What does 'Arirang' mean? BTS album name explained

BTS just announced that their highly anticipated comeback album is titled "Arirang," leaving many wondering what the word means.

According to UNESCO, "Arirang" is a folk song in Korea that exists in multiple forms and variations, typically featuring the refrain: "Arirang, arirang, arariyo."

Deeply embedded in Korean culture, arirang is performed in both private and public occasions, among families and during festivities. 

"Children learn the songs from their parents and neighbours, in school and other settings. Professional art troupes in Pyongyang perform different forms of Arirang, while safeguarding societies play an important role in enacting, preserving and transmitting local versions," UNESCO adds.

More importantly, arirang songs speak about "leaving and reunion, sorrow, joy and happiness" — given that BTS is returning after a four-year hiatus during which they served in the South Korean military, the choice of album name is nothing short of perfect!

Korea's unofficial anthem

Forbes describes "arirang" as Korea's "unofficial anthem," estimated to be more than 600 years old. It is believed to have originated in Jeongseon in Gangwon Province, the publication adds, and the first written mention was found in a 1756 manuscript.

The song was also Koreans' "rallying cry" during the Japanese colonial rule.

"Arirang addresses themes of separation, lost love, tragedy, and pain, yet also perseverance and deep love for the nation," Forbes says. "It has become almost an unofficial national anthem, sung by virtually all Koreans regardless of region or generation."

BTS performed 'Arirang' in 2016

Ten years ago, BTS performed "Arirang" on stage.

RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook sang and danced to the medley during KCON 2016 in France.

In fact, the video of their performance is still up on their YouTube page, and it's titled, "Arirang Arirang Arariyo."

Then and now, BTS has been nothing but proud of their Korean identity, and it looks like they're doubling down in their upcoming album, even as they continue asserting global dominance.

Their album will have versions titled "Rooted in Korea" and "Rooted in Music." According to their announcement, this comeback will set out "the direction the members will take moving forward."

BTS is set to release "Arirang" on March 20.

In April, they will kick off the "Arirang" world tour, with a Philippine stop in 2027. —JCB, GMA Integrated News