As controversy continues to swirl around BTS’s new album ‘Arirang’, emerging details from a forthcoming Netflix documentary suggest the group confronted internal pressure to move away from Korean lyrics during production. Reports indicate the septet – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook – pushed back against their label, insisting that their cultural and linguistic identity remain central to the project. 

Creative clash during ‘Arirang’ production

According to both Dispatch and a new report by Vulture, tensions escalated in the studio long before the album’s release. The members argued for retaining more Korean lyrics, even as parts of HYBE and its subsidiary BigHit Music pushed for an English-heavy tracklist to target global listeners.

The upcoming Netflix documentary, ‘BTS: THE RETURN’, reportedly reveals moments in which members, particularly RM and Suga, emphasised the importance of authenticity. Jimin is shown acknowledging the practical challenges of singing fully in English, saying poor pronunciation would inevitably be noticeable.

Dispatch previously stated that the group insisted on including more Korean lines, particularly in rap verses, telling staff, “We need to include more Korean lyrics, even if just in the rap.”

Nicole Kim’s comments spark backlash

Fan frustration intensified after Vulture described BigHit Music vice-president Nicole Kim as pushing back against the group’s preference for Korean lyrics. Kim allegedly argued the album needed a more English-focused approach to succeed internationally.

In the same article, Kim was quoted criticising past BTS tracks ‘ON’ and ‘Black Swan’ as less “relatable,” a remark that sparked immediate backlash from ARMYs, many of whom view those songs as among the group’s most meaningful releases.

Online, fans quickly placed responsibility for Arirang’s English-leaning composition on Kim. The report also revived old discussions about her prior role as a translator and her reported return to BigHit Music after a brief departure.

Album release met with divided reactions

Despite intense anticipation for BTS’s first album since 2022’s ‘Proof’, ‘Arirang’ drew mixed reviews upon release. Some listeners lauded the group’s new direction, while others criticised what they saw as less emotionally resonant writing and an overuse of English lyrics.

The rollout was further complicated by controversy surrounding an animated teaser that referenced Howard University, sparking criticism over perceived misrepresentation of the historically Black institution. The album’s bold red artwork also generated debate over possible political symbolism.

Adding to the turbulence, concerns over crowd congestion at the group’s Gwanghwamun comeback event caused a brief dip in HYBE’s stock.

Fans defend BTS, criticise the label

Once reports surfaced that BTS had fought to protect their creative autonomy, many fans turned their anger toward the company. Social media reaction was swift:

  • “Crazy how A&R team tries to have them sing the album all in English when all these years they’ve managed to climb so high with songs written in Korean.”
  • “Fire them, especially that big snake. What’s wrong with that company’s A&R team?”
  • “What rebels they are, brave for them to fight over lyrics. And not studios copying the identity of other groups in the same company.”

RM also faced disproportionate backlash, with critics resurfacing his past comment: “If we suddenly started singing songs entirely in English, we would no longer be BTS.”

Despite controversy, ‘Arirang’ dominates globally

While creative disputes and public criticism cast a shadow over the release, ‘Arirang’ delivered staggering commercial results. The album amassed more than 110 million Spotify streams within 24 hours and sold nearly four million copies in its first three days.