bts comeback

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Arirang is one of Korea’s most beloved folk songs that’s been passed down through countless variations over the centuries. So when BTS dropped their new album, Arirang, I knew it was going to be special.

During the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598, legend says Japan sent over 150,000 troops that overwhelmed the peninsula. Then, from 1894-1910, Japan gradually dismantled Korea’s military and government. By 1910, they had fully annexed Korea, ruling it as a colony until the end of WW II in 1945. In that time, the Japanese made a deliberate effort to obliterate the Korean language and culture. That’s why both my great-grandparents and grandparents spoke fluent Japanese (sound familiar? —like when the Native Americans were forced into cultural assimilation).

I actually learned Japanese because of my ex, Beau Mec—who was English but fluent in Japanese. We used to go to authentic Japanese restaurants all the time and because I didn’t want to look ignorant, I picked it up. Even today, Koreans still use a surprising number of Japanese words in their daily lives like 쓰메끼리 (Korean) vs つめきり (Japanese) for nail clippers—pronounced smekkiri in both languages.

Tens of thousands of Korean women were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military, something that Koreans will never forget.

Despite all the darkness, Arirang became the song of resistance. After Korean became divided in 1945, the song became an anthem of sorrow and longing for reunification. Which is what BTS is doing right now. This album wasn’t just a comeback, it was seven members returning to themselves and to where they came from. While serving the mandatory Korean military service, each member released solo albums, grew individually, and then came back together, rediscovering why they truly belong as one group.

RM said: “We are all Koreans and we are proud of where we came from, and I think the song has lyrics and melodies that are very universal.”

Did anyone else stay up till 0400 PST to watch BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG on Netflix? I fucked up my sleep schedule so I could watch it in real time. I’ve waited almost four years for this moment.

BTW, this is Jungkook. He’s my fav.

광화문광장 (Gwanghwamun Plaza) located in the center of Seoul.

Let’s go ARMY!

They performed against the backdrop of Korea’s grandest royal palace and the gate framed BTS.

Not me taking snaps while watching the live.
From left to right (their stage names): SUGA, JK, V, Jimin, Jin, J-Hope, RM

Here you go, Sammy. SUGA aka Agust D, aka Min Yoongi (민윤기).

Another one for you, Sammy!

Also, BTS is all about inclusivity and elevating K-pop to a worldwide phenomenon. They write and produce most of their songs and sing about mental health issues, pressures in life, self-love, loss, and the downside of fame, making them hella relatable to so many people. They’ve had the opportunity to speak at the UN multiple times, partnered with UNICEF, and became TIME’s 100 most influential people.