BTS proved its unrivaled long-running popularity by firmly holding the top ranks of Billboard's main chart in its fifth week after the album's release.
On the 26th (local time), according to a chart preview article released by U.S. music trade publication Billboard, BTS's fifth studio album Arirang (ARIRANG) ranked No. 4 on the main album chart, the Billboard 200 (May 2 issue). With this, BTS has demonstrated formidable staying power in the global music market by holding a top-five spot for five consecutive weeks since its release.
Chart longevity also draws attention. According to Billboard, Arirang recorded 62,000 album units this week. This figure, which sums physical album sales, digital song downloads and streaming counts, suggests that over time the album has been drawing in a broad listening audience beyond a specific fandom. Critics say the album, which reflects the group's identity and future direction, has resonated deeply with music fans worldwide and opened the successful door to the "BTS 2.0" era.
This music power is translating into hot ticket demand on tour. BTS opened the North American leg of its tour, BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN NORTH AMERICA, in grand fashion on the 25th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The tour, starting in Tampa and continuing to 12 cities including Mexico City, Las Vegas and Chicago, will run for a total of 31 shows, and has already set the rare record of selling out every performance.
After successfully completing the Tampa shows, BTS will move the stage to El Paso's Sun Bowl Stadium to meet audiences on May 2 and 3. Especially since BTS is the first Korean artist to hold a solo concert at that venue, the world is watching the new history they will write.
[Photo] Big Hit Music (HYBE)
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