BTS Makes a Grand Comeback with 5th Album 'ARIRANG' and Stunning 'SWIM' Music Video

BTS has made a triumphant return with their fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG'.

On October 20th, at 1 PM KST, BTS released their new album and unveiled the music video for the title track 'SWIM'. The video, shot against the vast ocean backdrop of Lisbon, Portugal, features a mix of real large ships and intricate set designs, showcasing an impressive scale and stunning visuals.

The music video begins on a massive ship navigating the endless sea. A woman in the video experiences moments of struggle and despair. BTS members appear as guides, steering the ship and raising the anchor, offering silent support and encouragement. Each of the seven members stands by her side in their unique way, providing steadfast support. Eventually, the woman breaks free from a necklace that felt like a shackle and smiles brightly, capturing the excitement, tension, and challenge of embarking on a new journey.

Hollywood actress Lili Reinhart stars in the video, enhancing the narrative with her nuanced emotional performance. Directed by renowned filmmaker Tanu Muino, the video presents a cinematic mise-en-scène.

The members shared through Big Hit Music, "You can see a subtly more mature BTS," and encouraged fans to immerse themselves in the video as if watching a movie. They also shared behind-the-scenes stories related to the weather during filming, "Unfortunately, we didn't have a single day of good weather. There was a scene shot in the rain, but it turned out beautifully, which was a pleasant surprise."

Big Hit Music described 'ARIRANG' as an album that embodies BTS's identity and universal emotions that many can relate to. The album was executive produced by Bang Si-hyuk. The title track 'SWIM' is an alternative pop song that conveys the attitude of moving forward amidst life's waves, expressing the determination to swim at one's own pace as a 'love for life'.

Meanwhile, BTS will hold 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG' on October 21st at 8 PM KST at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, where they will perform new tracks including the title song. Following this, on October 23rd (local time), they will collaborate with global audio and music streaming platform Spotify for the 'Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE' event in New York City. On October 25-26, BTS will appear on NBC's popular program 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', continuing their global comeback momentum.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr