BigHit Music first revealed the identity logo for BTS’s fifth studio album in late December 2025 through a handwritten letter from the members expressing gratitude to fans after three years of waiting for the group’s return. Since then, the album’s distinctive red logo has drawn the attention of fans worldwide for nearly half a month, appearing across major cities—from the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris.
Believing that the BTS universe is never simple, fans sought various ways to interpret the symbolic red circular logo. Some suggested that the empty spaces spelled out “Hello” as a bilingual wordplay between English and кσяєαn. Others imagined that the lines and circles could also be arranged to form the кσяєαn characters for “Ddaeng.”
In the end, however, the only thing fans got right was recognizing that the circles and lines did indeed represent a name—one that was officially revealed to be “ARIRANG” by BigHit Music at midnight on the 16th, with the meaning that it “encompαѕѕes BTS’s identity as a group that started in кσяєα, as well as the emotions they wish to share with music fans.”
What fans around the world did not know, however, was that one of the seven members was the creator behind the widely discussed design that had sparked speculation for over two weeks. During the group’s live broadcast on the afternoon of January 16, the members revealed that the mind behind the symbolic red circular logo— inspired by ARIRANG and layered with multiple meanings—was none other than Golden Maknae Jungkook.
Jin proudly shared: “Our Jungkook said, ‘What if we did it like this?’” Jungkook then explained: “When we were working in the US, I made about four sketches and sent them to the company.” RM added: “Jungkook was working hard on…” and Jin described: “He was drawing.” The leader further explained: “Yes, he was drawing on the notepad. It was meant to be ‘ㅇㄹㄹ,’ and I thought people wouldn’t be able to guess it—and I think people didn’t?”
When it was revealed that Jungkook had designed the Arirang album logo, fans were both surprised and thrilled. However, the revelation also felt natural, as the Golden Maknae has long been known for his artistic talent. He previously drew a stunning landscape painting on the show BTS In the SOOP, leaving j-hope so amazed that he exclaimed, “What world are you from?” while RM remarked “Bob Ahjussi,” implying that Jungkook’s talent rivals that of renowned αмєяι¢αn painter Bob Ross.
Jungkook also has a history of contributing artwork to BTS’s music-related projects, including a portrait of SUGA, cover art for Seesaw x I Need U Remix, and visuals for his solo project GOLDEN. Now, with the addition of the deeply symbolic ARIRANG logo, he once again vividly demonstrates his boundless creativity.
Fans expressed their αωє at the youngest member of BTS and voiced deep admiration for his multifaceted talents:
- ㅇㄹㄹ from the initial of 아리랑 (arirang)??? d*mn so genius man. Our jungkookie worked hard and designed logo
- Our talented golden maknae he's so hard working ilhsm. HES SO SMART AHHH THE SYMBOLISM
- We had many theories about it but we couldn't guess who designed it. So proud of our Maknae
- Jungkook is truly incredible. The way he works so seriously, even when he’s just drawing, shows how pαѕѕionate and dedicated he is. It’s impossible not to admire him.
- Made the most eye-catching BTS logo,Golden maknae for a reason
- no wonder we were all drooling over the logo even before knowing the album, everytime jungkook touches soмєтнing he turns that into gold
- Not Jungkook casually working hard and drawing soмєтнing so subtle that only sharp eyes could catch it. That’s so him quietly talented and thoughtful.
- jungkook designed the logo for their album with ㅇㄹㄹ from the initial of 아리랑 (arirang) !!!! he’s the coolest omg i’m so proud of him
- You know it's a good logo when you close your eyes and you can see it in detail. Kookie did a great job. Simple, meaningful, impactful and memorable.
- and people were sнιтting on this logo not knowing that jungkook drew it..oh they’re such a bunch of losers
