#ARIRANG

BTS's J-Hope Unveils an "ARMY" Tattoo — Formed from the Silhouettes of All Seven BTS Members

BTS's J-Hope has inked his affection for the fandom "ARMY" into a tattoo. A design that completes the word "ARMY" from the silhouettes of all seven members is striking a chord with fans. "ARMY" Completed with Seven Members' Silhouettes Recently, tattoo artist Dr. Woo unveiled J-Hope's new tattoo. In the black-and-white photo, the tattoo arranges the silhouettes of seven figures like letters of the alphabet to complete the word "ARMY." It's a design that faithfully recreates the scene from BTS's "Butter" music video, where the members spelled out "A-R-M-Y" with their bodies. Even at a small size, the members' poses and characteristics are captured with delicate detail, drawing the eye. Rather than simply inking the fandom name, J-Hope used the full-group image of BTS to complete a tattoo that symbolizes both the members and the fans at once. Detail That Faithfully Carries Over the "Butter" Poses The unveiled photo shows the figures of all seven BTS members inked side by side. The members at each end spread their arms and legs to form the letters "A" and "Y," while the members in the middle lean their bodies or hold each other's hands to form "R" and "M." Compared with the attached "Butter" music-video scene, the detail — carrying over those poses exactly — stands out even more clearly. The work was done by the world-renowned tattoo artist Dr. Woo. He is also known to have created the "HOPE" tattoo inked on J-Hope's arm. Following the friendship tattoo "7" that he shared with his BTS members, J-Hope has added the "HOPE" tattoo symbolizing his own name and now the "ARMY" tattoo meaning the fandom — imbuing his body with special meaning. "A Tattoo Worthy of an ARMY-Lover" — Fans Respond Fans responded warmly with reactions like "A man who inks ARMY onto his body," "The detail of carrying over the 'Butter' poses exactly is moving," "He captured all seven members and the fans at once," and "A tattoo worthy of an ARMY-lover." Since the fandom name was completed with the members' figures, it is being received as all the more special for carrying the meaning of uniting members and fans as one. Continuing Their Global Run with the ARIRANG World Tour Meanwhile, BTS — the group J-Hope belongs to — is currently meeting fans worldwide through "BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG." Opening with Goyang shows in April 2026, this tour has followed its concerts at LA's SoFi Stadium into South America, Asia, Oceania, and beyond, accelerating their global run. As BTS — reunited as a full group after completing their military service — travels the world with a large-scale tour, ARMY's interest is growing even hotter over this news of J-Hope inking his heart for the fandom into a tattoo.

"HAPPY JK DAY": BTS Jungkook's Birthday Celebrations Take Over Billboards Worldwide

Around September 1, the birthday of BTS's Jungkook, fan clubs at home and abroad are carrying out massive birthday support all over the world. From outdoor ads spanning Asia, the U.S., and Europe to drone and fireworks events, the global fandom's firepower has rallied once again. From 11 Chinese Cities to LA and New York in the U.S. On September 1, the Chinese fan club "Jungkook China" will run celebratory ads on large LED screens in 11 Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Changsha, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Haikou, and Harbin. The overseas fan base "Jungkook CIS" will, on the same day, operate an LED truck for eight hours around LA's SoFi Stadium, where Jungkook performs. At home, from August 31 to September 6, it will run ads 120 times a day on the outdoor electronic billboard at Shinsegae's Gangnam Central branch in Seoul. "Jungkook China" will also broadcast birthday ads 576 times in a single day on September 1 on the massive TSX Live billboard in Times Square, Manhattan, New York. And from August 17 to September 13, it will continue ads at bus stops near SoFi Stadium and on three massive outdoor billboards in LA. From Jakarta and Tokyo to Budapest — Spreading Worldwide Celebratory ads will also go up on September 1 on the "Graha Mandiri" outdoor billboard in Jakarta, Indonesia, the large LED at the "Blok M BCA" subway station, and the large electronic billboard at Unika Vision in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The Japanese fan club "Jungkook Japan" flew 1,000 drones over the Tokyo sky for about 10 minutes on August 30, and will also hold a fireworks event on September 1. "Jungkook Hungary" will run ads on two outdoor billboards at the Allee shopping mall in Budapest, while Russian fans will broadcast ads on a billboard in Bryansk through September 1. Birthday ads will also continue from August 31 to September 1 on the largest LED KTZ billboard in Astana, Kazakhstan, and on a billboard at Allen Park in Kolkata, India. All the Way to the ARIRANG World Tour LA Concert Site The fan bases "Golden JK Universe," "Jungkook Supporters," and "Jungkook China" will operate three LED trucks from September 1 to 2 at SoFi Stadium, where BTS's "ARIRANG" World Tour in LA concert is held. The trucks consist of one for video and two for images, and are planned to be deployed in key LA areas such as Koreatown, Downtown, and Santa Monica. With Jungkook's birthday coinciding with BTS's LA concert, this year's birthday support has grown even larger in scale and fervor. The celebratory heat from fans worldwide for Jungkook — who is actively performing on the "ARIRANG" World Tour after completing his military service — is coloring September 1 with warmth.

