BTS topped global charts again in the new year. Ahead of their comeback on Mar. 20, they once again demonstrated powerful influence in the global music market.
BTS's track "Run BTS" from the anthology album 'Proof', released in Jun. 2022, ranked No. 1 on iTunes 'Top Songs' charts in a total of 61 countries/regions, including Brazil, Finland, Mexico and GREE, as of 6 a.m. on the 2nd. Worldwide ARMY (fandom name) voluntarily began streaming "Run BTS" to mark 2026, and this led to the achievement of topping global charts.
Fans' concentrated streaming of "Run BTS" was driven largely by the song's message. The song contains a pledge to keep running unchanged while encouraging one another. It conveys BTS's trademark spirit and teamwork and is one of the tracks that most clearly shows the group's identity. Behind this reverse climb is the fans' desire to run alongside the seven members, who will release a new record on Mar. 20.
Major foreign media also showed strong interest in BTS's comeback. The New York Times, in a recent article surveying the K-pop industry, said, "BTS's rise and dominance have had a major impact on K-pop's popularity over the past decade. They perfectly fulfilled the role of K-pop ambassadors with their musical talent, diligence and approachability." It added that "the group's new album and tour are expected to be a decisive catalyst that will reinvigorate the entire industry once again."
BTS's comeback means more than just announcing new songs. Their full-group activities are expected to present a new trend in the global music market. Having shaken global charts from the start of the new year, attention is focused on the records they will set with their new work.
Meanwhile, BTS recently revealed their comeback date in a handwritten letter to ARMY. They will release a new record on Mar. 20 and then embark on a large-scale world tour.
[Photo] Provided by BigHit Music
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