BTS Opposes Bang Si-hyuk's Arirang Push

Following the release of the behind-the-scenes documentary for BTS's new album, 'BTS: The Return,' criticism has emerged regarding allegations that Chairman Bang Si-hyuk pushed for the sampling of 'Arirang.' The documentary showed the members contemplating a new direction for the album, dubbed 'BTS 2.0,' during their work process.

Conflict arose particularly during the sampling of the folk song 'Arirang' for the first track, 'Body to Body.' While the members agreed with the album's overall direction, opinions were divided regarding the inclusion of 'Arirang.' RM likened it to "making bibimbap with bread, tonkatsu, and kimchi," while V expressed concern that it could give the impression of "going full nationalistic pride." Suga also commented that it felt like "just a special stage." The production team conveyed that Chairman Bang Si-hyuk's opinion was that "the folk singer should record it properly."

In a meeting held after completing recordings in LA, Chairman Bang Si-hyuk emphasized the symbolism on a global stage and proposed the direct use of 'Arirang.' He stated, "The scene of foreigners singing the chorus of 'Arirang' in front of 60-70,000 people would be incredibly iconic," adding that not proceeding with the discussion felt like discarding something significant.

When Jungkook suggested that "'Arirang' might not be recognized by many people beyond a few Koreans" and that it would be better to incorporate it in a more pleasing way, Chairman Bang Si-hyuk countered that bringing something bigger than musical perfection was important. He stressed that the members were a once-in-a-decades iconic presence, Korean artists, and that the target audience was the global public, concluding that the final decision ultimately had to be made by the members. In the end, 'Arirang' was included in 'Body to Body,' becoming an element symbolizing the album's identity.

After the documentary's release, K-pop fans, including BTS's fandom ARMY, criticized Chairman Bang Si-hyuk's attitude. Netizens pointed out that while it appeared to be a meeting, the direction seemed predetermined, and the final decision-making process felt unilateral. Some speculated that if the members had not followed the opinions of Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and the executives during the album production, the album might not have been approved.