BTS reveals fifth album title 'ARIRANG,' set for March release

BTS announced their fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," will release March 20, marking the K-pop group's first full-length project in nearly four years following their military service hiatus.toronto.citynews+1
The title references Korea's beloved traditional folk song, often called an unofficial national anthem, with themes of separation and reunion fitting the group's comeback narrative.forbes+1
The album release will be supported by a 2026-2027 world tour spanning over 70 dates across five continents, starting in South Korea in April.toronto.citynews+1

BTS has officially unveiled the title of their long-awaited fifth studio album: ARIRANG. The announcement, made Thursday morning by BigHit Music on social media, marks the K-pop septet's first full-group release in nearly four years following their military service hiatus.toronto.citynews+2

The album is scheduled for release on March 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. KST, with pre-orders opening January 16. According to BigHit Music, the album contains 14 tracks described as "sincere stories that BTS wishes to share with ARMY".consequence+3

A Title Steeped in Korean Heritage

The album's name carries profound cultural weight. "Arirang" refers to Korea's most beloved traditional folk song, often described as an unofficial national anthem. The song, estimated to be more than 600 years old with approximately 3,600 variations, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012.gongu.copyright+2

According to UNESCO, "Arirang" brings unity among the Korean people, with its "great virtue" being its "respect for human creativity, freedom of expression and empathy". The folk song's themes of separation, longing, and reunion make it a fitting choice for a group reuniting after years apart.poprant.indiatimes+1

"For a group that has consistently connected Korean culture with global audiences, 'Arirang' signifies both a return home and a continuation of their mission to share Korean heritage with the world," Forbes noted.forbes

Physical Editions and World Tour

The physical album will be released in multiple versions, including "Rooted in Korea," "Rooted in Music," "Living Legend," and various vinyl editions featuring individual members. Retailer Target has announced a partnership for exclusive pre-order editions.koreaboo+2

The release will be supported by a 2026-2027 world tour spanning 34 cities and 79 shows across five continents, kicking off April 9 in Goyang, South Korea. The tour represents BTS's first headline performances since their 2021-22 Permission to Dance on Stage tour.toronto.citynews+2

All seven members—RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope—completed South Korea's mandatory military service, with rapper Suga being the last to be discharged in June 2025. BigHit Music stated that each member was "deeply involved in the creation of the songs, infusing their own thoughts and colors into them while musically expressing the emotions and struggles they have experienced along their journey".news18+2

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