The world waited for BTS and they returned with their fifth studio album "Arirang" (ARIRANG).
BTS released the new record today (20th) at 1 p.m. and released the music video for the title track "SWIM." The music video was filmed against the vast sea of Lisbon, Portugal, alternating between an actual large ship and an elaborate set, boasting overwhelming scale and cinematography.
The music video begins on a massive ship sailing the endless sea. A woman in the footage experiences shaking, frustration and difficult times. At this point, BTS appears as helpers guiding the ship, taking the wheel and raising the anchor to scout the way forward. The seven members silently support her, each staying by her side and watching in their own way. Finally, the woman cuts off the necklace that had been like a shackle and breaks into a bright smile. It sensually expresses the excitement, tension and moments of challenge ahead of a new journey.
Hollywood actor Lili Reinhart appears and heightens immersion with delicate emotional work. World-renowned director Tanu Muino took the helm and completed a cinematic mise-en-scène like a film.
The members said through BigHit Music that you can see a subtly more grown-up BTS, noting it as a viewing point. They also said that since the video has a story, they hope people will immerse themselves as if watching a movie. They also shared behind-the-scenes stories about the weather during filming. They said, "Unfortunately there wasn't a single day with good weather. There are scenes shot in the rain, and I remember being glad they turned out rather pretty."
The new record "Arirang" is an album that captures BTS's identity and universal emotions that many people can relate to. Chairman Bang Si-hyuk oversaw overall producing to raise the musical completeness. The title track "SWIM" is an alternative pop song that sings about an attitude of not stopping and moving forward amid life's waves. The will to swim calmly at one's own pace is expressed as a "love of life."
Meanwhile, BTS will hold "BTS comeback live: ARIRANG" (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG) around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 8 p.m. on the 21st. They are scheduled to present stages of new songs including the title track. Then on the 23rd (local time) they will collaborate with the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify to hold the "Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE" event in New York, U.S. On the 25th and 26th, they will appear on NBC's popular program "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to continue the global comeback momentum.
[Photo] BigHit Music
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