The group BTS, which returned as a full unit, saw its new song "SWIM" top global charts for three consecutive days.
On the 23rd, according to global audio·music streaming platform Spotify, BTS's fifth full-length album Arirang (ARIRANG) title track "SWIM" held the No. 1 spot on the Daily Top Songs Global chart for three consecutive days (Mar. 20–22). The album track "Body to Body" remained at No. 2 for three consecutive days.
In addition, eight BTS songs ranked within the top 10, including "Hooligan" (No. 4), "FYA" (No. 5), "NORMAL" (No. 6), "Like Animals" (No. 7), "Aliens" (No. 8), and "2.0" (No. 9). Also, the entire album filled the upper chart positions up to "they don't know 'bout us" (No. 11), "Merry Go Round" (No. 12), "One More Night" (No. 16), "Please" (No. 19), "Into the Sun" (No. 21), and "No. 29" (No. 22).
It is also making ripples in the Japanese music market. Arirang jumped straight to No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album ranking released on the 24th (Mar. 30 issue, tally period: Mar. 16–22, 2026). This is the group's 11th No. 1 on the weekly album ranking. During the tally period it sold 547,000 copies, achieving the highest sales by an overseas artist in 2026. In particular, it produced astonishing results in just three days after release, proving overwhelming popularity.
The domestic reaction is also hot. "SWIM" swept the daily No. 1 positions on major music sites such as Melon, Bugs and Jini on the 23rd. On Vibe, "Body to Body" recorded No. 1 on the Top 100 (as of the 23rd), showing that even the album tracks are receiving much love.
BTS released the "SWIM" performance video on Spotify and Apple Music on the 24th. The video clearly captures the members' choreography, expressions and movements, allowing viewers to fully enjoy the "SWIM" stage. As the full-unit performance video was released for the first time in a while, the seven members' synergy and synchronization are especially welcome. The "SWIM" performance uses movements that emphasize negative space and precise staging to convey the song's mood. In the chorus, repeated concise movements raise focus, and the perfect unity created as the members lock in on each beat intensifies the stage's immersion. The restrained flow and subtle expressiveness reveal BTS's aura.
BTS will appear on various programs at home and abroad. On the 22nd, Jin appeared on the YouTube content "Insaeng 84." On the 24th, Jimin will appear on the YouTube content "Hot Issue J" and on the 26th RM and Suga are scheduled to appear on "Epicature." They will appear as a group on the U.S. NBC program "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," broadcast at 12:35 p.m. on the 26th–27th.
[Photo] Provided by Big Hit Music.
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