boys debuted in 2013 as a sub-hip-hop K-pop group, consisting of leader RM (Rap Monster), Jin, Suga, J-Hope, V, Jimin, and Jungkook. A deep dive into their tremendous global success would require an entire article of its own, but today, I want to focus on their new Disney-partnered show, Are You Sure?

Are You Sure? chronicles the adventures of the two youngest members, Jimin and Jungkook, as they travel to various locations around the world ahead of their impending military enlistment. From New York to Connecticut, Jeju Island, and Sapporo, Japan, the duo indulges in vacation activities and a culinary journey that is sure to leave viewers in a hungry stupor.

As of this review, I’ve watched the first five episodes. I’ve seen them camping in the mountains of Connecticut, lounging in luxury on Jeju Island, and sampling dishes across two continents. This show is a delightful blend of mild entertainment and family-friendly vlogging. While the episodes lack intense action—save for some kayaking mishaps and late-night swims in their Airbnb pool—the charm lies in their everyday experiences.

In a few episodes, we’re joined by the third member of the “maknae line”—the Korean term for the group’s youngest members, V. Together, the trio embarks on a fishing trip, showcasing camaraderie and, of course, their love for food.

In all honesty, I think this show could easily be rebranded as a food travel series. Much of each episode revolves around Jimin and Jungkook sampling various dishes at different restaurants around the world. The dining experiences are undoubtedly the most exciting part of this travel vlog.

To be fair, there isn’t much more to say about Are You Sure? Aside from this vlog series being able to sell out merchandise and packout featured eateries around the world, it is what it is: just two guys enjoying life before their two-year military commitments. It primarily speaks to the overwhelming influence of BTS that fans are willing to sit through hours of bites and giggles. While it may not be the most thrilling show out there, it strikes a nice balance between entertaining and relaxing, making it perfect background engagement for activities like cleaning, grooming, or even writing a blog review.