As of January 22, the number of pre-orders for the album "Arirang" has exceeded 4 million copies, just one week after opening for sale since January 16.
Previously, BTS's 4th studio album, "Map of the soul: 7", recorded more than 5 million pre-orders in 2020. With about two months left until the official release date of "Arirang", it is predicted that this album will easily surpass the record set by "Map of the soul: 7".
As of this week, "Arirang" has surpassed 2 million pre-records on the Spotify platform and is aiming to surpass the record held by Taylor Swift's 12th studio album - "The life of a showgirl", with more than 6 million pre-records as of release.
The album "Arirang" will be released globally on March 20, marking BTS's first studio album after 3 years and 9 months. According to the management company BigHit Music, this album is named after a Korean folk song that is symbolic.
Arirang" includes a total of 14 songs, symbolizing BTS's artist identity as well as the emotions they want to share with listeners around the world.
When preparing for the long-awaited return, the group turned to their roots, starting point and inner stories.
Through this album, BTS wants to reflect the identity of a group from Korea, along with deep longing and deep love that always takes center stage in their hearts.
The group plans to introduce the album for the first time at Gwanghwamun Square (South Korea) through the free event "BTS 2026 comeback show, Seoul" taking place on March 21st. The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently licensed this event.
To celebrate BTS's reappearance, the city will create a festive atmosphere throughout Seoul, while bringing many rich activities and attractions by combining Kpop with broader contents of the Hallyu wave.
Then, in early April, BTS will launch a global tour, starting at Goyang Stadium (Korea). The tour is expected to include 79 performances in 34 cities around the world, becoming the tour with the largest number of performances ever by a Kpop artist.
Additional stops in Japan and the Middle East are also expected to be announced soon, continuing to expand the scale of the tour.
The group will also make history by becoming the first Korean artist to play the main role at major stadiums in cities such as El Paso, Foxborough, Arlington and Baltimore.
To increase the role-playing experience for the audience, BTS plans to introduce a 360-degree stage for this tour.
