Group BTS topped the Hot 100 after the Billboard 200 in the United States with the new song "Swim."
Billboard said in a chart preview article posted on its official website on the 31st that "Swim," the title track of BTS's fifth full-length album "Arirang," released on the 20th, ranked No. 1 on the latest Hot 100 chart.
Swim became BTS's seventh No. 1 on the Hot 100 in total. Previously, "Dynamite," "Savage Love," "Life Goes On," "Butter," "Permission to Dance," and "My Universe" also reached the top.
The Hot 100 is a chart that determines the rankings of popular songs for the week in the United States by comprehensively evaluating streaming data, radio airplay points, and sales data.
During the chart tracking period, BTS's "Swim" recorded 15.3 million streams, 25.8 million in airplay points, and combined digital and physical single sales of 154,000.
Swim became the 1,190th No. 1 on the Hot 100 and the 89th song to debut at No. 1.
Billboard explained, "For the first time in nearly half a century since the Bee Gees, who notched nine No. 1s from 1971 to 1979, they set the record for the most No. 1s by a group."
Since the Hot 100 chart was compiled in Aug. 1958, BTS now holds the fifth-most No. 1 songs among groups. The record for the most No. 1s by a group is held by the Beatles (20 songs), followed by the Supremes (12), the Bee Gees (9), and the Rolling Stones (8).
BTS shared its thoughts on topping the Billboard Hot 100 through its agency BigHit Music.
BTS said, "With an album unveiled after a long wait of 3 years and 9 months, we have received the great honor of 'No. 1 on Billboard,'" adding, "We are deeply grateful to ARMY (the fandom name), who have always given us unwavering love and support, as well as to everyone who listened to our music and shared their hearts."
They continued, "As we prepared the new album, we thought hard about capturing a universal sentiment that many people could relate to," and added, "The title track 'Swim' is a song that says to keep going to the end even in the midst of hardship. We hope this song crossed borders to offer a bit of courage and comfort to many."
BTS added, "We are grateful for the unwavering trust and support over a long time, and we will repay you with music made with sincerity."