The seven-member K-pop group will release Arirang on March 20, signaling a new chapter following their extended hiatus and mandatory military service commitments.
The project features 14 tracks, including the lead single “SWIM,” and showcases collaborations with globally recognized producers such as Diplo, Mike WiLL Made-It, Ryan Tedder, and Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.
A New Era After Military Service
Formed in 2013, BTS rose to global prominence with chart-topping hits like “Butter” and “Dynamite.”
In 2022, the group paused collective activities as members began fulfilling South Korea’s mandatory military service requirements, starting with eldest member Jin.
By last year, all seven members had completed their service, paving the way for their long-awaited reunion.
Arirang will be their first studio album since 2020’s Be, which debuted during the height of the global pandemic.
Songwriting Credits Highlight Member Involvement
The album reflects strong creative input from the members themselves:
- RM is credited as a songwriter on 13 of the 14 tracks.
- Suga contributed to 11 songs.
- J-Hope worked on 10 tracks.
- Jung Kook participated in writing four songs.
- V holds credits on two tracks.
- Jimin appears on the closing track, “Into the Sun,” alongside “they don’t know ‘bout us.”
Full Tracklist for Arirang
The 14-track album includes:
- Body to Body
- Hooligan
- Aliens
- FYA
- 2.0
- No. 29 (Interlude)
- SWIM (Title Track)
- Merry Go Round
- NORMAL
- Like Animals
- they don’t know ‘bout us
- One More Night
- Please
- Into the Sun
Meaning Behind the Album Title
The title Arirang draws inspiration from Arirang, a traditional Korean folk song widely regarded as a symbol of Korean heritage, resilience, and national identity.
By choosing this name, BTS signals both a return to their cultural roots and a reflection of their artistic evolution after years of solo projects and personal growth.
BTS World Tour “Arirang” Set for 2026–2027
To support the album, BTS will embark on the “BTS World Tour Arirang,” launching April 9 in Goyang, South Korea.
The global tour will include 28 shows across 12 North American cities before heading to Europe, Latin America, and Asia through 2027.
In the United States, the group is scheduled to perform at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 1 and 2.
With Arirang, BTS returns not only with new music but with a renewed artistic identity — blending tradition, global influence, and the unmistakable energy that propelled them to worldwide superstardom.
