BTS to Host Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE Fan Event in New York

BTS will hold the Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE fan event in New York on March 20 to coincide with the release of their new album “ARIRANG.” Taking place on March 23, this event will invite 1,000 of the most dedicated ARMY members to experience an immersive album-themed environment, enjoy special performances, and participate in Q&A sessions.

This marks BTS’s first performance in the United States in nearly four years. The last time all members appeared on a U.S. stage was during their visit to the White House in May 2022, and their final group concert was part of the Permission to Dance on Stage tour. Since then, BTS fulfilled their military service requirements in South Korea from December 2022 to June 2025, and after all members returned in June 2025, they have been preparing for new musical activities.

“ARIRANG” is BTS’s first full-group studio album. It is their first release in five years since “Be” in 2020 and features 14 tracks, with international producers such as Ryan Tedder, Diplo, Mike WiLL Made-It, Flume, Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), and Teezo Touchdown contributing to it. Ryan Tedder described producing Jimin’s solo track “Be Mine” included in the album as his proudest achievement in his career.

The title track, “Swim,” was co-written by RM and focuses on perseverance through challenges. The event name “SWIMSIDE” originates from this title track. The album title “ARIRANG” is derived from Korea’s iconic traditional folk song of the same name, reflecting BTS’s intention to blend Korean cultural heritage with global pop sounds.

Spotify launched an in-app Easter egg campaign titled “Decoding ARIRANG” on March 13. Fans can unlock exclusive voice messages from the seven members (RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook) and take quizzes related to BTS to test their knowledge.

BTS will begin a global tour covering 82 cities starting on April 9, with performances scheduled to continue until March 2027. The SWIMSIDE event in New York serves as the first signal of this large-scale comeback.