BTS ‘Arirang’ Debate Rekindled After Netflix Documentary Shows HYBE Chief’s Input

A controversy over BTS’ new release “Arirang” has spread again after a Netflix documentary showing the album’s production was released.

BTS released “Arirang” on the 20th. The album was described as a modern reinterpretation of traditional themes, but some Korean online communities criticized it as “gukppong,” a term used for what they see as excessive patriotic messaging.

As the debate grew, some criticism also targeted RM, who has played a leading role in the group’s production. The agency has said it would take legal action over malicious comments directed at the members.

The issue flared again after the Netflix documentary included scenes in which HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and other staff offered opinions on the album’s concept.

In the film, Bang says, “When you perform in front of 60,000 or 70,000 people, wouldn’t it be incredibly iconic to have foreigners — more than 50% — singing along to the ‘Arirang’ chorus?” He adds, “Even if you ultimately do it the way you want, it feels like you’re throwing away something big if you don’t even discuss it.”

The documentary also shows Bang pushing back after J-Hope and Jungkook cautiously voiced opposition. Bang responds in a way that suggests the issue is not simply whether it is better or worse, saying, “Even if that’s better, I think you can take something bigger while not really losing much musically. So rather than saying this is better or I don’t like it …”

Posts about the documentary then spread across Korean online communities, fueling further debate.

Commenters wrote, “If they hadn’t released the documentary, only BTS would have been criticized,” and, “BTS’ job isn’t to be ambassadors for Korean culture — they’re artists.” Others said the thinking felt “too old,” and added, “It’s not BTS — Bang Si-hyuk has completely lost his original mindset,” and, “Now I understand Jungkook’s live broadcast.” Another comment said members had wanted Korean-language lyrics.

One user wrote that approving and releasing the documentary “shows how out of touch they are,” adding, “Didn’t they include the scene of persuading the members to prove they were right? In reality, the public = ARMY = BTS all agree, except for Bang Si-hyuk and Nicole Kim.”

An album review posted on March 23 on the music community IZM also drew attention.

Critic Han Seong-hyeon wrote, “It’s nothing new, but BTS is no longer the name of seven members. It is a proxy that relieves the long-standing thirst of middle-aged people who craved Western recognition; for HYBE, it is a factor that determines stock price swings; and it is an achievement the political world seeks while scrambling to pick up even a few crumbs.”

BTS continues its global activities, and the album has drawn a range of reactions.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Kang Min seon