BTS And Their Upcoming “ARIRANG” Album Hit With Criticism Following Controversial Producer’s Comments

BTS and their upcoming album have been hit with criticism following comments from a controversial producer.

The members of BTS

After the announcement of BTS’s comeback, fears and anger started to rise after the group was revealed to work with controversial producer Diplo.

BTS Under Fire For Working With “Controversial” Producer, Linked To BLACKPINK’s Jennie

It was confirmed that Diplo would be featuring on the album.

BTS’s “ARIRANG” Will Feature American DJ Diplo, Promising A World-Shattering Album

Yet, when a comment from the producer about BTS and working with the group on the album was shared, it came under major fire and aimed criticism at the upcoming release.

Diplo describes BTS' upcoming album ‘ARIRANG’ as the “craziest album ever”:

“I feel so lucky. I’ve worked for three decades, and to link up with a group like that and have them trust me to do some awesome music, it’s honestly gonna shock the world.” pic.twitter.com/TdQ2Rh5sK9

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 8, 2026

Like initial concerns, fans were sharing anger about Diplo being involved due to past allegations about his personal life, including being a “sexual predator” and “abuser.”

Diplo is a sexual predator who has been washed in the western music industry for years so now he’s chasing kpop clout! very sad! https://t.co/7OPIKO2ygM

— maya angelonew (@miumiuthong) February 8, 2026

this man is a whole known abuser, the same way i side eye any western celebrities working with him, is the same way i side eye any kpop groups or idols willing working with him… ewww https://t.co/m4nqOxFFUY pic.twitter.com/wUpbhQBkYp

— 📷 (@thatssosmiley) February 9, 2026

never thought they’d work with a know predator and pedophile but here we are… https://t.co/MqfNGbyt2e

— cyn⁴ 💛 (@DPRyoongi) February 8, 2026

Fuck this guy and Fuck Hybe for hiring a sexual predator https://t.co/2otJoAIWRj

— ꫂ ၴႅၴ*Boo👻⚔️⁹ IS SEEING TWICE (@MimosaTiramisu) February 9, 2026

I was gonna get excited but the streets saying he is a sex offender 😬😭🥴💀
damn why cant bts work with non problematic people like its either that or z!onist im tired 😭 https://t.co/GDmEEwmKTW pic.twitter.com/J6Yy5b9sXv

— E💺🌥️🌸 🍳is stu(dying)😪#1 calico fan (@E96137) February 9, 2026

Many idols have been in hot water after the people they work with have been deemed “problematic,” and BTS is no exception.