HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk / Yonhap
Global K-pop group BTS is drawing attention for incorporating the traditional Korean folk song “Arirang” into its new track “Body to Body,” a move that reflects both artistic ambition and careful deliberation.
The song, included on BTS’s latest album “Arirang,” features the familiar melody of “Arirang” layered with dynamic samulnori percussion and hip-hop elements. According to the music platform Melon, March 21, “Body to Body” ranked No. 4 on the daily chart, following the album’s lead-off track “SWIM,” which placed first the previous day.
Interest in the track has also brought attention to how the traditional melody came to be included. According to industry sources, the idea was proposed by Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE and the album’s executive producer.
While BTS members agreed on the album’s concept of revisiting their roots, opinions reportedly differed on whether to incorporate “Arirang,” with some expressing concern that it could feel overly direct or be perceived as excessive nationalism.
During a songwriting camp held in Los Angeles last summer, BTS members and producer Pdogg repeatedly tested versions of the track with and without the “Arirang” sample, engaging in extended discussions. Creative director Lee Bo-young also joined the process, sharing perspectives on the song’s cultural meaning.
A HYBE official said, “Chairman Bang suggested that the members imagine a scene where foreign audiences sing ‘Arirang’ together at a stadium concert.” The official added that the final decision was left to the members, who continued discussions after returning to Seoul before ultimately choosing to include the traditional melody.
BTS’ RM, left, with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk / Courtesy of HYBE
Bang is also known to have contributed to incorporating the sound of the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok into the album after visiting the National Museum of Korea in October last year.
The group’s comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square was likewise part of Bang’s broader vision. He was quoted as saying that BTS, having risen to global prominence from Korea, should return to “the most symbolic place” in the country.
BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music
International media have responded positively to the track. U.S. magazine Rolling Stone described “Arirang” as a song historically associated with mourning and resistance, noting that “Body to Body” captures a powerful moment where the ancient and the modern intersect. Music outlet Clash said the track’s use of the melody reinforces BTS’s Korean roots while highlighting their musical evolution.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.