3 minutes of readingHyderabadUpdated: February 9, 2026 08:31 pm IST
Three decades into a career that has shaped the sound of global pop music, Diplo thought he’d seen it all. He’s collaborated with everyone from Beyoncé to Madonna, created festival anthems with Major Lazer, and left his sonic footprints in genres ranging from dancehall to trap. But being in the studio with the seven members of btsThe American DJ and producer was really surprised.
“They’re so hands-on. They’re so creative. I can’t believe it,” Diplo told TMZ at the Fanatics Super Bowl party in San Francisco, his enthusiasm cutting through the usual industry polish. For an artist who has worked at the highest levels of the music industry, the genuine awe in his voice was significant.
When Diplo talks about BTS’ ARIRANG album, his language shifts into territory rarely heard from veteran producers talking about new projects. This is neither careful industry language nor measured promotional language. This is a man who truly believes he has been part of something unprecedented.
“I feel very lucky because I’ve been working for three decades and to be able to join a group like that, who trust me and make incredible music; honestly, it’s going to shock the world,” he said, before adding with unmistakable conviction: “Craziest album of all time.”
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When asked where these ranked among his considerable catalog of accomplishments, which includes producing BLACKPINK’s “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” contributing to countless hits with his group Major Lazer, and creating “Lean On,” one of the most-streamed songs of all time, Diplo didn’t hesitate. “I’m sure it will be the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
That’s a remarkable statement from someone whose production work has helped define the pop sound of the 2010s. Yet here he is, placing his work with seven Korean artists above all of the above.
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The moment that seemed to stick with him most involved Jungkook, the group’s youngest member and lead vocalist. “Jungkook, no autotune. Perfect voice,” Diplo said, and the simplicity of the statement carried more weight than any elaborate praise.
But it wasn’t just the technical mastery that impressed him. “They’re very funny, they rap, they do everything,” he added, portraying recording sessions that were both highly productive and genuinely enjoyable. He even joked that the members “smell really good,” noting the relaxed atmosphere despite the high-risk nature of the project.
Following the album’s release, BTS will embark on a massive world tour spanning 82 shows in 34 cities throughout 2026 and 2027, their first tour in four years. A Netflix documentary, BTS: THE RETURN, directed by Bao Nguyen, will chronicle the group’s reunion in Los Angeles after military service and their work on the album.
ARIRANG takes its name from a traditional Korean folk song that, for generations, has conveyed themes of perseverance, longing and hope. It’s a bold choice for a comeback album, signaling BTS’s intention to root their global reach in Korean cultural identity. The project marks the group’s first full album together since 2022’s Proof, closing a nearly four-year gap during which all seven members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — completed their mandatory military service in South Korea.