BTS has officially kicked off their comeback countdown, declaring the start of “BTS 2.0.” “ARMY (fandom name), we’ve prepared something truly special to match the long wait. We’re back,” the group shared.
BTS released their fifth full-length album ARIRANG at 1 PM (KST) on March 20. This marks their first album in 3 years and 9 months since ‘Proof.’
ARIRANG serves as the opening chapter of “BTS 2.0,” capturing the group’s honest experiences, reflections, and identity shaped throughout their journey.
The album features a total of 14 tracks, including the title song “SWIM,” along with “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” and “No. 29.”
“SWIM” is an alternative pop track that conveys the idea of continuing to move forward through the waves of life. RM participated in writing the lyrics, adding a layer of sincerity.
Meanwhile, BTS will host a group live broadcast on Weverse at 2 PM (KST) on the same day. On March 21, they will hold a comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
Ahead of their comeback, BTS sat down with Dispatch for a short interview, opening up about the meaning of the latest album and sharing about the production thought process.
BTS Comeback Q&A
Q. How does it feel to return after 3 years and 9 months?
BTS:
We’re excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved. Just being able to do something together again as seven members makes us happy and grateful. Since ARMY has waited so long, we prepared thoroughly. It’s incredibly emotional and fulfilling to be able to show ourselves again. While there’s some fear with a group album after so long, having our members and ARMY with us makes us feel reassured.
Q. What message do you want to convey most with this album?
Suga:
We focused on what makes us truly “us,” rather than delivering a grand message.
Jimin:
We wanted to express the idea of continuing to move forward. Despite the pressure to always show something new and better, we wanted to convey our determination to keep swimming without stopping.
Jungkook:
This album reflects each member’s individual time and color. I hope people see it as the most BTS-like album.
Q. How were the “Korean elements” in the album decided?
RM:
We explored various ideas. At one point, we even wrote a song inspired by taekwondo. It wasn’t included in the final album lineup, but I personally liked it. Korean elements are an important keyword that ties the seven of us together – it connects to our roots. Since the definition of “Korean-ness” continues to evolve, we thought it would be interesting to be part of that flow.
Jin / Suga:
The album logo started from Jungkook’s idea. All of us started adding ideas in various aspects, and the concept of this album was finalized. As all members are Korean, we also wanted to naturally incorporate Korean elements.
J-Hope:
We infused the lyrics of our new album with the spirit and culture of Korea. In various aspects, we made a concerted effort to create more points of connection—spaces where the seven of us could truly come together. I believe that returning to show our authentic selves, just as we are, ultimately begins with our roots. And it is because those roots were so firmly intertwined that we stand here today.
V:
Each member contributed ideas, and we put forth effort to meld all of our individuality together. Fans will enjoy discovering those details one by one.
Q. What standards did you set when expressing “Korean elements”?
RM:
Rather than applying Korean elements as a fixed framework, we wanted to interpret them naturally in our own way. We believe that when subtle variation and our own perspective are added, the emotional message can reach a wider audience. Since “Arirang” can be interpreted in many ways, we wanted to approach it differently and offer a fresh reinterpretation.
Jin / Suga:
Instead of forcing Korean elements into the music, we focused on incorporating them in a way that feels true to us. We aimed to strike a balance—preserving Korean sentiment while ensuring BTS’s unique color remains clear.
J-Hope:
Balance and restraint are definitely important. But within that, we believe it’s impactful to be bold in key moments. For this album and the performances, we worked with the mindset of “not excessive, but unmistakable when it matters.”
Jimin:
Across both music and performance, we reflected on our identity and how we express ourselves authentically. In that process, we also reconsidered the fact that all members are Korean, which made Korean elements an important focal point. In particular, “Arirang” is a word and a folk song deeply familiar to Koreans from a young age, so choosing it as the album title came with both pressure and a strong sense of responsibility.
Q. Why was “SWIM” chosen as the title track?
RM:
We spent the most time contemplating it since it would be the title track. We tried for a month to create a song better than “SWIM,” but it wasn’t easy. It has a subtle, understated charm that grows on you. We felt the sense of wanting to swim together the more we listened to the track.
Jin:
It’s not instantly striking, but it has a lingering power. The rhythm point in the middle is especially memorable. Time flies when listening to that part.
