BTS NYC event: K-pop superstars BTS brought their trademark humour and charm to New York this week, turning a casual fan event into a viral moment online. During the exclusive Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE gathering at The Rooftop at Pier 17, leader RM revealed a hilarious behind-the-scenes detail about the group’s new song Hooligan.

And it quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about highlights. Scroll down to read more about it!

RM cracks up over Jungkook’s tricky ‘Hooligan’ laugh

The event celebrated BTS’ highly anticipated comeback album ARIRANG, which dropped on March 20 and has already dominated global streaming charts. Tracks like SWIM and Hooligan have surged to the top of the Spotify Global Daily Chart, signalling the group’s massive return after nearly four years.

While answering questions from fans during the Q&A session, RM shared a funny anecdote about the track’s distinctive ad-lib. According to him, the now-viral “hahahahahaha” laugh heard throughout Hooligan was actually created by fellow member Jungkook.

RM explained that the ad-lib wasn’t as easy to perform as it sounds. The laugh is delivered in rhythmic triplets, requiring perfect timing with the beat. When Jungkook first attempted it during recording, the result was far from smooth. RM recalled how the singer struggled on his first try before finally getting the rhythm right, which left the group laughing in the studio.

Take a look!

the ha ha ha hooligan story pic.twitter.com/5Qd1xEVRJi

— ali⁷ 🪭아리랑 (@blue_and_tae) March 23, 2026

🐨: Jk wrote that line (Hahaha haha part in Hooligan)

🐨: I really hated it because it was super hard to record it
And Jungkook’s Hahahaha version is too cute 😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/Iw8KIiETsn

— 𝚃𝚔 (@Taekoomania) March 23, 2026

The crowd at the New York event erupted when RM asked Jungkook to demonstrate the laugh live. The singer gamely recreated the iconic “ha-ha-ha” moment. Videos of the playful exchange quickly spread across social media, with fans attempting to replicate the tricky laugh themselves.

More about Hooligan from ARIRANG album

Hooligan has become one of the standout tracks from ARIRANG. The rebellious hip-hop anthem leans into BTS’ earlier musical energy, drawing comparisons to their powerful eras like Dark & Wild and Skool Luv Affair. Built around trap beats and aggressive rap verses, the song showcases a rougher, defiant sound that contrasts with some of the group’s recent pop-leaning hits.

The album itself takes inspiration from the iconic Korean folk song “Arirang,” often regarded as a cultural symbol of resilience and identity in South Korea.