Making a huge comeback on the 20th of March 2026, the global K-pop superstars, BTS is back in the music scene. The group that consists of 7 members – RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook – has built a strong fanbase since their debut on the 13th of June 2010. Their music since then has engaged on various themes of identity, mental health and social commentary that profoundly resonates with the BTS fans, known as the BTS ARMY. Following a period of mandatory military service back in South Korea, the boys have finally returned as a group with their new album titled Arirang.
BTS ARIRANG album on Spotify
“Arirang” as a word carries a deep cultural significance within the Korean history. It is traditionally associated with an old folk song that embodies themes of love, longing and separation. The use of Arirang in BTS’s album title signals an ambitious artistic intent to bridge Korean heritage with the contemporary global pop scene. The title track “SWIM” is one of the 3 songs in the album that is entirely sung in English, and it falls under the music genre of alternative or synth-pop. In all honesty, “SWIM” did fall a little too flat compared to their previous title tracks, especially with all the anticipation and wait that their listeners were expecting from them after a long time. As a BTS ARMY myself, I personally was not expecting a mellow and laid-back sound from a title track. However, at the same time, BTS has been known to be very bold and experimental with their sounds and yet has still been able to provide fans with a high-quality track piece.
BTS “SWIM” Official Music Video by Bighit Music on Youtube
The album comprises of 14 tracks that resembles sounds of BTS’s earlier discographies such as Dark & Wild, Skool Luv Affair and O!RUL8,2?. The first half of the album is characterized by a powerful return to their hip-hop roots, that features aggressive rapping, intense beats and multiple collaborative production. Body to body being the perfect opening track to the album that samples Gyeonggi Arirang (경기 아리랑) that highlights the group’s connection with their Korean roots. It also cleverly and smoothly introduces Korean culture to their audiences and listeners without it being too foreign and alien to the non-native ear.
BTS “2.0” Official Music Video by Bighit Music on Youtube
2.0 is another track in the album that embodies trap elements that talks about how BTS, as a group, is declaring that they are being renewed or are upgrading rather than “returning” to how they were before their military service. The track’s sounds are upbeat, hard hitting and clean, which allows for a great track for repeat listens. I personally enjoyed 2.0 as it did reflect elements of their older tracks, bringing a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The direct criticism of haters and copycats in their lyrics is a distinct feature of the group.
No. 29 is a recording of the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok. It is a historic Korean bronze bell also known as “National Treasure No. 29” in 1962. This track is an interlude in the middle of the album to signify a transition point in the album that shifts the hip-hop, trap sounds into a more mellow and vocal-focused tracks in the second half of the album. The track lasts for exactly 1 minute and 38 seconds, which is the amount of time for the sound of the bell to completely fade out. At first, I thought it was a strange choice as I did not know the significance of this. However, upon learning about it, I found it quite pleasant to know just how much thought and research that had gone through into this album. It is as if any implementation into the album is all intentional and gone through lots of planning – this includes the track arrangement, song titles etc.
Image from The Korea Times of BTS Comeback Concert on 21 March 2026
The remaining songs were more mellow compared to the first half of the album. Normal is the 9th track in the album and the lyrics address BTS’s experiences being famous and the cost of it. The love and hate, and life on-stage and off-stage is being stated as a norm for them. This song brings about some bittersweet feelings for me as the members have been facing this reality since their pre-debut days at my age. As someone in my 20s, I’m sure there are many people who can empathize with them. The final track worth mentioning is the hidden track only available through the physical purchase of the album, titled “Come Over”. It has a very different sound to what most BTS songs have, and it feels more personal and vulnerable as the lyrics talk about how the members are apologizing for being away for so long and the yearning to return to the BTS ARMY.
Yeah, I’m lost can I come over?
Come Over by BTS
Overall, the album is just a masterpiece of showcasing the versatility of BTS and their sounds. The ability to stay true to their roots and not forgetting where they came from is what I personally love about BTS. A full album where no songs are a “skip” and have their own charm to them. BTS will continue to top charts and release albums, challenging mainstream media and truly becoming a one-of-a-kind group of individuals.
Shoujie Wang 
Yinan Zhou 
SUN Yinchen