Melodies of Arirang and BTS

Written by: Kavi

‘Arirang’ is not just a simple song.  

It is the name given to the mixed feelings of separation, waiting, pain, and hope that every Korean carries in their hearts. Even though the word is derived from the Korean language, the feelings are the same for every human, regardless of where they live or their background. 

Some used to sing the ‘Arirang’, the folk song, as they crossed the mountains. Others used to sing as they said goodbye to their loved ones, and still, those moments of singing made noises as they hoped they would one day return together. Therefore, ‘Arirang’ always addresses the departure and reconnection at the same time.  

BTS chose the name ‘Arirang’ for their upcoming 5th album, which will be released in March 2026, and goes beyond relying on or borrowing a word from tradition. This choice seems to unite BTS’s journey and the connections they have made with the world into a single symbol.  

The lyrics of the folk song ‘Arirang’ vary from region to region. But the most popular line, regardless of the region, is: “아리랑 아리랑 아라리요, 아리랑 고개로 넘어간다,” which translates to ‘Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo, I’m going through Arirang Pass.’ 

This Arirang pass is not only a physical place, but also a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that must be overcome in life. As it is always the case with BTS music, this going through phase is not the end of disappointment but rather a step to overcome.  

Since their debut as a 7-member group, BTS has always sung about teenage anxiety, self-hate and doubt, suffering and loss through their songs. But their music doesn’t stay on sadness. They evoke suffering, but never decrease the dignity of those who bear it.  In this way, ‘Arirang’ bears a deep resemblance to BTS’s story, going beyond an album title. ‘Arirang’ is not only a folk song of desperation but rather a declaration of life in tragedy.  

It is also noteworthy that ‘Arirang’ is a song sung across borders. During the Japanese colonial period, the term ‘Arirang’ spread throughout the world through the testimonies of those who left Korea due to wars, migrations, and settlements. Even though people didn’t understand the language or all the lyrical meaning, they felt the emotions the songs expressed.  

This perspective also reflects how BTS has performed on the international stage. They became a group that expresses emotions that many people, especially youth around the world, can identify with through songs in Korean, breaking the language barrier. BTS does not hide their roots when going internationally, but connects the world through those roots. That’s why the title ‘Arirang’ sounds like a statement that simultaneously says ‘where BTS comes from’ and ‘where they’re going’. 

There is always a wait in ‘Arirang’. It reflects that instead of hating someone who is no longer here, keep the hope that one day we will meet again. BTS’s music has also played this role for their fans, ‘ARMY’, for a long time. When someone felt lonely, when someone felt misunderstood, it was that voice that told, “Your feelings are not wrong.” 

So this album ‘Arirang’ is not only a tribute to the past, but it is also a perfect comeback, honouring a song for the people of our time. For everyone going through their own problems, BTS will once again give a voice saying: “Falling or to be in the middle of the journey is not a big deal. You are not alone in this path“.

Then the ‘Arirang’ is called by the same name once again.  

From tradition to the present day, from Korea to the world, and through the sounds of BTS, to all those who endure suffering. 

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