music
March 20, 2026
BTS: Arirang review
Ending a hiatus that began in 2022, the septet recapture a distinctiveness that had been threatening to ebb away
TL;DR
- BTS's album 'Arirang' aims to recapture their K-pop idiosyncrasies after a period of more westernised, commercialised hits.
- The album features collaborations with unconventional artists like Jpegmafia and El Guincho, pushing experimental boundaries.
- 'Arirang' is divided into two moods, re-establishing rapper RM as a creative force with energetic tracks and experimenting with diverse beats.
- Lead single 'Swim' offers a softer, globally appealing pop sound, while other tracks like 'Merry Go Round' and 'Like Animals' explore more reflective themes.
- The album successfully reasserts BTS's status as a global pop phenomenon, balancing their scale with a desire to protect their individuality.