BTS already broke the web earlier this week once they introduced the dates for his or her upcoming tour. ARMY is in full meltdown once more as we speak as a result of pre-order info is now out there for the brand new album, which implies we now have the album title:
ARIRANG
I do know I’m biased however, like, they’re working on one other degree right here. “Arirang” is Korea’s unofficial nationwide anthem, a track recognized to each Korean, what’s thought of to be probably the most Korean of all Korean songs in historical past. The themes expressed in “Arirang” embrace longing, love, loss, endurance, delight, identification. A Korean good friend of mine as we speak texted to say that, “to me it actually means ‘Korea’”.
So it’s already highly effective that RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, who’ve paused group actions for a number of years now to serve their nation, are actually constructing their comeback, actually, in probably the most Korean means attainable. But it surely’s much more highly effective contemplating that over the previous few years, particularly from the pandemic onwards, as their fanbase has expanded with a number of English language hits, and as anticipation for his or her return has change into extra intense than ever, that they’re rooting this second of their heritage and tradition. After which it’s nonetheless much more highly effective for these of us who’ve been right here for some time as a result of they’re including to a mythology that was already in place. As a result of this isn’t the primary time “Arirang” has appeared within the BTS encyclopaedia.
Again in 2016, BTS carried out at KCON in Paris. The occasion was held there as a part of the “Yr of Korea in France to commemorate the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the 2 nations. BTS was a part of the lineup and through their set, they really carried out “Arirang” (video right here), in numerous Korean dialects and incorporating the varied regional variations of the track. Additionally they added a verse that they wrote themselves which each labored for the spirit of the unique and beloved Korean anthem but additionally for the spirit of Bangtan. The lyrics go like this:
“Satisfaction and vanity
We overcame every part
By no means gave up as soon as
One large step began right here…
The brilliant land with a blazing rising solar”
It was an expression of devotion and loyalty for the nation that made them, utilizing the attributes highlighted in probably the most Korean of songs because the ideas that guided them to success. And now, precisely ten years later, they’re going again into their very own historical past, and their nationwide historical past, to kick off their future – at all times as representatives of “the brilliant land with a blazing rising solar”. That solar appears to be mirrored within the new album artwork:
BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ album cowl at the moment, that includes 14 new tracks.
The album will likely be launched on March twentieth.
It’s now out there for pre-save on Spotify:
— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) January 15, 2026
A lot has modified for BTS since 2016, which is the yr they actually exploded. It was the yr they gained their “Daesang” or grand prize. They after all had a passionate fanbase earlier than that however 2016 is de facto once they went subsequent degree to change into the most important act in Ok-pop historical past. Now, a decade later, they’re reaching again to a efficiency that happened throughout that pivotal yr, and centering their comeback round that specific track and all its layered meanings however, I imply, if it’s important to take away only one, it could be, WE ARE KOREAN.
What else occurred as we speak…
Oh look, one other movie star is doing a podcast. (Pajiba)
Emilia Clarke’s coat recreation has been glorious over the previous few days. (Go Fug Your self)
Indy the canine is the star of Good Boy, a movie that’s critically acclaimed and a movie that I’ll by no means, ever see as a result of I don’t wish to sit by means of nearly two hours watching a superb boy be afraid or anxious. They’re too pure, they need to solely have enjoyable experiences like romps within the snow and consuming peanut butter off your fingers and taking over the entire sofa and leaving the human with probably the most uncomfortable nook. Sarah reviewed Good Boy right here. and he or she wrote about Indy’s fantastic efficiency and now he’s an award winner. Which he most likely doesn’t give a f-ck about as a result of he would somewhat go for a swim within the lake. (Celebitchy)
The Scorching Snake Man on Traitors is acquainted to all of us who f-ck exhausting with Love Island USA. It’s ROB. Rob is on Traitors… which is definitely a extremely good present for him to be on. And Olivia Craighead is obsessive about him. (The Lower)
A couple of days in the past it was reported that Sharon Stone, whereas accepting an award, known as out a teenager for being a dick to her. Now there’s video of what she mentioned on stage as she described how impolite they had been, how dismissive, and the way satisfying it was to then allow them to know that the particular person they didn’t know was really an award recipient. Most individuals are assuming the ignorance was coming from influencers. But additionally… it’s LA. Like an younger LA influencer is a specific model of asshole. (EW)
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