BTS reflects on identity in 'Arirang' album

BTS didn’t choose “Arirang” lightly.

During their Weverse livestream on Friday, the global superstars shared that their comeback album title came after deep discussions about their roots, their identity as Koreans, and the emotions they wanted to convey through their music.

“I’m sure everyone was curious about this album. With the word Arirang, it has big meanings of emotions and stories. We pondered whether this word can be used by us,” Jimin said.

"Arirang" is a traditional Korean folk song, considered to be the country's unofficial anthem. According to Forbes, it is estimated to be more than 600 years old, and the first written mention was found in a 1756 manuscript. 

The song also has themes of separation, lost love, tragedy, and pain, yet also perseverance and deep love for the nation.

The traditional "Arirang" chant can be heard in "Body to Body," the first track in BTS' new album.

Jimin recounted how the members spent time together discussing their identity as BTS, particularly as a Korean group in a global industry filled with multinational act, leading them to explore how their roots shape their artistry.

“This was an awesome decision to make this our title of the album and work with this,” J-Hope said.

“It’s been a long time for us to come back and to name the title Arirang it was a great decision,” Suga said and V added, “It’s such an honor too.”

BTS further cemented their "Arirang" concept by referencing seven historic Koreans who were documented by The Washington Post in 1896. These seven young Korean men traveled to Washington, D.C. and along the way recorded the first-ever recording of "Arirang."

RM said they reflected on the similarities they had with the historical figures.

“The common characteristics are we love each other and we love our country but it’s more like we have that emotional lingering,” RM said.

Jimin added, “I’m sure that foreign fans also looked it up too. It was a great decision.” 

BTS just made their long-awaited return with “Arirang” and also released the music video of the lead single, "Swim." 

On Saturday, they will stage a concert at the historic Gwanghwamun in Seoul. You can watch it live on Netflix at 7 p.m. (Philippine time).

On March 27, Netflix will release a documentary of the making of "Arirang." 

In April, BTS will kick off their "Arirang" world tour, with the first two stops set to be broadcast in cinemas worldwide.

The Philippine stop is happening in March 2027.

—Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News