BTS Overseas fans and media worked hard on 'Arirang' "600 years of folk song, this is what it meant" [K-EYES]

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BTS' "ARIRANG" announcement sent 1.6 million tweets

*[K-EYES] is a segment that introduces K-content, K-culture, and global perspectives on K-everything

When BTS (BTS) released its new fifth full-length album as "ARIRANG" on the 16th, fans around the world began enthusiastically "researching" Korean 600-year-old traditional folk songs. Since the release of the album name, more than 1.6 million related tweets have been poured out, and there has been a rare scene of digging into the meaning of "Arirang" in each language.

Foreign media have dug deep into the etymology of "Arirang." Forbes explained, "According to linguistic studies, 'Ari' means 'beautiful' and 'rang' means 'groom' in ancient Korean, and the word often translates to 'my loved one.'

Sportskida said, "Some studies have suggested that 'Ari' refers to beautiful and 'Rang' refers to a precious person, and this has formed a theory that is interpreted as 'my loved one'." In the all-pop forum, fans also shared their etymology, saying, "Linguists suggest that Ari (beautiful) + Lang (dear) could mean 'my loved one'.

A Twitter user Carolyne couldn't hide her excitement, saying, "BTS' new album is called 'ARIRANG' meaning 'my loved one' and each member will have their own version?!" The tweet received more than 163,000 likes.

Some fans suggested another theory. One user said, "The word 'Arirang' itself has no meaning and no exact meaning. The lyrics vary from version to version, but in most cases, themes of sadness, separation, reunion, and love appear," he pointed out.

A fan of the All-Pop Forum also said, "Arirang in the first sense is simple. It's a song. In fact, it is the most popular traditional folk song in Korea. But when talking about 'Arirang', Koreans will say it's not just a popular song. Instead, listening to and singing a song touches the soul of Korea or 'Han (恨)," he explained.

GMA News Online said, "The songs 'Arirang' sing about breakup and reunion, sadness, joy, and happiness. Given that BTS will return from military service in Korea during a four-year hiatus, the album's name choice is close to perfect.

The historical connection also became a hot topic. Sports Kida said, "The Washington Post article that seven Korean international students performed 'Arirang' for the first time in the United States in 1896 is being re-examined." One fan said, "Fate? Fate?" In 1896, seven Korean students first performed a folk song called Arirang. BTS has seven members. This was 130 years ago. BTS debuted on June 13, 2013. Their album ARIRANG has seven letters. It will be released in the year of being together for 13 years," he said, emphasizing the matching of numbers.

Forbes said, "Arirang is estimated to be more than 600 years old and is believed to have originated in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province. The oldest document was found in a manuscript in 1756, he said. "It was used as a rallying cry for Koreans during Japanese colonial era. At the peak of the effort to exterminate Korean culture, it functioned as a symbol of the struggle for independence," he explained.

The media said, "Arirang has become a symbol of national identity and resistance through Korea's turbulent modern history, including Japanese colonial era, the Korean War, and the continuous division of the Korean Peninsula. The song has become a vessel to express the collective experiences of separation, separation, and hope for reunification with the ability to adapt and evolve," he added.

Arirang was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage by South Korea in 2012 and North Korea in 2014, respectively. It is called by both South and North Korea and is considered a symbol of unity between the two countries.

"It is a very deliberate choice for BTS to release a comeback album named after Korea's most beloved folk song," Gulf News said. "The group has consistently centered its Korean identity throughout its global career, from incorporating traditional Korean instruments and hanbok into performances to dealing with Korean social issues in its lyrics."

The media said, "The title 'ARIRANG' refers to a return to roots after a nearly four-year hiatus due to military service. After four years of intensive global lighting, military service, and performance hiatus, it couldn't be more appropriate," he said, adding, "The album promises not only new music but also reflection on their journey. He added, "It's been 12 years, breaking records, facing the pressure of fame, and carrying the weight of representing Korea on the world stage."

A fan of the all-pop forum said, "It's the perfect name for a comeback album. I got goosebumps when I learned the cultural meaning of the name of this album," he said. Another fan said, "Arirang is a story of longing for love, separation, and reunification. BTS is coming back to express those feelings with this album. I can't think of a better name. I love you," he said.

On social media X (X, former Twitter) on the 16th (local time), fans explored the depth of the album's name by sharing the historical and cultural meanings of "Arirang" in various languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

One Brazilian fan spread the cultural meaning to fans of his age, explaining in Portuguese, "Arirang is the most famous folk song in Korea, symbolizing the soul, history, and resistance of Koreans."

Music Mundial said, "BTS, 'ARIRANG'! Let's go!!" "ARIRANG is getting flashbacks!" "That's right!" "ARIRANG?" We Go Back to the Roots" "ARIRANG is such a beautiful title. It was reported that he poured out reactions such as "I cried when I saw this."

"ARIRANG? I can't stop singing this anymore," one fan posted a video of him humming the folk song "Arirang," while another wrote, "Living Legend Version! That's it," he said, enthusiastic about the album's edition name.

BTS first performed "Arirang Medley" at the KCON in Paris in 2016. The studio-recorded version of the medley was featured on the promo CD 'Arirang', which was distributed free of charge by the National Museum of Korea on 9 October 2016. Gulf News said, "Ten years ago, BTS lit up 'Arirang,' and now it's a comeback hymn of heart and heritage."

Meanwhile, Big Hit Music said, "Arirang" is a title that encompasses the identity of the BTS and the feelings you want to share with music fans," adding, "I naturally paid attention to the team's roots, starting points, and inner stories ahead of my comeback in a long time." "I wanted to melt the identity of a group that started in Korea, longing, and deep love in my heart into music," he said.

"ARIRANG" will be released on March 20 at 1 p.m. (Korean time).

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*This content was translated by AI.