Human Interest

RM Takes the Wheel: BTS Leader’s First Driving Video Delights Fans


RM, the leader of global K-pop sensation BTS, has once again captured the internet’s attention—this time not with music, but with a surprisingly relatable personal moment. The artist recently shared his first-ever driving video, offering fans a rare glimpse into a quieter, more candid side of his life.

The short clip, posted with the caption “Let’s keep smiling and hype it up,” shows RM behind the wheel, navigating the road with visible caution and a slightly tense posture. The video quickly made waves across social media platforms and fan communities, where viewers were both amused and charmed by his careful driving style. Many pointed out the contrast between his composed, intellectual public persona and the nervous energy of someone new to driving.

RM had previously revealed that he obtained his driver’s license, though he also made it clear that owning a car was not part of his plans. Sharing more about his decision, he explained that learning to drive was a personal step taken to overcome a past trauma rather than a practical necessity. His candid admission added emotional depth to what might otherwise have been seen as a simple update, giving fans insight into his personal growth and resilience.

Adding to the lighthearted tone, RM acknowledged his own awkwardness in the video, joking, “I’m funny too,” a remark that resonated strongly with fans who appreciated his honesty and self-awareness. The moment quickly became a favourite among the BTS fandom, with many describing it as “unexpectedly cute” and deeply relatable.

The timing of the video has also heightened anticipation among fans, as BTS prepares for a major comeback. The group is set to release its fifth full-length album “Arirang” on March 20, followed by a special event titled “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. As excitement builds around the new music, RM’s personal update has added a refreshing and human touch to the global buzz surrounding the group.

Through moments like these, RM continues to strengthen his connection with fans, reminding them that beyond the global fame and success, he remains grounded, evolving, and open about his personal journey.

Music

BTS ‘Arirang’ World Tour to Stream Live in Cinemas Worldwide This April


Global K-pop sensation BTS is set to deliver one of the year’s biggest cultural events as the BTS World Tour “Arirang” streams live in cinemas worldwide this April. In a major collaboration, Trafalgar Releasing has partnered with HYBE and BigHit Music to bring two full-length live concert broadcasts to the big screen, allowing fans across continents to experience the tour simultaneously.

The seven-member group will perform from Goyang, South Korea, on April 11, followed by a second live broadcast from Tokyo on April 18. Each territory will screen both concerts twice to accommodate different time zones, ensuring that fans worldwide can join in real time. The cinema events mark the opening of BTS’ first tour since 2021–2022’s “Permission to Dance on Stage,” making this return to global touring highly anticipated.

Marc Allenby, chief executive officer of Trafalgar Releasing, described the concerts as one of the year’s most significant cultural moments. He emphasised the extraordinary global demand surrounding the announcement of the “Arirang” World Tour and expressed excitement about continuing the longstanding partnership with HYBE and BigHit Music. By presenting two full-scale concerts live from Goyang and Tokyo, the initiative offers audiences a shared, immersive big-screen experience that mirrors the energy of an arena performance.

The tour itself is historic in scale. Spanning 34 cities and 82 shows, it establishes a new benchmark for tour dates by a K-pop artist. Central to the experience is a 360-degree in-the-round stage design, crafted to create a fully immersive environment where audiences surround the performance space. This format enhances engagement, bringing fans closer to the music and choreography that have defined BTS’ global appeal.

The tour coincides with the release of the group’s fifth studio album, “Arirang,” scheduled to drop on March 20. The album’s launch adds further anticipation, as fans will witness new material performed live just weeks after its release. Since their debut in June 2013, BTS — comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have redefined the global reach of K-pop. The group has earned six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2020 and received five Grammy nominations across the 63rd to 65th Grammy Awards ceremonies. Their accolades also include multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Trafalgar Releasing, which operates in more than 15,000 cinemas across 132 countries, has previously handled major concert films including “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour,” which became the highest-grossing concert film of all time. With the BTS World Tour “Arirang,” the company once again positions live music at the centre of a shared global cinema experience.

Additional live viewing dates are planned for later in the year, with further details expected to be announced. As anticipation builds, the “Arirang” World Tour is not just a series of concerts but a global celebration of music, performance and fandom, bringing millions of fans together in cinemas to witness BTS’ next monumental chapter unfold live on the big screen.

