BTS Announce Their Fifth Album Titled Arirang, Marking a Comeback After Nearly Four Years of Hiatus
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| BTS (Doc.ist) |
WartaGate.com – After a long wait from fans, BTS have officially revealed details of their fifth studio album titled Arirang.
This album marks a special moment as it signifies the return of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook as a complete group after nearly four years of focusing on individual activities and mandatory military service.
The information was announced through an official statement from BigHit Music and reported by Soompi on Thursday (January 16). Since the announcement was released, Arirang has immediately become a hot topic among ARMYs in various countries.
One aspect that has drawn significant attention is the large number of physical versions to be released. Arirang is said to be available in a total of 16 different versions.
Some of them carry concepts centered on Korean culture and identity, such as the “Rooted in Korea,” “Rooted in Music,” and “Living Legend” versions.
In addition, there will be a Weverse Album, vinyl versions with themes like “Modern Korea” and “Group Red,” as well as special editions highlighting each individual member.
BigHit Music is also preparing a Travel Tag CD Box Set along with two deluxe versions aimed at collectors.
The album title was not chosen at random. Arirang is a very well-known Korean folk song with deep historical significance.
The song has been known for hundreds of years and is often referred to as South Korea’s “second national anthem.”
According to various Korean cultural sources, Arirang reflects a wide range of human emotions, from separation, longing, and sorrow to hope for reunion.
The song has even been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, acknowledged by both South Korea and North Korea.
BigHit Music explained that Arirang was chosen because it represents the emotional core of the album. BTS want to revisit their cultural roots while conveying the deepest feelings that have been held back during their long hiatus.
The agency stated that ahead of this major comeback, the members naturally reflected on their foundations, life journeys, and inner stories as both individuals and as a group.
The themes of longing and love explored in the album are expected to resonate with listeners around the world, regardless of cultural background.
Arirang is scheduled for release on March 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. KST, while pre-orders have been open since January 16, 2026.
The album will contain 14 tracks, which are said to represent BTS’s emotional journey over the past several years.
In addition to releasing the album, BTS have also confirmed a world tour. The opening concerts will take place in Gyeonggi, South Korea, on April 9, 11, and 12, 2026.
Most exciting for Indonesian ARMYs, BTS are also scheduled to perform in Indonesia on December 26–27, 2026.
BTS’s return through Arirang is not merely the release of new music, but also a symbol of reunion, a journey home, and the strong emotional bond between BTS and their fans.
With a concept rich in cultural meaning and universal emotions, the album is predicted to become one of the most personal works in BTS’s career.
This comeback further reaffirms BTS’s position as a global group that remains deeply rooted in their original identity and culture.
