Ryan Tedder Teases BTS’s ARIRANG As One Of His Wildest Projects Yet

Ryan Tedder has said that BTS’ upcoming album ARIRANG is “one of the craziest things I’ve worked on”.

The hitmaker, known for collaborating with major artists, has previously teamed up with several K pop names such as BLACKPINK, Tomorrow X Together, and BTS member Jimin on his 2024 solo song Be Mine. He has now shared a similar reaction to producer Diplo when it comes to the group’s highly anticipated project, which Diplo recently hinted will “shock the world”.

Ryan Tedder spoke to the crowd during his opening performance at the band’s From Asia, With Love show at Jamsil Arena in Seoul on Monday (23.02.26), saying: “Most recently, I did a lot of work on the upcoming BTS album.

“It completely amazed me how talented they are, and I genuinely think it’s one of the wildest projects I’ve ever been part of in my career. I know you’re all going to love it.”

In an interview with TMZ at the Fanatics Super Bowl party earlier this month, Diplo opened up about contributing to ARIRANG, saying: "I just feel so lucky because I've been working for three decades and to link up with a group like that, and have them trust me and do some awesome music ... honestly, it's gonna shock the world.

Craziest album ever."

Praising the group’s vocals, he added: "Jung Kook no autotune. Perfect voice."

He went on to say: "For sure, it's gonna be the biggest thing I've ever done."

BTS have shared that they want the album, which arrives on March 20, to “transcends time and generations”.

The release will be their first in over three years and follows each member completing their required military service in South Korea.

The album’s title comes from “Arirang,” a traditional Korean folk song that is widely recognised for its emotional depth and cultural significance. Often linked to ideas of separation, reunion and collective longing, the song has lasted through generations, making it a meaningful reference point for a record centred on reflection and identity.

According to the group’s team, ARIRANG finds BTS looking inward, drawing from their roots and personal experiences to shape a project that feels uniquely theirs. The album is expected to touch on the universal themes that have always been part of their music, including love, longing and personal growth, while staying closely tied to their origins in Korea.