BTS returns with new album

After a long wait of almost four years, world-famous South Korean boy band BTS has finally released their fifth studio album. The album, released on Friday (March 20), is titled ‘Arirang’, which is basically the name of a traditional Korean folk song. This is BTS’s first full-length album after completing their mandatory military service.

The 14-track album is seen as a reflection of the band’s roots and identity. Entertainment magazine Billboard has called the album a ‘love letter’ to their homeland from the band members.

Ahead of the album’s release, BTS member Jimin said, “We have thought deeply about how to express our identity and authenticity through our music and performances. As part of this process, we have also re-evaluated the meaning behind this all-Korean band and our background.

The group will perform songs from the new album at a massive open-air concert at Seoul’s historic Gyeonghwamun Square on Saturday. The concert is currently in a festive mood in Seoul. It is estimated that about 260,000 fans will attend the event in person. Most hotels in Seoul are already booked for the event and fans from all over the world are flocking to Seoul.

Fans Mara Christia Yao and Rodesa Erica Bonon from the Philippines said they came to Seoul to be close to their idols even though they didn’t get tickets for Saturday’s concert. “We will stay in this area even if we don’t get tickets,” Yao told AFP. I'm planning to see them wherever they stand tomorrow.'

For fans around the world who can't make it to the stadium, streaming platform Netflix will be live streaming the concert in about 190 countries. BTS will also embark on a three-month world tour starting in April.