On the BTS Arirang World Tour, BTS switches things up every night with 2 rotating “surprise songs” during their Encore, treating BTS ARMY with nostalgic throwback tracks not included in the concert setlist.
The World Tour runs from April 9, 2026 in Goyang and will continue through 2027.
In this article, I’m going to share the “running list” to date (credits to all the owners of the videos featured here):
1/34: Seoul, South Korea (Goyang Stadium)
DAY 1 – April 9, 2026
“MIKROKOSMOS”
“Mikrokosmos” (from their 2019 EP Map of the Soul: Persona) is a heartfelt ode to human connection and self-love. Drawing from Greek philosophy, the title translates to “small world” or “microcosm,” with the Korean title (Souju) meaning “small universe”. (source: Doolset Lyrics)
“I NEED U”
“I Need U” is a breakout 2015 song that explores the agonizing pain of a dying relationship. Lyrically, it describes the desperation of clinging to someone who is slipping away, even while knowing the love is destructive. (source: Quora ARMY Room)
DAY 2 – April 11, 2026
“TAKE TWO”
“Take Two” is a 2023 digital single the band released to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The title symbolizes the group entering their “second chapter” as artists while expressing profound gratitude to their fans, ARMY, and promising to continue walking forward together. (source: Wikipedia)
“DNA”
“DNA” is about love at first sight and the concept of destined, soulmate connections. The lyrics express that the intense attraction between two people is written directly into their genetics, meaning they were bound to find each other from the creation of the universe. (source: Wikipedia)
DAY 3 – April 12, 2026
“SPRING DAY”
“Spring Day” (2017) is an emotional ballad about longing, grief, loss, and hope. It uses winter as a metaphor for an “internal winter” of sadness, isolation, and separation from loved ones, while “spring” symbolizes a hopeful future, healing, and the promise of a reunion. (source: The BTS Effect)
“RUN”
“Run” explores the reckless beauty of youth, bittersweet nostalgia, and the determination to keep running toward one’s goals even if it means getting scars along the way. (source: Reddit)
2/34: Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Dome)
DAY 1 – April 17, 2026
“SAVE ME”
“Save Me” explores themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the desperate need for connection. The lyrics portray a speaker pleading with someone they love to reach out and pull them from darkness. It also serves as a tribute to fans, expressing gratitude for helping the members find their true selves. (source: Scribd)
“CRYSTAL SNOW”
This 2017 Japanese track “Crystal Snow” is a wistful winter ballad about a deep, fragile love. The song uses the metaphor of a crystal snowflake to symbolize a love that is beautiful, unique, and fleeting, yet something the group promises to protect and cherish forever. (source: Reddit)
DAY 2 – April 18, 2026
“DOPE”
“Dope” (Korean: Jjeoreo) is a high-energy anthem celebrating the group’s relentless work ethic, ambition, and success. Rather than a simple party track, the song contrasts BTS’s exhausting “hustle” with those who criticize youth or waste their time complaining. (source: Doolset Lyrics)
“FOR YOU”
“For You” is a popular 2015 Japanese single with lyrics that focus on themes of long-distance love, devotion, and the promise that despite physical separation, hearts remain deeply connected. (source: BTS Wiki)
3/34: Tampa FL, USA (Raymond James Stadium)
DAY 1 – April 25, 2026
“PERMISSION TO DANCE”
“Permission to Dance” is an upbeat, celebratory track about overcoming adversity and finding joy in the present. Its core message is that you do not need anyone’s approval or “permission” to be happy, dance, or live your life to the fullest. (source: Buzzfeed News)
“MAGIC SHOP”
“Magic Shop” is a metaphorical safe space where you can trade your fears, sadness, and self-doubt for happiness. Produced by Jungkook, it serves as a comforting sanctuary dedicated to their fans (ARMY), assuring listeners that they are never alone in their struggles. (source: Quora)
DAY 2 – April 26, 2026
“BOY WITH LUV”
