BTS’s Arirang Comeback: High Hopes Meet Controversy and Mixed Reviews

After a four-year hiatus spent on solo projects and mandatory military service, BTS returned with Arirang and an ambitious world tour ahead. The album is more Western-influenced with greater English presence, sparking debate over its Korean-ness, while a Howard University promo sparked whitewashing accusations. Despite record streaming and sales, the rollout faced backlash—from critical commentary to a Seoul performance that underwhelmed in attendance and a dip in Hybe’s stock—though Netflix’s BTS: The Return and the group’s continued global prominence suggest the comeback isn’t catastrophic and a major tour remains likely.