BTS Return With “Arirang”: The Global Icons’ First OT7 Comeback Since 2022 | Comeback Corner
By Brenessa Roach | March 20, 2026
On Friday, March 20, 2026, South Korean pop group and global sensations BTS released their fifth studio album ARIRANG. The project marks a defining moment in both their career and pop culture history as it is their first full-length release since 2022, ending a nearly four-year hiatus.
ARIRANG stands as a powerful declaration of identity. With this album, BTS embrace and celebrate their Korean heritage, paying homage to the country that shaped them. The title itself references Korea’s most iconic traditional folk song, a symbol of national identity and resilience across generations. First recorded in the United States in 1896 by Korean performers with American ethnologist Alice Fletcher, “Arirang” carries emotional weight that transcends language and borders. BTS expand on these sentiments, transforming them into a universal narrative of longing, connection, and endurance.
The release also marks a new chapter in BTS’ legacy, amplified by extensive promotions and a highly anticipated free concert set to take place at Gwanghwamum which is the main southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul’s Jongno District. This concert will be streamed on Netflix on March 21 at 8:00 PM KST (4:00 AM PST / 7:00 AM ET).
BTS (방탄소년단), short for Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bulletproof Boy Scouts), are a five-time GRAMMY-nominated group who debuted in June 2013 with their EP 2 Cool 4 Skool. The seven-member group consisting of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook have spent nearly 14 years building a global presence defined by genre-blending music, electrifying performances, and deeply personal storytelling. Their authenticity and self-produced artistry have formed a beautiful connection with their fanbase, ARMY. Beyond music, their impact extends into advocacy, notably through the LOVE MYSELF campaign and their “Speak Yourself” address at the United Nations. They have earned six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2020 and were named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year in 2020.
Beginning in April in Goyang, BTS will embark on the ARIRANG world tour in support of the album.
Known for their intricate concepts and narrative-driven discography, BTS once again deliver a cohesive and emotionally resonant project. ARIRANG not only reflects their identity thematically, but also showcases lyrical depth, guiding listeners through a rich sonic journey. The album feels like a matured, 2026 sister version to their first studio album Dark & Wild, released on August 20, 2014, but darker, edgier, and more introspective, yet equally raw and emotionally charged.
Across 14 tracks, ARIRANG unfolds as a reflection of BTS’ journey to date, channeling their experiences, growth, and hardships. The first half is very powerful and high-energy, while a shift occurs after track six, “No. 29,” where the album transitions into a more vulnerable and introspective space.
The project also features an impressive lineup of collaborators. Ryan Tedder contributes to “Body To Body” and “NORMAL,” while Diplo joins on “Body To Body,” and El Guincho lends his touch to “Hooligan.”
Beyond these standout contributions, ARIRANG is further elevated by an elite roster of globally renowned producers and songwriters, including Mike WiLL Made-It, Flume, Kevin Parker, and JPEGMAFIA. All of them bring a diverse and dynamic sonic palette to the album.
Tracklist
- 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
Track 1: Body To Body
“Body To Body” opens ARIRANG with a dark, powerful energy, setting the tone for the tracks that follow. Built as a roaring, stadium-ready anthem, it feels like it was made for live performances.
The track begins in English and alternates between English and Korean, adding to its dynamic, global appeal. This song is an absolute banger, but what truly brings it to life for us is the bridge. By incorporating elements of the traditional “Arirang” folk melody, the song takes on a deeper emotional resonance, weaving cultural homage into its high-energy sound.
It’s a fantastic introduction to the album, blending intensity with tradition and teasing what is still to come with the rest of the album.
Track #2: Hooligan
“Hooligan” traces BTS’ trailblazing journey where they continue to pave the way for others. It’s a rap-heavy and sonically striking track and one of our favourites so far.
What immediately catches attention is the playful yet commanding “hahahah hooligan” ad-lib, paired with the clash of sharp blades, which adds an edge to the track’s intensity. The beat is infectious, while the vocal line, Jin, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook bring a smooth contrast, blending seamlessly into the chorus and elevating its impact.
