BTS has officially announced their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, set to release on March 20, 2026. The announcement, made via BigHit Music’s social media channels on Thursday, also opened pre-orders for the album. The release will be followed by the group’s long-awaited comeback world tour, spanning 34 cities with 79 performances.
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The album’s title carries deep cultural significance. Arirang is a centuries-old Korean folk song widely regarded as the nation’s unofficial anthem. While its exact meaning is debated, scholars suggest “ari” refers to “beautiful” or “aching” and “rang” to “beloved,” symbolizing a journey from hardship to hope. Over 600 years, the song has inspired countless renditions — 3,600 versions across 60 variants — and has served as a source of joy, resilience, and resistance, particularly during Japan’s colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. It has been recognized twice on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, submitted separately by South and North Korea.
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For BTS, naming the album ARIRANG reflects a deliberate homage to their Korean roots. The band has consistently celebrated Korean identity in its music and performances, incorporating traditional instruments, hanbok-inspired outfits, and addressing social issues in lyrics. BigHit Music stated that the album seeks to convey universal emotions while honoring the group’s cultural heritage, promising a project that resonates globally.
The ARIRANG world tour will begin in South Korea’s Goyang on April 9, with two additional concerts in the city before moving to Japan, the United States, and Europe. The tour is scheduled to conclude in March 2027 in Manila.
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With ARIRANG, BTS continues to blend global appeal with Korean tradition, further cementing their place as cultural ambassadors of Korea on the world stage.