“Boy With Luv” is a vibrant love letter dedicated to BTS’s global fanbase, ARMY. Beyond its catchy bubblegum-pop melody, the track serves as a monumental milestone of growth, contrasting their early career concepts with their evolved understanding of mature, genuine love. (source: Medium)
“PIED PIPER”
“Pied Piper” is a playful yet honest “tough love” message and love letter to their fans, ARMY. Using the folklore of the Pied Piper, the group compares their enchanting music to the piper’s alluring flute, warning fans not to become so obsessed with the band that they neglect their real-world responsibilities like work or studies. (source: Genius)
DAY 3 – April 28, 2026
“LIFE GOES ON”
“Life Goes On” conveys a message of resilience, comfort, and hope. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, it acknowledges the pain of sudden change and disrupted plans, while reassuring listeners that time keeps moving forward and better days will eventually return. (source: Mandarin Mama)
“BAEPSAE”
“Baepsae” also known in English as “Silver Spoon” or “Try-Hard,” is a fierce social commentary on generational inequality, youth unemployment, and systemic privilege. The song critiques the unrealistic expectations placed on younger generations by older, more privileged members of society. (source: Millennial Men)
4/34: El Paso TX, USA (Sun Bowl Stadium)
DAY 1 – May 2, 2026
“ON”
“ON” is an explosive, high-energy anthem about fully accepting your own “shadows” (fears, past struggles, and the heavy burden of fame) to become a better, stronger person. It conveys the message that the group is willing to embrace their pain and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. (source: DKDKTV)
“OUTRO: WINGS”
“Outro: Wings” is an uplifting anthem of personal growth, self-trust, and freedom. The song serves as a powerful metaphor for spreading one’s wings, conquering fears, and taking the leap of faith required to achieve your dreams despite past struggles. (source: Quora)
DAY 2 – May 3, 2026
“DIONYSUS”
“Dionysus” (from BTS 2019 album Map of the Soul: Persona) uses the Greek god of wine and revelry as a metaphor for K-Pop stardom. The song isn’t about partying, but about getting “drunk” on art, the creative process, and the passion of making music. (source: Reddit)
“BEST OF ME”
“Best of Me” (from BTS 2017 EP Love Yourself: Her) is a song about deep devotion, where the singer credits their partner with bringing out the best in them. It highlights the idea that one’s entire world and happiness can revolve around a loved one. (source: Genius)
5/34: Mexico City, MEXICO (Estadio GNP Seguros)
DAY 1 – May 7, 2026
“BOY IN LUV”
“Boy in Luv” portrays the raw, passionate, and often confusing emotions of teenage first love. The lyrics depict a young guy who falls deeply for a girl but hides his vulnerability behind a tough, bold, and slightly arrogant exterior. (source: Instagram)
“SO WHAT”
“So What” is a highly energetic track about letting go of your worries, ignoring haters, and living life to the fullest without overthinking uncertainties. (source: Musixmatch)
DAY 2 – May 9, 2026
“WE ARE BULLETPROOF PT. 2”
“We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2” is a definitive underdog anthem. It reflects BTS’s rookie struggles, highlighting the heavy personal sacrifices they made and their resilience against industry doubters. The song serves as a fiery declaration that no amount of hate or criticism can break them. (source: Tumblr)
“JUST ONE DAY”
“Just One Day” (Korean: Haruman) is a sweet but slightly bittersweet love song. The lyrics explore what the members would do if they could escape their busy, demanding schedules and spend just 24 hours with the person they love. (source: Genius)
DAY 3 – May 10, 2026
“AIRPLANE PT. 2”
“Airplane Pt. 2” is a reflection on the group’s meteoric rise to fame, contrasting their glamorous global superstardom (flying worldwide, being in hotels) with the exhaustion, isolation, and persistent drive that got them there (source: Wattpad)
“SPRING DAY” (repeated)
“Spring Day” is a beautifully melancholic song about longing, grief, loss, and the hope that warmth will eventually return after a long, painful season. (source: Wikipedia)
6/34: Stanford CA, USA (Stanford Stadium)
DAY 1 – May 16, 2026
“N.O.”
