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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Shahana Yasmin

The meaning of Arirang and why BTS chose it

BTS Netflix
  • K-pop supergroup BTS have returned after completing their mandatory military service, performing a concert in Seoul that drew 18.4 million Netflix viewers.
  • Their new Netflix documentary, BTS: The Return, tracks the members in Los Angeles as they transition back into their full group schedule and work on their new album, Arirang.
  • The album title Arirang is inspired by a Korean folk song, which came to symbolise Korean identity and resistance. Lee Bo Young, executive creative director at BTS’s label, suggested the word likely meant “longing for the beautiful people we love”.
  • The documentary reveals debates among members regarding the prominence of the 'Arirang' sample and the inclusion of Korean versus English lyrics to maintain authenticity for their diverse fanbase.
  • The group's rapid return to work post-military discharge meant a fast-paced production for 'Arirang', with some members having less involvement in the songwriting process due to timing.

IN FULL

Six things we learned from Netflix’s BTS documentary

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