BTS ARMY Demands Release of Hidden ‘Arirang’ Song on Streaming Platforms
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Arirang
Korean folk song
Arirang (Korean: 아리랑; pronounced [a.ɾi.ɾaŋ]) is a Korean folk song. There are about 3,600 variations of 60 different versions of the song, all of which include a refrain similar to "arirang, arirang, arariyo" ("아리랑, 아리랑, 아라리요"). It is estimated that the song is more than 600 years old.
BTS
South Korean boy band
BTS (Korean: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan; lit. 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010. The band consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, who co-write or co-produce much of their material.
Traditional music of Korea
Korea has produced music (Korean: 음악; Hanja: 音樂; RR: eumak; MR: ŭmak) for thousands of years, into the modern day. After the division of Korea in 1945, both North and South Korea have produced their own styles of music. Traditional music (국악; 國樂; gugak; lit.
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it highlights the significant influence of BTS's global fanbase, ARMY, in shaping the group's musical legacy and accessibility. It affects BTS members, their management company HYBE, streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and fans who seek to preserve and celebrate the group's cultural heritage. The demand underscores the evolving power dynamics in the music industry, where fan activism can directly impact content availability and archival practices.
Context & Background
- BTS is a South Korean boy band that has achieved unprecedented global success, with ARMY being one of the most organized and vocal fanbases in the world.
- The song 'Arirang' is a traditional Korean folk song, often considered an unofficial national anthem, and BTS has performed or referenced it in various contexts, showcasing their cultural pride.
- Hidden tracks or unreleased songs are common in the music industry, sometimes used as bonuses in physical albums or exclusive content, leading to fan campaigns for wider digital release.
- HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) manages BTS and has historically engaged with fan feedback, but decisions on song releases involve considerations like copyright, licensing, and strategic planning.
What Happens Next
HYBE may issue a statement addressing the fan demand, potentially leading to the song's release on streaming platforms if deemed feasible. If not released, ARMY could escalate campaigns through social media trends or petitions. In the longer term, this could influence how HYBE handles BTS's archival content, possibly resulting in more comprehensive digital releases of rare tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a hidden or unreleased track believed to be a BTS rendition of the traditional Korean folk song 'Arirang,' which symbolizes Korean culture and heritage, though its exact version and recording details are not publicly confirmed.
ARMY wants easier access to preserve and stream this culturally significant song, as hidden tracks are often limited to physical media or exclusive events, making them less accessible to the global fanbase.
HYBE could evaluate factors like copyright, production quality, and release strategy, potentially leading to a digital rollout if it aligns with their plans, or they might clarify the song's status to manage fan expectations.
Yes, BTS has referenced or performed elements of 'Arirang' in concerts and cultural events, such as during their 2018 MMA performance, highlighting their connection to Korean traditions.
It demonstrates fan power in advocating for content accessibility, possibly encouraging other artists and labels to release rare tracks digitally in response to organized fan campaigns.