BTS ARIRANG has kept red as the theme, instead of purple BTS comeback with ARIRANG is also bringing back everything close to ARMY. From Borahae to Korean hearts, the world will get enveloped in the magic of the return of K-pop kings RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook on March 20. But if you thought this also means the world will turn purple, you're partially wrong. This time, the septet is painting the town RED, literally. Red is the colour of ARIRANG. So, everywhere they are taking their comeback, they are leaving behind a red trail, through billboards, rose walls, banners, ribbons, and the logo of ARIRANG. While many are excited to get soaked in the new colour, a section of people are calling out the band for picking red. For years, BTS and ARMY have been strongly associated with purple. It started with "I purple you" (Borahae), a phrase coined by BTS member V aka Kim Taehyung, in 2016, symbolising long-lasting love, trust, and loyalty between BTS and their fans, the ARMY. According to V, it signifies trusting and loving each other for a long time, as purple is the last colour of the rainbow. 'I purple you' (Borahae) has remained an emotional bond between BTS and ARMY until now When teaser visuals and campaigns for ARIRANG kicked off, promotions ditched purple and started using red as the dominant colour. This change stood out immediately. Many started claiming that while purple meant identity, trust, and love between BTS and ARMY, red has an intense political and historical symbolism in Korea. This shift triggered debate, and not just aesthetic curiosity. BTS' comeback campaign, including album visuals, lighting, stage concepts (especially at Gwanghwamun Square) heavily featured red. South Korea, mainly Seoul started glowing in red lighting across landmarks. There were red-themed promotional posters, outfits and stage tone. Thus, it became the core concept colour of the album, ARIRANG. Things got sensitive here, as the colour holds strong political connotations in the country. Red is historically linked to anti-communism vs communism narratives. According to the regional ethos, while red is used by conservative parties, blue is flaunted by liberals. Thus, using red at a national symbolic site like Gwanghwamun raised eyebrows. Gwanghwamun Square is not just any venue. It is a historic and political protest site, a symbol of Korean identity and governance. So when a global cultural force like BTS uses red lighting in that space, some people felt it could be seen as political messaging or used by politicians for optics. Gwanghwamun Square will get lit up in red on March 21 On March 18, BigHit Music under HYBE addressed the matter. In a statement, it stated that the red color featured in BTS's upcoming concert at Gwanghwamun Square reflects the key visual theme of the band's new album ARIRANG. The agency emphasised that the choice of colour is purely artistic and aligns with the album's concept. "We would ask that you refrain from interpreting popular culture events through an overly political lens," HYBE said. The company also clarified the Seoul Metropolitan Government's move to incorporate red lighting across major landmarks in the city. It said this was in coordination with HYBE's request. The agency urged the fans and public not to interpret the event through a political lens. A Seoul city official explained, "Since the colour of their new album 'Arirang' is red, we decided to use red lighting (at the request of the organiser, HYBE)," adding, "It will look as if the entire city has become a giant concert stage." Major landmarks in Korea and across the world are expected to turn red on BTS comeback days For two hours starting at 7:30 PM on BTS' comeback day (March 20), and the concert day (March 21), 15 Seoul landmarks, iconic sites such as Sebitseom, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Botanic Garden, Namsan N Seoul Tower, and Lotte World Tower are expected to also simultaneously get illuminated in red, changing their landscape lighting.