BTS's Jimin Shows "Taegukgi Fashion" on a US Stage for Liberation Day — Historical Meaning Conveyed through the Geon-Gon-Gam-Ri

BTS's Jimin conveyed historical meaning through an outfit inspired by the Taegukgi (the Korean national flag) on a US concert stage for Liberation Day. Commemorating Liberation Day with styling evoking the Taegukgi on a US stage far from Korea, he drew the interest of fans at home and abroad. Stage Attire Bearing the Geon-Gon-Gam-Ri On the 15th (local time), Jimin took the stage at the BTS world tour "ARIRANG" concert held in Arlington, Texas, USA. That day, Jimin showed a hairstyle accented with red and blue hairpieces, and wore a top with a design rendering the Taegukgi's trigrams—the "Geon-Gon-Gam-Ri" (the four trigrams on the flag)—in beadwork. As the day of the concert was Liberation Day, Jimin's styling drew even more attention. After the show, a staff member also posted Jimin's photo along with a Taegukgi emoji on social media, revealing that it was a design commemorating Liberation Day and adding to its meaning. On that stage, elements evoking the Taegukgi could be found not only in Jimin's attire but in that of other members as well. Reflecting on the Meaning of Liberation Day That day was Liberation Day, commemorating Korea's freedom from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Jimin reflected on the meaning of Liberation Day with red and blue hairpieces evoking the Taegukgi and an outfit with the Geon-Gon-Gam-Ri pattern. Last year, on the 80th anniversary of Liberation, Jimin also drew fans' attention by wearing a cap with a Taegukgi patch in the US. In that a world star didn't forget where he came from and revealed that identity in the most natural way, this styling carried a special meaning. Warmth Shown Off Stage At the concert, another side of Jimin was also captured. During the show, he gave a young fan a keyring and gently patted their head. When this news spread, fans left various responses to Jimin's warm consideration, sharing how moved they were. Since the Arlington concert, Jimin has been named one of the most-mentioned BTS members in the US, once again showing his presence there. The "ARIRANG" World Tour in Progress BTS, the group Jimin belongs to, reunited as a full group this past March and released their fifth studio album "ARIRANG." Starting in Goyang this past April, the group has been continuing the "BTS World Tour 'ARIRANG.'" As BTS's performances—grounded in the Korean language, music, and sensibility—continue on stages around the world, the cultural expressions of Jimin and the other members are also expected to draw international interest. Jimin, embracing the colors and patterns of the Taegukgi on a US stage on Liberation Day, remains a moment that naturally showed Korea's history and identity on a world stage.

BTS's V Shares Everyday Moments with the Members — A Witty "Been a While?" Update

BTS's V drew fans' attention by sharing welcome everyday moments spent with the members. With the members appearing in this update after a while, it gave fans a strong sense of delight. An Update Delivered with the Witty "Been a While?" On the 10th, V posted several recent photos on his social media along with the witty line "Been a while?" In the revealed photos, V captivated attention, radiating his signature free-spirited, hip charm. In particular, from a black-and-white close-up selfie making a playful expression toward the camera to a shot exuding overwhelming aura on stage, he packed in a wide range of charm. Even the Close Everyday Moments with the Members Along with this, the members' welcome everyday moments were conveyed just as they are, giving fans deep emotion. In a mirror selfie, the members alongside V were captured, adding to the delight. Also included were Jungkook's natural look as he lay comfortably asleep on a sofa, RM's heartwarming visual caught at a bowling alley, and a mirror selfie taken while working out with j-hope at a gym—showing off an unchanging, close-knit teamwork. Fans who came across the photos showed hot interest with reactions like "I screamed the moment I saw his face," "j-hope, Jungkook, and RM—so heartwarming," "Seeing the members together brings me to tears," and "Counting down the days to the comeback." BTS Carrying on Full-Group Activity Meanwhile, BTS, the group V belongs to, has been carrying on full-group activity—releasing its fifth studio album "ARIRANG" this January, then holding a comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul in March. From April, it embarked on the world tour "BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG," meeting global fans. As the members' updates are shared, fans' anticipation for their next activities is rising further.

