BTS have announced the title of their forthcoming album. The highly-anticipated LP, the group’s first studio album since 2020’s Be, will be called Arirang, named for a traditional Korean folk song renowned both in Korea and around the world.
Per a press release, “the song has long been associated with emotions of connection, distance, and reunion.” It adds that the album is “a deeply reflective body of work that explores BTS’ identity and roots.”
“Drawing on the emotional depth of ‘Arirang’—its sense of yearning, longing, and the ebb and flow of life, the band ultimately chose the title for its strong resonance with their current journey,” the press release explains. “The new release explores universal emotions of longing and love and will resonate with the worldwide audience as a timeless legacy across generations and cultures.”
Digital billboards featuring the logo of the band’s new album appeared across major cities to promote the announcement, including in New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris.
As previously announced, Arirang will arrive on March 20. Before the official confirmation, the seven members teased their return in handwritten notes sent to some special fans to celebrate the New Year. In the messages, they hinted at being reunited soon with their loyal ARMY fanbase, cryptically writing the date March 20, 2026.
“We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else,” RM wrote. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” Jimin added. “In 2026, we’ll make even more good memories, so look forward to it!” V said.
The band has been back in the studio together working since July, promising an album that will “reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.”
“We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started,” BTS said in a statement last year. “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”
To support the album, BTS will mark their live return with an extensive tour launching this April and running through March 2027, with additional dates to be announced. The BTS world tour will kick off in Goyang, South Korea, on April 9. The band will spend multiple nights in each city on the trek, which includes stops in Tokyo, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Busan, London, Paris, Chicago, Toronto, East Rutherford, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Manila.
From Rolling Stone US.
