Following their highly anticipated return from a four-year hiatus, BTS is ensuring their global fanbase, ARMY, remains thoroughly entertained. On Wednesday, April 1, the K-pop titans unveiled a cinematic new music video for “ARIRANG 2.0.” This marks their second visual release in just two weeks, with the group drawing heavy aesthetic inspiration from a masterpiece of South Korean cinema.
The gritty, stylized video pays homage to director Park Chan-wook’s 2003 cult classic, Oldboy. The visual narrative begins with the septet—RM, Jung Kook, V, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, and Jin—stepping out of an elevator into a dilapidated, dimly lit corridor. Dressed in a mix of sophisticated tailoring and edgy leather, they encounter a group of hostiles. However, instead of the visceral hammer-fighting synonymous with the film’s protagonist, BTS utilizes their world-class choreography and melodic energy to neutralize their opponents.
The setting then transitions deeper into the shadows as the group continues their synchronized routine through industrial hallways. This eventually leads them to a weathered bathroom where they perform the track’s infectious chorus, their movements captured in the reflections of grime-streaked mirrors.
Leaning into the “2.0” evolution of the track, the members eventually retreat to the elevator for a rapid-fire transformation. Swapping their rugged gear for sleek, modern high-fashion—a nod to the lyric, “We on that brand new”—the video reaches its climax within the polished surroundings of a luxury high-rise.
BTS initially stoked excitement for the project with a 30-second teaser released on March 31. This latest creative milestone arrives just as the group celebrates a massive commercial sweep, with their new album and the lead single “SWIM” simultaneously debuting at the summit of the Billboard 200 and Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Experience the “ARIRANG 2.0” music video in the player above.