Music

Diplo Confirms Involvement in BTS’ Upcoming ARIRANG Album, Calls It “Craziest Album Ever”


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

As anticipation builds for BTS’ upcoming album ARIRANG, international music producer Diplo has revealed his involvement in the project, describing it as the “craziest album ever” and one of the most significant collaborations of his career.


Speaking to media while attending the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, Diplo expressed admiration for the global K-pop phenomenon, citing reports that ARIRANG has already crossed four million pre-orders. Calling BTS “the biggest band in the world,” he said working with the group was both humbling and creatively rewarding.

Diplo highlighted BTS’ hands-on involvement in the studio, praising their creativity, professionalism and musical versatility. He singled out youngest member Jung Kook for his vocal ability, noting his natural talent and precision without reliance on AutoTune. The producer also described the group as experienced artists who bring maturity and authenticity to their work.

The collaboration marks another chapter in Diplo’s long association with K-pop. He previously worked with Jung Kook on the track “Close to You” from the singer’s solo album Golden, and has collaborated with artists such as G-Dragon, CL, Jennie and BLACKPINK over the past decade.

While BTS and their label HYBE have not officially confirmed all collaborators on ARIRANG, industry speculation suggests contributions from several high-profile names. Singer-songwriter Jon Bellion has revealed studio sessions with the group, while legendary producer Max Martin is also believed to be involved. Longtime BTS collaborator Pdogg is expected to play a key role in shaping the album’s sound.

According to Diplo, ARIRANG could be the biggest project of his life. He credited BTS and the HYBE team for fostering a creative environment rooted in trust and artistic freedom.

The album ARIRANG, featuring at least 14 tracks, is scheduled for release on March 20 under HYBE’s BIGHIT MUSIC, and is widely expected to make a major impact on the global music landscape.

Music

BTS Eyes Free Comeback Concert at Gwanghwamun Square This Spring


BTS may soon make history once again. HYBE has officially applied for permits to host a free BTS comeback concert at Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square or nearby heritage locations, aligning with the anticipated March 20 release of their fifth studio album, Arirang.

If approved, the event would welcome 15,000 to 20,000 fans, selected through a registration process, creating an intimate yet monumental celebration. The concept has been pitched as a fusion of K-pop and Korean heritage, blending BTS’s global influence with Korea’s cultural identity — a symbolic move reflecting the group’s roots and evolution.

BigHit Music has confirmed that discussions are ongoing, stating that plans are still under review. The Cultural Heritage Committee is scheduled to review the permit application on January 20, given the historical significance of the proposed venues.

This concert would mark BTS’s first performance as a complete unit since 2022, following the completion of mandatory military service by all seven members. It also serves as a prelude to what is expected to be a massive global comeback, including a world tour set to begin in April.

Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting official confirmation, with excitement building around what could be one of the most culturally significant K-pop events in recent history.

Music

BTS Confirms March 20, 2026 Comeback, Ending Nearly Four-Year Hiatus


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Global K-pop sensation BTS has officially announced its long-awaited group comeback, confirming March 20, 2026, as the release date and bringing an end to nearly four years of hiatus. The announcement was shared by BigHit Music on social media, instantly igniting excitement among fans worldwide.

The comeback follows the completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service by all seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, Jimin, V, Jung Kook and j-hope. Rapper Suga was the final member to conclude his service in June 2025, having served as a social service agent due to a previous shoulder injury. The remaining six members fulfilled their duties in the army, with enlistments carefully staggered to allow individual members to focus on solo music and creative projects during the group’s break.

In earlier statements, BTS had already hinted at a major return, revealing plans for a world tour and confirming that a new album would arrive in the spring of 2026. The group began working on the album in July 2025, emphasizing that the project would reflect the thoughts, experiences and artistic growth of all seven members.

“This will be a group album, and it will carry each member’s ideas and emotions,” the group shared previously. “We’re approaching it with the same mindset we had when we first started.”

The upcoming release will mark BTS’ first group album since 2022’s anthology Proof, following their last studio album Be released in 2020. It also comes after their Japanese compilation BTS, the Best in 2021. As anticipation builds, the March 2026 comeback is expected to be one of the biggest music events of the year, reaffirming BTS’ enduring influence on the global music stage and their deep connection with ARMY worldwide.