Seoul: Global K-pop sensation BTS said it wanted to keep Korean sentiment alive in its own way as it prepared to release the new studio album "Arirang," its first full-group project in nearly four years. The seven-member group will drop the 14-track set at 1 p.m. Friday in Korean time, marking its first group release since the anthology album "Proof" in June 2022 and all members completed their mandatory military service.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the album takes its name from "Arirang," a beloved Korean folk song often described as an unofficial national anthem, and is billed by its label, BigHit Music, as capturing BTS' identity as a group that began in Korea, along with "the longing and deep love that lie within their hearts." Speaking in a written interview with the label ahead of the release, the team's front man RM said Korean elements were a natural anchor for the band's first group comeback in three years and nine months.

Jin and Suga agreed, saying that the group tried to strike a balance between the Korean sentiment and its own musical color. The 14-track album includes tracks such as "Swim," "Body to Body," "Hooligan," "Aliens," "Fya" and "2.0," with "Swim" set as the lead single. The song has been described as an upbeat alternative pop track about navigating life's challenges, with lyrics co-written by RM.

"When I first heard it, it felt mild and quietly captivating much like Pyongyang Naengmyeon. The more I listened, the more I wanted to 'swim together' with it," RM said, referring to the Pyongyang-style cold noodle dish, known for its beef broth that has a bland, savory flavor. Jin added, "It's not a song that immediately grabs you from the first bite, but the more you hear it, the harder it is to forget."

The members described their return as a full group as both deeply moving and comforting. "We're excited and nervous, but above all, deeply moved," they said of their first group release in three years and nine months. "Just being able to gather as seven again and create something together feels joyful and gratifying."

They also acknowledged the weight of fans' expectations. "We've prepared with great care to meet the expectations of ARMY, who have waited so long for us," they said, referring to the BTS fan base. "The fact that we can once again show our best selves is an honor and a happiness in itself. It's our first group album in a long time, so there was both excitement and a bit of fear, but with our members and ARMY by our side, there's nothing to worry about."

To mark the release, BTS will stage a special live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday. The show, which is expected to attract 260,000 fans and visitors to the area, will be streamed globally on Netflix. The group is then set to travel to the United States, where it will perform "Spotify x BTS: Swimside" in New York on Monday, followed by appearances on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on March 25 and 26.