BTS and their upcoming album ARIRANG face massive backlash and criticism. The album will go live on March 20, 2026. BTS ARIRANG will be the first album of the BTS group after their military enlistment. Fans globally were excited about the comeback and reunion of all the members after a long hiatus, but the excitement turned into resentment when Diplo, the well-known American DJ, was named as the producer following his past controversies and allegations. Diplo’s appearance in the BTS new album is confirmed, but his image in the music industry may hurt the BTS ARIRANG adversely in the market and K-pop communities.
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BTS New Album After Temporary Hiatus
ARIRANG is BTS’s new full-length studio album, set to release on 20 March 2026. It’s going to be the first major group release as all the members of the K-pop boy band have completed their South Korean mandatory military service. The announcement of the BTS comeback left their Korean and global K-pop fans in tears, who were waiting for the group to return to the stage, as for nearly two years, BTS had paused their group activities following the military enlistment of members one by one. It started with the enlistment of BTS Jin and ended with the discharge of SUGA in 2025.
The title of the album refers to a Korean Traditional Folk song that carries deep cultural meaning about roots, connection, hardship, and reunion. Just perfect for the BTS comeback as they will be addressing their fans after a long time through their global tour planned this year. The K-pop fans all over the world are excited for the Arirang world tour, hosted in 34 cities across 23 countries.
Diplo describes BTS' upcoming album ‘ARIRANG’ as the “craziest album ever”:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 8, 2026
“I feel so lucky. I’ve worked for three decades, and to link up with a group like that and have them trust me to do some awesome music, it’s honestly gonna shock the world.” pic.twitter.com/TdQ2Rh5sK9
However, the collaboration with Major Lazor producer Diplo has been seen down by the K-pop fans. As per many, BTS is making its comeback with a traditional folk song, while on the other hand, they have worked with an ethically questionable person who has serious allegations against his name. Some fans find this contrast feels uncomfortable and believe it may influence BTS album and ticket sales in certain areas. Yet, these are just online claims.
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Is this ethically wrong, fans question BTS?
After sharing that he is producing BTS’s upcoming album, he faced major criticism from the fans. As in the past, Diplo was accused of inappropriate behaviour, including being a “predator, pedophile, and abuser.” Fans reacted strongly following Diplo’s involvement due to his controversial reputation online, using very harsh words and arguing that BTS shouldn’t work with him, and calling it problematic. He has denied any wrongdoing, and no criminal conviction has taken place. However, his name has been repeatedly trending alongside serious allegations.
Diplo is a sexual predator who has been washed in the western music industry for years so now he’s chasing kpop clout! very sad! https://t.co/7OPIKO2ygM
— maya angelonew (@miumiuthong) February 8, 2026
I was gonna get excited but the streets saying he is a sex offender 😬😭🥴💀
— E💺🌥️🌸 🍳is stu(dying)😪#1 attaboy fan (@E96137) February 9, 2026
damn why cant bts work with non problematic people like its either that or z!onist im tired 😭 https://t.co/GDmEEwmKTW pic.twitter.com/J6Yy5b9sXv
Within the hours, hashtags questioning BTS’s decision to work with Diplo and collaborate with him. But some fans defend BTS, saying they are not the first to work with Diplo. Before this, he was indirectly linked with Blackpink, and co-produced CL during their U.S debut phase around 2015-16. For now, the controversy is mainly on social media and reactions by the fans online – especially among passionate fans, not an industry or legal scandal.
Diplo’s enthusiastic public comments about the Arirang album were meant to build hype for the upcoming collaboration, but they instead triggered a strong reaction online. Fans online are debating whether this is a moral or wrong move played by the K-pop boy band BTS.
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BTS Comeback: Collaboration or Challenge
Their post-military comeback was expected to be celebratory and nostalgic. Instead, it has begun with a fierce debate — showing how quickly online narratives can shift. The level of influence BTS holds, and they have a wide fan base. Every move, partnership, lyric, and public move is going to be analyzed under a microscope. Maybe smaller artists can be ignored due to the struggle by fans, but BTS is a big name.
As of now, HYBE (BTS’s agency) has not released any official statement mentioning or clarifying this controversy. This silence may be strategic. In many cases, entertainment companies avoid responding to the online debate unless they face legal or financial risks. Even in the past, BTS has rarely engaged in any public controversy unrelated to their own actions.
FAQs
What are the allegations aligned with DIPLO?
Over the years, Diplo has been accused of inappropriate behavior, including serious claims circulating online. He has denied wrongdoing, and there has been no criminal conviction against him. But fans called him out again when his name was linked with the BTS project.
Have HYBE OR BTS responded to the controversy?
As of now, neither BTS nor HYBE has reacted to this controversy. In the entertainment industry, agencies hardly address this kind of controversy.
What does Arirang mean in Korea?
According to many scholarly linguists, Arirang means “My Beloved One” in the Korean language.
Did BTS release a new song in 2026?
BTS is set to release their first song after the mandatory military enlistment on March 20, 2026, as part of their new album Arirang.
