BTS's 'Arirang' named among best albums of early 2026

"Arirang," the latest album of K-pop megaband BTS, has been recognized among the best releases of the first half of 2026 by leading global music publications.

The group's fifth full-length album was included in multiple midyear lists, beginning with U.S. pop culture outlet Complex on June 12. It was subsequently featured by Britain's The Telegraph on June 13, U.S. magazine Rolling Stone on June 15 and British music publication NME on June 16.

"The biggest news has got to be the return of BTS, who showcased their Korean roots with the excellent 'Arirang,'" Rolling Stone said.

NME described BTS as "the biggest boy band in the world," while The Telegraph called the group "the face of K-pop."

The septet held two concerts in Busan on June 12 and 13 as part of its "Arirang" world tour. The group is set to begin the European leg of the tour in Madrid on Friday and Saturday, with a total of 10 shows scheduled across five cities.

Yonhap