With El Guincho contributing to the production, “Hooligan” was one of the most anticipated tracks for us and it absolutely delivers.
Track #3: Aliens
“Aliens,” produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, is a fun, high-energy track that channels BTS’ debut-era hip-hop roots. Driven by a punchy, danceable 808 beat, the song feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
True to its title, “Aliens” explores the idea of being perceived as different. BTS lean into this narrative, reflecting on the traits that set them apart while embracing the individuality that defines both the group and its members. This track delivers a powerful, meaningful message.
Track #4: FYA
“FYA” is a track that feels fresh for BTS, as it explores a sound they haven’t fully tapped into before. It’s so fun to hear this track because it’s bold, and dynamic. The standout club-style dance break adds another layer of excitement, making it easy to imagine the energy it will bring to a live performance or in an actual club. If they perform it tomorrow, it’s bound to be a highlight, especially with what’s sure to be an unforgettable choreography moment.
Track #5: 2.0
“2.0” picks up seamlessly where “FYA” ends, with a transition so smooth we didn’t even realize “FYA” ended. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the track continues the album’s high-energy momentum while introducing a reflective undertone.
2.0” highlights just how far BTS have come since their 2013 debut. It represents a new era for the group, one shaped by growth, experience, and their post-military chapter. The title itself feels intentional, symbolizing a reinvention, “2.0 version” of BTS. It can also be interpreted as a modern evolution of Dark & Wild, echoing its edge and intensity while showcasing a more refined, mature sound.
Track #6: No. 29
“No. 29” serves as the interlude on ARIRANG, marking a clear division between the album’s high-energy, hip-hop-driven first half and its more vulnerable, introspective second act. At first listen, the track left many confused as it’s a pretty much silent track, but that choice is entirely intentional.
It opens with a gong-like tone which is the toll of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, a historic artifact dating back to 771 AD and officially designated as South Korea’s National Treasure No. 29. Running at just 1:38, the remainder of the piece is left in silence, allowing the bell’s echo to fully resonate.
The result is a meditative pause, that gently resets the listener after the intensity of the preceding tracks. In its restraint, “No. 29” becomes one of the album’s most thoughtful moments, guiding the transition into the title track and the emotional depth that follows.
Track #7: SWIM
“SWIM,” the title track of ARIRANG, marks a pivotal moment in BTS’ evolving sound and narrative. It’s a synth-heavy track, anchored by a pulsing bassline that weaves in and out, which is an instant earworm that lingers long after the first listen. It’s undeniably catchy, yet emotionally resonant, delivering a chorus that hit us with goosebumps from minute we heard it.
“SWIM” signals a new chapter for BTS. Its message is simple yet profound: keep moving forward. Rather than resisting life’s currents, the song embraces the idea of pushing ahead at your own pace, framing perseverance as a quiet, powerful act of self-love. With RM leading the songwriting, the track carries a lyrical depth as always and it feels both personal and universally relatable.
The song is accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Tanu Muino and starring Lili Reinhart. Filmed in Lisbon, the video unfolds like a cinematic journey. It follows a ship navigating an endless sea, which is symbolic as it represents healing and growth. Lili portrays a woman grappling with doubt and pain, while the seven members remain by her side as quiet sources of support. As the narrative progresses, she reflects, regains her strength, and moves forward, capturing a gentle yet powerful story of resilience and recovery.
BTS shared their thoughts on the track, describing it as,
“A song that mirrors life itself. I hope it resonates with many people as they move through each day, taking each moment as it comes, splashing along, and continuing to swim forward. The more you listen, the warmer it feels, so I hope it becomes a source of strength as people go through their lives. Also, just like the folk song “Arirang,” which has been passed from mouth to mouth and stayed with people through generations, I hope “SWIM” will remain close to people’s hearts for a long time to come.”
Both sonically and visually, “SWIM” is a hit and currently our favourite track. It balances power with delicacy, and it’s very introspective, while further solidifying BTS’ global presence. For us, it’s the defining highlight of the album.
