BTS has fulfilled their promise to fans around the world to return in the spring of 2026 as a complete seven-member group after years of hiatus due to mandatory military service. Not only did they keep their word, but they also created a spectacular scene that has immersed the entire world in shades of purple and the melo∂ιєs of ARIRANG in recent days.
On the 21st, Big Hit Music announced early that BTS’s fifth studio album “ARIRANG,” released at 1 PM the previous day, had sold 3.98 million copies—breaking the group’s own record on its very first day. Previously, BTS’s highest first-week sales record was held by “MAP OF THE SOUL: 7,” released in February 2020, with 3.37 million copies. However, this fifth album easily surpαѕѕed that figure with just one day of sales, setting an impressive new personal record.
But the remarkable numbers didn’t stop there. According to Spotify on the 21st, BTS’s fifth full-length album “ARIRANG” has become the most-streamed K-pop album in history. It also became the most played album in a single day this year, proving its overwhelming popularity.
They also showed their presence on Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global” chart. The title track “SWIM” immediately took the number one spot on the chart dated the 20th, and all tracks from the album ranked from 1st to 14th. The top of the global music chart was entirely filled with BTS songs. Even the sixth interlude track containing the sound of the bell from Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok caught attention by entering the chart. They also topped the “Daily Top Artists Global” chart.
BTS’s comeback fever was confirmed with a new record on Apple Music. ARIRANG became the most streamed K-pop album worldwide on its first day of release in Apple Music’s history. It also achieved the highest first-day streams among the pop albums released by the group. The global music fans, who had awaited their comeback for 3 years and 9 months, showed their interest in tangible numbers.
ARIRANG is alao sweeping domestic album and digital charts. The title track “SWIM” ranked first on Melon’s daily chart dated the 20th, and maintained the top spot on the real-time “Top 100” chart from 8 a.m. on the 21st to 1 p.m. on the 22nd.
The album’s sales figures are also remarkable. On the first day of release, it surpαѕѕed 3.98 million copies sold based on Hanteo Chart’s tally, instantly surpαѕѕing the group’s previous highest first-week sales. It also stayed at number one on Hanteo Chart’s daily chart for two consecutive days (March 20–21).
Quoting the UK’s The Telegraph to describe these mαѕѕive achievements: “Shattering records is all in a day’s work for K-pop megastars BTS.” What’s even more notable is that this comes “after a near four-year break,” at a time when “the last few years have been challenging for K-pop. Global sales have slumped…”. BTS still shows “little signs of ring-rust” and has succeeded with ARIRANG, demonstrating their immense global influence, far surpassing the scope of K-pop.
Fans have nothing but excitement and celebration for what the album is achieving, taking pride in BTS’s status as the No.1 K-pop superstars:
- BTS PAVED THE WAY. Love the album so fяєαкing much. Congratulations BTS and Army. Will be listening to this album for a while
- 4 years and nobody even came close, all the haters can hate but their faves keep flopping with mid songs and BTS is here to save the F*CKING INDUSTRY BTS PAVED THE WAY BITCH CRY HARDER
- ARMY power! ARIRANG breaking all records on Spotify Proud of BTS!
- Four years. One comeback. And BTS really said: “Let’s break every record again.”
- There you go, it had to be the most streamed. Dont tell me you dont listen to the gong sound n LIKE ANIMALS without crying n meditating on repeat. Here NORMAL doesnt feel normal with their voices кιℓℓin it. N INTO THE SUN melts you
- Yes yes so happy We did it guys thank you everyone Let's keep streaming ARIRANG, so proud of BTS
- BTS didn’t just chart… they occupied the whole Top 14 like it’s their personal playlist
- BTS is beyond kpop! They become the first group in history to reach #1 on the Global Spotify Artists chart!
- This is album is really good. I can't stop listening. I can't seriously can't wait for the tour. Congratulations BTS. THE KINGS ARE BACK.
- Wow, perfect all-кιℓℓ on every platform. Congratulations, BTS!
- I told y'all this will be their most successful era. Congrats BTS, ARIRANG and ARMY
