Seoul: Global K-pop group BTS released their fifth studio album Arirang on March 20, presenting a project that reflects the group’s evolving identity and strong connection to their Korean roots, ahead of a major comeback concert in Seoul.
The open-air concert, scheduled for March 21 night, is expected to draw around 260,000 attendees and will mark BTS’s first major performance following a nearly four-year hiatus during which all seven members completed compulsory military service. The event also precedes an extensive 82-date world tour.
The 14-track album, which begins with Body to Body and concludes with Into the Sun, takes its title from Arirang, a traditional Korean folk song associated with themes of longing and separation and often regarded as South Korea’s unofficial national anthem.
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An animated trailer for the album appears to reference a historical moment involving Korean students whose performance of the song in the United States was recorded by Alice Fletcher in 1896. The trailer also features imagery of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which will serve as the backdrop for the group’s comeback performance.
Anticipation has surged across Seoul, with hotels fully booked and thousands of international visitors arriving for the concert. The city has been decorated with ‘Welcome BTS + ARMY’ signage, referencing the group’s global fanbase, while pop-up stores and convenience outlets are selling BTS-themed merchandise, including clothing, wallets, and figurines.
BTS continues to represent a major force in the global spread of Korean culture, alongside internationally recognised works such as Parasite and the hit series Squid Game, as well as literary achievements by Han Kang. Korean food and beauty products have also gained global visibility, supported by endorsements from figures such as Kylie Jenner.
The group is expected to perform songs from Arirang during the concert, with the album reportedly recorded in part in Los Angeles. The project includes collaborations with Western songwriters and producers while reinforcing BTS’s identity as a Korean group.
The concert venue, Gwanghwamun Square, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, is a historically significant site that has witnessed centuries of events, including major political protests in 2025. A large-scale security operation is in place for the event.
Beyond those attending in person, millions of viewers worldwide are expected to watch the concert via a livestream on Netflix, reaching audiences in around 190 countries. The release of Arirang follows BTS’s global milestones, including high-profile international performances and appearances, as the group begins a new chapter in its career after military service.
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