BTS Returns in Full Formation After Over 3 Years, Redefining K-Pop Identity with Album “Arirang”

The world’s largest boy group, BTS, has returned in its full lineup after more than three years. On March 21, members j-hope, RM, SUGA, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook took to the LED stage in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, with tens of thousands of fans in attendance, while over 18 million people watched the one-hour live broadcast. During this performance, j-hope declared, “BTS 2.0 has just begun.” Despite being apart during the past three years due to military service and solo activities, the members presented a familiar and natural performance as if nothing had changed.

This concert served as a signal for their global comeback through the new album “Arirang.” After its release, “Arirang” topped the Billboard 200, and its Title Track “Swim” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. For the first time in K-pop history, all 13 tracks from the album made it onto the Hot 100. HYBE, the group’s agency, also launched aggressive promotion efforts. BTS members performed at the Guggenheim Museum, prepared and served Korean-style noodle dishes for GQ, and appeared as a full group on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” from March 25 to 26—the first time since 2021—earning enthusiastic applause. Although only RM spoke English fluently while the other members primarily used Korean, language did not serve as a barrier among fans.

However, the release of a documentary detailing the album’s production process revealed more complex issues. “BTS: The Return,” released on Netflix on March 27, showed the members in conflict with HYBE over musical direction and identity. It depicted the growing struggles between BTS and their agency regarding Korean traditions versus global appeal, as well as artistic integrity versus commercial expectations.

In South Korea, debates arose about how “Korean” the album truly was. Fans who praised the album highlighted tracks like “Body to Body,” which features a sample from the K-pop folk song “Arirang,” and emphasized the strong rap elements, noting they reminded them of BTS’s early music. On the other hand, critics pointed out that all the Title Track lyrics were in English and that many renowned foreign producers, including American DJ Diplo, Australian composer Kevin Parker, and Spanish musician El Guincho, contributed to the album. They expressed concern that HYBE and BTS were sacrificing originality by pursuing Western markets.

Abroad, opinions varied. Mark Savage, a music correspondent for BBC, described “Hooligan” as a “bold” track, “FYA,” with its jazzy club style, as “fascinatingly dark,” and praised the entire album as a “truly authentic return to who they are.” Critics viewed it as an experimental shift in K-pop and generally responded positively.

In “Aliens,” RM rapped in both English and Korean, saying, “I’m the only one who can do English. But that’s exactly how we compete.” This statement reflected their goal of maintaining a Korean identity while targeting global markets.

BTS is set to embark on the largest world tour in K-pop history, featuring 85 performances across five continents over the next year. The tour kicks off on April 9 in Goyang, Gyeonggi, with an expected attendance of over 120,000 fans over three days. This demonstrates the remarkable growth trajectory of BTS, who were formed in 2013 by the then-small company Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), which had relatively limited influence at the time.