Imagine foreigners singing ‘Arirang': How Bang Si-hyuk persuaded BTS to include the traditional song

Global K-pop group BTS is drawing attention for incorporating the traditional Korean folk song “Arirang” into its new track “Body to Body,” a move that reflects both artistic ambition and careful deliberation. The song, included on BTS’s latest album “Arirang,” features the familiar melody of “Arirang” layered with dynamic samulnori percussion and hip-hop elements. According to the music platform Melon, March 21, “Body to Body” ranked No. 4 on the daily chart, following the album’s lead-off track “SWIM,” which placed first the previous day. Interest in the track has also brought attention to how the traditional melody came to be included. According to industry sources, the idea was proposed by Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE and the album’s executive producer. While BTS members agreed on the album’s concept of revisiting their roots, opinions reportedly differed on whether to incorporate “Arirang,” with some expressing concern that it could feel overly direct or be perceived as excessive nationalism. During a songwriting camp held in Los Angeles last su