Ryan Tedder says BTS’ forthcoming album ARIRANG is “one of the craziest things I’ve worked on”.
The songwriter to the stars – who has worked with a host of K-pop acts before, including BLACKPINK, Tomorrow X Together, and BTS member Jimin on his 2024 solo track Be Mine – has echoed producer Diplo’s experience of working on the boy band’s eagerly anticipated collection, which the latter teased will “shock the world”.
Ryan Tedder told the audience during his opening slot at the band’s From Asia, With Love concert at Jamsil Arena in Seoul on Monday (23.02.26): “Most recently, I did a lot of work on the upcoming BTS album.
“It absolutely blew me away how talented they were, and I think it’s honestly one of the craziest things I’ve worked on in my whole career. I know you’re going to love it.”
Speaking to TMZ at the Fanatics Super Bowl party earlier this month, Diplo said of his work on ARIRANG: “I just feel so lucky because I’ve been working for three decades and to link up with a group like that, and have them trust me and do some awesome music … honestly, it’s gonna shock the world.
Craziest album ever.”
Heaping praise on the vocals, he said: “Jung Kook – no autotune. Perfect voice.”
He declared: “For sure, it’s gonna be the biggest thing I’ve ever done.”
BTS have said they hope the record, which is released on March 20, “transcends time and generations”.
The album marks their first release in more than three years, and comes after each member completed their mandatory military service in South Korea.
The project takes its name from “Arirang,” the beloved Korean folk song recognised worldwide for its emotional pull and cultural importance. Often associated with themes of separation, reunion and shared longing, the song has endured for generations – making it a fitting touchstone for a record rooted in reflection and identity.
According to the group’s team, ARIRANG sees BTS turning inward, drawing on their heritage and lived experiences to craft a body of work only they could create. The album is said to explore the universal emotions that have long defined their music – love, yearning and the complexities of growth – while remaining deeply connected to their beginnings in Korea.