TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! If you think K-pop is all polished choreography and manufactured pop, The Rose: Come Back to Me is a hard-hitting wake-up call — a documentary that strips away the glossy veneer to reveal the raw, unfiltered soul of a band forged through struggle and brotherhood. Directed by Eugene Yi, this film chronicles the journey of The Rose, an indie rock band from South Korea that defied industry norms and captured hearts worldwide with their emotionally charged music.
The story begins with four friends — Kim Woo-sung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyeong — busking on the streets of Seoul, crafting a sound that fuses alternative rock with deeply personal ballads. From these humble origins, they soared to global stages like Coachella and Lollapalooza, a testament to their unique appeal and tireless dedication.
But The Rose: Come Back to Me is more than a triumphant music documentary; it’s an intimate portrait of resilience. At the height of their rising fame, the band was forced into an unexpected two-year hiatus. Internal conflicts, industry pressures, and personal struggles pushed the group to a breaking point, leading to what felt like an irreversible breakup. The pain and uncertainty of those years hang heavy throughout the film, with the members openly confronting their doubts and fears.
Captured in a quiet moment between performances, The Rose shares a relaxed, behind-the-scenes vibe in The Rose: Come Back to Me.
“…busking on the streets of Seoul, crafting a sound that fuses alternative rock with deeply personal ballads…”
Yet, it’s in their reunion that the documentary finds its heart. Against the odds, The Rose reformed, stronger and more determined than ever. This comeback wasn’t just about reclaiming a career, but healing fractured bonds and reaffirming their shared passion for music. Eugene Yi’s direction captures the raw emotion of this rebirth, juxtaposing moments of tension with soaring performances that celebrate their renewed unity.
Visually, the film shines. Cinematographer Richard Hama masterfully captures everything from quiet studio moments to thunderous festival crowds, while editor David E. Simpson keeps the narrative taut and emotionally engaging. Chad Cannon’s score weaves The Rose’s haunting melodies seamlessly into the fabric of the film, making music a true storytelling force.
Where The Rose: Come Back to Me truly distinguishes itself is in its authentic, unvarnished portrayal of the band’s journey — a refreshing counterpoint to many glossy, polished music documentaries. Unlike the slick, marketing-heavy approach of films like Blackpink: Light Up the Sky or BTS: Break the Silence, Eugene Yi’s documentary digs deeper into the human cost of fame and the messy realities behind the music. It shares more kinship with documentaries like Amy or The Defiant Ones, which reveal the fractures beneath the glamour and the fierce drive that pushes artists to keep going.
For fans, this documentary is an essential document of The Rose’s legacy. For newcomers, it’s a powerful introduction to a band rewriting the rules of K-pop with grit, heart, and unshakable friendship. The Rose: Come Back to Me is more than just a film — it’s a testament to the power of resilience, brotherhood, and the universal language of music.
The Rose: Come Back to Me screened at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.
"…it’s a testament to the power of resilience, brotherhood, and the universal language of music."
