BTS cited their deep affection for the team and each other as the reason for releasing their fifth studio album "ARIRANG" as a complete group, ending a long hiatus due to solo activities and military service.
According to Apple Music on the 21st, BTS recently appeared on Apple Music's "Zane Lowe Show," recorded at HYBE's headquarters in Seoul. The group spoke candidly about their return to music, the album production process, their feelings about reuniting after completing military service, and their bond as a team.
Leader RM said in the interview, "We're still here because we love each other so much. We have our fans, and there's no reason to quit this precious brand and family." He added, "These people (the members) are my youth itself, so I didn't want to miss this opportunity."
RM also revealed, "I didn't want to leave behind regrets later, thinking 'Oh no, that was when we were supposed to come back together... we weren't supposed to stop our journey.'"
Suga said, "If we want, I think we can keep doing this even when we're 80 or 90." V added, "I think we have no choice but to keep working hard for each other so we can last as long as possible."
BTS's "ARIRANG," released the previous day, generated an explosive response, recording nearly 4 million album sales on its release date. The title track "SWIM" went straight to No. 1 on Melon's "Top 100" chart.
Regarding the album title, RM explained, "Choosing the keyword 'Arirang' was natural. Arirang is a traditional Korean song with abstract lyrics that contain longing and nostalgia." He continued, "During military service, I reflected on the time that passed, my longing for the fans, and the moments we shared together. We put these emotions into the album."
J-Hope added, "Through this album, we wanted to show our roots and identity. By trying to capture all of that, the album came out honest and genuine."
After their discharge last year, BTS flew to Los Angeles to focus on album production. The experience of the seven members reuniting and living together after being apart for so long became a turning point for the team.
Jin reflected, "Living together with the members in the US this time, eating together and doing things at set times for a long period—it was so enjoyable and happy."
RM agreed, saying, "The feeling was truly surreal. Living together under one roof and working in Los Angeles for about two months was a major turning point and a dreamlike time."
The members also shared their thoughts on military service during the interview.
Jimin said, "I deeply felt how precious the time to work and pour passion into something is. With the mindset that I need to work harder, I continued practicing with Jungkook and spent my time meaningfully even in the military."
Jungkook noted, "Rather than solo activities, we've always done a lot as a group, so returning as a complete group felt natural."
BTS will hold a free comeback concert "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG" at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 8 PM today, performing new songs and hit tracks over the course of one hour.