The association said March 20 that it has received and processed album-approval applications for 14 tracks, including the title song “SWIM,” ahead of the release of BTS’ fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” It said it will also proceed with settlements for performance-use fees related to the Gwanghwamun live show and plans close cooperation to help ensure the event runs smoothly. The concert is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people and, combined with the global live broadcast, is projected to be one of the largest events of its kind.
The market is already focusing on the so-called “BTSnomics” effect. Analysts expect spillover across albums, concerts, merchandise, tourism and platform spending, with a direct lift for the music copyright market.
According to the association, total music copyright collections continued to rise in 2025, but the reproduction-fee category fell 2.7% from a year earlier, reflecting reduced reproduction-based use such as album purchases after the pandemic. It said the success of “ARIRANG,” which has surpassed 4 million in preorders, could help physical albums and the digital reproduction market rebound.
An 82-show world tour is also seen as a key factor for expanding performance-use fees. The association said performance-use fees, including stage performances, totaled 60 billion won last year, showing steady growth. With the tour expected to draw more than 4 million people at stadium-scale venues worldwide, it said the domestic and overseas performance copyright markets could gain strong upward momentum.
The association also highlighted that all BTS members are its members and write music as creators. It said the group has built extensive music copyright intellectual property, including RM’s leading role in writing lyrics for “SWIM,” underscoring that they are rights holders whose work must be protected.
“BTS singing ‘Arirang,’ which carries the emotions of our people, at Gwanghwamun is a symbolic scene that shows the expansion of creation,” Lee said. He added that the association will “stand firmly” to ensure the results of the members’ creative work are fairly compensated worldwide.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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