BTS Returns: Announcing ARIRANG Album & World Tour
BigHit Music, the label representing BTS, has announced the global boy band’s comeback on Korean communication platform Weverse.
After three years and nine months, the beloved K-pop group is returning with a new album and world tour.
The announcement was made on January 4th, along with confirmation that the world tour schedule will be available to the public on January 14th at 12 am.
The news marks the group’s long-awaited 5th studio album, "ARIRANG". With 14 tracks, the album is a thank you to ARMY, incorporating creative input from the BTS members.
What does Arirang mean?
Arirang is a heartfelt word and genre of Korean music that explores themes of longing, loss, and the transition from depression to hope. It is a folk song, acting as a sentimental unofficial national anthem for both South and North Koreans.
The song is believed to be centuries old. Arirang has numerous meanings, but “ari” translates to “beautiful” or “aching” while “rang” translates to “beloved.” The song is often sung in times of hardship, celebration, or significant change.
The lyrics allow flexibility, as singers weave their personal stories into their renditions. There are 60 different versions of the song, each with unique lyrical variations. However, the song consistently evokes the imagery of traversing the Arirang mountain pass (Arirang gogae).
Known for its mountainous landscape, Korea’s mountain passes are challenging, historically isolating regions. The symbolism of traveling these treacherous trails represents the resilience of the Korean people during painful cultural and political transformation.
What is BTS’s connection to Arirang?
Since their debut, BTS has infused their culture into their music and performances. They have included traditional Korean clothing, such as the hanbok, in their music videos, like “IDOL” from 2018. Traditional instruments have been a mainstay of the group’s production. “Ddaeng,” released in 2018 and performed by the rapper line, composed of RM, Suga, and J-Hope, blends modern hip-hop with traditional instrumentation.
The group’s commentary on pressing Korean social issues has kept them in touch with their roots. Their 2014 track “Spine Breaker” discusses economic inequality and criticizes the prioritization of material goods over meaningful relationships. “Spring Day” acts as a tender tribute to the victims and survivors of the Sewol ferry disaster, which occurred in April of 2014.
"ARIRANG" is yet another entry into their culturally relevant body of work. The album’s creative direction is not only a statement of identity but a symbolic recognition of the yearning felt by BTS and ARMY as they anticipate their return to the stage. The BigHit announcement backed up the meaning by stating that BTS wishes to express the emotions and challenges they faced during their time away.
Where can you listen to/buy the album?
"ARIRANG" is set for a March 20th release date.
The standard album costs $15.99 and is currently available for pre-order on the official BTS store, Target, Amazon, Weverse Shop, and Choice Music LA.
Box sets, member-specific vinyl variations, and CDs are available for purchase, differing by retailer.
BTS’s team initiated a countdown for the album’s release on Spotify, opening it up for pre-save to Spotify users.
How much are BTS tickets?
As of January 22, tickets are available for pre-sale on websites such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats, ranging from $171 to $6,000+.
What are the BTS tour dates?
Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium
April 25 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
April 26 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
El Paso, TX Sun Bowl Stadium
May 2 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
May 3 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
Stanford, CA Stanford Stadium
May 16 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
May 17 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium
May 23 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
May 24 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
May 27 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 8 PM
East Rutherford, NJ MetLife Stadium
August 1 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
August 2 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
Foxborough, MA Gillette Stadium
August 5 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 8 PM
August 6 ∙ Thursday ∙ 8 PM
Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadium
August 10 ∙ Monday ∙ 8 PM
August 11 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 8 PM
Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium
August 15 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
August 16 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
Chicago, IL Soldier Field
August 27 ∙ Thursday ∙ 8 PM
August 28 ∙ Friday ∙ 8 PM
Inglewood, CA SoFi Stadium
September 1 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 8 PM
September 2 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 8 PM
September 5 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8 PM
September 6 ∙ Sunday ∙ 8 PM
