BTS, the proof is over."Arirang," a new narrative that started from the roots [★ Report②]

*This content was translated by AI.

Group BTS (BTS) returned to its fifth full-length album "ARIRANG" on the 20th. This is the first time in three years and nine months since the new album "Proof" released in 2022.

This comeback is more than just a return. While "Proof" focused on "proving" the value of the team's existence by compiling its past journey, the new report "Arirang" redefines its "root" by raising the most Korean sentiment on the solid soil. Now, beyond the stage of self-proof, they are expanding their new narrative by raising the essential topic of what to inherit and where to go.

"Arirang" deeply captures the identity of the team and universal emotions that anyone can sympathize with. The title song of the upbeat alternative pop genre, "SWIM," sings about the attitude of continuing to swim without stopping in the waves of life. Member RM took charge of the overall lyrics and melted the thoughts of the current BTS.

In addition to the title songs, "Body to Body," "Hooligan," "Aliens," "FYA," "2.0, "No. 29," "Merry Go Round," "Normals," "Like Animals," "They don't know about us," "One More Night," "Please," "Inside."

The previous work, "Proof," was a compilation of reasons that penetrated BTS's past, present, and future. The focus was on self-proving the reason for the team's existence by aggregating the music and narrative that has been accumulated since its debut. The title song "Yet To Come" also served as a "period" before opening a new chapter while talking about the future, reflecting on nine years of activities.

"Arirang" meant to expand the world beyond that period in earnest. Beyond the simple borrowing of folk songs, it reinterpreted the universal sentiment of Koreans such as separation, longing, 恨, and recovery with a modern sense. This serves as a key axis for broadening BTS's musical horizons in this album. "Arirang" presents a milestone for the next chapter, asking the question, "What will we inherit and what will we leave behind?"

In this regard, member RM said, "I think the Korean element is an important keyword that can tie seven people together. It is because it is also in contact with the roots of where we started, he said. "What is Korean is still being redefined and changed. It will be fun for us to be part of that trend," he said.

J-Hope also said, "The lyrics of the new book melted Korean excitement and culture. In many areas, I tried to create more "points where seven people can be together." I think it's something that starts at the root to come back and show the way it is. I think we are where we are now because the roots are solid together," he added.

This change in message becomes clearer in the title song 'Swim'. This song sings about the attitude of moving on without stopping even in the rough waves of life. While the past BTS showed the energy of "survival" to fight against the current, "Swim" shows the aesthetics of "Yu-young" who calmly accepts the incoming flow at his own pace.

It contains a message that he will swim at his own pace rather than reject the rushing changes and trends of the times. In particular, it is impressive that the driving force of this movement was solved with "love for life." The attitude of accepting even the rough current as a part of life shows the inner side of the BTS, which has become stronger after the hiatus, and conveys a positive resonance to listeners around the world.

In terms of narrative, 'Proof' was a 'period' to organize the first act of BTS, while 'Arirang' is more of a 'feeler' to open after that. Those who had stopped for a while after organizing their past are now clearly showing their willingness to move forward again.

The sentiment of "Arirang" throughout the album is released in a relatively calm tone rather than consuming it excessively emotionally while presupposing separation and reunion. On top of that, the rhythm and development of the title song "Swim" play a role in emphasizing the movement forward, not staying in static emotions.

Rather than consuming the return after the hiatus as a simple emotional relief, it focuses on reorganizing the relationship with fans on the extension of the past. After all, "Arirang" is a work that clearly shows the direction after "Proof". It is also the starting line that opens the next era of BTS, standing at the point of reviewing the roots and roots of achievements beyond the stage of organizing achievements and expanding them into the future.

The album, which contains a universal message based on the most Korean sentiment, proves once again that BTS has established itself as an artist who goes beyond simple K-pop groups to create a cultural narrative.

The peak of this journey will be followed by the performance 'BTS Comeback Live: Arirang' to be held at Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of Korea, on the 21st. Swim, which will resonate in Gwanghwamun, where history and modernity coexist, is expected to be a stage that symbolizes the team's roots and future at the same time. The stage, which will be held with the attention of the world, is likely to be recorded as a cultural event beyond just a concert. Attention is focusing on whether it will be the starting point of a new narrative that BTS will write and a signal that will once again imprint its global status.

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*This content was translated by AI.