Tori Sheehan
After a four-year hiatus due to South Korea’s mandatory military service. The internationally successful K-pop boy group BTS have returned. Coming back with the group’s tenth studio album. The album released on 20 March, 2026. Titled ‘Arirang’
What is “Arirang”?
The albums name, Arirang, is a reference to BTS’ Korean roots. The 14-tracks album takes its name from a famous Korean folk song. A song about longing and separation.
During Japanese occupation in the early 20th century, “Arirang” was a song of resistance. Following the division of the Korean peninsula in 1945, it has been sung as a song of great sorrow and the hope for reunification. Becoming an unofficial national anthem of Korea.
Arirang Album
The album itself has 14 tracks. Produced by the members on a retreat to LA after their mandatory military service. The album is a mix of pop and hip pop, with the song “No.29” being a transition between the genres. The opening track, “Body to Body”, samples the original “Arirang” track.
The album itself has received mixed reviews.
Many fans, also known as ARMY, are happy with the release and glad the members are all together again. However, some fans were upset with the album. Mourning the earlier releases and albums. A few people online were upset that Korean taxpayers’ money was going towards BTS’s concert following the release of the album.
Release of the Album
BTS’ new album, Arirang, released just before the group’s highly anticipated concert. An estimated 260,000 people to be in attendance. Kicking off an 82-date world tour. The streets filled with “Welcome BTS and ARMY” signs, welcoming in BTS’s fans. Pop-up stores planted everywhere with BTS hoodies, figurines and other merchandise. Convenience stores in the area stocked up to prepare for the anticipated crowd.
Listen to the full album: ARIRANG – Album by BTS | Spotify
