On March 19, 2026, Billboard Korea revealed the shocking real-life story behind BTS’s fifth studio album, 'Arirang': the title was inspired by the first-ever recording of 'Arirang' made in 1896 in Washington, D.C., by seven Korean (Joseon) students.
The released images feature BTS’s silhouettes alongside the historic figures of the Joseon students who recorded 'Arirang.' In the teaser for the title track 'SWIM,' the 'Ulysses' warship at the Lisbon Maritime Museum appears, symbolizing Odysseus’s journey home and reflecting BTS’s sincere feelings after their military hiatus.
Fans flooded the comments with excitement, writing messages like "THE KINGS ARE BACK, BTS." More than just a comeback, it signals a powerful new beginning for BTS—one that honors their roots while marking the group’s next level of growth.