Titled “Lyrical Armor,” the collection envisions BTS as pioneers of a new chapter in Korea’s history.
BTS’ long-anticipated comeback wasn’t just musical—it was cultural. They weaved their new album “Arirang”—named after a 600-year-old Korean folk song—with a striking display of modern Korean heritage fashion at their concert in Gwanghwamun Square on March 21.
For their return to the stage after almost four years, BTS tapped premiere South Korean fashion house Songzio to craft outfits that blend warrior armor from the country’s Joseon era—a meaningful choice for a group that also identifies as “Bulletproof Boy Scouts”—with contemporary, sculpted silhouettes in a monochromatic palette.
Titled “Lyrical Armor,” the collection was created by the fashion house’s CEO and creative director, Song Jae-woo, as a symbolism of “the spirit of a new generation of heroes who carry the turbulent history of Korea within their bodies and souls while forging a new future.”
“From the figures who shaped Korean history, valiant warriors, scholars, statesmen embodying dignity and intellect, and artists of profound insight and inspiration, the collection envisions BTS as pioneers who will open a new chapter in Korea’s history,” the house wrote on Instagram.
Song revealed in an interview with The Chosun Daily that he drew inspiration particularly from Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong, who both have prominent statues in Gwanghwamun Square, and weaved their symbolism with the BTS members’ personas. He added layers of sophistication through his label’s signature “doryeong” motif, which is a modern take on classic hanbok design.
“This collaboration was made possible, thanks to BTS’ strong desire to emphasize Korean elements,” Song added. “Since this album represents Korean sentiment through ‘Arirang’ and the historic site of Gwanghwamun Square serves as the stage, they expressed their wish to collaborate with a Korean designer who could convey our sensibilities.”
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Song, who inherited the label from his father, designer Zong Sio, has brought the brand to international stages like Paris Fashion Week. With flagship stores launched in Paris in 2025 and New York this year, he continues to solidify the house’s standing as a leader in K-fashion.
The designer told WWD that Hybe Labels reached out two months prior BTS’ comeback, with a clear focus on aligning the visuals with the album’s Korean-inspired concept. “It was very important for them to find a very Korean brand, not only in its nationality, but also in its aesthetic,” he explained to the outlet.
BTS’ agency defined the project with the keyword “sori-kkun” (traditional Korean singer). “They wanted the members to reflect the image of modern ‘sori-kkun’ who deliver our sounds globally,” Song recalled.
The result was a collection that tells a story where the members “become some sort of heroes, some sort of warriors who are fighting in these turbulent times and then leading to a brighter future.”
Fashioned from the idea of “seven warriors clad in muscial armor,” each look was tailored to reflect each member’s individuality: leader RM as “the hero,” Jin as “the artist,” Suga as “the architect,” J-Hope as “sorigun” or “sound man,” Jimin as “the poet,” V as “seonbi” or “nobleman”, and Jungkook as “the vanguard.”
Photos from Netflix, sketches from Songzio
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In true BTS fashion, the members “participated a lot” in the conceptualization of their outfits. “Even down the very smallest details—things like colors they wanted and accessories,” Song emphasized. “We spent a lot of time together with individual members.”
Jungkook’s white shirt, for one, was enhanced with brushstroke patterns he personally proposed. Other details—from tassel-like embellishments to collar shapes—were modified through visual sketches. To make each outfit appear “elegant and dynamic,” Song fashioned the sleeves after the hanbok’s “dopo,” which flowed with movement. Fabrics were meanwhile handwoven using cotton and linen in Korea.
What’s more, each garment was designed to enable on-the-spot costume changes, with multiple layers that can be easily removed during BTS’ one-hour performance. “Some looks have five layers. So the members would be taking off part by part, and I think it will look more dynamic than just one look,” Song told WWD.
The designer dressed not just BTS themselves but a total of 80 performers, including dancers and musicians, to ensure a unified look on stage. “We are currently discussing the world tour,” he added. “If produced, we plan to present outfits reinterpreting the Taegeukgi, just as the ‘Arirang’ logo was inspired by the four trigrams of heaven, earth, fire, and water.”
The group’s concert in Gwangwamun blended music with Korea’s rich culture. | Photo from Netflix
BTS kicked off their grand comeback with their first live concert in almost four years, at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. A day before the event, the group released their fifth studio album, “Arirang” along with the music video for its lead track, Swim.
After the release of their behind-the-scenes documentary on Netflix on March 27, the K-pop kinhgs are kicking off their “Arirang” world tour in Goyang, South Korea on April 9. The 82-date tour will run through 2027, with a Philippine stop slated for March 13 and 14 that year.
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