BTS, the globally renowned K-pop group, has officially revealed the title of their upcoming album: Arirang. The album draws its name from one of South Korea’s oldest and most beloved folk songs, which has been passed down through generations and remains a deeply cherished part of Korean culture. The announcement came on Thursday, signalling BTS’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.
In an official statement, Big Hit Music highlighted that Arirang reflects BTS’s cultural roots while also weaving themes of heartfelt emotion and love throughout the album. The title itself carries significant meaning: “Ari” translates to “beautiful,” and “Rang” means “beloved.” The song Arirang has long been intertwined with Korean identity, performed in rice fields, during protests, at family gatherings, and at national events for over a century, though its precise origins remain uncertain.
Big Hit Music has confirmed that the album will feature 14 tracks, with recording completed in the latter half of 2025. This follows the 2022 anthology album Proof, released by RM and Jimin, and the group’s last full-length album, Map of the Soul: 7, released in 2020.
BTS Arirang 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 also confirmed an extensive world tour. The tour is set to commence on 9 April 2026 at the Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The official tour poster was unveiled on global fandom platform Weverse, exciting millions of fans worldwide.
The tour will cover 34 cities across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, with a total of 79 shows—marking the largest single tour ever undertaken by a K-pop group. After performing in South Korea, the North American leg begins on 25 April in Florida, covering 12 cities with 28 shows. The European leg, from June to July, includes five cities such as London and Paris, hosting a total of 10 concerts. The South American leg features performances in São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and three additional cities.
World Tour Summary
| Continent | Number of Cities | Number of Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 11 | 30 |
| North America | 12 | 28 |
| Europe | 5 | 10 |
| South America | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 34 | 79 |
This marks BTS’s first major world tour since their 2022 Permission to Dance On Stage performances in Las Vegas, reaffirming their global status while celebrating South Korean culture through Arirang.