K-pop group BTS is launching pop-up stores in Seoul to coincide with the release of their fifth studio album, Arirang, on March 20. The stores will offer themed merchandise and collaborative items drawing on Korean cultural elements. Online sales begin earlier on Weverse Shop, building excitement among fans.
BTS will open pop-up stores titled BTS Pop-up: Arirang in Seoul on March 20, the same day their fifth studio album, Arirang, is released. The stores will operate until April 12 at Hybe's Yongsan headquarters and Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch. Merchandise available includes apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies, and ball caps, along with the latest version of the group’s official light stick and related accessories. Items evoking traditional Korean charm, like folding fans and a traditional Korean dining table, will also be featured.
The group is collaborating with the National Museum Foundation of Korea on a collection under the foundation’s cultural goods brand Mu:ds. This line incorporates traditional Korean design elements and includes five items: a shoulder bag, black card holder, hairpin, hairclip, and layered skirt. During the pop-up period, these collaboration items, select Arirang merchandise, a poster, link keychain, and message keychain will be sold at the National Museum of Korea’s gift shop.
Selected merchandise goes on sale via Weverse Shop on March 12 at 11am KST, with all items available online from March 20 at 2pm KST.
Ahead of the release, fans have speculated about the track titled No.29, which lacks credits and is thought to be an interlude. Some connect it to the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok, a historic Korean bell known as National Treasure No.29. Patterns on Mu:ds merchandise, such as hair clips, resemble motifs from the bell, leading to theories that the track may include its sounds. One fan on X wrote: “That's why there's no credits for No.29. It is probably the sound of The Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok. It is National Monument No.29. The hair clip patterns are inspired from the same.” Another added: “It's kinda funny how they might have an interlude that's an iconic bell that's a national treasure and ARMY's fandom was almost called Bells. I wonder if it's related."
BTS leader RM shared images of a bell-shaped wind chime on social media in 2019 and February 2026, which some fans view as potential clues. These unconfirmed theories have heightened anticipation for the album.
