BTS Shares Heartfelt Thoughts on Upcoming Group Album ‘ARIRANG’

BTS has shared their thoughts ahead of releasing "ARIRANG," their first full-group album in three years and nine months.

Through their agency, Big Hit Music, on the 20th, the group stated, "We have prepared something wonderful to return to the ARMY [their fandom], who have waited for us for so long. We feel excited and nervous, but more than anything, we are deeply moved."

They continued, "Just the fact that the seven of us can gather and do something together again makes us happy and grateful. Being able to show a good side of ourselves once more is a huge thrill. While there is fear because it’s been a long time since we released a group album, we aren’t too worried because we have the members and ARMY with us."

The Meaning Behind the New Album What meaning did the members pack into this new release—their first since the anthology album Proof in June 2022?

Jimin: "I wanted to say that we keep moving forward. There is always a pressure to show something new and better, and we have many worries. Despite that, I wanted to express our determination to keep swimming forward without stopping."

Suga: "I thought deeply about what is most 'us.' Rather than a grand message, I focused on 'us' as we are."

Jungkook: "I hope people see this as the most 'BTS-esque' album, capturing our individual time and colors exactly as they are."

Embracing Korean Roots The members reportedly put great effort into incorporating Korean elements into this album.

RM (Leader): "I threw out all sorts of ideas that came to mind. During songwriting sessions, I even wrote a song inspired by Taekwondo. It didn’t make it into the album, but I personally quite liked it." He added, "I believe Korean elements are a vital keyword that binds the seven of us together because it connects to where we started—our roots. What it means to be 'Korean' is constantly being redefined and changing. It would be fun for us to be a part of that flow."

Jin & Suga: "The album concept took shape as various opinions from the members were added. Since we are all Korean, there was a consensus that it would be great to naturally include Korean elements."

Jungkook: The album's logo started from an idea he proposed.

J-Hope: "We infused the lyrics of the new songs with Korean 'heung' (joy/excitement) and culture. We tried to create more 'points where the seven of us can be together.' Returning and showing who we are ultimately starts with our roots. I believe we exist today because those roots remained strong together."