The modern reinterpretation of the traditional folk song 'Arirang' establishes cultural identity.
This album is seen as a successful realization of Bang Si-hyuk's strategic vision.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Han-gil] BTS has once again achieved astonishing success in the global music scene with their fifth album 'Arirang'. This album offers a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Korean folk song 'Arirang', embodying the strategic vision of Hive's chairman Bang Si-hyuk. Released on the 20th, the album has elicited a variety of reactions since its debut.
The track 'Body to Body' that samples 'Arirang' has sparked controversy, with some critics labeling it excessively nationalistic, especially following the release of the Netflix documentary 'BTS: The Return'. Disagreements were noted within the group during the production process, where members expressed that a longer version of 'Arirang' felt alienating. Nevertheless, Bang Si-hyuk emphasized the significance of having foreign fans sing along, turning the song into a symbolic aspect of the album’s identity.
This decision is not merely a reflection of Bang Si-hyuk’s unilateral stance. The exchange of opinions between artists and producers is essential, enriching the creative journey. Many of BTS’s hits have also emerged from experimentation and discussion. Bang Si-hyuk’s encouragement to utilize 'Arirang' strategically considers the cultural experience for global performances, becoming a unique element to enhance competitiveness in the global market, thus offering fans a fresh thrill.
The album 'Arirang' serves as a significant opportunity for BTS to reaffirm their cultural identity beyond mere musical challenge. The integration of traditional folk songs into modern music breaks the boundaries of K-pop and allows for a global projection. Particularly, the vision of Bang Si-hyuk, where foreign fans join in singing, illustrates how this effort is evolving into a global phenomenon.
The ability of lyrics and melodies to gather fans from diverse cultures highlights the power of music. Through the sampling of 'Arirang', BTS illustrates their intent to globally spread Korean tradition while strengthening their brand identity. This transcends just a nationalistic perspective, reflecting a phenomenon where various cultures merge together.
Such initiatives propose a new direction in the K-pop genre, opening up fresh interpretations for the future of the K-pop industry. BTS's endeavor to establish themselves as a cultural icon beyond music is something to look forward to.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Hive
