The Rose: Come Back to Me

Official selection

Coming of AgeTrue StoryMusic/Dance

The Rose, a Korean indie rock band that began performing on the streets of Hongdae in 2017, stands as a rare success story outside of the tightly-controlled, training-centered K-pop system. Since their debut, the band has inspired a global fandom, but in 2019 their career came to a halt following a conflict with their agency. This film follows The Rose on their turbulent journey, from their formation through to crises and endeavors, from failure to recovery, culminating in performing at Coachella. Interweaving intimate interviews with performance footage and behind-the-scenes moments, it reveals the band’s creative process, inner world, and musical achievements as they fight to make music on their own terms. Their courageous path, marked by despair and the strength to rise again through music, is both a perfect gift for their fans and a moving cinematic experience that reaffirms the power of music and sincerity. At the same time, it offers a chance to reflect on the numerous issues in the now-dominant K-pop system. Featured in Tribeca Film Festival′s Spotlight+ section.

Programme note by JO Ji-hoon