BTS has returned as a full group after three years and nine months, stepping into a new chapter of their career with the release of their fifth full-length album "ARIRANG."
Framed by the title track "SWIM," the album captures a redefined musical identity shaped by the group’s individual growth, while naturally weaving in Korean elements that reflect their roots.
On March 20, BIGHIT MUSIC unveiled a full Q&A accompanying the release, offering a closer look at the group’s thoughts on their reunion, creative direction, and the meaning behind what they describe as a new beginning.
"ARIRANG" is BTS’s first full-group album since the June 2022 anthology "Proof." Following a period defined by military service and individual activities, the seven members reunite to present a renewed team identity built on their accumulated experiences.
Executive-produced by Bang Si-hyuk, the album features 14 tracks including the lead single "SWIM." All members participated in songwriting, reflecting their personal experiences while balancing Korean elements with their present artistic voice.
The members shared, “We are happy and grateful just to be able to come together as seven again,” adding, “We thought deeply about what defines us. Rather than a grand message, we focused on ‘us’ itself.”
Regarding the title track, they described "SWIM" as “a simple and gentle song that makes you want to keep swimming along with it the more you listen,” expressing hope that it will “remain in listeners’ hearts and give them strength in their everyday lives.”
BTS will also connect with global fans through the Weverse live “STUDIO NOTES | ARIRANG” alongside the album’s global release.
Below is the full Q&A released in celebration of BTS’s fifth full-length album "ARIRANG."
Q. How does it feel to be making a comeback after three years and nine months?
A. It feels exciting and nerve-wracking, but above all, deeply emotional. Just being able to come together again as seven means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for that. Being able to show ourselves again is something we’re truly happy about. There was excitement, but also some fear. Still, with the members and ARMY, we don’t feel too worried.
Q. What message do you want to deliver through this album?
SUGA: We thought a lot about what feels most like us. Rather than a grand message, we focused on “us.”
Jimin: We wanted to express the idea of continuing to swim forward without stopping.
Jung Kook: I hope people feel that this is the most BTS-like album, capturing each member’s time and color.
Q. How did you decide on incorporating Korean elements into the album?
RM: Korean elements are a key factor that connects the seven of us. They are also tied to our roots and where we started.
Jin, SUGA: Since all of us are Korean, we thought it would be natural to include those elements.
j-hope: Coming back and showing ourselves as we are means starting again from our roots.
V: All members shared many ideas, and we worked to reflect each person’s individuality.
Q. What standards did you set when expressing those Korean elements?
RM: Rather than using them in a fixed way, we wanted to interpret them naturally in our own style today.
Jin, SUGA: Instead of forcing them in, we focused on blending them in a way that still feels like us.
j-hope: Even within balance and restraint, we thought bold moments could be more impactful.
Jimin: Since “Arirang” is such a familiar word to Koreans, we felt a strong sense of responsibility in choosing it.
Q. Why did you choose "SWIM" as the title track?
RM: It has a simple and gentle charm, like Pyongyang naengmyeon. The more you listen, the more it makes you want to swim along.
Jin: It’s a song that stays with you. The rhythm in the middle is especially memorable.
j-hope: We focused on creating a performance where the song remains clear even on stage.
V: The more I listened, the more I felt it’s a song you can keep coming back to.
Jung Kook: It shows BTS as we are now, with new performance elements.
Q. How would you like "SWIM" to be remembered?
A. As a song like life itself. It’s warm and becomes more meaningful the more you listen. We hope it gives strength and stays in people’s hearts.
Q. What new attempts did you make with this album?
A. We focused on expanding genres, sound, and vocal expression. We tried things we hadn’t done before. We can’t say we’re 100% satisfied, but we are happy that we are still evolving and moving forward.
Q. What do you remember from the LA songwriting sessions?
SUGA: We lived together and worked on music. We talked a lot about our rookie days.
j-hope: The process itself felt new.
Jimin: It was meaningful that all seven of us worked together.
V: A melody I sang became the final track "Into the Sun."
Jung Kook: Listening to all the demos together was fun and memorable.
Q. What does “BTS 2.0” mean to you?
RM: It’s about balance. Half is about coming back together, half is about moving forward.
Jin: We need to grow more and become more mature.
SUGA: It’s a new beginning.
j-hope: It’s about growing as artists and showing more freedom.
Jimin: It’s about continuing to strive and improve.
V: It’s a chance to show our growth on stage.
Jung Kook: It means something new, a fresh start.
Q. What has not changed?
RM: When I’m with the members, my childlike side comes out.
Jin: We still laugh and joke the same way.
SUGA, V: Our passion for the stage.
Jimin: Our attitude of always moving forward.
j-hope, Jung Kook: Our love for ARMY.
Q. A message to ARMY?
A. Thank you sincerely for waiting for us. We’ll come back with music, performances, and a world tour. We’ve prepared a lot beyond the album, so let’s enjoy it together. We love you.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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