Global group BTS teased what fans can expect from their upcoming album, Arirang.
In an interview with GQ, member Suga shared that the new record will present a more mature side of the group.
"We have a diversity of genres. What I can tell you is that it's going to be quite different from the BTS albums and sounds that you've been listening to. You're going to see a more mature side of BTS this time around," Suga shared.
RM echoed the sentiment, describing the album as a complete artistic experience.
"It's truly the whole package. I can tell this next album is going to enlighten a little of that confusion," RM remarked.
Suga added that the project reflects the group's personal and artistic evolution, noting that the album carries deep introspection shaped by their experiences over time.
"I do understand that being idol groups and boy bands and girl groups in the K-Pop industry, it might feel like it's a little bit restraining about the negative sides of life. But I think as artists and as individuals, you have to be able to express both the positive and the negative sides of life. I think we are slowly heading that way because this album has a lot of introspection and thoughts…things have changed and we are still changing," he relayed.
Back in January, during a Weverse Live Session, the group revealed that they were working on over 100 songs for Arirang before they narrowed them down for the track list.
"We actually participated in making around 10 songs each, and then finalized 14 out of them," Jimin relayed.
They also discussed why they chose Arirang as the name of their album.
"Honestly, the meaning is different for each person, because there are many ways you can interpret Arirang's lyrics. I think it's about sadness, longing, and love," RM pointed out.
J-Hope also shared that the album's title symbolizes both their history and their desire to reunite onstage. "[Arirang] feels like our roots. From that way, Arirang was what tied it all together really well," he highlighted.
RM elaborated that the record reflects the full range of emotions the group experienced during their time apart, from longing for everyday moments to missing the ARMYs (fan group), and each other.
"Since Arirang contains the joy and sorrow of life, that kind of sentiment will be tied to the music. It ties it all up together well," he stated.
READ: Netflix to live stream BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG concert
BTS is set to release Arirang on March 20.
The K-Pop sensation will hold a comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul this March for free following the release of Arirang.
The show will be available for streaming on Netflix. Titled BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG, the event is set to premiere on March 21, 2026, at 8 p.m. KST. It will be the first time RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook will share the stage together following the completion of their mandatory military service.
Netflix is also scheduled to release a documentary titled BTS: THE RETURN starting March 27. The film chronicles the creation of their latest album, capturing the moment the seven members reunited in Los Angeles to produce new music after a period of separation and personal growth.