When BTS revealed the title of their fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” on the 16th, fans around the world enthusiastically began “researching” кσяєα’s 600-year-old traditional folk song. BigHit Music stated in its official announcement, “It encompαѕѕes BTS’s identity as a group that started in кσяєα, as well as the emotions they wish to share with music fans.” Following the reveal, more than 1.6 million related posts flooded social media, creating a remarkable scene in which global fans and international media alike delved into the deeper, layered meanings of Arirang.
Forbes explained, “According to linguistic stu∂ιєs, in ancient кσяєαn, ‘ari’ means ‘beautiful,’ while ‘rang’ means ‘bridegroom,’ leading the word to often be translated as ‘my beloved one.’” GMA News Online commented, “The songs of Arirang sing of separation and reunion, sorrow, joy, and happiness."
Gulf News noted, “BTS naming their comeback album after кσяєα’s most beloved folk song is a highly intentional choice,” adding that “throughout their global career, the group has consistently centered кσяєαn identity—from incorporating traditional instruments and hanbok into performances to addressing кσяєαn social issues in their lyrics.”
Some fans proposed another interpretation. One fan elaborated, “The first meaning of Arirang is simple—it is a song. In fact, it is the most popular traditional folk song in кσяєα. But when кσяєαns talk about Arirang, they will say it is not merely a popular song. Listening to and singing it touches the кσяєαn soul, or han.”
Another fan praised, “Arirang is a story of love, separation, and longing for reunion. BTS is returning to express those emotions through this album. I can’t think of a better name. I love it.” while another exclaimed, “The ‘Living Legend’ version! That’s it!”
After the many interpretations offered by fans and international media alike, the BTS members themselves met with fans during a live broadcast on the afternoon of January 16, where they shared the group’s own perspective on the meaning behind their fifth studio album. Jimin opened the discussion, saying, “ARMYs around the world might have wondered what Arirang is. And ARMYs in кσяєα might have wondered—why Arirang?”
Representing BTS, leader RM began to explain: “When we were all gathered, we thought a lot about who we were. And we wanted to show you where we started. The seven of us are кσяєαns and we wanted to include soмєтнing that symbolized кσяєα. And we came to call out Arirang.”
He continued: “There are many ways you can interpret Arirang, the lyrics, and I think it’s about aching and longing and love. And when I was in the military, I thought a lot about things like that. I thought a lot about the past and about performing,” and added, “[I] missed society too, missed ARMY, our BTS members, and missed the past too.” Then, j-hope agreed and added: “It’s [Arirang] really suits us. It feels like our roots. I think it’s soмєтнing that can show that side of us.”
In addition, RM also revisited the group’s connection to the traditional folk song Arirang from a decade ago. BTS first performed an Arirang medley at KCON Paris in 2016. Reflecting on this connection, Gulf News remarked, “BTS set the stage for Arirang 10 years ago—now it’s their comeback anthem of heart and heritage”.
Although in recent hours fans and the media have continued to marvel at the concept and the title ARIRANG chosen for BTS’s 2026 comeback album, hearing the members themselves—the artists who created ARIRANG—share the deeper layers of meaning behind it has moved fans even more. Many expressed that they were deeply touched by the sincerity and artistic stature of BTS as true musicians. Fans commented:
- South кσяєα should know their worth by now. Treat them right. They’re national treasures and ARMY’s heartbeat. Pure artists who value music, culture, and ethics,even after facing hate from their own country. Respect them.
- The way he connects Arirang with aching, longing, and love and then reflects on it during his military time feels so honest. Thinking about the past, the stage, and emotions… that kind of reflection turns music into soмєтнing timeless.
- Can't wait for a 3 hours live with my favorite yapper/philosopher/lyrical genius Kim Namjoon to talk about the album. And another 3 hours live with tannies cause I miss them so much these last 16 days were crazy long.
- Which group promote their country n origin like BTS!. THEY are not oblige to promote but still do it.. this show how humble n down to earth they are .
- That’s really moving—honoring their roots and identity while sharing soмєтнing deeply human with the world
- The "bts became westernized" people are shaking in their boots
- This explanation also contains Abt what kpopies are fιgнтing abt S KOREA flag and all
- Artist deeply connected to their roots!! Bangtan you will always be the standard
- I love everything about this. It's so thoughtful and deeply meaningful. I can't wait what ARIRANG is going to sound like
