[theqoo] Why BTS’s latest album concept ended up being Arirang

 

While developing the album, BTS received a proposal from BigHit Music’s executive producer Lee Bo-young to adopt “Arirang” as the core concept. The producer explained that in 1896, U.S. media reported on seven young Koreans who became the first Koreans to record music in the United States, and suggested building the album around the version of “Arirang” they recorded.

However, the members initially expressed hesitation, saying, “We understand it intellectually, but when it comes to stories about heroes and legends, we kind of have an allergic reaction,” “We can’t quite picture it,” and “Isn’t it a bit too direct?”

Later, HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk persuaded them, stating, “It makes no sense to give up the emotional impact of performing one’s traditional folk song in front of a global audience.” Following discussions, the group reached a compromise and decided to incorporate elements of “Arirang” into “Body to Body.”

In “Body to Body,” which incorporates elements of “Arirang,” J-Hope is seen dancing enthusiastically, while V voices concern that the concept could make some feel uncomfortable, remarking that it might come across as overly nationalistic. RM also offers a sharp critique, likening the approach to “eating bibimbap with too many unrelated ingredients mixed in,” referencing items such as kimchi and pork cutlet.

Meanwhile, Bang Si-hyuk meets with the members and emphasizes that their target audience is global, persuading them by highlighting the symbolic impact of a stadium crowd singing along to “Arirang.”

Even after deciding on “Swim” as the title track, BTS remain uncertain. J-Hope admits he hesitates to share the song with acquaintances, while V notes that the group is moving in a direction opposite to public expectations. They also relay lukewarm reactions from those around them, with some saying they understand the intent but are not fully convinced.

Original post: here

1. They’ve been in the industry that long… and still didn’t realize what kind of company it is before renewing their contracts?

2. So even the members know it’s an issue, does that mean Bang Si-hyuk’s completely lost his touch? I mean, sure, it’s also on them for not pushing back despite their seniority, but still…

3. At this point in their careers, is their involvement in their own album really that low?

4. I had a bad feeling the moment I heard the name “Arirang” too, sigh… you really gotta trust the artists’ instincts. They’re the ones with the more MZ sensibility, and it’s like—who even asked for that forced nationalism? If you’re gonna do it, at least make it feel refined. It’s not like there’s real demand beyond the older, nationalist-leaning fandom anyway

5. This album kinda feels like neither here nor there… it doesn’t have that tightly woven, cohesive vibe like the HYYH or Love Yourself series. Honestly, the members’ solo albums feel better. It’s like, because it’s their first full-group comeback after the military hiatus, everyone and their mom jumped in, and now the tracks just feel all over the place. At this point, Bang Si-hyuk should probably step back a bit

6. It’s their first comeback in a while, but the song and performance feel kinda underwhelming. They should’ve just stuck to what they’re good at and pushed it harder, maybe even gone with a double title track

7. They’ve been in the industry this long and still can’t break out of the whole universe Bang built for them… can’t even put out one deeply matured track driven by their own will and ability, just feeling the weight of the crown instead—kinda pathetic tbh

8. At this point, shouldn’t they be able to come back based on the members’ own input? They’ve got the seniority, after all. Even if it’s a post-military comeback, it still feels like the head’s influence is way too strong

9. Bang Si-hyuk was stubborn as hell with my faves too, and looks like nothing’s changed even with a senior group like BTS… feels like the artists really need to speak up more 🥲 I mean, they know which songs fans actually responded well to by now, right?

10. Honestly, I can barely think of times I’ve felt Bang Si-hyuk’s musical talent… but I can think of plenty of controversies instead