International K-pop group BTS entered a period of uncertainty in December 2022 when all seven members began fulfilling South Korea’s mandatory military service. The announcement marked a pause at the height of their global influence, particularly in the U.S., where their crossover success had redefined the reach of K-pop. Numerous fans — known collectively as ARMY — anticipated a possible exemption following the South Korean government’s passage of the “BTS Law,” which allowed certain artists to delay enlistment. Even with the provision, the group ultimately chose to serve, reinforcing a public image rooted in accountability and national identity.
As each member completed service at different times, their return unfolded gradually rather than at a single moment. Behind the scenes, however, preparations moved quickly. By the time all seven reunited — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — work on a new album had already begun. Anticipation surged, with fans and critics alike questioning what direction the group would take after years of experimentation with genres.
“The thing is, the members who were discharged earlier had already started working. In that regard, I could say I adapted a bit earlier on. As for group activities, the U.S. session had a big impact by doing everything together. We adapted quicker, and after returning, we made progress on the new song. Through this process, we were able to settle in well, and it was fun doing all these activities with them again after a long time, so I didn’t really feel burdened about what we should show in the future. I had a lot of fun,” J-Hope said.
The style question carried added weight following the group’s earlier pivot toward English-language releases. Songs like “Dynamite” and “Butter” propelled BTS deeper into Western markets but also sparked debate within their core fanbase. Critics argued that a full embrace of English risked distancing the group from the cultural foundations that defined K-pop. While the success of those releases remained undeniable, the internal and external pressure of fame prompted a deeper reflection on identity, both as global artists and as representatives of Korean culture.
The result of their identity reflection arrives in “Arirang,” an album that draws directly from a traditional melody regularly described as Korea’s unofficial national anthem, “Arirang.” Historically associated with themes of separation, endurance and quiet hope, “Arirang” has persisted across generations as a symbol of resilience. By naming the album after the iconic anthem, BTS signals a deliberate return to cultural roots while reframing them in a modern, global context.
Sonically, “Arirang” blends the group’s signature mix of hip-hop and pop with traditional Korean instrumentation and lyrical motifs. The album’s production leans into stylistic contrast — modern beats layered with echoes of folk melodies — mirroring the group’s own tension between international fame and cultural grounding. Rather than abandoning their global sound, BTS integrates it with elements that feel distinctly Korean, creating a body of work that feels both expansive and deeply personal.
“I put too much weight on myself because I’m like, ‘you’re like the leader, you have to just get your a** off the sofa and go out and just say something to the label or to the people music-wise.’ People-wise, we are all kind of grown-up. We’re all in our 30s, and we all got back from the army experience which is very unique, but I think through the LA session, there’s still something I can do for this team, like maybe just to communicate with the label, or I could say something that could bring the team to another level,” RM said.
Each member’s experience during military service informs the album’s narrative. RM’s introspective lyricism anchors several tracks, reflecting on leadership and the burden of representing a nation on a global stage. Jin, the first to enlist, encapsulates a sense of closure and quiet reflection in “SWIM,” his vocals carrying themes of patience and return. Suga and J-Hope, both known for their production, shape the album’s tonal shifts, balancing raw, stripped-down moments with high-energy tracks that echo the group’s earlier work. Jimin and V contribute emotionally driven performances in “Merry Go Round,” exploring themes of distance and reconnections, while Jungkook’s versatility ties the album together, bridging its experimental and mainstream elements.
“I’m so excited for BTS’s new album because they have been gone for so long. It already feels like a whole new era for them, and I can’t wait to hear this new sound they’re exploring and see how their music has evolved after their time in the military. I’m really excited to see them lean into their Korean roots and back away from that westernized perspective,” magnet senior Ana Taylor said.
Beyond its musical composition, “Arirang” functions as a statement of the band’s cultural identity. It addresses criticism without directly responding to it, instead offering a reassertion of identity through art. The album suggests that global success does not require cultural compromise; rather, it can amplify cultural expression when approached intentionally. Opening tracks lean heavily into traditional sounds, with stripped instrumentals that spotlight vocals and lyricism before gradually expanding into fuller, contemporary production. Mid-album songs experiment with genre, blending trap beats, R&B influences and orchestral elements, reflecting the group’s evolution over the past decade. The closing tracks return to a quieter tone, echoing the emotional core of “Arirang” and emphasizing themes of reunion, identity and endurance.
Lyrically, “Arirang” stands out as an incredibly introspective project. Themes of separation — both physical and emotional — run throughout the album, clearly influenced by the group’s time apart during enlistment. Simultaneously, the album explores reconnection, not only between the members themselves but also with their audience and cultural roots. Several songs directly reference the idea of “home,” using it as both a literal and symbolic concept tied to Korea, their music and their shared history.
Revelling in the sense of defining “home,” “Arirang” surpasses a comeback: it marks a recalibration. After years caged by rapid ascent, scrutiny and separation, BTS returns with a project that reconnects them to their origins while reaffirming their place on the world stage.
The Chant’s grade: A+
