BTS has announced its sixth studio album, Arirang, set for release on March 20, following the group's full reunion after military service. Rumours of collaborations with artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Megan Thee Stallion have spread online, eliciting varied responses from fans. While some express excitement, many ARMYs prefer a focus on BTS-only tracks after a long hiatus.
All seven members of BTS completed their mandatory military service in South Korea by June last year, with Suga being the last to finish his duties as a social service agent. The other members—RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, and j-hope—served in the army. This paved the way for the group's official return, announced this year with the album Arirang and a subsequent world tour starting in April.
Speculation about the album's production has grown as BTS members have been spotted in various locations, possibly filming music videos or preparing projects. HYBE, the group's label, has confirmed only the album name and March 20 release date. However, a Reddit post from last November suggested HYBE sought features from several artists for the tracklist, naming Megan Thee Stallion, Halsey, Swae Lee, Laufey, NIKI, and Sabrina Carpenter.
These rumours have gone viral on social media, but they have divided fans. Many ARMYs, after waiting nearly four years for new music, argue that Arirang should prioritize BTS's own artistry over collaborations aimed at boosting streams and popularity. HYBE has not verified any collaboration details or the full tracklist, leaving room for ongoing speculation among supporters.
