BTS face backlash over ARIRANG lyrics; fans question songwriting direction

BTS releases their new album

• BTS's ARIRANG album faces criticism over lyric quality and depth
• Fans debate emotional resonance and English-heavy song themes
• Fans split: some defend the album, others disappointed

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BTS’s latest album ARIRANG continues to dominate global conversations, but not all of them are positive. Following its release, the album has sparked a wave of criticism centered on the perceived quality and emotional depth of its lyrics. Fans and netizens are openly debating whether the group’s songwriting has taken a step back.

As early reviews and listener reactions began pouring in, many expressed mixed feelings about the album’s overall direction. While BTS have long been praised for their introspective and meaningful lyricism, some listeners now argue that ARIRANG lacks the emotional resonance that once defined the group’s music.

A key point of contention has been the album’s language and themes. Several netizens noted that many tracks lean heavily into English lyrics and familiar love song tropes, leading to criticism that the album feels less distinct compared to BTS’s earlier work.

"If they worked on 100 songs and these were the best ones, imagine how bad the rest were," wrote a netizen.

"I... listened to some of the new BTS album already.

I am emotional, and not in a good way. From what I can tell so far, they... don't have any emotion to me. I'm so used to most of their songs having meaning. And now it sounds like mostly English, typical love songs and-" remarked another.

"as a bts fan of 10 years, this new album is not hitting. i'm sorry, but arirang is mid!!! all the songs sounded the same, the only good song was FYA

maybe I'll change my mind when I read the lyrics but this is not living upto the expectations I had. am I alone on this?" wrote a fan.

In particular, songs like 2.0 and Hooligan have drawn sharper criticism, with some listeners ridiculing both the lyrics and the number of contributors credited on the tracks. The involvement of multiple writers, despite members like RM, J-Hope, V, Jungkook, and Suga being credited, has become a focal point for criticism.

"they needed 12 people to write these lyrics," remarked a critic.

"They hated on Blackpink for making Ddu-Du Ddu-Du only for their oppa to release baby shark's cheap copy

RM, j-hope, V, Jung Kook, and SUGA have writing credits on this btw," said another.

Also Read: BTS fans disappointed over ARIRANG line distribution; listeners notice 'Jungook hardly has any lines'

"They had 25332243 writers on every song to write this BS?????" a fan had a strong opinion.

"and armys have the nerve to speak on other people's artistry & writing??

18 men worked on this song and this was the result ???" opined a listener.

At the same time, reactions remain divided. While some critics have been vocal, others continue to support the album, suggesting that opinions may shift as listeners spend more time with the music and explore the full lyrical context.