Diplo breaks silence on BTS collaboration, calls ARIRANG their boldest album yet
Grammy-winning music producer Diplo offers rare insight into BTS's new album Arirang, teasing its sound and why it could surprise fans.
As BTS gear up for their long-awaited comeback, producer Diplo has lifted the lid on what it was like collaborating with the global supergroup on their upcoming album ARIRANG. Speaking ahead of the record’s release, the Grammy-winning DJ didn’t hold back, calling the project “the craziest album ever” and hinting that it could take the fandom by surprise.
Diplo’s comments arrive just weeks before ARIRANG drops on March 20, 2026 -- BTS’s first full-length album in nearly four years following the members’ return from military service. With millions of pre-saves already logged and a world tour kicking off a day later, expectations are sky-high, and Diplo’s praise has only added fuel to the hype.
What did Diplo say about working with BTS?
Speaking at the Fanatics Super Bowl Party, Diplo described the collaboration as a career highlight. “I feel so lucky,” he said, adding that after three decades in music, being trusted by BTS was still surreal. According to him, the group were hands-on, deeply involved and constantly pushing creative boundaries.
“They’re so hands-on. They’re so creative. I can’t believe it,” Diplo shared, calling the experience both intense and rewarding. He also joked about the group being “quite funny” and “oddly smelling nice”, offering a rare, light-hearted glimpse into studio life with BTS.
How involved was Diplo in the album?
While full details of the tracklist remain under wraps, Diplo confirmed that ARIRANG will feature 14 tracks, with several involving his production. He stopped short of revealing which songs he worked on, but teased that the album’s sound could shock listeners.
Calling it a record that “may or may not take the fandom by storm”, Diplo suggested BTS weren’t playing it safe -- a sentiment echoed by fans who’ve been eagerly dissecting every teaser.
Which BTS member stood out to Diplo?
Diplo reserved special praise for Jung Kook, describing him as “the real deal”. “No autotune. Perfect voice,” he said, emphasising the singer’s raw vocal ability. He also praised the group’s versatility, noting that they can rap, sing and perform with what he described as “quiet charm and ease”.
Beyond the music, ARIRANG carries cultural weight. Named after a traditional Korean folk song often considered an unofficial anthem, the album signals BTS’s renewed connection to their roots. As they prepare to return to the global stage -- with a Netflix live-streamed tour and a behind-the-scenes documentary on the way -- Diplo’s words suggest this comeback is anything but ordinary.
As BTS gear up for their long-awaited comeback, producer Diplo has lifted the lid on what it was like collaborating with the global supergroup on their upcoming album ARIRANG. Speaking ahead of the record’s release, the Grammy-winning DJ didn’t hold back, calling the project “the craziest album ever” and hinting that it could take the fandom by surprise.
Diplo’s comments arrive just weeks before ARIRANG drops on March 20, 2026 -- BTS’s first full-length album in nearly four years following the members’ return from military service. With millions of pre-saves already logged and a world tour kicking off a day later, expectations are sky-high, and Diplo’s praise has only added fuel to the hype.
What did Diplo say about working with BTS?
Speaking at the Fanatics Super Bowl Party, Diplo described the collaboration as a career highlight. “I feel so lucky,” he said, adding that after three decades in music, being trusted by BTS was still surreal. According to him, the group were hands-on, deeply involved and constantly pushing creative boundaries.
“They’re so hands-on. They’re so creative. I can’t believe it,” Diplo shared, calling the experience both intense and rewarding. He also joked about the group being “quite funny” and “oddly smelling nice”, offering a rare, light-hearted glimpse into studio life with BTS.
How involved was Diplo in the album?
While full details of the tracklist remain under wraps, Diplo confirmed that ARIRANG will feature 14 tracks, with several involving his production. He stopped short of revealing which songs he worked on, but teased that the album’s sound could shock listeners.
Calling it a record that “may or may not take the fandom by storm”, Diplo suggested BTS weren’t playing it safe -- a sentiment echoed by fans who’ve been eagerly dissecting every teaser.
Which BTS member stood out to Diplo?
Diplo reserved special praise for Jung Kook, describing him as “the real deal”. “No autotune. Perfect voice,” he said, emphasising the singer’s raw vocal ability. He also praised the group’s versatility, noting that they can rap, sing and perform with what he described as “quiet charm and ease”.
Beyond the music, ARIRANG carries cultural weight. Named after a traditional Korean folk song often considered an unofficial anthem, the album signals BTS’s renewed connection to their roots. As they prepare to return to the global stage -- with a Netflix live-streamed tour and a behind-the-scenes documentary on the way -- Diplo’s words suggest this comeback is anything but ordinary.