BTS's "ARIRANG" Re-enters Billboard 200 Top 10 at No. 9 — "NORMAL" Returns to the Hot 100

Four months after its release, BTS's fifth studio album "ARIRANG" is still showing staying power on the global charts. The album re-entered the Billboard main album chart's Top 10, and its tracks built their presence anew on charts around the world. No. 9 on the Billboard 200 — the Week's Biggest Gain On the latest chart released by Billboard on July 28 (dated August 1), "ARIRANG" rose to No. 9 on the main album chart, the Billboard 200. That's a jump of a full 17 places from the previous week — the largest gain on this week's chart. With this, "ARIRANG" has now spent a total of 13 weeks in the Billboard 200's Top 10, breaking its own record for the longest Top 10 run by any Korean artist's album. This week, "ARIRANG" sold roughly 40,000 units, up 62% from the previous week, a jump attributed to the release of a special vinyl edition adding two tracks ("Voice Message: Love Song" and "NORMAL"), which drove sales. Billboard also credited BTS's performance of "Dynamite" at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup Final halftime show on July 19 (local time) as a positive factor in the album's rise. The globally broadcast stage drew in new listeners and prompted longtime fans to revisit the album, the outlet explained. "NORMAL" Re-enters the Hot 100, Global Charts Climb Too The album track "NORMAL" re-entered Billboard's main songs chart, the Hot 100, at No. 33. The song first entered at No. 41 on the chart dated April 4 and held on for three weeks, then re-entered on the strength of its music video and Korean-language release on July 17. "NORMAL" reached its own peak of No. 4 on the Global 200 and No. 2 on Global (Excluding U.S.). The title track "SWIM" placed at No. 10 and No. 5 on those two charts, respectively. Along with "SWIM" and "NORMAL," six "ARIRANG" tracks — including "Body to Body," "2.0," "Hooligan," and "FYA" — spent 18 consecutive weeks on the Global (Excluding U.S.) chart. The new song "Come Over" re-entered that chart at No. 133, and "Dynamite" at No. 140. The results stand out on component charts too. "NORMAL" took No. 1 on Digital Song Sales, while "ARIRANG" rose 17 places from the previous week to No. 2 on Vinyl Albums, reached No. 3 on Top Album Sales (up nine places), and No. 28 on Top Streaming Albums (up ten places). No. 3 in France, Too — the World Tour Effect Its overseas chart results continued as well. On the French Music Association (SNEP) "Top Albums" chart (week of July 24), "ARIRANG" rose 13 places from the previous week to No. 3. The result came right after the "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN PARIS" concerts held July 17–18 at the Stade de France in Paris, showing the tour and chart performance moving in tandem. The North American Tour Continues BTS continues its world tour on August 1–2 at MetLife Stadium in New York, USA. Moving from Paris to North America, the group carries "ARIRANG" further along its global journey. With the album still showing staying power across the charts four months after release, attention turns to how it performs through a second half of the year filled with tour dates.

BTS Won't Submit to the 2027 Grammys — Divided Views on the New "Best Asian Pop" Category

