SEOUL – January 16, 2026 – The title of BTS’s highly-anticipated new album has been revealed to be ARIRANG. The title draws on Korea’s most enduring cultural symbol as the band enters a defining new chapter.
“Arirang” is a traditional Korean folk song renowned both in Korea and around the world. Transcending time and generations, the song has long been associated with emotions of connection, distance, and reunion.
The album is a deeply reflective body of work that explores BTS’ identity and roots. Known for the authenticity of the stories they tell through their music, BTS presents an album shaped by stories only BTS could tell. Drawing on the emotional depth of “Arirang”—its sense of yearning, longing, and the ebb and flow of life, the band ultimately chose the title for its strong resonance with their current journey. The new release explores universal emotions of longing and love and will resonate with the worldwide audience as a timeless legacy across generations and cultures.
Their identity as a band that began in Korea is intricately woven throughout the record. While the album spans a wide range of emotions, including love and longing, it is anticipated to be deeply personal yet universally relatable. Amid massive excitement surrounding the release worldwide, ARIRANG is shaping up to be the most anticipated album of the year.
Furthermore, anticipation for the band’s comeback continues to build worldwide. Digital billboards featuring the logo of the band’s new album have appeared across major cities including New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris. What initially began as a localized promotional campaign in Seoul has rapidly expanded beyond borders, reaching some of the world’s most iconic metropolitan centers. The striking logo displayed on massive digital billboards has since been widely shared across social media, further heightening global excitement for the upcoming release.
The album title was revealed shortly after their recent tour announcement. The band’s massive world tour in 2026–2027 will span 34 regions and 79 shows across the globe including Asia, North and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and more.
Grounded in years built together with fans worldwide, the band’s upcoming comeback will mark a defining new era for BTS.
About BTS
BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and their deep connection with fans, the band has established a legacy as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), earned six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards. The band will unveil new music on March 20, 2026 with a world tour to follow, signaling a return set to be etched in pop culture history.
