LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: BTS perform onstage during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Getty Images
With the announcement of BTS’s 5th Album title, ARIRANG, the global superstars – RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – left a message about the album on Apple Music.
When you visit the Apple Music page for BTS’s ARIRANG, there is a clip called “ARMYRANG.” In the 30-second soundbyte, leader RM leads the welcome from the group with their signature, “Here we are – BTS!”
Each member has a line to say in the message, starting with RM: “We are so excited to share our new album, ARIRANG.”
Jin continues, “This album reflects the combination of our journey to date as BTS.”
Suga follows, “And it also defines us on our own terms.”
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” says j-hope.
Jimin then adds, “And we prepared this album thinking of our fans.”
V, in his deep voice, says, “Every track has a unique story and vibes, so we hope you enjoy all of them.”
It ends with the youngest (maknae) of the group, Jung Kook, thanking the fans, known as ARMY.
“Thank you for always being by our side,” he says. “You’re our biggest inspiration, thank you.”
The album, set to release on March 20, is said to hold a “special significance as it marks the first album released by the group in three years and nine months, while also indicating the direction the group will take going forward. The members were deeply involved in the creation of the songs, infusing their own thoughts and colors into them while musically expressing the emotions and struggles they have experienced along their journey.”
The album features 14 tracks filled with real and honest stories from the members to their fans – ARMY – as a thank you for those who have waited nearly three years for their return from their military service.
BTS’s Anticipated Comeback
BIGHIT MUSIC
ARIRANG, commonly interpreted as “my beloved one,” is a famous traditional Korean folk song and is considered the unofficial national anthem. Throughout Korean history, it has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and resistance for the country, serving as a symbol of Korea’s soul, or “Han.”
There will be four versions of the album: Rooted in Korea Ver., Rooted in Music Ver., Living Legend Ver., and the Weverse Albums ver. Each album will include photo books, photocards, posters, and collectible packaging.
There will also be vinyl versions of the album available: Modern Korea Vinyl, Group Red Vinyl, Deluxe Vinyl B&W Ver., and the seven member-based Standard Vinyl editions (RM Silver Vinyl, Jin Pink Vinyl, SUGA Clear Vinyl, j-hope Cream Vinyl, Jimin Burgundy Vinyl, V Velvet Red Vinyl, and Jung Kook Orchid Vinyl). Fans can begin pre-ordering the album on Friday, January 16, at 11 am KST (January 15, 6pm PST / 9pm EST). They can be purchased through Weverse Shop or select retailers.
Following their album release, the group – RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – will kick off their World Tour on April 9 in Goyang, South Korea, for three nights, then head to Tokyo, Japan. Their North American stops include Las Vegas, Mexico City, Baltimore, Arlington, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, East Rutherford, and Foxborough. Tickets for the World Tour will go on general sale on Saturday, January 24. Those with ARMY membership can access the presales between January 22 and 23. U.S. fans can find more information here.
BTS’s 5th Album, ARIRANG, is set to release on March 20.