BTS' new album Arirang (ARIRANG), their first full-group return in four years, was reportedly shaped decisively by the persuasion of HYBE Chair Bang Si-hyuk during the concept selection process.
According to the entertainment industry on the 21st, Chair Bang directly proposed Arirang as the theme for BTS' comeback album. The judgment was that it is a universal yet symbolic subject that can capture both their identity as world stars and their self as Koreans working abroad.
Chair Bang, who has worked with BTS since their debut days, has closely watched the members' growth, their wandering along the way, and their struggles with identity. He also took part as the executive producer on this album to set its direction.
Early on, there were concerns among the members. They judged that the subject of Arirang could be seen as excessive nationalism, or so-called "gukppong." Jimin said, "Because Arirang is a word and a folk song that any Korean has encountered countless times since childhood, choosing it as the album title came with pressure and a sense of responsibility."
However, Chair Bang kept explaining why "Arirang is necessary for BTS now," pushing to persuade them, and the members eventually agreed to the concept. Jungkook took part in designing the album's main logo.
The album by BTS weaves in the responsibilities and scrutiny demanded of global stars, as well as the confusion and questions about identity felt by an individual. In particular, observers say the sentiment of Arirang aligns with the diaspora emotions felt by those who live away from their homeland, naturally connecting with BTS' narrative.
The title track Swim (SWIM) unfolds the attitude of moving forward at one's own pace rather than fighting a fierce current as a "love of life," which some interpret as expanding into a contemporary "Arirang."
Discussions continued over the track list as well. The members could not easily reach a conclusion about inserting the melody of the folk song Arirang into the opening track Body to Body. During this process, Chair Bang is said to have persuaded them by saying, "Imagine the emotion of singing your country's folk song together before a global audience. As artists, could you give up such a moment?" In the end, the Arirang melody was incorporated into the track.
Meanwhile, BTS will hold the performance BTS Comeback Live: Arirang at 8 p.m. in the Gwanghwamun Square area in Seoul on the same day. They plan to present stages for new songs, including the title track.