“Hello, we are BTS.” On 20th March 2026, one of the most famous K-pop boy band BTS came back with their new album ARIRANG. The world was kind of paused because it has been four years since their last comeback, and this was their first comeback after all members completed their military service. “I felt a rebirth.” RM (Leader of BTS) made a joke in his live.
BTS ARIRANG concept photo. Image: @Bighit
BTS music is diverse, which includes hip-hop, pop and R&B. The reason of how they attract so many young listeners around the world is talking about real emotions and problems. As for me, I love BTS is because they are different from other K-pop groups. BTS songs use music to show their attitude of pressure, mental-health and self-love. I got so much motivation from their songs.
BTS became famous around 2017 when they entered the American music market. Their stages are powerful and exciting, and they won an award at the Billion Music Awards and performed on US TV shows. Not bad for seven guys who once came from a poor and small company.
Now here is the most interesting part. In the latest comeback, BTS added more Korean traditional elements. Arirang is a famous Korean folk song, which talks about a love story. Meanwhile, songs also used modern music styles like EDM and pop.
Now here is the most interesting part. In the latest comeback, BTS added more Korean traditional elements. Arirang is a famous Korean folk song, which talks about a love story. Meanwhile, songs also used modern music styles like EDM and pop.
In a showcase, they expressed their glad and proud to show Korean culture to the world as an all-Korean group. Now BTS is not only following global trends but also creating their unique identity. Therefore, their comeback is supported by the government and large events.
BTS latest performance in Seoul. Image: @Netflix
On 21st March 2026, over 260K fans went to Seoul to participate BTS concert. The concert also did a live streaming cooperating with Netflix, which means fans from over 190 countries sang Arirang together at that night. I watched the live streaming, and I felt so touched and excited that I could see them on stage again after four years.
BTS latest performance in Seoul. Image: @Netflix
Honestly speaking, BTS express Korean culture more directly this time comparing with the previous. This change shows their ambition to be a symbol of Korean culture. It is rare and precious that let artists be a national image and soft power. Entertainment has always been regarded as for fun and meaningless, but BTS has changed this opinion. They prove that though there are cultural barriers between different nations but there is a common language around the world and that is music.
BTS calls their latest comeback as a beginning of their Chapter 2. It means BTS has a bigger responsibility, but also a more stable and long-term career in the future.
Han Tianyong 
Yinan Zhou 
Xinyue HOU