BTS Announce Fifth Studio Album 'ARIRANG': Here's What It Means
The BTS boys are coming!
The K-pop superstar boy band announced their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, out on March 20 at 1 p.m. KST (March 19 at 11 p.m. EST).
Keep reading to find out more…
Here’s what their company BIG HIT had to say: “ARIRANG holds special significance as it marks the first album released by the group in three years and
nine months and sets out the the direction the members will take moving forward.”
“The members were deeply involved throughout the songwriting and production process, infusing their own thoughts and identities while expressing the emotions and reflections
they experienced along their journey.”
“Across 14 tracks, the album shares the honest stories BTS has long wanted to tell ARMY, who have been waiting for their full-group comeback. Filled with music that’s most true to BTS, the album serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to ARMY, who have remained by their side with unwavering support,” the statement continues.
“Lastly, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all ARMY who have waited for so long,” they concluded.
“Arirang” is a Korean folk song, estimated to be over 600 years old.
“For some, the song represents something larger than music; it encapsulates what Koreans call ‘han,’ a complex emotion of deep-seated sorrow, longing, and collective grief mixed with resilience and hope,” Forbes reports.
It’s an unofficial national anthem of sorts, and is considered part of Korea’s cultural heritage.
The news comes just as BTS announced their biggest ever global tour.