"Coming back and showing ourselves as we truly are ultimately means starting from our roots. We believe those roots were solid enough to make us who we are today."
BTS made this statement on the 20th regarding their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG,' which prominently features Korean cultural elements. BigHit Music released a Q&A with the members, detailing the album and future activity plans.
The new album, their first in three years and nine months, contains 14 tracks including the title song 'SWIM.' Regarding the album's message, Suga said, "We thought deeply about what makes us most authentically ourselves," adding, "Rather than some grand message, we focused on 'us' as we are."
The members explained that Korean cultural elements naturally permeated the album through the process of showing their authentic selves. RM stated, "Korean elements are an important keyword that unites the seven of us. It connects to where we started—our roots." J-Hope added, "The lyrics also capture Korean excitement and culture."
The members unanimously agreed they focused on reinterpreting Korean elements while preserving BTS's unique identity. Jin said, "Rather than forcing Korean elements in, we focused on blending them naturally in our own way. We tried to balance highlighting Korean sentiment while making BTS's distinct color shine through." RM also explained, "We believe emotions reach a wider audience when we add subtle variations and our own interpretation. We wanted to naturally express 'Arirang,' which can be interpreted in many ways."
The members described the title track 'SWIM' as "a song with clean, subtle charm like Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold noodles)." Jin emphasized, "Rather than grabbing you intensely from the start, it's a song with lasting power that stays with you the more you listen," noting that the "ddong-dda-da-dang" rhythm point in the middle heightens immersion. The members agreed this song best captures the album's message. They added, "It's a song that becomes warmer and more empowering with each listen. We hope it becomes everyone's anthem for swimming through life day by day, breath by breath, splash by splash."
The members' collaborative songwriting sessions for this album drew attention. They gathered at overseas accommodations to intensively discuss lyrics, composition, and concepts, working on over 100 songs before selecting tracks for the album. Suga recalled, "We ate together, talked, and spent leisure time together while working every day. I especially remember our evening conversations about our rookie days." V revealed that the final track 'Into the Sun' was "inspired on my way back from working out."
The members presented 'newness' and 'growth' as key themes for future activities. J-Hope said, "This is a time for us to grow another step as artists. BTS 2.0 means expressing ourselves authentically while showing musical freedom and maturity." Jungkook said, "I want to start fresh with a new mindset," while Jimin emphasized, "Even if we face difficulties in new challenges ahead, we'll keep moving forward without stopping, like 'SWIM.'"
Finally, the members expressed their unchanging affection for their fandom ARMY. "We sincerely thank ARMY for waiting so long. We'll come to you through various activities including a world tour, so please enjoy it with us. We truly love you."
