The K-pop supergroup BTS has unveiled the first album cover for their highly anticipated fifth studio album, ARIRANG. The album is set to drop on March 20 and will include 14 tracks.
The album cover, revealed on January 19 by BigHit Music, features a minimalist greyscale design. The cover displays the album title, "ARIRANG," in bold uppercase letters and includes silhouettes of the seven members dressed in tuxedos. While their faces are hidden, ARMYs (BTS's fanbase) were quick to analyze the formation, identifying the back row as Jimin, j-hope, SUGA, and V (from left to right), and the front row as Jungkook, RM, and Jin.
Adding an interactive element, each silhouette on the album cover unlocks a personal voice message from the corresponding member. These messages offer a glimpse into the group's feelings and excitement surrounding the album.
Jimin's message announces the album's release date, while Jungkook shares his excitement about the future, stating, "We shared our feelings with each other as we completed the album, including how much we missed you, how much we value you and how excited we are about the future". J-hope reflected on the creative process, explaining, "While working on this album, we thought about what kind of music and stories would be the most BTS-like". RM expressed his hopes for the album's lasting impact, saying, "We hope ARIRANG of BTS will be an album that transcends time and generations and sticks with you for a long, long time". SUGA revealed the album contains "14 tracks album that captures the stories of seven of us". Jin thanked fans, asking, "Thanks for always being by our side. What is your ARIRANG?". V added, "This is our full group album as a group in 3 years and 9 months; we spend a lot of time thinking about the group roots and identity".
The album title, ARIRANG, is derived from a Korean folk song recognized for its emotional weight and cultural significance. The song often evokes themes of separation, longing, and reunion, making it a fitting title for an album centered on reflection and identity. RM shared that the album title emerged after long reflection, particularly during his time in the military.
BTS's team has described ARIRANG as a deeply personal project that draws upon the group's heritage and experiences. The album explores universal emotions such as love, yearning, and growth while remaining connected to their Korean roots. The album captures both joy and sorrow experienced during their time apart, including missing everyday life, ARMY, and one another. The logo visually appears as ㅇㄹㄹ, the initial consonants of ARIRANG (아리랑), reinforcing its cultural and symbolic roots.
In addition to the album release, BTS has announced a world tour scheduled from April to September 2026. Pre-sale concert tickets are now available, with further details for most tour stops expected to be announced soon. They will be bringing their tour to Manila, Philippines in March 2027.
