BigHit Music officially announced Friday that BTS will release their fifth studio album, "Arirang," on Mar. 20, 2026.
The album title draws its name from a centuries-old Korean folk song known for expressing deep emotion and longing. According to BigHit Music, "Arirang" symbolizes the emotional themes of the record and marks the group's return after nearly four years away from group music. The album will feature 14 tracks, with song titles to be revealed at a later date.
Preorders for the album began Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Korea Standard Time across multiple retailers, including Weverse Shop, Target, and music stores worldwide, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.
Fans can choose from various physical formats, including CDs in three different versions—"Rooted in Korea Ver.," "Rooted in Music Ver.," and "Living Legend Ver."—as well as vinyl editions and a special travel CD box set. Digital versions will also be available on platforms like iTunes and Spotify.
The seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—were actively involved in the songwriting and production process for "Arirang." BigHit stated that the album reflects each member's personal thoughts and artistic direction while expressing the emotions and reflections they experienced during their journey, Forbes reported.
The label emphasized that the record contains honest stories that the members have wanted to share with their fanbase, ARMY, who have waited patiently for the group's full comeback.
This marks BTS's first group album since their anthology "Proof" in June 2022. The members completed their mandatory military service requirements, with the last member finishing in 2023, allowing them to reunite for this major project.
The album comes as part of a larger comeback that includes an extensive world tour beginning in April 2026, spanning over 70 shows across 34 regions, including Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia, through March 2027, as per CNA Lifestyle.
