BTS's 'ARIRANG': Inside the Vision of Bang Si-Hyuk and the Making of a Comeback

Following a nearly four-year hiatus, BTS made a monumental return with ARIRANG, which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks. This marks their seventh No. 1 album, setting a new record for the group. The lead track, “Swim,” also debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first group to simultaneously debut an album and song at No. 1 multiple times. They previously achieved this feat in 2020 with Be and “Life Goes On.”

All 13 tracks on ARIRANG charted on the Hot 100, with the exception of the interlude “No. 29.” On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, BTS dominated, claiming the entire top 10.
BTS

The mastermind behind BTS's resurgence is Bang Si-Hyuk, also known as Chairman Bang, the founder of HYBE. He orchestrated BTS's debut 13 years ago, assembling the group, producing their music, and managing their marketing and social media presence.

Chairman Bang maintained close contact with the group members throughout their mandatory military service, discussing the vision for their comeback album.

“For me personally, it was a project I poured over a year and a half of my life and energy into,” says Chairman Bang, who began working on ARIRANG at the urging of BTS’ members. He acknowledged the immense pressure of working with such an iconic group.

“Carrying that trust from the members, I took on the role of producer – but in truth, this kind of work comes with a level of pressure that’s just as heavy for the producer as it is for the artists. Music, at its core, should be grounded in authenticity and artistry... At the same time, as someone working in the popular music industry, it’s realistically never easy to stay completely detached from performance metrics, which ultimately reflect how the public responds.”

Two weeks after its release, ARIRANG, with its blend of pop, hip-hop, and Korean elements, resonated globally while reinforcing the group’s Korean roots.

In his first interview since the album's release, Chairman Bang discussed his role as chief producer, the journey to BTS's return, the creative process, and the album's profound meaning.

A comeback after nearly four years is a big deal. Can you give us some insight into the planning?

During the members' military service, HYBE focused on preparatory work, including sourcing songs and shaping the creative direction. Bang met with each member individually, discussing their evolving thoughts and feelings.

The album's structure and musical vision took shape during pre-song camps in the U.S. In early 2025, Diplo was selected as the lead producer. Two pre-song camps in Los Angeles yielded around 100 prototype tracks.

In July, after all members completed their service, a private workshop was held to evaluate the prototype tracks and define what only BTS could achieve.

So, what was the identity of the album?

The conclusion was clear: BTS 2.0 should mark a new chapter, not just an extension of the past.

The musical essence of the album was to explore what kind of music BTS would have created to lead the current era if they had continued with their original identity from their debut album, 2 Cool 4 Skool.

Following this vision, a full-scale song camp was held in Los Angeles. The members were deeply committed, even canceling personal plans to focus on the music. This commitment underscored their love for music and their identity as BTS.

For the first two weeks, there were no strict guidelines, allowing for creative exploration. This process helped narrow the direction and shape the vision into 200 to 300 fully realized pieces of music.

The scale and energy of the song camp became a talking point within the U.S. music industry, attracting legendary producers and rising talents. One veteran producer remarked that it was the largest songwriter camp he had seen since the 2000s.

Can you describe the first time you sat down again with all of them? How did that feel and what did they definitely want to do?

The reunion felt surprisingly ordinary, like no time had passed. After understated greetings, they immediately immersed themselves in the music, signaling a fresh start.

They wanted to return to their roots and prove, through music, a question that only BTS can pose at this moment.

Another memorable moment was a private listening session a month before the album's release. The members listened to the completed ARIRANG album in its entirety, expressing confidence in the music and the direction they had pursued.

What was the approach to the music itself? K-pop, like all music, has changed since BTS’ last album. How was this a challenge and an opportunity?

The goal was to move beyond the “boy band” label and establish BTS as true artists, respecting their musical traditions while not being confined by them.

The lyrics and messaging were intended to reflect their current perspectives and feelings more honestly than before, requiring the artists to reveal their vulnerabilities.

Chairman Bang hopes that ARIRANG will expand the horizon of an artist's career and encourage continuous artistic growth and reinvention within the K-pop market.

He also hopes it will spark a shift in how albums are experienced, particularly through renewed attention to vinyl (LP) formats.
BTS

How have the boys changed? What was the biggest change you’ve seen in their attitudes to the music business and the music itself?

The work dynamic remained the same, with Chairman Bang shaping the members' ideas and the members bringing them to life in the music. What changed was the members' capabilities and growth as artists.

The process became more artist-led, with Chairman Bang stepping in only when necessary to help shape the direction and weigh in on key decisions.

BTS is more than just a pop band: they’re a national treasure. How did you navigate the pressure of making their comeback a success?

Chairman Bang felt immense pressure, but also a strong conviction that the album would be defining and exceptional. This confidence came from a deep trust in BTS as artists.

Compared to the initial pressure, the 18 months of production felt surprisingly calm, maintaining a sense of inner composure amid unprecedented turbulence.
BTS

What risks did you take?

The biggest question was whether the audience would accept the transformation envisioned with “BTS 2.0.” This led to a shift in visual language, focusing less on external spectacle and more on capturing the members as they are, as people.

Another risk was fundamentally reshaping the role of performance. The choreography for tracks like “Swim” and “Hooligan” was revised to be minimal, almost nonexistent, to allow the music itself to be heard.
V, JIN, SUGA, RM, JUNG KOOK, J-HOPE, JIMIN at 'BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang' in Seoul

At the same time, a new standard was established to meet the expectations of fans who associate BTS with powerful choreography, opening a new horizon for K-pop choreography.

What is the importance of “Arirang” in Korea, and why did you suggest this be the title of the album?

In Korea, “Arirang” is more than a folk song; it symbolizes resilience and vitality. Chairman Bang believed it was the most precise vessel to express the inner landscape of BTS.

He was reminded that despite their global icon status, the members are young men grappling with questions of identity. The core of the project was to reveal the human struggles beneath their heroic image.
K-pop boy band BTS perform onstage during comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. The free concert is the band's first performance in nearly four years.

Arirang became the clearest compass, reflecting on BTS's 13-year journey and pointing toward an era of “A Love Beyond,” transcending borders and generations.

As a Korean, how did you feel listening to thousands sing “Arirang” together with BTS on “Body to Body,” which is officially a global hit?

Chairman Bang was deeply moved by fans from all over the world singing parts of the song in Korean in perfect unison. He felt that choosing to forgo something that could create such a powerful emotional impact might be regrettable.

The Netflix concert was shot at Gwanghwamun Square. I understand this was your idea. What is the significance of Gwanghwamun and why film there?

The first stage marking BTS’ new chapter had to take place in a distinctly Korean location. Gwanghwamun Square proved to be the most fitting choice, visually representing the album’s message.

The stage was designed with minimal elements, creating a “portal” connecting the past and the present.

Another beautiful Korean touch was the inclusion of the “Emille” of the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok as part of the album on “No. 29,” another idea of yours. What is the significance of the Sacred Bell in Korean culture and what is its purpose in this album?

Introducing the sound of the bell created a meditative passage, allowing listeners to transition into the second half of the album. The bell's sustained resonance, known as “maengnori,” symbolized the hope that BTS’ music would resonate with a lasting echo over time.

Chairman Bang hoped that international listeners might explore its meaning and history, gaining a deeper understanding of Korean cultural heritage.

The last several years have seen a resurgence of national pride in pop music... Is it now time for Korea to have special musical ambassadors with BTS and Arirang?

Chairman Bang believes BTS will become an icon, not simply representing Korea, but as universal pop artists in their own right.

He believes BTS is becoming something like a destination, moving beyond fandom and emerging as an act embraced by the general public on a global scale. He is confident that their presence will contribute to expanding the market and increasing overall interest in the broader K-pop scene.

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