BTS’s new album Arirang continues to draw mixed reactions, but one detail from their upcoming Netflix documentary has sparked fresh anger among fans.
| BigHit Music
According to Vulture, tensions arose during the album’s production when the members pushed to include more Korean lyrics.
| Netflix
RM and Suga emphasized authenticity, while also raising concerns about delivering English lines naturally. Jimin reportedly admitted that no matter how hard they try, poor pronunciation would still stand out.
| Vulture
However, BigHit Music VP Nicole Kim pushed for more English lyrics, arguing that the group needed to adapt if they wanted the album to succeed globally. The discussion didn’t stop there. Kim also singled out BTS’s past songs “ON” and “Black Swan,” calling them less “relatable.” A comment that has since become the biggest point of backlash.
Nicole Kim | Netflix
The statement has left many fans frustrated, especially given that both tracks are widely seen as some of BTS’s most meaningful and artistically strong releases.
thank FUCK BTS has the final say on their own music bc the way their A&R was pushing for an all-english album despite the members desire to add more Korean lyrics… pic.twitter.com/HeBhCz8gOg
— 🌸 ⊙⊝⊜ (@seokjinbit) March 25, 2026
tfff how is on and black swan lyrics not relatable and accessible, like making bts doubt two of the bestest songs they ever made !! are we 5 ? pic.twitter.com/xOhzHFy0zA
— Di⁷⊙⊝⊜ 아리랑 🪭🍉 (@AriRangRooted) March 25, 2026
Hey so, this – especially that but about On and Black Swan – makes Nicole Kim sound INCREDIBLY out of touch, what the hell pic.twitter.com/rLGM477g9e
— Steffi⁷ UNITED JINDOM || 아포방포 💜 (@AsphyxiaPallida) March 24, 2026
i need someone to tell nicole kim that she is wrong. very much so.
— jams (@freerantings) March 25, 2026
Combined with earlier reports that the members had to fight to keep Korean lyrics in the album, the situation has only added to concerns about creative direction and company influence.
Source: Vulture (1) and (2)
BTS