BTS released its fifth studio album 'Arirang' on March 20, 2026, following the tracklist reveal earlier this month. The 14-track record, created during a two-month reunion in Los Angeles, explores themes of yearning and love ahead of a free comeback concert in Seoul on March 21. Leader RM's recent ankle injury will limit his performance.
The septet—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—lived together for the first time since 2019 while recording 'Arirang', named after a Korean folk song. As previously announced, it features producers like Pdogg, Diplo, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Flume, JPEGMAFIA, Mike WiLL Made-It, Ryan Tedder, El Guincho, and Teezo Touchdown. A music video for title track 'Swim' launched alongside the release.
Jung Kook shared with Rolling Stone UK how military service fueled his longing for music, while J-Hope told the Zach Sang Show that solo growth enhanced BTS's sound. The tracklist matches the one unveiled on March 3: “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Swim,” “Merry Go Round,” “Normal,” “Like Animals,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “One More Night,” “Please,” and “Into the Sun.”
This precedes their first concert since 2022 at Gwanghwamun Square, livestreamed on Netflix. However, RM sprained his ankle on March 19 during rehearsals, diagnosed with accessory navicular sprain, partial ligament tear, and talus contusion. He will wear a cast for at least two weeks, restricting choreography but allowing fan interaction.
Upcoming: March 23 Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE in New York, March 27 Netflix documentary BTS: The Return, and an 82-date world tour from April 9.
