Global K-pop sensation BTS has revealed the title of their much-anticipated new album: Arirang. Named after South Korea’s iconic folk song that has resonated across generations, the album marks the group’s return after nearly four years. Members RM, Jungkook, Jimin, V, and Suga are set to release the full-length album on 20 March 2026, reuniting with fans worldwide.
In a statement, Big Hit Music explained that the album pays homage to BTS’s cultural roots while weaving melodies filled with heartfelt emotion and love. The title Arirang combines two words: “Ari,” meaning “beautiful,” and “Rang,” meaning “beloved.” The song itself has no precisely recorded origin but has been a cherished part of Korean life for more than a century. It has been sung in rice fields, at protests, during family gatherings, and at national ceremonies, making it a symbol of Korean identity and emotion.
BTS’s new album will feature a total of 14 tracks, all recorded in the latter half of 2025. This release follows the 2022 anthology album Proof, and their last full-length album, Map of the Soul: 7, which came out in 2020.
Key Album Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Album Name | Arirang |
| Release Date | 20 March 2026 |
| Total Tracks | 14 |
| Recording Period | Late 2025 |
| Previous Full Album | Map of the Soul: 7 (2020) |
| Previous Anthology | Proof (2022) |
Alongside the album announcement, BTS has confirmed a world tour. The tour will kick off on 9 April 2026 at the Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The official poster was unveiled on the global fandom platform Weverse, signalling the start of an expansive international journey.
The tour is set to span 34 cities across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, with a total of 79 confirmed shows—setting a new record for a single K-pop group tour. After performing in South Korea, the North American leg begins on 25 April in Florida, covering 12 cities with 28 shows. The European leg, taking place from June to July, includes London, Paris, and three other cities for a total of 10 concerts. BTS will conclude the South American leg with performances in São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and three additional cities.
This marks BTS’s first major world tour since their Permission to Dance On Stage tour in Las Vegas in 2022, reaffirming their position as global musical ambassadors while celebrating their cultural heritage through Arirang.