BTS surprised fans on January 15, 2026, when they announced that their new full-length album would be titled “Arirang.” BigHit Music shared the news through a Weverse post confirming that pre-orders will open on January 16, 2025, for fans to get a copy of the record. The choice of name immediately drew attention because of the cultural weight it carries in South Korea, with Arirang being recognized as the most famous traditional folk song in the country. In addition, its meaning reaches far beyond music charts or entertainment trends, touching upon the history and cultural background of the country.
“Arirang” is more than a title for a BTS album, since the word represents national identity, emotional history, and values passed down for generations in Korean culture. The folk song that names the album is often described as the sound of Korea because it captures feelings of love, longing, separation, and reunion.
However, historians cannot fully trace its origins, but many believe it began hundreds of years ago in the region of Jeongseon in Gangwon-do. The song has a strong sense of connection because the melody and lyrics speak to emotions that have shaped the country’s past, with interpretations suggesting that the meaning of the word is “my beloved one,” which comes from the roots “ari” (beautiful) and “rang” (loved).
To support the album release, BTS also confirmed a global tour on January 13, 2025. The tour will include 79 concerts across 34 regions, including Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. The shows will feature a 360-degree in-the-round stage that surrounds the group with their fans, also known as ARMY, allowing for an immersive concert experience. “Arirang” will be released on March 20, 2026, with multiple physical versions in vinyl and CD.