BTS comeback fuels ‘ARIRANG’ wave as TXT, rookie CORTIS line up next

BTS’ long-awaited return may have dominated headlines, but the real story now is what comes after. With the group’s “ARIRANG” comeback already shaking the global music scene, its labelmates are rapidly stepping in — turning one comeback into what fans are calling a full-blown “HYBE relay.” The K-pop supergroup returned as a full unit for the first time in three years and nine months with its fifth studio album “ARIRANG” on Friday. The album blends BTS’ signature storytelling with universal themes, while the title track “SWIM” delivers an alternative pop sound about pushing forward through life’s waves. The comeback reached a peak with “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” held at Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday. The event marked the first time a single group has staged a large-scale concert at the historic site, drawing massive crowds and global attention. It was also streamed live to viewers in over 190 countries via Netflix — reportedly the first time the platform has broadcast a stand-alone artist concert in real time. But even as the exci