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BTS unveils ‘ARIRANG’, new era: interview
BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music
By Lee Kyung-min
BTS returned Friday with its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” ending a three-year, nine-month hiatus and ushering in what the group calls a new chapter: “BTS 2.0.”
Released at 1 p.m. through BigHit Music, the 14-track album centers on identity, growth and Korean cultural elements, with production led by Bang Si-hyuk.
In a Q&A shared with media, the group reflected on its long-awaited return, creative process and ambitions for the future.
Q. How does it feel to return after three years and nine months?
BTS: It’s exciting and nerve-racking, but more than anything, it’s overwhelming. Just being able to do something together again as seven makes us grateful. We prepared hard because ARMY (our fans) waited for us. It’s a joy to be back and to show ourselves again. There’s excitement but also fear, but with the members and ARMY, we’re not too worried.
Q. What message do you most want to convey through this album?
Suga: We thought about what is most like us. Rather than something grand, we focused on “us” itself.
Jimin: We wanted to say we will keep moving forward. There’s pressure to always show something new and better, and a lot of worry comes with that. Still, we wanted to express that we will keep swimming.
Jungkook: We captured each member’s dedication and individuality. I hope people see this as the most BTS-like album.
Q. How did you decide on incorporating Korean elements?
RM: We shared many ideas. I even made a song inspired by taekwondo. Korean elements are an important keyword that connects us. It’s tied to our roots, and it continues to evolve.
Jin, Suga: The album logo started from Jungkook’s idea. As all members contributed, we naturally included Korean elements.
J-Hope: We infused Korean culture and spirit into the lyrics. Returning to our roots felt essential.
V: Each member added ideas, so fans will find details throughout.
Q. What standards did you set in expressing Korean elements?
RM: We didn’t want to treat them as fixed forms. We wanted to reinterpret them naturally in our way.
Jin, Suga: We focused on blending them in without forcing it, keeping a balance with BTS’ identity.
J-Hope: Balance and restraint matter, but key moments should stand out.
Jimin: We thought deeply about our identity and what it means that all members are Korean. That made “Arirang” a meaningful but heavy choice.
Q. Why was “SWIM” chosen as the title track?
RM: We held onto it the longest. We tried for a month to surpass it, but couldn’t.
Jin: It’s not instantly overwhelming, but it has a power that stays with you.
J-Hope: We focused on performance details, like movements that resemble waves.
V: It felt the most restrained among strong tracks, but it lasts longer.
Jungkook: The more you listen, the more it feels right.
Q. How do you want “SWIM” to be remembered?
BTS: As a song like life itself. A song you move through day by day, breathing and swimming. We hope it gives strength and stays with people for a long time.
Q. Did you try anything new on this album?
BTS: The album is tightly structured. We expanded across genres, sounds and vocal styles. We tried unfamiliar genres and new expressions. It’s not perfect, but we’re satisfied that we’re still evolving.
Q. What stands out from the Los Angeles songwriting sessions?
Suga: We lived together, ate together and talked a lot. It reminded us of our early days.
J-Hope: Even when things didn’t work, we supported each other.
Jimin: We once talked about making an album together like this, and now we did.
V: An idea came to me suddenly after working out, which became “Into the Sun.”
Jungkook: Listening to over 100 demos together was memorable.
Q. What does “BTS 2.0” mean to you?
RM: It’s about balance — being seven again and moving forward.
Jin: We need to become more mature and grow in every way.
Suga: A new beginning.
J-Hope: Growth as artists and expressing ourselves freely.
Jimin: It’s about continuing to grow steadily.
V: It includes growth and new beginnings.
Jungkook: Something new — a new direction.
Q. What is one thing that hasn’t changed?
RM: I like who I am most when I’m with the members.
Jin: We’ve grown closer, but our playful energy is the same.
Suga, V: Our passion for the stage hasn’t changed.
Jimin: We will keep moving forward like “SWIM.”
J-Hope, Jungkook: Our love for ARMY hasn’t changed.
Q. What would you like to say to your fans?
BTS: Thank you for waiting so long. We missed you. Being together again is precious. We’ll meet you through music, performances and a world tour. Let’s enjoy this together.
BTS will host a comeback live broadcast, “STUDIO NOTES | ARIRANG,” at 2 p.m. Friday on fan platform Weverse, followed by “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG” at 8 p.m. Saturday in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun area.
This article was translated with the assistance of a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.