BTS Returns with ‘Arirang’: A Reunion Forged in Legacy and Innovation
Arirang marks a momentous return for BTS, the globally celebrated Korean boy band whose chart-topping journey was paused in 2022 for mandatory military service. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a reassertion of their significance to an industry that has flourished in their absence.
In John Lie’s 2014 book, K-Pop: Popular Music, Cultural Amnesia, and Economic Innovation in South Korea, the story of Yi Chong-Suk, performer of the titular song of the 1926 silent film Arirang, is recounted. “Arirang,” an enduring Korean folk song with roots stretching back centuries, became a symbol of national pride and independence during a time of Japanese occupation. Like the song itself, BTS embodies a similar spirit – a genreless, referential, and deeply homegrown popular music that resonates with national identity.
‘Arirang’: More Than Just an Album
The album, Arirang, pitched by Big Hit as “a deeply reflective body of work that explores BTS’ identity and roots,” mirrors the evolution of the folk song itself. It simultaneously carries on, shifts, and updates a cultural legacy. The reunion is already a resounding success, demonstrating the group’s enduring power and the anticipation of their devoted fanbase, ARMY.
The most impactful move BTS could make is to return, unified and bilingual, not merely maintaining their presence amidst Western influence, but sharpening their artistic definition. Their previous album, BE, released during the pandemic, reflected the tension and isolation of that time. In contrast, Arirang feels expansive and confident.
A Landscape Remade by BTS’s Influence
BTS paused at the peak of their commercial powers, but not before initiating a chain reaction that opened doors for K-pop’s Western breakthrough. Their ascendancy, alongside groups like Blackpink, has brought an acceptance into the pop establishment that once felt unattainable. However, BTS maintains a subtler integration into the Western music machine, carefully preserving their internal components after a temporary separation.
A Collaborative Soundscape
Recorded in Los Angeles, Arirang is executive produced by Diplo, with contributions from Pdogg, Mike WiLL Made-It, El Guincho, Flume, and a diverse array of beat-makers. The supporting cast reflects a wide-eyed enthusiasm and a curiosity for creative exploration, featuring artists like JPEGMAFIA, Teezo Touchdown, Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), Artemas, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic), and Sean Foreman (3OH!3).
The BTS Formula: A Unique Blend
All idol groups evolve, but the defining ones create a unique mold. Arirang suggests BTS has crafted a construct all its own: a moody, trap-pop sound yearning for a pop-star ego death, perpetually out of reach. Songs like “SWIM” perfectly encapsulate this dynamic, balancing introspective moments with chest-beating confidence.
Rap as Foundation
BTS stands out for its foundational use of rap, where other idols treat it as a performance element, BTS integrates it into the very structure of their music. This is evident in tracks like “Hooligan” and “Aliens,” which are supercharged by intricate flows. The seamless transitions, like in “Please,” demonstrate a natural and serendipitous flow.
A Bridge Between Past and Present
BTS has always acted as a bridge – between the past and present, and between Korea and the world. Arirang is a full-circle moment, fulfilling that promise. As the band regroups, they feel more connected than ever, both inwardly and to their artistic calling. The NPR article highlights this beautifully, showcasing the band’s evolution and continued impact on the global music scene.
