BTS’s fifth studio album ARIRANG has landed on the lists of 2026’s best albums from multiple major media outlets in the U.S. and the U.K.
According to label BIGHIT MUSIC on the 23rd, the streak began on the 12th (local time) with US pop-culture outlet Complex, followed by US music magazine Rolling Stone on the 15th and UK music authority NME on the 16th, all naming 'Arirang' one of 2026's best albums.
Rolling Stone wrote, "The biggest news in the global music market in 2026 is undoubtedly BTS's comeback," adding, "With 'Arirang,' they brilliantly translate a distinctly Korean palette into music." NME hailed BTS as "the biggest boy band in the world," noting, "They flawlessly execute what they've always excelled at — precisely blending their homeland's cultural legacy with global musical influences. It's a triumphant return to their sweet spot."
UK daily The Telegraph also included 'Arirang' on its list of "the best albums released so far in 2026," saying, "BTS are the face of K-pop. Returning to their hip-hop roots, they actively infuse a uniquely Korean cultural identity into their music." US outlet Salon likewise selected 'Arirang' as one of the year's best albums, spotlighting the record's dynamic sound and the members' storytelling.
Meanwhile, BTS will kick off a Europe tour with 10 shows across 5 cities, starting in Madrid, Spain, on the 26th–27th. The world tour spans 88 dates in 34 regions worldwide, with additional stops in Japan and the Middle East to be announced.