BTS × BE@RBRICK: New Collection Inspired by the ARIRANG Tour

Japan's MEDICOM TOY has unveiled a new BTS × BE@RBRICK collection inspired by the ARIRANG tour, with special designs for all seven members. These recognizable little bears may look like ordinary plastic figures, but among collectors they enjoy an almost cult status. Their prices are surprising too, especially when you know that the largest model costs from roughly 900 and up to 1,850 euros at unofficial resellers! What makes them so special, and what history does BTS have with this Japanese brand?

BE@RBRICK is a well-known figure line from the Japanese company MEDICOM TOY, whose story began back in 2001. The first bear was introduced at the World Character Convention in Tokyo, where it was handed out for free as a promotional gift. It's hard to imagine that something that started as a small giveaway would one day become so sought after by collectors.

Their look is very simple. They all have the same recognizable round ears, almost identical faces, and movable body parts. What sets them apart are the colors, patterns, and designs, which often come out of collaborations with big names from music, fashion, and art.

Over the years Chanel, Nike, BAPE, KAWS, and Daft Punk have all gotten their own BE@RBRICK versions. There are also figures inspired by Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters. Some older editions are now so rare that they fetch incredible prices on the collectors' market.

BTS is no newcomer to the BE@RBRICK world. Their first collaboration came in 2015, for the first anniversary of their Japanese debut. A small bear 7 centimeters tall was introduced then, and a larger 28-centimeter version followed later. A new collection appeared in 2019, when special figures could be ordered by members of the official Japanese BTS fan club.

Seven years later comes the ARIRANG edition, with many more designs.

The new collection includes a shared BTS model in white and red and seven separate versions inspired by the members. The figures don't have their faces or hairstyles, but are decorated with details taken from their tour jerseys. Each one therefore has its own details, although the shape and basic look of the bear are the same.

They're available in several sizes. The smallest figures, labeled 100%, are about 7 centimeters tall and can be used as keychains. The 400% versions are 28 centimeters tall, while the largest model, at 1000%, reaches a full 70 centimeters. That largest one is only available in the shared BTS design.

The prices may be the biggest surprise. In the Japanese Weverse shop the smallest figures cost about 16 euros, the 400% versions about 96 euros, and the largest model about 500 euros. In the Korean shop the largest model costs about 1.05 million won including tax, which is roughly 700 euros, before shipping. The official shops ship the largest model only within their own countries, and in Korea only one piece can be ordered, so ARMY outside those countries mostly look for it at resellers. There prices rise considerably: the smallest figures cost about 50 euros, and the largest model from roughly 900 up to 1,850 euros.

Why are BE@RBRICK figures so expensive?

With BE@RBRICK you're not only paying for the figure, but also for its design, the name behind the collaboration, and its collectible value. Some editions were made in limited quantities, and the ones that are hard to find today can fetch much more than their original prices.

Of course, that doesn't mean every figure will gain value over time. It all depends on how rare a particular model is and how much collectors want it. Some become highly sought after, while others keep their original value or later sell for less.

Pre-orders for the new BTS collection on the BTS Weverse Shop run until October 14, and shipping is planned from March (Japan) to April 2027 (Korea), depending on the shop.

Over 25 years BE@RBRICK has won plenty of devoted fans, and now it has a new BTS collection. The prices may not be for every wallet, but for those who already collect these figures, the collaboration with BTS could be especially interesting.

Note: prices in euros are approximate and rounded, converted from yen, won, and dollars. They may change depending on the exchange rate and the seller, and reseller prices are not official.