BTS Returns With Their Fifth Album ARIRANG

After 3 years and 9 months of a hiatus due to mandatory military service, BTS is making a big comeback on March 20th, 2026, with their new album, "ARIRANG." The album will consist of 14 tracks that reflect members' personal growth, experiences during their time apart, and their renewed bond as a team. Arirang marks BTS's first major group project since the members completed their mandatory military service and since their last album, Proof, in 2022.

The album's title, "ARIRANG," is a beloved Korean lyrical folk song, with origins likely in Jeongseon over 600 years ago. It serves as a unifying symbol for Koreans, representing shared history, resilience, and emotion. It is a symbol of national identity and is considered an unofficial Korean anthem. Sung across both North and South Korea, Arirang has a theme of love, separation, and endurance. The word "Arirang, 아리랑" means "my beloved one" in Korean. The song expresses deep emotion regarding the parting of lovers.

In an exclusive interview with GQ, Suga offered a glimpse into the album's direction, explaining that it will explore genres they've never done and will sound a lot different from their other albums. Arirang will also start BTS's largest world tour to date, scheduled to begin on April 9, 2026, at Goyang Stadium. Their label, BigHit Music, says the album captures "the longing and deep love," like the lyrics of the song Arirang. A day after the official release of Arirang, the group will hold a BTS Comeback Live Arirang Show, streaming exclusively on Netflix on March 21. The live show will be held around Gwanghwamun Square for about an hour, starting at 8 pm. To ensure smooth operations and safety on the day of the event, traffic around Gwanghwamun Square will be controlled.