What BTS Calls ‘BTS 2.0’... “Balance, Growth, A New Beginning” [BTS Comeback]

[Financial News] BTS released their fifth full-length album "Arirang (ARIRANG)" at 1 p.m. on the 20th, signaling the start of a new chapter titled "BTS 2.0." "Arirang" is their first new album in about three years and nine months since the anthology album "Proof," released in June 2022.
The new album captures BTS’s identity and universal emotions, with chairperson Bang Si-hyuk serving as executive producer to enhance its quality. It features 14 tracks, including the title song "Swim." The members poured their past experiences and reflections into every track, presenting BTS as a "same name, new version."

In an interview released by their label Big Hit Music, the members each described what "BTS 2.0" means to them from different perspectives. RM defined it as "a kind of balance, where the fact that the seven of us are together again coexists with the need for us to change going forward." Suga summed it up briefly as "a new beginning."
Jin stressed that they "need to grow into a more mature and serious version" of themselves, while J-Hope explained it as "a phase where we show musical freedom and maturity." Jimin of BTS said, "Our way of expressing ourselves may change, but what matters is the determination to keep growing," and V noted that it is "an opportunity to show on stage the experiences and growth we’ve gone through so far." Jung Kook added that it is "a starting point for moving in a new direction."

When asked what has remained the same compared with the past, the members pointed to their teamwork and their feelings for fans. RM said, "I’m at my most natural and happiest when I’m with the members," while Jin shared, "As time goes by, we’ve only grown closer to one another." Suga and V both emphasized that "our passion for the stage has not changed."
Jimin said, "Even in difficult times, our attitude of not stopping and continuing forward remains the same," and J-Hope and Jung Kook agreed that "our feelings for ARMY have not changed."
BTS said, "We are truly grateful to ARMY, who have waited for us for such a long time," adding, "We will repay you through our music, performances, world tour, and many other activities." They continued, "We’ve prepared not only the album but also many stages that we can enjoy together," signaling a reunion with fans.
Meanwhile, through the track "2.0" on the new album, BTS sings, "we don’t rewind, we upgrade" and "same name, new version." It is effectively a declaration that they will not repeat the past but will keep upgrading themselves.
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-ah Reporter