Global media attention focused on BTS's new album title "ARIRANG."
BTS will make a comeback on Mar. 20 with their fifth studio album "ARIRANG" (Arirang). Immediately after the album title was revealed on the 16th, major overseas outlets all prominently covered the news. They focused on the cultural and emotional symbolism of "Arirang" and the background behind choosing it as the title. They also provided detailed explanations of "Arirang" and meaningfully interpreted the message BTS wants to convey. In the process, the fact that "Arirang" is naturally spreading worldwide drew attention.
Forbes said, "BTS has placed Korean identity at the center of their music. The album title 'ARIRANG' symbolizes that after a hiatus they have returned to their roots. For BTS, who have consistently connected Korean and global music fans, 'ARIRANG' is both a return home and an extension of their mission to introduce Korean culture to the world."
They also noted that the Korean folk song "Arirang" has been sung for hundreds of years and is an "open song" to which anyone can add lyrics and variations. Mentioning the human creativity, empathy and freedom of expression contained in "Arirang," they analyzed that this aligns with BTS's artistic philosophy.
L'Officiel USA explained, "According to UNESCO, 'Arirang' is a Korean folk song with a history of at least 600 years. There is no single definition of the word 'Arirang,' but the song has been associated with universal emotions such as creativity, freedom, empathy and hope." It introduced "reunion" as a main theme of "Arirang" and reported, "Fans interpret it as a narrative of meeting again after a hiatus."
Consequence said, "'Arirang' is the title of a beloved folk song in Korea and is considered a core symbol of Korean culture and identity. The song's lyrics deal with separation, longing and the desire for reunion. It is a fitting choice for the title of BTS's new album, released about four years later."
In addition, entertainment outlets UPROXX, music platform Genius, Singapore's CNA Lifestyle and Spain's Los 40 all paid attention to BTS's album title. They interpreted the emotional meaning of "Arirang" and pinpointed reasons for choosing "ARIRANG" as the album title.
Meanwhile, BTS's fifth studio album "ARIRANG" is an album that deals with the group's identity, longing and deep love, and contains a total of 14 tracks. After the new album's release, they will begin a large-scale world tour starting in Goyang on Apr. 9.
[Photo] BigHit Music
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