BTS has given fans their first look at its upcoming album “Arirang,” unveiling an animated video that follows the original folk song from a 19th-century phonograph to a modern stadium stage.

BigHit Music released an animated video on BTS’s official social media channels at 11 a.m. on Friday.


Often regarded as Korea’s signature folk song, “Arirang” is closely associated with sorrow, longing and resilience.

The video was inspired by records showing that “Arirang” was first recorded in Washington in 1896 and is intended to spotlight BTS’s role in carrying Korean culture to a global audience, according to the agency.

The animation ends with the group standing before Gwanghwamun, casting the group as a modern messenger of “Arirang.”

“We wanted to tell the story behind ‘Arirang’ to people who may not know the song,” said BigHit Music. “We hope many people will look up the lyrics and connect with the distinctly Korean emotions embedded in it.”

BTS also released its first full-group promotional photo for “Arirang,” with all seven members showing off a polished, formal look.

BTS will release “Arirang,” its fifth full-length album, at 1 p.m. on March 20.

The 14-track album, overseen by HYBE Chair Bang Si-hyuk, is billed as a portrait of “BTS as it is now.”

Credits released on the group’s social media show the band collaborating with established pop producers such as Diplo and Ryan Tedder, as well as artists from more independent corners of music, including rapper Jpegmafia and psychedelic rock musician Tame Impala.

The group will hold the “BTS The Comeback Live” performance at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. The show will be livestreamed globally on Netflix.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]