BTS Reveal Animation Trailer '‘아리랑’(ARIRANG) Ahead of Fifth Album ARIRANG

Photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC

 

ARMYs have been treated to a tidal wave of content, as BTS finally unveiled a slew of concept photos, animations, and the lore behind their upcoming fifth studio album ARIRANG. Starting with an animation trailer: '"아리랑" (ARIRANG) Animation Trailer: What is your love song?' on BTS’ official YouTube. The short and sweet animation sees the members showcase their cultural heritage and legacy through the meaning of ARIRANG. Returning after four years, the members have curated album concepts such as 'Rooted in Korea'. 

With this trailer it showcases the story of Korean men who first sang “A-ra-rang” at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1896, making it the first known recording of a Korean song. The animation rewinds to the pivotal moment in history, depicting the men singing the song that would go on to become one of the most widely recognised Korean songs in the world. The scene also portrays them sharing the song with students at Howard University, illustrating how the music travelled beyond Korea. 

It then cuts to the groups in 2013, their debut year, going on to highlight the global attention BTS has garnered as they are performing in a stadium filled with a sea of BTS official light sticks. The sequence captures the band performing in front of a roaring global audience, bridging the historical moment of “Arirang” with BTS’ own journey from Korea to the world stage. Over the years the group has brought that heritage in tracks such as "Idol", where traditional Korean outfits were worn. The scene then cuts to the seven members gathered around the gramophone, singing and dancing, as a subtitle appears, reading, “When the world feels heavy, when your heart feels light, what is your love song?” The line continues with the subtitle, “My love song is…", before the animation closes on the final shot of the ARIRANG logo.

ARMY, @bts_bighit 에게서 전화가 왔어요 📞
함께 받아볼까요?

점차 다가오는 ARIRANG 발매일!
스포티파이에서 사전 저장하면 가장 먼저 만나볼 수 있다는 점,
잊지 마세요!https://t.co/eVSsC3odNh#BTS_ARIRANG #SpotifyxBTS#스포티파이 #방탄소년단#Spotify #BTS pic.twitter.com/rhpd2HWqd3

— Spotify Korea (@SpotifyKR) March 13, 2026

Of course this isn't the first time the slogan “WHAT IS YOUR LOVE SONG?" has had a global rollout across several cities such as Seoul, New York, and London. Installations saw the slogan appear, and the campaign is the heart of the message ARIRANG aims to bring through not just to the members but also for listeners. 

ARIRANG stems from personal experiences and expands into a universal narrative that transcends generations and cultures. With this, BTS declare their identity with clarity and power: born in Korea, playing for the world. One thing is clear, and that is BTS are not just returning to their roots but showcasing what matters most to them: their identity. All 14 tracks have been revealed, and the wait is almost over. 

ARIRANG will be released on streaming platforms worldwide on March 20 at midnight ET. Following the release of the album, the members will perform at the historic Gwanghwamun Square the event will be livestreamed globally on Netflix. Pre-order the “BTS SWIM Cassette” available now on the official BTS Store!