BTS Revives 'Arirang': The Global Phenomenon of Korean Sorrow—Al-irang, Arida, and the Legend of Arang
The news that BTS chose 'Arirang' as the theme for their 5th studio album and subsequent world tour sent shockwaves through the global music industry. By reinterpreting a folk song that flows through the deepest subconscious of Koreans with modern beats, they have once again proven that "the most Korean is the most global". ARMYs worldwide are now singing along to "Arirang" in stadiums, curious about the profound meaning hidden within its lyrics and melody. What exactly is Arirang that it touches hearts across borders and races so intensely? 1. 'Al-irang': A Journey of Hope and the Laborer's Anthem One of the most humanistic interpretations of Arirang’s etymology is the 'Al-irang' theory. Here, 'Al' refers to the "cream of the crop"—the most precious individuals in a village, namely the young men and women. Imagine...