In many East Asian countries, temples are not only places of worship but also spiritual spaces where people entrust their most important wishes in life. In South кσяєα in particular—a country deeply influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism—visiting temples has become a deeply rooted cultural practice. Before major events or significant life milestones, people often go to temples to light incense and perform prayer rituals, hoping that everything will go smoothly and all things will turn out well.
This tradition is no exception in the K-pop industry. Longtime ARMYs are likely familiar with the story that veteran producers closely αѕѕociated with BTS—such as Pdogg, ADORA, Hiss Noise, Slow Rabbit, and Ghstloop—have, on multiple occasions, visited temples to pray for albums like The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Map of the Soul: 7, and BE to be released smoothly and achieve success.
In fact, it’s not just the producers—BTS themselves also believe in this. In the episode of RUN BTS released on May 5, a glimpse into the group’s spiritual story was revealed!
Specifically, the ending of the newly released episode showed SUGA and V returning to Beomeosa Temple—the place all seven members had visited 10 years ago. Back in 2016, they came here to pray for the success of the album Wings, having heard that “it’s good for soмєтнing.” When they returned in 2026, their wish had not changed—SUGA and V came once again to pray for BTS’s success and for the March release of their album ARIRANG.
The ritual they performed is called Giwa Bulsa—the offering of roof tiles for temple construction. кσяєαns often write their names and wishes on these tiles, entrusting them with hopes for peace and success.
In 2016, BTS’s tile bore the address of BigHit Entertainment, along with the names of all seven members and a wish to “fly high” with Wings. By 2026, when SUGA and V returned, the names of all seven members remained, but some details had changed: the address was updated to HYBE’s current headquarters in Yongsan, and the message now read “huge success” for the album ARIRANG.
And both in 2016 and 2026, BTS’s prayers have come true!
In 2016, Wings was considered a major turning point in BTS’s career, achieving remarkable milestones: becoming the best-selling album in South кσяєα that year, marking the group’s first time surpαѕѕing one million copies, winning Daesang awards at major ceremonies, and making a significant breakthrough into the international market by debuting at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 while also topping the World Albums Chart.
Ten years later, with Arirang, BTS not only matched but surpαѕѕed the achievements of Wings. The album sold one million copies within approximately 10 minutes of release and nearly four million on its first day—setting a record for 2026. According to Luminate, it sold 208,000 units in a week, marking the highest weekly sales for a group album since tracking began in 1991. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, remained at the top for three consecutive weeks, and stayed within the Top 5 for six straight weeks—becoming the first K-pop album to achieve these milestones.
In addition, the title track “SWIM” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’s seventh chart-topping song, while all 13 tracks from the album entered the chart simultaneously.
The 10-year journey between these two temple visits is not just a story about spirituality or luck. It is also a testament to a decade of relentless effort, to the resilience of hearts that have burned pαѕѕionately for music. Faith may serve as a source of support, but it is ultimately the members’ talent, integrity, and perseverance that have turned their wishes into reality. And as many believe, the universe never forgets strong hearts!
This moment has stirred deep emotions among fans, prompting many to comment:
- Exactly one decade! There's no coincidence in this house. Must be destiny! It's a message from the universe!
- Their prayers paid off already. The universe always with my seven
- When wishes come true because you deserve it. So proud of my tannies <33
- Both albums became incredibly successful and opened BTS to a new au∂ιєnce
- And as I know wings got a huge success back then, right? I really dont know much about that but as far as I know it's right. And ofc Arirang also got huge success we cant even describe it completely. Oh bts you're so simple,genuine and hardworking I think that's what people lack
- This is one of the reasons I'll forever love them and arirang will (and it is) receive all the love and sucess it deserves
- Omg my babies, they were really nervous about their comeback and it ended up being a total success, 2026 is their year guys I love them so much
- The shamans actually never stood a chance against seven hearts that refused to give up on their dreams. Faith might have opened the door, but their tenacity walked through it
- The manifest of the album wings that won artist of the year in 2016, is now ARIRANG being manifest to success just like Wings
- From praying to fly with Wings in 2016 to soaring with Arirang in 2026—this 10-year journey at Bomusa Temple is pure magic. It’s a beautiful reminder that when deep faith meets relentless hard work, the universe has no choice but to listen. Seven names, one bond, forever
- It's the universe answering a decade of prayer and perseverance. Truly, a destiny written in starlight
