BTS "Lost 10kg Ahead of Comeback... Mass Arirang Singalong Will Be Magnificent" [BTS is back]

BTS Weverse Live Broadcast on the 20th
"Korean Identity Is Our Destiny"
RM on Ankle Injury: "I Will Still Take the Stage"

Live screen capture of BTS. Weverse

BTS has conveyed their struggles and sincerity through their fifth full-length album, "ARIRANG."

During a Weverse live broadcast on the 20th, the members chose "identity" as the core keyword of the album. Jimin said, "During the production process, we talked most about what truly makes us who we are," adding, "Since all the members are Korean, we agreed to include something distinctly Korean." Leader RM explained, "The only thing that currently binds us together is the fact that we are Korean," and described it as a carefully chosen keyword after much deliberation.

Korean elements are woven throughout the 14 tracks included in the new album. The first track, "Body to Body," incorporates the main melody of Arirang. J-Hope introduced the song by saying, "There is something deeply moving about it, so it’s a track I particularly like," while Jin commented, "It's a song that never gets old and is easy to sing along to." RM added, "If everyone sings Arirang together during a performance, it would be magnificent."

The interlude track, "No.29," features the bell sound of Seongdeok Daewang Sinjong, designated as National Treasure No. 29. RM elaborated, "The song length of 1 minute and 37 seconds reflects the time it takes for the bell’s sound to completely fade after being struck."

The title track, "SWIM," reflects the members’ perspectives on life. RM emphasized, "Even during my military service, I felt that life is about swimming through each day. I was convinced this song could reach many people, so we chose it as the title track." Jimin shared, "At first, I was against it because it was different from our usual choreography-focused style, but in the end, I agreed that it fits our team the best right now."

BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

Documentary of BTS 'BTS The Return' preview screen. Provided by Netflix

On March 27, Netflix will release the documentary "BTS The Return," which follows the making of the "ARIRANG" album. Regarding his appearance in the documentary, Jimin said, "It wasn’t an easy face to show," revealing that he has lost about 9 to 10 kilograms since then. RM also noted, "There’s about a 10-kilogram difference compared to now."

The members also shared their feelings about reuniting after their solo activities. Jin expressed his affection for the team, saying, "I was lonely while promoting alone for a year after being discharged, but being with the members again has made me happy and excited." Suga said, "We are finally performing together on stage as a group for the first time in four years," expressing his deep emotion, while RM commented, "It is a blessing that seven grown men can pursue the same dream together, and the fact that we have come together at all is a miracle."

BTS will kick off the second chapter of their activities with a comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 8 p.m. on the 21st. RM, who injured his ankle during rehearsals, said, "I worked hard on dance practice, but it's difficult to perform right away. However, I will still go on stage, connect with fans, and manage my recovery to show everyone my best."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.