BTS Chooses “ARIRANG” for Fifth Album Title in Nod to Korean Tradition

As BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. gears up to release their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, in March, international media are already taking notice. On the 16th, U.S. outlet Forbes reported that BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. had revealed the official title of their upcoming album, noting that ARIRANG “carries deeper meaning beyond just a name.” The report explained that “Arirang” is a Korean folk song with roughly 3,600 variations and more than 60 recognized versions, believed to date back over 600 years. Forbes added that the song was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list twice TWICE K-POP GROUP TWICE is a nine-member girl group famous for bright concepts, addictive choruses, and a huge discography of K-pop hits. —first through South Korea’s application in 2012, and later through North Korea’s application in 2014. Forbes also interpreted the title choice as intentional, saying BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. has consistently highlighted Korean identity throughout their global rise—through the use of traditional instruments, hanbok-inspired styling, and lyrics that address social themes. The outlet suggested that ARIRANG represents a symbolic return to their roots following a four-year hiatus during military service, calling it a “homecoming” and an extension of their mission to share Korean culture with the world. U.S. music publication Consequence echoed the sentiment, noting that the lyrics of “Arirang” often center on farewell, longing, and reunion—making it a meaningful title for BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. ’s first major release in roughly four years. BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. announced the title and release date of ARIRANG—set for March 20—through their fan platform Weverse at midnight on the 16th. The album includes 14 tracks, reflecting emotions and experiences gathered throughout their journey, along with messages dedicated to fans who have remained by their side. The release marks BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. ’s first full-group activity in approximately three years and nine months, since the anthology album Proof in June 2022. Following the album release, BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. will launch a new world tour beginning April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex. The tour is scheduled for 79 shows across 34 cities spanning North America, Europe, South America, and Asia—reportedly the largest number of shows ever staged by a K-pop artist on a single tour. The production will also feature a 360-degree stage designed to boost audience immersion.