Diplo Confirms Collab With BTS On ARIRANG, Praises The Band: ‘They Are Real Deal’

Following the completion of their mandatory military services, the globally popular K-pop group BTS is all set to make a full-group return to the music scene. The septet is not only releasing a new full-length album, their fifth, but will also be embarking on a world tour. As ARMYs prepare for this monumental moment, chart-topping DJ-producer Diplo has shared some insights into what to expect.

The 47-year-old artist attended the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at San Francisco’s Pier 48, where he talked about his upcoming project with BTS. He not only praised the septet, comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, for their professionalism but also commended their upcoming album ARIRANG, scheduled for release on March 20. “I think

it’s the biggest pre-sale of all time,” he told TMZ as he discussed reports of over four-million ARIRANG albums secured in pre-orders.

Diplo Calls ARIRANG BTS’ “Craziest Album”

Calling BTS “the biggest band in the world,” Diplo added, “I just feel so lucky because I’ve been working for three decades and to link up with a group like that, have them trust and just do awesome music, honestly, it’s going to shock the world — craziest album ever.”

The music producer previously hinted at his collaboration with the K-pop group when he shared ARIRANG’s album cover on his Instagram account upon its release by BigHit Music. His latest interview confirmed his collaboration, although it is still not known how many of the 14 tracks he has worked on. He also talked about his experience of working with the seven members.

Diplo Heaps Praise On BTS, Especially Jungkook

“They’re so hands-on, they’re so creative,” Diplo said of his experience with BTS in the studio. He also heaped praise on BTS’ Golden Maknae, aka Jungkook, for his vocal prowess. “I can’t believe it: Jung Kook, no AutoTune, perfect voice. They’re funny as hell, they rap, they do everything, bro. They’re the real deal,” he explained. FYI, Diplo had previously worked with Jungkook on his debut studio album, Golden. He collaborated on the song, Closer To You, with his Major Lazer bandmates.

Furthermore, Diplo also praised BTS members, saying, “Those are grown men. They’re in their thirties, they’ve been in the army, they’ve lived life, they’re the real dudes. They dance better than any of us — and they still smell really good.”

Diplo Calls ARIRANG His “Biggest” Project Ever

When asked whether ARIRANG would be one of the biggest music projects of his career, Diplo did not hold back. He excitedly shared, “Of my life? For sure, it’s going to be the biggest thing I’ve ever done. I’m just so happy to be part of that culture, big up [to] HYBE, the whole team, they’re awesome.”