BTS make their long-awaited full-group comeback with the release of their 5th studio album, ‘ARIRANG.’
On March 20 at 1 PM KST, the group unveiled their studio album, along with the music video for its title track ‘SWIM,’ through official channels, marking their first full-group release in over three years.
‘SWIM’ is a subdued alternative pop track that reflects BTS’ matured artistry. Set against a vast ocean backdrop, the cinematic music video symbolizes longing, resilience, and moving forward through life’s uncertainties. It conveys a message of moving forward despite life’s uncertainties, likening the journey to swimming through waves with quiet determination.
The video, featuring Lili Reinhart, explores themes of distance and connection across alternate spaces, drawing inspiration from the traditional Korean folk sentiment of ‘Arirang.’
The album features a total of 14 tracks, including the title track ‘SWIM’, ‘Body to Body’, ‘Hooligan’, ‘Aliens’, ‘FYA’, ‘2.0’, ‘No. 29’, ‘Merry Go Round’, ‘NORMAL’, ‘Like Animals’, ‘they don’t know ‘bout us’’, ‘One More Night’, ‘Please’ and ‘Into the Sun’, capturing BTS’ personal experiences and universal emotions while further solidifying their musical direction as a group entering a new chapter.
BTS shared, “We are excited and nervous, but above all, we are overwhelmed with emotion,” adding, “We are happy and grateful just for the fact that the seven of us can gather and do something together after such a long time.”
Following the release, BTS will continue their comeback activities with ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG’ set to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 and livestreamed globally on Netflix.
Written by: Shrutha Keerthi E
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