BTS has announced it will not submit music for next year's Grammy Awards. Coming amid the debate over the Grammys' newly created "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category, the decision is being read as a de facto objection. Here's a rundown of what happened. What BTS Said On July 29, all seven BTS members posted an identical message to their Instagram Stories: that they had decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. The members added that they hope music can be heard and loved for its own sake rather than being distinguished by region or language, and thanked ARMY and everyone who is always by their side. In the message, BTS did not directly mention a "boycott" or any specific category. Still, the line pointing to distinction "by region and language" is read as aimed at the newly created Asian pop category. Their agency, HYBE, drew a line by clarifying that this is not a company-wide, blanket boycott. What New Category Was Created The trigger was a new category announced in June by the Recording Academy, which presents the Grammys. The Academy said it would add five categories, including "Best Asian Pop Music Performance," starting with the 2027 ceremony. The category covers popular music that originated in or is widely recognized across Asian markets, such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. A song must make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, and songs sung entirely in English are excluded. The Academy explained that it created the award in recognition of Asian pop's growing influence on the global music industry. "Recognition" or "Separation"? Split Views Reactions to the new category divided sharply. Those who view it positively call it official recognition of Asian pop's global impact. There was also hope that it could open new opportunities for K-pop artists who had yet to win at the Grammys. Indeed, right after the category was created, several outlets named BTS as a leading contender for it. Those who raise concerns , on the other hand, criticize grouping the distinct musics of Korea, Japan, and China within a single "Asian" fence of region and language as a Western pop-centric view. The point is that cordoning off Asian artists — who already lead the global pop market — into a separate category could actually distance them from the main, all-genre categories. Concerns were also raised that the criterion excluding English-language songs could work against certain works. Rather than declaring either side right, it's more accurate to see this as a matter where two readings — "inclusion" and "separation" — are locked in tension. BTS's decision has, in effect, amplified that debate. BTS and the Grammys: The History So Far BTS was the first K-pop act ever nominated at the Grammys. They were first nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with "Dynamite" at the 2021 ceremony, earned another nod with "Butter" the following year, and in 2023 landed three nominations — setting the record for the most by a Korean act. Across their career they've received five nominations, but have yet to win. The Grammys, for their part, have long faced criticism for being conservative toward non-white artists. At the 68th ceremony this past February, "Golden," from the soundtrack of "KPop Demon Hunters" — counted among last year's biggest hits — won only one category, Best Song Written for Visual Media, while BLACKPINK Rosé's "APT." was nominated but did not win. What Remains to Watch BTS did not entirely close the door on future participation with this decision; its stance is that it won't submit for this particular cycle. Its fifth studio album "ARIRANG," which posted strong results on Billboard's main album chart (Billboard 200) and singles chart (Hot 100) right after its March release, was eligible for nomination — but the group chose not to submit it at all. With a group as globally influential as BTS taking a stance, the debate over the "Best Asian Pop" category looks set to continue in the music world for some time.

BTS, 'SWIM' and 'NORMAL' Side by Side in the Global Top 10 — Title Track and Album Cut Both Chart

BTS has once again proven their unmatched staying power, landing both their title track 'SWIM' and album cut 'NORMAL' in the upper ranks of the global charts side by side. The fact that a title track and a b-side from the same album are sharing the top 10 nearly four months after release makes their firepower all the more impressive. Two Tracks Climbing the Spotify Global Chart Together According to Big Hit Music on the 19th, 'NORMAL' from BTS's fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' re-entered the Spotify 'Daily Top Songs Global' chart at No. 9. Meanwhile, title track 'SWIM' held steady at No. 8 on the same chart, with both songs landing in the top 10 at the same time. Looking more closely, 'NORMAL' re-entered the chart dated July 17th at No. 9, proving its staying power, and a new single featuring a Korean-language version of the same track also debuted at No. 78. It's pretty rare to see an album cut bounce back like this outside of its initial release period. 'SWIM's Record-Breaking Run, and 'NORMAL's Second Wind Title track 'SWIM' has already been writing its own remarkable history. It held No. 1 on Spotify's 'Daily Top Songs Global' for an incredible 25 consecutive days from March 20th to April 13th, and has continued to stay in the upper ranks for around 17 weeks since then. Sustaining that kind of momentum in a global streaming landscape flooded with major new releases is seriously no easy feat. Now with 'NORMAL' adding fuel to the fire, the album's overall strength has gotten another boost. The Korean version of 'NORMAL' topped the iTunes 'Top Songs' chart in over 70 countries and regions worldwide — including the US, UK, Germany, and Brazil — as of the morning of July 19th (KST), showing that the global fandom's energy is still very much burning. The 'NORMAL' MV: A Glimpse of 'Everyday Life' Behind the Stage BTS dropped the music video for 'NORMAL' via Spotify on July 17th. The video captures the members' ordinary, everyday moments tucked away behind the glitz of their performances — quiet, unguarded scenes after the spotlight fades, visually bringing to life the calm and understated emotion at the heart of the song. 'NORMAL' previously debuted at No. 41 on the US Billboard 'Hot 100' dated April 4th, spending a total of three weeks on the chart. Produced by world-renowned producer Ryan Tedder, the track is known for its smooth, conversational sing-rap flow. The lyrics, which honestly unpack the emptiness and fear that can exist behind the spotlight, have resonated deeply with fans. European Tour Finale in Paris, Then the World Cup Final Stage BTS's journey on stage has been just as massive. On July 17th and 18th (local time), they successfully wrapped up the European leg finale of 'BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG' at the iconic Stade de France in Paris, France. As the last stop of the European leg, Paris held a particularly special meaning for fans. And right after that, an even bigger global stage awaits. On July 19th (local time), BTS is set to perform at the halftime show of the '2026 FIFA North & Central America World Cup' final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (officially named 'New York New Jersey Stadium' for the World Cup). Sharing the stage with global pop icons like Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, this historic halftime show — with overall creative direction by Coldplay's Chris Martin — is already generating massive anticipation worldwide. From streaming charts to a world tour to the World Cup stage — it's definitely worth sticking around to see how BTS continues to fill the summer of 2026 with unforgettable moments. Streaming chart rankings on Spotify, iTunes, and other platforms are based on announcements from Big Hit Music and each chart's respective tallying period (July 17–19), and are updated daily so they may vary depending on when you check. Album chart performance and the World Cup halftime show lineup have been confirmed based on reporting from Billboard, FIFA, and major international media outlets.

