BTS have officially announced their first group album since their hiatus, and as expected, the comeback has topped headlines and trending topics worldwide.
| BIGHIT MUSIC
However, excitement around the release has quickly turned into controversy following the reveal of one producer seemingly involved in the project.
| BIGHIT MUSIC
Diplo, a globally known DJ and producer, was recently linked to BTS’s upcoming album ARIRANG.
| @diplo/Instagram
The speculation began after Diplo shared an Instagram story referencing the album, fueling claims that he played a major role in its production. While HYBE has not confirmed his level of involvement, the post alone was enough to ignite intense debate online.
| @diplo/Instagram
Diplo has long been a polarizing figure. Over the years, he has faced multiple allegations and criticisms, including accusations related to sexual misconduct, abusive behavior, and grooming, all of which he has denied. In addition, his public political stance and past performances in Israel have also triggered backlash many times.
🚨🚨 Diplo teases of being the main producer of BTS’s upcoming album ARIRANG.
This man is a
– Zionist
– Sex offender
– Groomer
– Domestic abuser pic.twitter.com/98lmURRB9l
— 🤡 (@kpoop_stan_) January 27, 2026
As a result, many fans and netizens are questioning why BTS would associate with such a controversial figure.
Oh wow diplo. Congrats BTS and ratjoon for being friends and working with this abuser, alleged s3x offender and disgusting person named diplo!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/XUexwj5Lc7
— For JENNIE✨| Ruby AOTY Like Jennie SOTY (@forjenniejane) January 27, 2026
The backlash has also reopened old fandom tensions. Diplo previously worked with BLACKPINK’s Jennie on her own solo album RUBY and the group’s hit single “JUMP.” Netizens have recalled how the girl group idol faced heavy criticism from BTS fans in the past for working with Diplo. With BTS seemingly collaborating with the same producer, accusations of hypocrisy have quickly followed.
#They studied Ruby and decided to work with Diplo despite #their fans dragged him all year for working with Jennie 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/5B0uqLQvIK
— Namo ⏳ (@namopinkhole) January 27, 2026
“This woman is the most disgusting I have ever seen in my life”
Now BTS are working with Diplo. pic.twitter.com/1GnjxEWQ8y
— Hater HQ (@KpopHaterHQ) January 27, 2026
so… which member of bts do y’all think slept with diplo now ? 👀 pic.twitter.com/6QjzDmPwbb
— moon⏳ (@crackpinks2) January 27, 2026
They spent the whole year dragging jennie along because of working with diplo https://t.co/d8I4vtXarc
— Lawli ⚢ (@Arioch_Soft) January 26, 2026
As anticipation for ARIRANG continues to grow, the controversy shows no signs of slowing down.