Global push is fueling English boom in K-pop, but at what cost?

After BTS, one of the biggest names in K-pop, returned last month with its fifth studio album wrapped in Korean cultural symbols, one detail drew particular attention beyond the music — how much of the songs were sung, partly if not entirely, in English? The group's latest release, "ARIRANG," takes its title from Korea's best-known folk song and threads Korean identity through its visuals, sonic references and even its recent comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. But behind the scenes, the album reflected a tension that is becoming increasingly visible across the K-pop industry. In a recently unveiled Netflix documentary tied to the project, BTS' leader RM was seen raising concerns about the album's heavy use of English lyrics, questioning whether a project centered on Korean identity could remain "authentic" if much of it was not in Korean. Fellow member Suga also suggested increasing the number of Korean lines. Their label executives, however, emphasized a different priority — global reach. That exchange landed at a moment when English has become more prominent tha