BTS Arirang Album Koreanness Redefined

Global K-pop sensation BTS is gearing up to release their highly anticipated new studio album, “Arirang,” marking their first full-group project in nearly four years. The group expressed their desire to infuse the album with authentic Korean sentiment, reflecting their roots and identity.

The seven-member group will release the 14-track set at 1 p.m. Korean time on Friday. This release is particularly significant as it’s their first group project since the anthology album “Proof” in June 2022, and after all members have completed their mandatory military service.

The album is named after “Arirang,” a deeply cherished Korean folk song often considered an unofficial national anthem. BigHit Music describes “Arirang” as capturing BTS’s core identity as a group originating in Korea, along with the “longing and deep love that lie within their hearts.”

In a written interview with the label ahead of the release, RM, the group’s leader, emphasized that Korean elements naturally became a central theme for their first group comeback in three years and nine months.

“‘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,” he stated. “Rather than forcing traditional motifs into a rigid framework, we aimed to interpret them naturally in our own contemporary style.”

Jin and Suga echoed this sentiment, explaining the group’s efforts to strike a balance between Korean essence and their unique musical style. The 14-track album boasts a diverse range of tracks, including “Swim,” “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “Fya,” and “2.0,” with “Swim” chosen as the lead single. “Swim” is described as an upbeat alternative pop track that explores navigating life’s challenges, with lyrics co-written by RM.

“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, referencing the Pyongyang-style cold noodle dish known for its subtly savory beef broth.

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 revealed that the album’s central message reflects the group’s current perspective. “I wanted to convey that we’ll keep moving forward,” he said. “There’s always pressure to present something new and improved, which brings numerous worries. Despite this, we wanted to express our determination to keep swimming and never give up.”

“Arirang” marks BTS’s fifth studio album and their first since their temporary break from group activities to pursue individual projects and fulfill their mandatory military service.

The members highlighted that the time spent apart and the anticipation of reuniting as a group of seven significantly influenced 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 weren’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. Renowned producers, including Diplo, Ryan Tedder, and El Guincho, contributed to the production of the tracks.

“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 shared. “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 careers, 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 said. “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 bond has only deepened. “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 full group as both deeply touching and comforting.

“We’re excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved,” they said of their first group release in three years and nine months. “Just being able to gather as seven again and create something together feels joyful and gratifying.”

They also acknowledged the weight of fans’ expectations. “We’ve prepared with great care to meet the expectations of ARMY, who have waited so long for us,” they said, 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 host a special live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday. The show, which is expected to attract 260,000 fans and visitors, will be streamed globally on Netflix.

Following this, the group will travel 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. (Yonhap)