“N.O.”, which stands for “No Offense”, is a song that serves as a direct critique of a hyper-competitive, high-pressure society and education system that forces young people to suppress their own individuality and dreams. (source: Genius)
“ANPANMAN”
“Anpanman” draws its meaning from a famous Japanese children’s superhero of the same name who has a head made of red bean bread. BTS uses him as a metaphor for an unconventional, everyday hero who offers comfort and hope through music, rather than possessing traditional superhero strength (source: Doolset Lyrics)
DAY 2 – May 17, 2026
“DOPE” (repeated)
“Dope” is a high-energy, self-motivational track where the group brags about their intense work ethic and hustle. Instead of traditional boasting, they highlight how hard they practiced, often working all night while others partied, to prove their success is earned, not just handed to them. (source: Reddit)
“BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS”
“Blood Sweat & Tears” is a metaphor for immense sacrifice, addiction, and the agonizing process of growth. The title represents giving one’s entire being, body, and soul, through pain and effort, to a tempting love or a chosen dream. (source: Reddit)
DAY 3 – May 19, 2026
“I NEED U” (repeated)
“I Need U” is a deeply emotional track about the agonizing pain of holding into a toxic relationship that is slipping away. (source: Genius)
“NO MORE DREAM”
7/34: Las Vegas NV, USA (Allegiant Stadium)
DAY 1 – May 23, 2026
“PERMISSION TO DANCE” (repeated)
“Permission to Dance” is an upbeat, celebratory track about overcoming adversity and finding joy in the present. Its core message is that you do not need anyone’s approval or “permission” to be happy, dance, or live your life to the fullest. (source: Buzzfeed News)
“GO GO”
“Go Go” translates literally to “Rather than worrying, Go”. This upbeat, tropical-sounding track is actually a sarcastic social critique of the “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) lifestyle and the financial despair felt by the younger generation. (source: Genius)
DAY 2 – May 24, 2026
“BLACK SWAN”
“Black Swan” is a raw, introspective track about an artist’s deepest fear: losing their passion and connection to their craft. It uses the black swan as a metaphor for the terrifying moment when the music no longer makes an artist’s heart race, signaling a sort of “death” of their creative soul. (source: Reddit)
“SPINE BREAKER”
“Spine Breaker” is a social commentary song that criticizes the toxic peer pressure and materialism among youth. It targets students who demand excessively expensive clothing from their parents, burdening them financially and metaphorically “breaking their backs” to afford it. (source: Medium)
DAY 3 – May 27, 2026
“ANPANMAN” (repeated)
“Anpanman” draws its meaning from a famous Japanese children’s superhero of the same name who has a head made of red bean bread. BTS uses him as a metaphor for an unconventional, everyday hero who offers comfort and hope through music, rather than possessing traditional superhero strength. (source: Doolset Lyrics)
“THE RISE OF BANGTAN / ATTACK ON BANGTAN”
“Attack on Bangtan” (also known as “The Rise of Bangtan”) is an energetic hip-hop track in which the title is a parody of the popular anime Attack on Titan. Rather than being under attack, it means BTS is aggressively advancing to the top of the music industry. (source: Reddit)
DAY 4 – May 28, 2026
“BOYZ WITH FUN”
“Boyz with Fun” (Korean: Heungtan Sonyeondan) is a lively, fan-favorite track in which the title is a clever pun on BTS’s Korean name, Bangtan Sonyeondan. By swapping the first syllable “Bang” for “Heung” (meaning joy, excitement, or groove), it translates to “The Fun Boys” or “Riding the Fun”. (source: BTS Trans / Bangtansubs)
“DANGER”
“Danger” is a 2014 hip-hop track that expresses the intense frustration, anger, and heartbreak of being in a one-sided relationship. (source: Genius)
8/34: Busan, South Korea (Asiad Main Stadium)
*COMING SOON*