Track #8: Merry Go Round
“Merry Go Round” is another favourite, produced by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. It’s a slower, more sentimental track that leans into a dreamy almost hypnotic atmosphere which mirrors the gentle motion of a merry-go-round.
Through its soft production and reflective tone, BTS explore the idea of enduring life’s endless cycles. There’s a quiet steadfastness at its core, capturing the feeling of moving forward even when everything seems to repeat. It’s delicate, introspective, and emotionally resonant.
Track #9: Normal
“NORMAL” is a pop-rock-driven track produced by Ryan Tedder. On this song, BTS explore the tension between life in the spotlight and the desire to feel “normal.”
It’s another track that is vulnerable and introspective. It gives listeners a glimpse into the inner thoughts of the seven members as they navigate global fame while holding onto their sense of self beyond it. It reflects on what it means to be seen as some of the most recognizable figures in the world, yet still crave the simplicity and authenticity of ordinary life.
Track #10: Like Animals
“Like Animals” is another Diplo produced song and it’s slower, but grungier and edgier. It stands out as another experimental moment for BTS, blending raw emotion with a textured, alternative sonic palette.
The track opens with Jung Kook’s falsetto which sounds like an animal howl and it’s layered over delicate guitar, creating a calm, yet intriguing introduction. As the song progresses, the bassline gradually builds, growing heavier and more intense, shifting the mood into something more restless and urgent. You can tell this is a Diplo song as well as he has a distinctive production style.
Lyrically and sonically, “Like Animals” captures the tension of being confined and the instinctive desire to break free. It mirrors the feeling of animals pushing against the limits of a cage, ultimately expressing a longing for freedom and the ability to live authentically, without restraint.
Track #11: they don’t know ‘bout us
“they don’t know ‘bout us” is a track that caught us off guard in the best way. Going in, we weren’t sure what to expect, but sonically, it delivers in a big way. The retro, radio-style intro immediately stands out, setting a distinct tone that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The song is about resilience and self-assurance. BTS lean into their awareness of those who try to follow or replicate their path, using the recurring motif of “shadow” to reflect that dynamic. Rather than shying away from it, they confront it head-on and with confidence.
It’s ultimately a track rooted in identity and capturing the group’s strength in simply being themselves, unapologetically.
Track #12: One More Night
“One More Night” is another track produced by Dipolo and another sonically experimental song. It’s a track that blends house with traditional top 40 pop vibes. Diplo’s signature style is evident throughout this track as well.
Lyrically, “One More Night” centres on the desire to stay within a “fantasy” just a little longer. The repetition of that phrase reinforces the emotion, capturing a sense of urgency and longing.
It’s a track that balances escapism with vulnerability, adding another layer to the album’s emotional and sonic range.
Track #13: Please
“Please” is a chill, sort of R&B-style track that radiates warmth. It focuses on the desire to stay together, and it’s a heartfelt, reflective track.
The song’s lyrics feel open to interpretation, but it can be seen as a message of gratitude from BTS to their fans thanking them for their unwavering support and encouraging them to continue this shared journey.
Track #14: Into the Sun
“Into the Sun” closes ARIRANG with a reflective yet forward-looking energy. The track has a subtle cowboy/country vibe which is something BTS haven’t explored sonically before. Ending the album on this track feels like a message to ARMY: to look into the sun as BTS moves forward, while the fans follow the group’s journey and BTS, in turn, lean on and support each other and ARMY through it all.
Together, these final tracks feel like letters of reassurance, heartfelt and intimate.
Creativity and personal touch are evident across every track. RM is credited on every song except “No. 29,” while SUGA and j-hope contributed to multiple tracks, including “Body To Body,” “Merry Go Round,” and “NORMAL.” Jimin contributed to “they don’t know ’bout us” and “Into the Sun,” V contributed to “2.0” and “Into the Sun,” and Jung Kook played a key role in the creation of four tracks, including “Hooligan.”
ARIRANG has already claimed the #1 spot on Apple Music, cementing its impact and reach.
Special thanks to BIGHIT MUSIC and their PR team for the opportunity to cover and review this release.
ARIRANG is available on all streaming platforms — listen here.
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