BTS Arirang Foreign Press Review: “Revived the Flame,” “New Sound Never Heard Before” Praise [K-EYES]

Hip-Hop Meets Pansori: A Focus on Korean Identity

Following the release of their new album, ‘Arirang,’ after a 3 year and 9-month hiatus, global media outlets have been quick to share their reviews. Major publications including The Guardian (UK), Billboard (US), The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, and even Gulf News (Middle East) have heralded the comeback, exclaiming, “They’re finally back!” after four long years.

The Guardian noted that “the first 15 minutes of the album recapture the rebellious, rap-heavy energy of their 2014 album ‘Dark & Wild’,” suggesting that BTS has “rekindled the flame” lost during their ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’ eras. Regarding the title track ‘SWIM,’ they described it as “subtle, restrained, and hauntingly catchy.”

Gulf News summarized the album as a whole, stating, “When their seven voices merge back into one, not fragments, it feels like a return to the hunger of their debut days, honed with the maturity of 2026, darker, grittier, and addictively textured,” deeming the album a “thrilling experience.” The Guardian commented that BTS “rekindled the flame” they had seemingly lost during the ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’ periods, while Billboard highlighted “a more mature and artistically refined side than ever before.”

The Guardian particularly focused on the album’s Korean identity. Pointing out that the album title ‘Arirang’ is derived from a 600-year-old folk song, they analyzed how BTS positioned themselves within the tradition of exporting Korean culture to the world across 130 years, referencing a promotional video where the seven members listened to the first ‘Arirang’ recording from 1896, recorded in the United States by seven Korean men. The Hollywood Reporter also introduced that the album name originated from “the Korean folk song first recorded with Korean men in 1896 with American ethnographer Alice Fletcher,” adding “BTS makes it clear that they have always been, and will continue to be, a Korean band.”

Track-by-Track Commentary

Regarding the opening track ‘Body to Body,’ The Hollywood Reporter stated, “Pansori-style Arirang melodies permeate over hip-hop beats, confirming in just seconds that BTS has dipped their toes into more experimental waters. A perfect concert opener candidate.” The Guardian reported, “A powerful bass drop is followed by the declaration, ‘I need the whole stadium to jump.'”

‘Hooligan’ is the most talked-about track on the album. The Hollywood Reporter selected it as an “addictive rap track mixed with string arrangements and sharp blade sounds,” while Gulf News described it as “a track that explodes with chaotic laughter, with RM leading the song with his rough and textured vocals, V’s voice clearly heard in the background, and Suga returning with the toxic rapping that ARMY has longed for.” They even added that the laughter would “become a fandom legend.” The Guardian introduced producer El Guincho as “the man behind Rosalia and Charli XCX’s cutting-edge tracks,” commenting that BTS “goes back to its roots and declares global dominance” in this song.

‘FYA’ is a common highlight of the album chosen by various media outlets. The Hollywood Reporter said it was “a Jersey club beat track produced by Diplo, Flume, and JPEGMAFIA, a sound that fans have never heard in BTS history,” while Gulf News described it as “a track that starts with heavy breathing and explodes, led by RM’s deep and powerful vocals. It feels like running without brakes or safety devices as the speed soars.” The Guardian said it was “full of the darkest flavors of Jersey club music, throbbing synths, and distorted beats.”

Regarding the title track ‘SWIM,’ The Guardian called it “subtle, restrained, and hauntingly catchy,” while Gulf News expressed, “When V sings ‘Just want to dive, swim’ in his soft baritone, Jin takes over with a meditative chorus. It’s a moment of calm in the storm, a feeling of swimming through waves of emotion.” The Hollywood Reporter said, “It is sure to be a radio hit.”

‘Merry Go Round’ is a dreamy rock track produced by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. The Guardian said it was “a melancholic and beautiful song with lyrics like ‘My life is a broken roller coaster,'” while Gulf News said it was “a track that hovers over calm instrumental melodies, endlessly spinning around while not letting go of the spark of hope.”

Regarding ‘Normal,’ The Guardian pointed out, “A song that honestly reveals the price of fame between the spotlight and loneliness. The lyrics ‘Now I understand the truth, some pain is real / If everything’s just happy, that ain’t real’ will be the subject of intense fan analysis, coinciding with Jungkook’s recent live broadcast where he complained about his life as an idol and then deleted it.”

Regarding the last track ‘Into the Sun,’ The Hollywood Reporter said, “BTS is now entering its own new league. This album, and this group, exists outside the limits imposed on them by the world.”

“The Litmus Test of K-Pop”

The Guardian also examined the album’s social and industrial significance. The number of pre-saves on Spotify exceeded 5 million, breaking the all-time record for a K-pop group, and HYBE’s stock price soared in anticipation of the comeback. On the other hand, they reported that HYBE’s operating profit fell sharply by about 37.5% during the hiatus, saying, “With the K-pop industry shaking from various scandals and stagnant album sales, BTS’s comeback is a litmus test of the genre’s continued international appeal.” Jungkook told Rolling Stone, “I couldn’t make music while I was in the military. That longing built up. I want to do better, and I want to show something great.”

BTS will hold a comeback concert in Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st, which will be broadcast live to 190 countries via Netflix.