Only five days remain before global fans will finally witness the long-awaited comeback of BTS after three years. Their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, marks the group’s return after nearly four years of hiatus from group activities, ushering in a large-scale promotional campaign.

The scale of this comeback is said to be the most ambitious the group has ever undertaken. Not only has BigHit Music prepared an extensive promotional plan, but the company has also partnered with major media platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, and Apple Music—and even the government of Seoul.

Recently, on the 16th, BTS delivered a message to fans around the world through Spotify as part of the platform’s collaborative campaign with the group titled #DecodingARIRANG. The campaign invites fans to participate in a decoding challenge, with rewards including exclusive messages from the BTS members and several hints related to the upcoming album.

In the released video, leader RM spoke on behalf of the group, saying: “ARIRANG is an album that encapsulates our identity as BTS. This album is particularly special because every member played a meaningful part in bringing these songs to life, and it’s full of our own thoughts and colours. So we hope you love it as much as we do. Thank you for always being by our side.”

The message quickly captured fans’ attention. However, aside from the content of the statement, many ARMY were particularly focused on the members’ condition in the video. Except for RM, who is known for being articulate and expressive, the other members appeared relatively quiet throughout the clip. Fans were both amused and concerned when they looked closely at the expressions of the maknae line, realizing that their calm demeanor might actually be the result of fatigue and lack of sleep.

Specifically, many ARMY noticed that Jimin’s eyes were almost completely drooping, with his eyelids seemingly “stuck together” due to sleepiness. Meanwhile, V wore a rather puzzling expression, as if he was trying hard not to fall asleep on the spot or fιgнтing off a wave of drowsiness. Standing beside him, Jungkook also could not hide his unfocused gaze, his heavy eyelids looking as though they might collapse at any moment.

In reality, BTS’s schedule has long been known to be extremely packed in the lead-up to a comeback and throughout the entire promotional period. During his birthday live broadcast on the 9th, SUGA also spoke about the current situation faced by both himself and the group. He shared, “Right now I’m preparing for the comeback show, and at the same time I also have to prepare for concerts. I’m overwhelmed. It’s not easy…”

More strikingly, the rapper surprised many fans by revealing that he had ℓσѕт weight quite rapidly over the past few months. Currently, SUGA weighs only around 59 kilograms despite being about 170 centimeters tall. Not only has SUGA seemingly ℓσѕт his once noticeable “mochi cheeks,” but through the group’s latest interview with Spotify, fans also observed that most of the members appear noticeably slimmer compared to before.

The heavy workload and intense rehearsals for their comeback stages and upcoming concerts partly explain why their weight has dropped. On the other hand, maintaining a leaner figure could also be part of the preparation process for artists who want to present their best visuals during each promotional cycle. Nevertheless, the clear signs of fatigue and lack of sleep among the members have left ARMY feeling both worried and heartbroken.

Across forums and social media platforms, fans have been continuously leaving messages urging the members to take care of themselves and get enough rest amid their demanding schedules:

- Oh, the struggle was real!!! I can't imagine how packed their schedule must be right now

- I hope they are able to rest in between there schedule as much as they need although it so packed, I am a bit worried for the tour

- Tbt all of them looks tired. The album hasnt released yet but all of them already looks like they second away from collapsing

- They must all be Exhausted by now, i Pray they get enough TLC and sleep before this weekend

- Awww please get some rest BTS... Ughh I hope they're not overworking the boys again. I know this comeback is a big deal but still. They need to rest too

- They all look so tired in tht video. I hope they take sm rest and get healthy

- That was the first thing I noticed, too. They look really tired

- They look very tired, and since yesterday’s photo I feel sad seeing them like that. We need to show them a lot of love

- I hope the stress and the work ahead will not burn them out.What these guys go through behind closed doors to deliver is insane! I hope they take care of themselves.They have lots of tours ahead of them with all the dance routines. I hope they can survive

- They all must be tired …. I hope they all will be healthy and happy always

- Gosh they are working so hard for us. Hope they get proper rest before the comeback.