BTS Sings About the 'Ordinary' Behind the Glamour — 'NORMAL' Additional Tracks & MV Released

BTS has pulled back the curtain on the quietly ordinary moments hidden behind their dazzling performances on stage. Re-releasing 'NORMAL' from their studio album 'ARIRANG(아리랑)' in a new form, they've gently unpacked the understated emotions that live in the shadows of the spotlight. 'NORMAL' Is Back in Three Versions — Including a Korean Edition According to Big Hit Music on July 17th, BTS released additional versions of 'NORMAL' across major music platforms at 1 PM that day. The new releases include a Korean-language version and an Instrumental version, bringing the total to three. The Korean version had previously made its world premiere at the 'BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN BUSAN' concert in June, drawing an enormous roar from the crowd. The original music video for 'NORMAL' also dropped exclusively on Spotify that same day. It's set to roll out on YouTube and other platforms starting the 19th. The Raw, Unfiltered BTS — Captured in the MV This music video captures BTS in their most raw and unguarded state — the side that's hidden behind the glittering moments on stage. It holds onto the quiet air that settles in after emotions peak and slowly fade away. Glimpses of tired, disheveled everyday life flash by: singing under a stream of water fully clothed, lying down with a worn-out face, and more. The remnants of a wild party scattered across the screen contrast sharply with the vulnerable side of the members they face the morning after. The camera observes each member's true personality with an unexaggerated, almost documentary-like intimacy. This ordinary, honest face of BTS quietly soothes the anxiety and exhaustion we all feel in our daily lives. 'NORMAL' is an alternative pop track that portrays the emptiness and fear lurking beneath the spotlight in a calm yet powerful way. It previously made waves by charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. 'ARIRANG''s Power — 3 Consecutive Weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 What makes this release even more exciting is the incredible track record the album 'ARIRANG' has built. Released back in March, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks — a rare achievement for a group album. The title track 'SWIM' also debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 and has kept the momentum going strong. All the Way to the World Cup Final Halftime Show BTS's journey doesn't stop at tracks and charts. They kicked off the European leg of the ARIRANG tour in Madrid, Spain at Metropolitano Stadium on June 26th, followed by shows in Brussels, Belgium, London, UK, and Munich, Germany. They're set to continue the tour with upcoming stops including Paris, France. And there's something truly extraordinary just around the corner. On July 19th (local time), BTS will take the halftime show stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (officially called 'New York New Jersey Stadium' for the World Cup). They'll be sharing the stage with global superstars including Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber — with Coldplay's Chris Martin serving as overall creative director and conductor Gustavo Dudamel also on board. It's a historic, truly star-studded lineup. Whether under the blazing spotlight or in the quiet, ordinary moments behind it — BTS is singing about themselves just as they are, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter of their journey holds. The album chart stats and World Cup halftime lineup have been verified based on reports from Billboard, FIFA, and major international outlets. Music chart rankings are updated weekly and may vary depending on the timing.