BTS's Body to Body Reveals Fierce Debate Over Korean Folk Roots in New Netflix Doc
A new Netflix documentary reveals the creative clashes behind BTS's track Body to Body. The group debated fiercely over whether to include a sample of Gyeonggi Arirang, a traditional Korean folk melody. Initially, some members resisted the idea, fearing it might feel forced or overly patriotic.
RM, the group's leader, first dismissed the sample as messy, calling it 'three different songs mashed together.' He also worried the folk melody sounded 'too direct' for a 2026 release and might come across as heavy-handed. Producer Bang Si-hyuk pushed for an even longer version of the folk chorus, adding to the tension.
J-Hope, however, stood firm. He argued that international fans would appreciate the traditional sound, describing it as 'cool' and fresh. His persistence eventually won over the others. RM later changed his stance, deciding to embrace the song's Korean roots instead of avoiding them.
In the end, BTS chose the version of Body to Body that held personal meaning for them. They rejected a more polished, radio-friendly edit in favour of the one featuring Gyeonggi Arirang.
The final track reflects the group's creative struggles and compromises. By keeping the folk sample, they prioritised cultural authenticity over commercial safety. The documentary captures how these disagreements shaped the song's identity.
