K-pop
Diplo says new BTS album ARIRANG will 'shock the world'
Diplo was involved in the upcoming BTS album ARIRANG and has hailed it "the biggest thing I've ever done".
Diplo has claimed that BTS’ upcoming album ARIRANG is set to “shock the world”, describing the 14‑track project as the “craziest album ever”.
The producer worked on the K‑pop group’s new record, which arrives on March 20, and spoke about the collaboration at the Fanatics Super Bowl party over the weekend.
He told TMZ: “I just feel so lucky because I’ve been working for three decades and to link up with a group like that, and have them trust me and do some awesome music… honestly, it’s gonna shock the world. Craziest album ever.”
Diplo also praised Jung Kook’s vocals, saying: “Jung Kook – no autotune. Perfect voice.” He added: “For sure, it’s gonna be the biggest thing I’ve ever done.”
ARIRANG is BTS’ first full‑group release in more than three years, following the completion of each member’s mandatory military service in South Korea. The band have said they hope the album “transcends time and generations”, with all seven members contributing to its themes and direction.
Fans can access a hidden voice message from each member by clicking the album cover on the BTS website.
In the recordings, the group reflect on their reunion, their creative process and their gratitude to the ARMY.
Jung Kook told fans: “We shared our feelings with each other as we completed the album, including how much we missed you, how much we value you and how excited we are about the future.”
J‑hope said: “While working on this album, we thought about what kind of music and stories would be the most BTS‑like.”
RM added: “We hope ARIRANG of BTS will be an album that transcends time and generations and sticks with you for a long, long time.”
SUGA explained: “After many conversations we made a 14 tracks album that captures the stories of seven of us.”
Jin thanked fans, saying: “Thanks for always being by our side. What is your ARIRANG?” V noted: “This is our full group album as a group in 3 years and 9 months; we spent a lot of time thinking about the group roots and identity.”
The album takes its name from “Arirang”, the traditional Korean folk song recognised globally for its emotional pull and cultural importance. Often linked with themes of separation, reunion and longing, it has endured for generations — making it a fitting reference point for a project rooted in reflection and identity.
According to the group’s team, ARIRANG sees BTS drawing on their heritage and lived experiences to create a body of work only they could make, exploring the universal emotions that have long shaped their music while staying closely connected to their beginnings in Korea.
