Group BTS shared their honest thoughts on their fifth studio album, "ARIRANG", while raising anticipation for their next musical project.
On June 11, BTS candidly discussed behind-the-scenes stories from their world tour and their thoughts on the new album during the latest episode of "Run BTS 2.0" released on their official YouTube channel.
During the episode, the members showed deep affection for their fifth studio album "ARIRANG", sharing, "We did our best and did everything we could," "It's an album where we did the absolute best we could within the given time," and "Personally, it's a work I really love."
In particular, RM described the title track "SWIM" as "a song with romance," explaining, "It contains something we want to protect. Because there are seven of us, we were able to deliver a pop-style yet universal message."
However, the members also expressed some regrets about not being able to fully convey the album's deeper meaning. V said, "There were too few opportunities to explain it," while JIMIN added, "In the end, explaining is about showing it through the music video or the album itself. What we show changes depending on how well we understand the album ourselves."
RM also shared his regret, saying, "'SWIM' itself is a very good pop song, but because it was tied to the larger concept of 'Arirang' and we had a busy schedule, I don't think we were able to fully explain the song's meaning."
RM then shared his thoughts on BTS's musical direction, stating, "I think we are one of the last generations that can deliver a message to the world. Because there are seven of us, we can deliver a more pop-oriented and universal message."
Naturally, the members' focus shifted to their next album. V expressed, "I hope we can make the next album with more detail," while SUGA chimed in, "On the contrary, we could go even simpler." To this, JIMIN laughed and said, "We couldn't leave anything out this time," and RM explained, "Since it was our first full-group album in four years, it was a work we poured everything into."
BTS also appeared to have already started brainstorming for their next album. The members shared ideas about holding separate music production sessions in major cities like New York and Los Angeles during their world tour.
J-HOPE said, "I've already booked one," and V suggested, "Let's try it in LA," showing excitement for their upcoming work.
Meanwhile, BTS will hold their "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN BUSAN" concert at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 12 and 13. Celebrating their 13th debut anniversary, this concert is set to mark the grand finale of "FESTA."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)