South Korea’s BTS is officially ending its hiatus with the release of the group’s new album “Arirang” on March 20, 2026. This milestone marks the group’s first collective studio effort in nearly four years, signaling a powerful reunion for members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook following their mandatory military service.
“Arirang” track list
“Arirang” is the sixth Korean-language studio album and the 10th overall studio album by BTS. Here is the track list:
- “Body to Body”
- “Hooligan”
- “Aliens”
- “FYA”
- “2.0”
- “No. 29”
- “Swim”
- “Merry Go Round”
- “Normal”
- “Like Animals”
- “they don’t know ’bout us”
- “One More Night”
- “Please”
- “Into the Sun”
Mike WiLL Made-It, Flume, Diplo, El Guincho, JPEGMAFIA and Ryan Tedder are some of the collaborators of the album. The title is a tribute to the traditional Korean folk song “Arirang,” chosen for its deep resonance with the group’s 13-year journey. Its songs explore universal themes of longing, love, and resilience.
The lead single, “Swim,” features lyrics primarily penned by RM. It offers a philosophical take on navigating life’s challenges, urging listeners to move at their own pace rather than being swept away by societal expectations. The album concludes with the anthemic “Into the Sun.”
BTS took a hands-on approach to this record, with significant creative contributions from all members. RM contributed to every track except the interlude. Suga and J-Hope are credited on multiple songs, including “Body to Body” and “Normal”. Jimin and V collaborated on the closing track, “Into the Sun”. Jungkook lent his creative input to four tracks, including “Hooligan.”
2026 BTS world tour
To celebrate the launch, BTS will host a massive live performance at 8:00 p.m. on March 21, 2026 at the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea. The event will be streamed worldwide via Netflix, marking the platform’s first-ever live broadcast of a Korean music performance.
The production will be helmed by renowned British director Hamish Hamilton, the visionary behind the Super Bowl halftime shows and the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. He aims to capture the raw emotion and intricate choreography of the group against the historic backdrop of Gyeongbok Palace, providing fans—collectively known as ARMY—with a vivid, cinematic experience.
Starting April 9, 2026 in Goyang, South Korea, BTS will embark on a massive world tour. The United States leg will begin in Tampa, Florida, USA in late April 2026 and conclude in California, USA in September 2026. For fans unable to attend in person, the “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ Live Viewing” will be screened in theaters globally in April 2026.
CONAN Daily 