First BTS “Arirang” Album Ratings Spark Massive Controversy 

On March 20, BTS released their first album since their military hiatus.

BTS | HYBE

The album, titled Arirang, has already become a hot topic, with the group selling over 1.9 million albums in a single day and taking over the number two spot on the highest first-day album sales chart. Reactions to the album have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment in certain aspects, including the amount of certain lyrics.

BTS Face Wave Of Criticism For Lyric Quality In “ARIRANG” Album

Official album reviews and ratings have also begun to come out from various sources.

Rolling Stone UK shared its review of the album, giving it a 5/5 perfect score, and calling it “K-Pop Perfection.”

The group also received rating from other music industry sources, including The Clash Magazine (8/10), Consequence of Sound (83/100), and The Guardian (4/5). However, of the score, the Rolling Stone UK has been “called out,” inciting criticism.

Some netizens pointed out that the review was written by Joseph Kocharian, who, based on his social media activity, is a fan of BTS.

Netizens pointed this out, along with other criticisms, implying that the review was not genuine.

🚨 the writer of this article joseph kocharian is actually a huge bts fan and even follows multiple fanpages for the members

the review posted is completely biased https://t.co/d6LDPJwtdV pic.twitter.com/OPVY0W77P6

— ᵕ̈ (@pinksbabymon) March 20, 2026

the fact that they probably payed them, just to give them good reviews is honestly embarrassing… https://t.co/6jgHWh2jOc

— renzo ٠࣪⭑ | ❤️‍🔥⸆⸉ ✶ (@luvlorenzo_) March 20, 2026

THEY'RE ASKING ARMYS TO GIVE RATINGS AND GAGGING I'M CTFU https://t.co/KDje8rYGLu pic.twitter.com/2dyBqdYIJr

— ☆chi☆ (@YappingChi) March 20, 2026

On the other hand, fans of the group have used the other rating to provide legitimacy to Rolling Stone UK‘s review.

Then one musty kpop stan Will tell you this is the worst album ever when music critics love it😭😭 https://t.co/l6eBCXdzRt

— ⁷ (@7isbtsnumber) March 20, 2026

good to see the industry still has critics that are not bitter and genuinely rate music for what it is 💜 https://t.co/WtFFaTbE4n

— ikarang⁷🪭 (@hobekits) March 20, 2026

This is what happens when 7 exceptionally talented and hardworking people with passion for music creates music with right people with them 😍
BTS created Arirang, masterpiece 💜 https://t.co/rTNrCzK4od

— Tangie⁷ 💜 (@_12thdimension) March 20, 2026

BTS