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The time came when 12pm KST finally brought ARMY information about BTS’ fifth album release, ARIRANG. The details came slowly ever since the Valentine's Day event, “What is your love song?” A global campaign that led to speculation across the fandom. But the wait finally ended when the group announced the album's track list, ready for release on 20th March.
ARIRANG looks set to be a reflection on both BTS's hiatus and their journey that has brought them to today. Across 14 tracks such as "2.0", the album captures each member's present mindset as they step into a new and exciting chapter of their career. This reflection is dripping in confidence for “they dont know 'bout us" as they reinforce the quiet confidence and enduring mantra of “we are just us.”
The lead single, "SWIM", is centred on one’s resolve to keep moving forward despite the turbulent waves of life. Rather than fighting the current, the song embraces the choice to move ahead at one’s own pace as an expression of love for life itself. With RM leading the song writing, his lyrical depth lends further authenticity to the track. As always, the poetry will flow out in each song with a level of relatability and depth many have come to love and respect the members for.
Drawing its name from "Arirang", the traditional Korean folk song, BTS’ ARIRANG symbolically reconnects the group’s cultural roots and sentiments felt by the band in 2026. The album stands as a powerful milestone in their story, channelling their experiences and thoughts into 14 tracks that reveal BTS exactly as they are today.
The album opens with “Body to Body", followed by "Hooligan", "Aliens", "FYA", and "2.0". At its core lies the interlude track, “No. 29", followed by the lead single "SWIM", which leads into “Merry Go Round", "NORMAL", “Like Animals", “they don’t know ’bout us", “One More Night", and “Please” before closing with the anthemic “Into the Sun".
True to form, the members had a hands-on experience with them having a central role in shaping the album's creative direction. RM is credited on every track excluding the interlude, while SUGA and j-hope contributed to multiple songs, including “Body to Body", “Merry Go Round", and "NORMAL". Jimin participated in “they don’t know ’bout us” and “Into the Sun", while V contributed to “2.0” and “Into the Sun". Jung Kook also played a key role in the creation of four tracks, including "Hooligan".
Not only did the members have a key role but they were joined by a star-studded lineup of world-renowned producers and songwriters, including Mike WiLL Made-It, Flume, El Guincho, JPEGMAFIA, Diplo, Ryan Tedder and more.
<BTS 컴백 라이브: ARIRANG> 예고편 내일 공개. #BTSLiveonNetflix #BTS_ARIRANG pic.twitter.com/QN6yvtuZaj
— Netflix Korea｜넷플릭스 코리아 (@NetflixKR) March 4, 2026
Without a doubt, ARIRANG is poised to become another stamp in BTS' timeless discography, continuing to share their Korean culture with audiences across the world. That celebration will also extend beyond the album. As of the 21st of March, BTS will make history performing at the legendary Gwanghwamun Square, hosting a free concert for fans that will be livestreamed globally on Netflix. A documentary capturing the making of ARIRANG will follow, with its trailer set to be released today after the members gave a sneak peek on official channels today. While the wait officially starts, fans can take part in a playful collaboration with Google. Simply search for BTS, and users can unlock a side quest game that reveals questions and rewards tied to the album's song titles.
ARIRANG will be available on streaming platforms worldwide on March 20 at midnight ET.