BTS’s MU:DS “ARIRANG” Pop-Up Showcases the Beauty of Korea in Seoul

_{Mar 12, 2026 at 08:02 AM KST}

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BTS has returned with its fifth studio album, ARIRANG, and is marking the release with a reservation-only pop-up event and an official merchandise collaboration with the National Museum Foundation of Korea, the group announced via the fan platform Weverse on March 10.

The project, titled “BTS × MU:DS Collaboration Merch,” links the group’s comeback branding with MU:DS, the museum-goods brand operated by the National Museum Foundation of Korea. The collaboration brings together music, cultural heritage and fashion as part of a single rollout tied to the album’s release.

A key feature of the collaboration is its design inspiration drawn from the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok, a Silla-era bronze bell completed in 771 and designated as a National Treasure. The bell is the largest surviving Korean bell and is known for preserving both its original structure and sound. It is widely recognized for its advanced casting techniques, decorative detail and artistic value.

The surface of the bell is decorated with various motifs, including praying donor figures and flowing cloud patterns. For the BTS collaboration, these elements were reinterpreted into simplified, modern graphic patterns and applied across contemporary fashion items. The motifs serve as the core visual language of the collection, translating historical ornamentation into wearable designs.

The five collaboration items include a shoulder bag, card holder, hair clip, hairpin and layered skirt. The collection marks the second partnership between BTS and the National Museum Foundation of Korea, following the 2024 “Dalmajung BTS × MU:DS” collaboration. MU:DS specializes in transforming cultural heritage into modern design products, and the foundation has stated that the collaboration aims to introduce Korean cultural imagery to global audiences in a contemporary format.

Sales of the collaboration merchandise will begin March 20 at 1 p.m. at the National Museum of Korea’s permanent exhibition shop, the first floor of HYBE’s Yongsan headquarters, and the fourth floor of Shinsegae Department Store’s Main Branch, The Heritage building. Online sales will follow at 2 p.m. through Weverse Shop.

In conjunction with the album release, BTS will also operate “BTS POP-UP: ARIRANG” pop-up stores at HYBE’s Yongsan headquarters and Shinsegae Department Store’s Main Branch. Entry to the pop-ups will be managed through advance reservations using the Weverse Spot system.

The album ARIRANG will be released globally on March 20 at 1 p.m., coinciding with the opening of the pop-up events and the start of in-person merchandise sales.