After years of anticipation, BTS has officially revealed the title of their fifth full-length album: ARIRANG.
Announced on January 5 via Weverse, the album is set for release on March 20 and will be available in multiple physical versions. This marks BTS’ first full-group comeback in nearly four years, making it one of the most meaningful moments in their career.
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| BTS's 5th album titled "Arirang" |
More than just an album name, Arirang carries profound cultural, historical, and emotional significance, perfectly reflecting BTS’ journey through separation, endurance, and reunion.
“ARIRANG”: More Than an Album Title
Arirang is Korea’s most iconic traditional folk song, believed to be over 600 years old. With around 3,600 variations across 60 regional versions, the song has been passed down orally for centuries and has no known original composer.
Recognized for its cultural importance, Arirang was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list twice:
- South Korea in 2012
- North Korea in 2014
The song is deeply associated with the Korean concept of “han” — a complex emotion blending sorrow, longing, grief, resilience, and hope.
Themes of Separation, Endurance, and Reunion
Traditionally, Arirang explores themes such as:
- Separation and longing
- Lost love and hardship
- Perseverance and resilience
- Reunion and hope
These themes closely mirror BTS’ recent trajectory, especially their period of hiatus due to military enlistment. For fans, the album title strongly symbolizes the group’s long-awaited reunion and emotional return as seven.
Many ARMYs also interpret Arirang as a message of connection — between BTS and their fans, and between Korea’s cultural roots and BTS’ global identity.
The Meaning Behind the Word “Arirang”
The term Arirang itself holds multiple interpretations:
- Some linguists suggest “ari” meant “beautiful” and “rang” meant “the one,” translating to “beautiful one.”
- Others believe “ari” conveyed deep longing, making Arirang an expression of yearning for someone dearly missed.
This dual meaning — beauty mixed with painful longing — aligns closely with the emotional storytelling BTS is known for.
A Symbol of Korean History and Identity
Throughout modern Korean history, Arirang has served as a symbol of national identity and resistance:
- Sung during the Japanese colonial period as a quiet act of cultural defiance
- Used as a rallying cry during Korea’s struggle for independence
- A shared emotional anthem during the Korean War and national division
By choosing Arirang as their album title, BTS appears to be making a symbolic and strategic statement — reconnecting their music with Korea’s historical and emotional roots while continuing their global influence.
Album Details: What We Know So Far
According to Big Hit Music, ARIRANG will include:
- 14 tracks
- BTS’ fifth full-length studio album
- First full album since Map of the Soul: 7 (February 2020)
- First full-group release since Proof (June 2022)
Physical Album Versions
The album will be released in multiple editions:
- Rooted in Korea
- Rooted in Music
- Living Legend
Each version is expected to reflect different aspects of BTS’ identity, artistry, and legacy.
Why “ARIRANG” Matters for BTS and ARMY
ARIRANG is more than a comeback album. It represents:
- A reunion after years of separation
- Emotional growth and introspection
- A renewed connection to Korean cultural heritage
- A recalibration of BTS’ identity after global expansion
By transforming a centuries-old folk song into a modern musical narrative, BTS once again bridges tradition and contemporary artistry — turning personal and national history into a global story.
As BTS prepares to return as seven, ARIRANG stands as a powerful symbol of endurance, identity, and reunion. For both BTS and ARMY, this album is not just about music — it is about history, emotion, and coming home.
March 20 is shaping up to be a historic day.
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