(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with BTS’ interview with BigHit; ADDS photos and byline)
By Shim Sun-ah
Global K-pop sensation BTS is back! The seven-member group is set to release their highly anticipated album, “Arirang,” on Friday at 1 p.m. Korean time. This marks their first group release since the anthology album “Proof” in June 2022, following the completion of all members’ mandatory military service.
“Arirang,” named after the beloved Korean folk song, is described by BigHit Music as capturing BTS’ identity as a group that began in Korea, embodying “the longing and deep love that lie within their hearts.”
In a written interview with the label, RM, the team’s frontman, emphasized the significance of Korean elements in their first group comeback in nearly four years.
“‘Koreanness’ is an important keyword that can bind the seven of us together, because it’s where we started and what connects us to our roots,” RM stated. “Rather than bringing in traditional motifs as a fixed frame, we wanted to interpret them naturally in our current way.”
Jin and Suga echoed this sentiment, highlighting their efforts to balance Korean sentiment with their unique musical style. The 14-track album features songs like “Swim,” “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “Fya,” and “2.0,” with “Swim” as the lead single. This upbeat alternative pop track, co-written by RM, explores navigating life’s challenges.
“When I first heard it, it felt mild and quietly captivating much like Pyongyang Naengmyeon. The more I listened, the more I wanted to ‘swim together’ with it,” RM shared, comparing the song to the subtle, savory flavor of the Pyongyang-style cold noodle dish.
Jin added, “It’s not a song that immediately grabs you from the first bite, but the more you hear it, the harder it is to forget.”
“There’s a rhythmic point in the middle that really sticks in your head. When I listen to that part, I lose track of time.”
Jimin explained that the album’s core message reflects the group’s current state. “I wanted to say that we’ll keep moving forward,” he said. “There’s always pressure to show something new and better, and that brings countless worries. Even so, we wanted to express our determination to keep swimming and never stop.”
“Arirang” is BTS’ fifth studio album, marking their return after focusing on solo projects and military service.
The members revealed that their time apart and the anticipation of reuniting influenced both the sound and structure of the new record.
“When you listen to the album from start to finish, the overall construction feels solid,” the group collectively stated. “We focused on broadening our range in genres, sound and vocal expression. Even with styles that aren’t familiar to us, we tried to take them on, and we worked hard to incorporate approaches we hadn’t used before.”
The group held songwriting sessions for the album in Los Angeles last summer, collaborating with star producers like Diplo, Ryan Tedder, and El Guincho.
“We lived together while working on the songs — eating meals together, talking a lot, and each spending our free time in our own way,” Suga recalled. “Every evening, we found ourselves talking about our trainee days. Being together again like that brought back so many memories.”
The members emphasized that, despite their global success and individual endeavors, their bond remains strong.
“When I’m with the members, I feel the version of myself I like most — the innocence and childlike side from when we were younger,” RM shared. “We often say it’s genuinely fun when we’re together. It’s not easy to meet friends who feel this much like family.”
Jin added that their connection has only grown stronger. “If I had to pick something that’s changed for the better, it’s that we’ve grown even closer,” he said. “The way we naturally laugh and joke around when we’re together is the same. When someone finds a good restaurant these days, we still go eat there together.”
The members described their return as a complete group as both deeply touching and comforting.
“We’re excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved,” they expressed about their first group release in nearly four years. “Just being able to gather as seven again and create something together feels joyful and gratifying.”
They also acknowledged the significance of their fans’ expectations. “We’ve prepared with great care to meet the expectations of ARMY, who have waited so long for us,” they stated, referring to the BTS fan base. “The fact that we can once again show our best selves is an honor and a happiness in itself. It’s our first group album in a long time, so there was both excitement and a bit of fear, but with our members and ARMY by our side, there’s nothing to worry about.”
To celebrate the album’s release, BTS will hold a special live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday. The show, anticipated to draw 260,000 fans and visitors, will be streamed globally on Netflix.
Following the Seoul performance, BTS will head to the United States, where they will perform “Spotify x BTS: Swimside” in New York on Monday, followed by appearances on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on March 25 and 26.
