BTS to Explore Songwriting and Korean Cuisine in New Book Releases

K-pop band BTS is expanding its connection with fans beyond music with a new collection of books set to arrive later this year, offering an inside look at both the group’s songwriting process and some of the Korean dishes that have become closely associated with its members over the years.

The global superstars announced the upcoming releases as part of BTS Festa, the annual celebration commemorating the group’s debut anniversary. Developed in partnership with Hachette Book Group’s Running Press, CAKE Corp, and BigHit Music, the publishing initiative will launch with two officially licensed titles that aim to give fans a deeper understanding of BTS’ music, culture, and creative influences.

Leading the release slate is BTS Lyrics Inside, a book scheduled to arrive on Sept. 15. The project will feature RM, Jin, SUGA, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook reflecting on some of the most significant songs in the group’s catalog, offering commentary and analysis on the messages, emotions, and experiences that shaped their music.

Rather than serving as a traditional lyric collection, the book promises a closer examination of BTS’ songwriting process and the themes that have defined the group’s career. Songs from landmark projects such as Proof and The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series will be explored in detail, giving readers insight into the stories and ideas behind some of the group’s most beloved tracks.

Among the songs featured are “Boy With Luv,” BTS’ chart-topping collaboration with Halsey, as well as fan favorites including “Spring Day,” “Life Goes On,” “Magic Shop,” “Yet to Come,” and “We Are Bulletproof: the Eternal.” The lyrics will be presented in Korean alongside English translations, allowing international fans to engage more deeply with the group’s work while also offering an opportunity to study the language and nuances often lost in translation.

The release reflects BTS’ longstanding reputation for incorporating personal storytelling, social commentary, and emotional introspection into their music. Throughout their career, the group’s lyrics have become a major part of their appeal, earning praise for addressing topics ranging from youth and identity to mental health, ambition, and self-acceptance. By offering direct commentary from the members themselves, BTS Lyrics Inside is expected to provide one of the most detailed examinations yet of how those songs were created and what they mean to the artists behind them.

Joining the lyric-focused release is the BTS Recipe Book, a cookbook inspired by the foods that have appeared throughout the group’s various eras and content series. The collection draws from Korean culinary traditions while incorporating dishes that longtime fans may recognize from BTS’ television programs, travel series, and behind-the-scenes content.

Recipes included in the book range from popular Korean street foods and comfort dishes to more elaborate meals. Readers will find instructions for making scorched rice crackers, carp-shaped pastries, sweet griddlecakes, Korean fried chicken, simmered rice cakes, ginseng chicken soup, braised beef ribs, and other dishes frequently associated with Korean home cooking.

The cookbook will also feature an interactive component designed specifically for BTS’ global fanbase. Digital access codes included with the release will unlock exclusive online content, including cooking videos, preparation tips, and commentary from the group members discussing the dishes and their personal connections to them. Some of the featured recipes have previously appeared in fan-favorite BTS programs such as RUN BTS!, Bon Voyage, and In the Soop.

The publishing partnership represents another effort to deepen engagement with ARMY beyond traditional music releases. According to Running Press publisher Shannon Fabricant, the books are intended to offer fans new ways to connect with the group during what continues to be a significant period in BTS’ career.

“BTS is a global force, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with CAKE to bring these unique, thoughtful books to their dedicated and discerning fanbase,” Fabricant said in a statement. She added that providing new perspectives on the group’s music, interests, and experiences felt especially meaningful during a year already filled with major BTS-related milestones.

CAKE Vice President Seok Kyo Jeong echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the company’s mission of helping fans engage more deeply with artists by bridging language and cultural barriers. He described the collaboration as an opportunity to combine educational and cultural content with traditional publishing to create a more immersive experience for readers around the world.