BTS' "Aliens" Inspires New 'DALMAJUNG' Collection Rooted in Korean Tradition

A lyric from BTS' "Aliens" is moving beyond the song and into traditional Korean art for the latest edition of the group's official DALMAJUNG merchandise.

HYBE will release the 2026 BTS DALMAJUNG Merch. collection on September 29 in collaboration with the National Museum Foundation of Korea, combining imagery inspired by Joseon-era munjado with words and messages from BTS' fifth full-length album ARIRANG.

At the center of the 13-piece collection is the phrase "흉즉대길" (凶則大吉), which appears in "Aliens." The expression carries the paradoxical idea that something that initially appears ominous or unfortunate can ultimately lead to great fortune.

That message is connected to munjado, a form of Korean folk painting in which illustrations are incorporated into and around written characters. Historically, the works frequently conveyed values and wishes including happiness, filial piety and longevity.

For the collaboration, elements including cranes, deer and clouds associated with traditional symbols of longevity have been combined with the Korean words for "BTS," "ARIRANG" and "흉즉대길" to create original Hangul-based munjado designs.

Those motifs extend across 13 items built around ideas of happiness, luck, wishes and protection.

Among them is a miniature desk broom designed around the idea of sweeping good fortune toward oneself, a ceramic jar associated with clearing negative energy and welcoming financial luck, and a dried-pollack-shaped magnet drawing from the traditional symbolism of warding off misfortune.

The collection also includes a miniature pouch modeled after a ceramic jar and a gonggi set containing seven playing pieces, among other items.

The release marks the fourth installment of BTS' DALMAJUNG series, which began in 2021 as a merchandise project drawing on Korean traditional culture.

It is also HYBE's second DALMAJUNG collaboration with the National Museum Foundation of Korea. Their 2024 collection reinterpreted cultural objects including the Pensive Bodhisattva and Joseon white porcelain moon jar.

A 2026 BTS DALMAJUNG POP-UP will run on the first floor of HYBE's Yongsan headquarters from September 29 through October 11. Advance reservations open through Weverse on September 23 at 2 p.m. KST.

The collection will also go on sale September 29 through Weverse Shop and stores inside the National Museum of Korea.