BTS's "ARIRANG" album praised worldwide, highlighting their musical evolution and the powerful title track "SWIM".
March/23/2026 14:49Related Groups & Members
Major overseas media reported successively on BTS's (Bulletproof Boy Scouts) 5th full album "ARIRANG," showing great interest in their comeback. Each media outlet focused on the musical completeness and storytelling of "ARIRANG," as well as the title track "SWIM." American Rolling Stone published an article titled "Proving a Perfect Comeback with 'ARIRANG.'" The magazine commented that through this blockbuster-level comeback, they emphasized the group's identity and Korean roots while expanding into new musical territories. It showed that they are ready to regain control of the global stage with their unique confidence. Furthermore, the new album reminds listeners of where BTS started and strengthens their connection with music fans worldwide. The experiences and explorations accumulated over time have once again united as one group. This is the power of "ARIRANG." The seven different voices have come together again, becoming even stronger than before. American NPR evaluated, "Idol groups constantly change, but true groups build their own framework. 'ARIRANG' shows that BTS has established its unique musical direction." They also introduced that the reunited members clearly show their direction with a stronger bond than ever before. Rolling Stone UK rated the album 5 out of 5. The magazine praised, "BTS is a cultural phenomenon, and their journey expanding to the global stage is special in itself. This album also has the scale and completeness worthy of that, meticulously designed down to the details." High praise for the title track "SWIM" continued. American Billboard reported, "The title track firmly supports the center of the album. The direct message of scattered rivers gathering into the sea is the power of this song." American Hollywood Reporter commented, "'SWIM' is a song intuitively infused with the group's will to move forward. As BTS approaches the next chapter of their career, they express their love for life and the journey through music, marking a significant turning point." Forbes focused on the presence and stage mastery shown in "SWIM." Additionally, BBC commented, "Their return has great significance in itself," while New York Times reported, "With the release of 'ARIRANG' and the live broadcast of their performance through Netflix, they have embarked on a new challenge to continue their career as pop stars. Aside from Elvis Presley, it is difficult to find a precedent for such a move." Notably, "ARIRANG" is an album infused with BTS's identity and the universal emotions they have faced. The title track "SWIM" is a song that sings about the attitude of continuing to swim forward without stopping amidst the rough waves of life.
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Jin from BTS explained his absence from the new album credits during a live stream, citing a solo tour that overlapped with the song camp. He joined the members just a week before completion. Other members expressed gratitude for his hard work and contributions, highlighting his significant role in the team. BTS continues to prove their global popularity with their new song 'SWIM' topping charts.
BTS members Jungkook and V showcased their new song 'SWIM' in a TikTok challenge while dressed in military uniforms. The video, shared by Jungkook on Instagram, features playful moments between the two in a hotel room. Recently, BTS released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' and held a comeback live event in Seoul, which attracted millions of viewers.
On the afternoon of the 25th, Longines hosted a product presentation at the Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, attended by celebrities Bae Suzy and Jang Dong-yoon. The event showcased a glamorous three-shot photo with BTS's V, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, along with Ko Hyun-jung praising Jang Dong-yoon's beauty.
Jimin from BTS continues his strict self-management through exercise, sharing a photo with V on social media. He revealed his weight of 59.7 kg, gaining attention. BTS recently released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' and held a comeback live event at Gwanghwamun Square, exciting fans with new performances.
BTS's live event on Netflix, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,' attracted 18.4 million viewers globally, highlighting Korean culture. It ranked in the top 10 in 80 countries and first in 24. The event featured advanced technology and a large-scale production, connecting fans worldwide in a unique experience.
BTS's promotional video for their 5th album 'ARIRANG' has ignited a whitewashing controversy due to the portrayal of characters. BIGHIT MUSIC clarified that the video is inspired by historical events involving Korean youth at Howard University. Despite the backlash, BTS's album has achieved significant commercial success, topping charts and selling over 4 million copies in just three days.
BTS captivated fans in New York City at the 'Spotify × BTS: SWIMSIDE' event on March 23, celebrating their new album 'ARIRANG'. The event featured 1,000 top listeners and showcased new songs, receiving enthusiastic responses. The album quickly topped charts, with critics praising it as a fitting representation of BTS's global pop phenomenon status.
President Yoon praised BTS's comeback performance for its significant role in promoting Korea and attracting tourists, especially young people. He noted the event's successful planning and execution, highlighting the increase in tourism since March. The concert, held at Gwanghwamun Square, drew large crowds, with estimates varying from 40,000 to 104,000 attendees.
A teaser for EPIK HIGH featuring BTS's RM and SUGA has been released, building anticipation for the full episode. The video showcases their lively interactions, with humorous exchanges and a strong rapport. This appearance marks SUGA's only YouTube feature in this activity, and it celebrates BTS's return to the global stage. The full episode will air on the 26th at 7:30 PM.
As BTS ramps up activities following their comeback concert in Seoul, illegal merchandise featuring their branding is rampant in China. Professor Seo Kyung-duk highlighted the sale of unauthorized goods on major platforms like Taobao and AliExpress, emphasizing the serious issue of copyright infringement. This situation echoes past controversies over illegal reproductions of Korean content, such as 'Squid Game.'
