BTS to Release Fifth Studio Album “Arirang” on March 20, Holding Comeback Concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza

BTS will release its fifth studio album, “Arirang,” on March 20, with all seven members who have completed their military service participating. HYBE emphasized in Big Hit Music’s latest financial report that BTS’s comeback is a core part of the company’s business strategy for 2026.

“Arirang” is derived from a Korean folk song that has approximately 3,600 variations and 60 different versions, meaning “reunion” or “longing.” RM described it as a “truly complete album,” while SUGA hinted that fans will see a “more mature side of BTS.” World-renowned producers such as Max Martin and Jon Bellion have contributed to the album.

BTS will hold a comeback live concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Seoul on March 21. The plaza will accommodate around 15,000 seats in total, with 2,000 standing tickets offered to pre-orderers of the album. A large screen is planned to be installed near Seoul Plaza. The concert will be streamed simultaneously to over 190 countries and regions via Netflix at 8 p.m. local time (1 a.m. on March 22 in Korea).

BTS’s upcoming comeback tour is the largest in K-pop history. HYBE CEO Jason Lee stated during the financial report presentation that “just the initially confirmed schedule of 82 performances in 34 cities is the largest for any solo K-pop artist tour to date.” The company is also collaborating with Netflix to produce a documentary covering the album’s creation process, in addition to streaming the opening concert of the comeback show.

Previously, in December last year, RM openly discussed the psychological pressure he felt during preparation for the comeback after completing his military service during a Weverse live broadcast. He said, “The personal pressure was huge,” adding that he “thought thousands of times that it might be better to disband or take a break.” However, the other members treated it lightly. V explained, “Actually, no one saw that video. We are always together and have a brotherly relationship,” while SUGA added, “The bond within the group is very strong.” The members responded to RM’s emotional expression with jokes, demonstrating the team’s strong unity.