BTS to Hold Exclusive New York City Fan Event for New Album 'Arirang'

NEW YORK (AP) - BTS will visit New York City for an exclusive fan event in support of their upcoming album, "Arirang." Spotify announced Monday that it will host the event, titled "Spotify x BTS: SwimsidE," on March 23, three days after the album's release. The event will feature a special performance and Q&A with the group, according to a news release.

A select group of BTS fans, known as ARMY, will be invited to attend the event, which will include immersive experiences based on the new album. The exact location has not been disclosed.

"Arirang," a 14-track album, is scheduled for release on March 20. It is BTS's first group project since members spent two years working on solo music and fulfilling mandatory military service. The new album follows "Be," which topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2020.

In addition to the New York City event, Spotify will launch an in-app scavenger hunt on March 20, allowing fans to find exclusive audio messages from BTS members. The streamer will also offer a BTS music quiz for fans to test their knowledge of the group.

Earlier, Google launched a mobile-based clue hunt for "Arirang."

BTS will also hold a free concert celebrating the album's release at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. The group is set to begin an 82-date world tour in the weeks following the album release.

"We have a diversity of genres," BTS member Suga told GQ in a February cover story. "It's going to be quite different from the BTS albums and sounds that you've been listening to. You're going to see a more mature side of BTS this time around."

The group's members are RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook.