Global K-pop supergroup BTS got candid about their newly released album Arirang, which marked their long-awaited return after nearly four years.
They talked about the album during their appearance on Hot Ones, the popular YouTube talk show by First We Feast where host Sean Evans interviews celebrities while they take on the challenge of eating chicken wings with increasingly spicy sauces. Throughout the interview, RM spoke in English, while the rest of the members shared their thoughts in Korean.
The group reflected on the story and message behind the opening track, “Body to Body,” sharing that it draws inspiration from a song associated with the 1988 Seoul Olympics. They explained how the track sets the tone for Arirang, blending nostalgia with a modern sound while paying homage to a significant moment in Korean cultural history.
“To be honest, Korea in 1988 held the Olympics that year in Seoul. There was a song called 'Hand in Hand.' The title for their official song. So we thought of doing a 2026 version of that song and started from there. Then we thought about sampling other music that’s specific to Korean culture. While going through the list, we then landed on Arirang' for that. We thought it matched well with the song,” Suga recalled during the interview.
In the episode, Sean asked the group if it was true that they had recorded a staggering 120 songs during their time in the studio. The members of the group confirmed the intense creative process, pulling back the curtain on the long discussions and debates that ultimately shaped the final 14-track album.
“To put it simply, we all gathered in one place and listened to all the songs from track 1 to track 100. All of it. The songs we'd discuss while we listened. 'How is this?' or 'Thoughts on this.' Almost in a pure fashion. And then we'd pick based on that,” Jung Kook recalled from their sessions in LA.
“And if I remember correctly, we had a point-scoring system,” V added.
Looking back on the release of their 2014 track “Danger,” the group reflected on their growth and journey, now standing at the helm of the biggest tour ever mounted by a South Korean act.
“Have you ever heard that a singer or a musician follows their song title? We were really in danger at that time, we were just about to collapse.” RM, the leader of the group, playfully said.
“But because we experienced that danger back then, when things get tough, we remember what we went through and it doesn't feel so bad at that moment. Isn't it because of that time and the song that brought us here? I think about it in those terms,” Jin reflected.
Beyond the spotlight, the members of BTS also opened up about their quiet moments offstage, sharing what their mornings look like after each performance.
“The next morning is exhausting, pretty much dead afterwards,” Jimin spoke.
“For me, I still wake up with tinnitus in my ear and can't hear. It won’t stop,” V mentioned.
“They say the body swells up when exhausted. After we wake up, we meet for rehearsals. And that's when I'll see everyone with puffy faces. And then, well, our faces go back to normal as the next concert so then we’re back looking great! But puffy in the morning,” Jin noted.
The group also extended a warm invitation to fans worldwide to join them on their upcoming tour following the break, expressing their excitement to reunite with audiences on stage. BTS shared their anticipation of creating new memories together, promising an even more powerful and meaningful experience as they return to performing live.
“Ladies and gentlemen, at long last we are finally going to begin our tour. This time around, there'll be some amazing venues. So when you all show up to the show I hope you'll be ready. We really, because we haven't seen you in a while, we’re going to give you an amazing show! Thank you very much!” V excitedly shared.
—By Kent Joahs Escabarte, PUSH ABS-CBN Intern