People are quickly sharing comments on Ryan Tedder’s new podcast on social media. He didn’t just praise BTS; he went into much more detail. He directly pushed back on one of the oldest rumors around the group. The idea that HYBE builds the success, and BTS simply performs what they’re handed.
“Some people still think someone at HYBE or Bang PD is pulling the strings, but no! BTS are picking everything: the writing, they’re picking the songs, the direction, it all comes from the group. There are no strings being pulled.”
"Some people still think someone at Hybe or Bang PD is pulling the strings, but no! #BTS are picking everything; the writing, they picking the songs, directions, it all came from the group.
— BTS Charts News (@btschartsxdaily) May 29, 2026
There's no strings pulled" – Ryan Tedder about BTS pic.twitter.com/4jHZEDHgRK
Tedder’s Contribution to Arirang
This is especially important because Tedder is working on BTS’s 2026 comeback album, Arirang. According to reported album details, he helped write four songs for the album, including “Please,” “NORMAL,” and “SWIM.” On February 23, 2026, while performing at the From Asia, With Love concert at Jamsil Arena in Seoul, Tedder surprised the crowd by revealing he had done “a lot of work” on the new BTS album. He noted that the talent of the group “blew me away” and stated it was one of the craziest projects he’s ever worked on in his whole career.
Arirang is not a small project; it is a major release. The 14-track album reportedly includes contributions from Ryan Tedder, Diplo, Max Martin, Jon Bellion, Kevin Parker, Mike Will Made-It, and more. BTS reunited in Los Angeles in early 2026 to begin writing and recording together again. HYBE brought in a team of top-tier talent to work with them.
But Tedder’s main point is that working together doesn’t mean losing control. BTS has long written and shaped their music, even when working with outside producers. His comments help clarify this, especially since people are arguing so much about who actually writes BTS’s music.
Despite the hype, the criticism continues. Some fans felt HYBE waited too long to share production details, and others were upset about Diplo’s involvement due to his past controversies.
Tedder’s words don’t solve every issue, but they do dismiss the claim that BTS are just puppets. For many fans, it is validating to hear a major producer confirm that BTS aren’t just following orders. They are actually creating and writing the music.
