BTS Returns with Arirang Album After 3 Years; Netflix Live Stream and World Tour to Follow

BTS is set to make a comeback after three years with their fifth studio album, Arirang. The album will be released on March 20, followed by a free live broadcast of the “The Comeback Live | Arirang” mini-concert on Netflix at 7 p.m. KST on March 21. A Netflix documentary titled “BTS: The Return” is also scheduled to debut on March 27.

Arirang features 14 tracks, with the Title Track “Swim” being an upbeat alternative pop song that embodies the spirit of moving forward despite life’s challenges. Members of BTS contributed to writing the lyrics, while renowned domestic and international producers such as American singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder (frontman of OneRepublic), DJ Diplo, and long-time collaborator Pdogg participated in the album’s production.

On March 13, BTS released an animated album trailer on their official YouTube channel, along with the first group promotional photos showing all seven members dressed in suits. On March 18, they shared a 16-second teaser video for the music video of the Title Track “Swim.”

The Arirang World Tour will commence on April 9, with the opening show streamed online from April 9 to 12. Live viewings will be held in theaters around the world on April 11 and 18, alongside in-person concerts in various regions. BTS will also perform in Singapore over four days on December 17, 18, 19, and 22.

Ryan Tedder has previously praised the members of BTS for their talent, describing Arirang as “the boldest project he has worked on.”