BTS’ fifth full-length album ARIRANG is earning major praise from critics around the world.
The album has been named one of the Best Albums of 2026 by several major outlets, starting with Complex on June 12th, followed by Rolling Stone on June 15th and NME on June 16th.
Rolling Stone praised the group’s blockbuster return, writing, “Comebacks don’t get bigger than this one.” The outlet also noted that the world’s biggest band “stresses group identity and South Korean roots, while pushing the songs into adventurous new territory.”
NME also called BTS “the world-conquering boyband” and said ARIRANG captures the group at its best, “mixing the cultural heritage of their home country with global influences,” before declaring, “BTS are back doing what they do best.”
The Telegraph also included ARIRANG on its list of the best albums released so far in 2026, while Salon highlighted the album’s dynamic sound and praised the members as mature artists and standout storytellers.
The album’s tracks have also been drawing attention. Complex praised “Hooligan” as a song with a presence impossible to ignore and said “2.0” won over even those who had been skeptical of the group’s next chapter. NME chose “Body to Body” as one of the album’s must-listen tracks.
Consequence also named “SWIM” and “Hooligan” among the best songs of the first half of 2026, praising BTS’ range across genres and their sharp, intricate rap over hard-hitting hip-hop beats.
BTS is currently continuing promotions for ARIRANG and will kick off the European leg of its tour with two shows in Madrid, Spain, on June 26th and 27th. The European run will include 10 shows across five cities.
The group’s world tour is set to span 88 shows in 34 regions, making it the largest tour ever by a K-pop artist. With additional dates in Japan and the Middle East still to come, the tour is expected to grow even bigger.
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