BTS has unveiled an animated teaser inspired by “Arirang,” Korea’s most iconic folk song.
BIGHIT MUSIC released the "ARIRANG" animation trailer, titled “What is your love song?”, on March 13 via BTS’s official social channels and BANGTANTV. The roughly one-minute clip opens with: “This film is inspired by the story of seven young Koreans recorded in the article ‘Seven Koreans at Howard,’ published in The Washington Post on May 8, 1896.”
The video begins with seven young men gathered around a phonograph in 1896. As the crank turns, the melody of “Arirang” plays. They sail across the Pacific, record their song in a foreign land, and share it with people there.
The scene then jumps to the present day, where BTS takes the stage. Bathed in purple lights, the members perform to roaring cheers in a packed arena. The video closes with BTS standing in front of Gwanghwamun Plaza, underscoring their message of hope and comfort through music.
According to the video description, the project was inspired by a historical note that Korean voices were recorded in Washington, D.C., in 1896.
The creators said they modernized the cultural significance of that record and the earliest known “Arirang” recording. They also noted the film may differ from actual historical events and is not intended as an official interpretation of any specific person or incident.
BIGHIT MUSIC shared, “We wanted to introduce the story within ‘Arirang’ to those unfamiliar with it,” adding, “We hope many people look up the lyrics and connect with the Korean sentiment embedded in the song.”
Alongside the animation drop, BTS also revealed the first group photo for the new release "ARIRANG". Dressed in suits that echo the seven youths from the video, the members turn heads with a classic concept.
BTS will release their fifth studio album, "ARIRANG", on March 20 at 1 p.m. The album is executive produced by Bang Si-hyuk and is set to include 14 tracks. On March 21, the group will hold “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” at Gwanghwamun Plaza, with a global live stream on Netflix.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)