J-Hope:
We strove to create a performance where the vocals remain clearly audible, even while the choreography is being watched. It features intricate details—such as movements that mimic ocean waves or a specific moment where we sink down quietly, as if diving beneath the surface. At first, we worried that the track might feel a bit lackluster when placed alongside our more high-impact songs; however, the more we listened to it, the more we found ourselves naturally immersing in its sound and feeling a sense of ease. Ultimately, we chose it as our title track because it aligned perfectly with the themes we wanted to convey.
V:
Among stronger tracks, “SWIM” felt the simplest and most lasting. I thought it wasn’t a gripping song, but then the more I listened to it, I felt this is a long-lasting song you can listen to for a long time.
Jungkook:
The more you listen, the more it feels right. Even the lyrics represent BTS as we are now. It has a new charm, even in the performance, so I hope fans can pay attention to that.
Q. How do you want “SWIM” to be remembered?
BTS:
We hope it feels like life itself—a song that flows day by day, like breathing and swimming forward. We want it to be a warm song that gives strength, and like “Arirang,” to stay with people for a long time.
Q. What new attempts did you make in this album?
BTS:
If you listen to the new album, the album’s structure is solid. We focused on expanding genres, sounds, and vocal expressions. We challenged unfamiliar styles and tried new approaches. Tracks like “FYA” feature hyper-jersey-based sounds, while “Like Animals” and “Merry Go Round” explore psychedelic textures. Even during recording, we adjusted details to create a more natural and restrained tone. We’re not 100% satisfied, but we’re satisfied in that it showed how we are changing and improving.
Q. Behind-the-scenes of the Los Angeles songwriting sessions?
Suga:
We lived together while working on music, eating, and talking every day. We also spent our own individual time as well. In particular, we often shared stories from our rookie days. It reminded me a lot of those days while living together for the first time in a while.
J-Hope:
Some days were productive, others were challenging, but we supported each other throughout. Just working together on the album while living with the members again felt new.
Jimin:
We once dreamed of making an album together like this right after our debut. So this experience of all seven members sitting down for a songwriting session was meaningful.
V:
After returning from a workout, I heard a theme song on the way back. Suddenly, I was inspired, so I came back and sang a song. Everyone reacted well to it and liked the melody, so we were able to include that track in the album. That song is “Into the Sun.”
Jungkook:
We worked on over 100 songs, and listening to demos together was especially memorable. There are songs we worked on separately so there were new songs we’ve never shared. That process was fun and memorable. I was so happy during that time.
Q. What does “BTS 2.0” mean to each of you?
RM:
We’ve thought about it a lot, but it’s hard to define in just one phrase. I’d say it’s closest to “balance.” Half of it is that the seven of us have come together again, and the other half is moving forward and embracing change. It’s not easy, but it’s also incredibly joyful and fun.
Jin:
We need to be a bit more mature. Our thinking has become more serious, and we need to grow in every way. We also want to give even more effort to our activities.
Suga:
A new beginning.
J-Hope:
It means growing as artists. Expressing ourselves authentically while showing musical freedom and maturity—that’s what the start of “2.0” represents.
Jimin:
Rather than giving it an overly grand meaning, it’s about continuing to work diligently and grow, even if our ways of expression evolve slightly.
V:
I see it as a story of growth. Some of it is the natural newness that comes with time, but it’s also an opportunity for BTS to show the experience and development we’ve gained on stage.
Jungkook:
It’s literally “something new”—a new direction in every sense. I want to start with a fresh mindset myself.
Q. What one thing hasn’t changed compared to the past?
RM:
When I’m with the members, I show the version of myself I like the most—the innocence and childlike wonder. We often say that being together is genuinely fun. It’s rare to find friends who feel like family.
Jin:
If anything has improved, it’s that we’ve grown closer. The natural laughter and playful atmosphere when we’re together haven’t changed. Even nowadays, if we find a good restaurant, we still go to eat together.
Suga / V:
Our passion for performing and the love we put into it hasn’t changed.
Jimin:
Every new challenge will bring difficulties, so we’ll always have to consider and choose the right path. Still, the attitude of “swimming forward without stopping,” like in “SWIM,” will never change.
J-Hope / Jungkook:
Our love for ARMY remains unchanged. We’re always grateful and thankful.
Q. A message to ARMY
BTS:
We sincerely thank ARMY for waiting so long. We missed you deeply, and being together again as seven means everything to us. We’ll meet you through music, performances, a world tour, and many activities ahead. Are you ready to enjoy this with us? We’ve prepared plenty beyond just the album—let’s have fun together. We love you.
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