After nearly four years of hiatus due to military service and solo pursuits, all seven members of BTS have officially reunited with the album Arirang, proving that their brilliance and global influence remain as strong as ever.
Before their temporary break, BTS stood as the most successful K-pop act of all time, breaking unprecedented records. The group dominated the Billboard charts with hits like Dynamite, Butter, and Permission to Dance, while also holding numerous album sales records in Korea. Their name became synonymous with the global idol wave. Pausing activities at the peak of their career left many fans with a sense of longing.
During their nearly four-year absence, K-pop continued to rise globally with viral hits like Cupid and Magnetic. Groups such as NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM expanded the genre’s recognition in the US and UK markets. Notably, the emergence of KPop Demon Hunters and its hit Golden in 2025 pushed Hallyu to unprecedented heights, even achieving milestones that both BTS and BLACKPINK had yet to reach such as winning an Oscar for Best Original Song.
Amid these shifts, BTS’s position seemed to face new challenges. While solo releases from members like Jungkook and Jimin achieved impressive results, their reach was still largely driven by the group’s massive fanbase rather than widespread public impact. Their full-group comeback, therefore, became the ultimate test of whether BTS could still command the same global spotlight. With Arirang, they delivered a resounding and confident answer.
Returning to Core Values
From its very title, Arirang reflects BTS’s deep connection to Korean heritage. Named after one of Korea’s most iconic folk songs recognized globally and first recorded in 1896 the album pays tribute to a timeless cultural symbol that has resonated across generations.
The opening track, Body to Body, immediately sets the tone with a powerful fusion of traditional Korean percussion and a sampled Arirang melody layered over intense hip-hop beats a sound BTS hasn’t revisited in years. It serves as both a tribute to their roots and a bold declaration that their identity remains unchanged.
The following tracks Hooligan, Aliens, FYA, and 2.0 continue this hip-hop-driven energy, reminiscent of BTS’s early days. Each song showcases unique production elements: Hooligan blends metallic sounds with old-school string textures, Aliens dives deep into heavy 808 bass under the influence of producer Mike WiLL Made-It, while FYA embraces a Jersey Club vibe with dense electronic vocals. 2.0 further reinforces the album’s trap-heavy direction.
This first half of the album highlights the rap line’s strengths, with RM, Suga, and J-Hope delivering explosive and creative verses. RM’s deep tone, Suga’s technical flow, and J-Hope’s melodic precision shine throughout.
One of the most remarkable tracks, No. 29, stands out with its minimalism featuring only the resonating sound of the sacred bell of King Seongdeok, a national treasure of Korea, echoing for 1 minute and 38 seconds. This track acts as a symbolic closing to the album’s first half, honoring the core values and identity BTS has upheld throughout their decade-long career.
Refined Innovation and Expansion
Following No. 29, Arirang shifts into a new sonic direction filled with experimentation. The lead single Swim slows things down with soft, soothing melodies reminiscent of Life Goes On, enhanced by delicate synth layers. Its accessibility and emotional depth position it as a strong contender for the group’s next major hit.
The album also demonstrates BTS’s expanded collaborations with global producers. Merry Go Round introduces psychedelic elements brought by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, while Normal reflects Ryan Tedder’s signature pop-rock style with distinct drum patterns. Like Animals continues this rock influence, showing BTS’s willingness to step beyond their comfort zone.
Meanwhile, One More Night channels vibrant synths and 90s house influences under Diplo’s direction. they don’t know ’bout us leans into R&B, focusing on atmosphere and vocal expression, while Into the Sun highlights the members’ harmonization, emphasizing their unity and bond as a group.
Ultimately, Arirang represents a carefully crafted journey starting with a tribute to the roots that defined BTS, symbolized by the sacred Seongdeok Bell, and evolving into a broader exploration of sound and style.
After nearly four years away, the K-pop landscape may have changed, but BTS remains steadfast bold, innovative, and undeniably dominant. Their return not only reaffirms their legacy but also proves that their glow has never faded.
Sources: Znews
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