BTS officially released their new album Arirang on the 20th, marking their return after three years and nine months. Beyond just the title, the group impressed global fans by seamlessly incorporating traditional кσяєαn culture throughout the album—from weaving the melody of “Arirang” into the tracks to filling transitional sections with the sound of the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok.

Meanwhile, this is BTS’s first album since the members completed their mandatory military service, as well as their first full-group release after an extended period of solo activities. The Times of ιи∂ια wrote, “BTS reunites with ‘Arirang’ album, ends nearly four-year hiatus; reignites global pop dominance,” while The National News described, “This comeback represents more than just a return to music. It marks BTS’s first full group activity cycle since 2022.”

Alongside the album release, BTS have launched full-group promotional activities for their highly anticipated comeback. Among them is an exclusive interview with Bloomberg. One particularly notable question addressed the context of the group reuniting after nearly four years of not promoting together as a full lineup.

Specifically, the interviewer asked: “Did the success of any of your solo work make you guys reconsider coming back? Did you think, okay, now I’m just going to go be a solo act?” Without hesitation, V responded with his signature bold candor, saying: “If anyone was that shameless, I would нιт them.”

Jin and SUGA further clarified the group’s stance. Jin said, “It’s less of whether our solo albums do better or the group albums do better. We just love doing group promotions more,” while SUGA added, “And it was only because we couldn’t be as a full group that we did our solo activities.”

V’s firm yet humorous remark immediately dispelled any doubts about internal discord following their successful solo era. Rather than viewing solo success as a stepping stone toward separation, the members see it as a necessary “pause” to recharge before reuniting. Jin and SUGA’s comments further reinforce BTS’s core philosophy: individual achievements are pieces that elevate the group’s name, and their brightest brilliance emerges only when all seven stand together on the same stage.

This reaction has not only thrilled fans because of the group’s strong bond, but also reaffirmed BTS’s consistent direction—placing the group above all else.

In fact, this is not the first time BTS have expressed such firm conviction. Most recently, in their interview with GQ released in February ahead of Arirang, the members unanimously stated: “All of us cherish the team more than our individual selves. We debuted as a team, and that is our identity.”

Meanwhile, as Jin and SUGA mentioned, BigHit Music CEO Seon Jeong Shin also emphasized that solo activities are a necessary part of, and ultimately strengthen, BTS’s group journey. She stated: “I see BTS’ solo projects as an important part of their ongoing artistic journey—a process through which each member explores their own colors and messages.”

She added from a management perspective: “To me, their individual paths are a natural extension of the group’s broader story. Each member is pursuing different genres and creative directions, but at the heart of it all is the same unwavering desire: to express themselves through music and to share new messages with ARMY. This shared foundation is what sustains BTS’ identity and allows every solo endeavor to enrich the group’s collective narrative.”

And it all leads to Arirang—a comeback that is shaking the world in the spring of 2026! Fans are flooding social media with comments supporting V’s statement as well as BTS’s OT7 spirit:

- I'm crying. Tae is the number 1 ot7 defender. They are a big happy family 7

- bcs why are you asking them that, you'll need a whole battalion to break them apart ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

- Bruhhh the way yoongi said they did solo because they couldn’t do group activities. My family

- V is always that member with a few word, but his words always нιт hard, on point. So adorable

- His sense of humour is k1lling me. HE'S 0T7 PROTECTOR

- Man kicked their faces without hesitation. I CAN SEE THE SOLOS IS CRYING

- So sorry to Taehyung’s solo stans. Take it up with him, not us. He’s our number one OT7 defender

- This is what makes BTS who they are. Thank you for always putting the group’s well-being before your own. I love you infinitely

- I’m actually losing my mind. OT7 is forever and this just proves it

- V really said that with his chest and ARMYs screaming so loud

- This is why bts will always be untouchable… the bond is insane