BTS
comeback is just around the corner, and we just got an update. Diplo is working with the K-pop band on ARIRANG. The chart-topping DJ-producer himself revealed his involvement in BTS' upcoming fifth studio album while offering a heap of praise on the group. Diplo attended the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at San Francisco's Pier 48 on February 9, where he dropped the news for the ever-curious ARMYs, leaving the fandom guessing about what to look out for from the collab on the ARIRANG album. BTS is returning to active music after almost 4 years, as all its members, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook completed their mandatory military duties in 2025.
Diplo on working with BTS' ARIRANG
Speaking at Super Bowl 2026, Diplo told TMZ, "I think it’s the biggest pre-sale of all time." Diplo was referring to BTS securing over 4 million
ARIRANG albums in pre-orders. The 47-year-oldadded, "They’re the biggest band in the world. 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."
When Diplo teased collab with BTS
Diplo had recently posted the cover of
ARIRANG in his Instagram story, leaving his followers convinced that he was indeed part of its production. He has now confirmed his involvement in the album and shared how he worked closely with the septet.
Diplo's adulation for Jungkook
"They’re so hands-on, they’re so creative," he said. In specific, he expressed adulation for Jungkook, the Golden Maknae of OT7, who's also the lead vocalist and mostly contributes the higher notes to the tracks. "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," Diplo added."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 shared.
ARIRANG is Diplo's 'biggest' project
At Super Bowl 2026, Diplo also hinted that
ARIRANG is possibly his biggest project. "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."Diplo had previously been associated with Jungkook when his
Major Lazer featured on the track
Close to You in JK's solo album
GOLDEN. Diplo also co-produced the fan-favourite cut with Leclair and Maesic, while helping with the lyrics.
BTS ARIRANG and world tour
BTS announced its comeback album
ARIRANG earlier in January 2026, followed by the schedule for an extensive world tour spanning more than 82 dates in 34 cities across 23 countries and 5 continents. The tour begins with three shows in Goyang, South Korea's Goyang Stadium in April before heading to Tokyo for two nights at its famous Tokyo Dome (April 17-18). It'll then travel to North America, US, Europe, UK and more.
Netflix recently announced that it would live-stream the
BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang and later release the
BTS: The Return documentary.