BTS set to make long-awaited comeback with 'Arirang'

▲ K-pop boy group BTS is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

BTS-album release

BTS set to make long-awaited comeback with 'Arirang'

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Global K-pop sensation BTS will return as a full group Friday, ending a hiatus of three years and nine months from group projects with the release of its fifth studio album, "Arirang."

It will be the band's first group release since "Proof" in June 2022 and the first since all of its members completed their mandatory military service.

The title "Arirang" is from the name of a famous Korean folk song that is often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea. According to BigHit Music, the group's agency, the album due out at 1 p.m. captures BTS' identity as a group that began in Korea, along with "the longing and deep love that lie within their hearts."

The album consists of 14 tracks, including "Swim," "Body to Body," "Hooligan," "Aliens," "Fya" and "2.0".

The lead track, "Swim," is described as an upbeat alternative pop song about navigating life's challenges, with lyrics co-written by BTS frontman RM. "Body to Body" celebrates the shared energy of performing for its dedicated fans, while "Hooligan" offers a look back at BTS' journey and "2.0" provides a candid reflection of the seven members' lives at this moment, according to the agency.

The seven members held songwriting sessions for the album in Los Angeles last summer. Star producers, including Diplo, Ryan Tedder and El Guincho, helped produce the tracks.

To commemorate its comeback, BTS will hold a special live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday. The show, which is expected to attract 260,000 fans and visitors to the area, will be streamed globally on Netflix.

The group is scheduled to travel to the United States next week to perform at "Spotify x BTS: Swimside" in New York on Monday, followed by appearances on U.S. NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 25 and 26.

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