The group BTS is continuing an unmatched solo run in the global music market with their fifth full-length album 'Arirang' (ARIRANG).
BTS's fifth full-length album 'Arirang' topped Spotify's 'Weekly Top Albums Global' chart (tracking period: May 8–May 14) once again, following last week. Even though it has been two months since its release, it appears to be firmly holding a spot in the "top 3" with strong late momentum.
Not only album sales but their streaming chart power is also formidable. The title track "SWIM" landed at No. 3 on Spotify's 'Weekly Top Rock Global', and it set a major record by holding a 'top 3' spot for 56 days on the daily chart 'Daily Top Rock Global'. In particular, all 13 vocal tracks on the album charted for eight consecutive weeks, proving BTS's overwhelming streaming power.
They also signaled long-term success in the U.K., the center of the global pop market. According to the Official Charts released on the 16th, 'Arirang' reached No. 26 on the 'Official Albums Top 100', marking eight consecutive weeks on the chart. In addition, it placed across detailed charts including 'Official Album Streaming' (No. 30), 'Scottish Albums' (No. 25), 'Official Physical Albums' (No. 26) and 'Official Vinyl Albums' (No. 32), showcasing their strength as a record powerhouse. The title track "SWIM" also performed well, reaching No. 51 on the 'Official Singles Top 100' as well as charting on downloads (No. 41) and sales (No. 44).
Also, 'Arirang' reached No. 6 on Germany's official music charts (Offizielle Deutsche Charts) 'Top 100 Albums', achieving the major record of eight consecutive weeks in the 'top 10'. It proved solid global popularity by placing No. 7 on Australia's ARIA 'Top 50 Albums' and No. 16 on the 'Top 20 Vinyl Albums', and by ranking No. 8 on the French record association (SNEP) 'Top Albums' chart.
Notably, it showed remarkable "reverse climb" momentum on Japan's Oricon charts, drawing attention. On Oricon's weekly charts, it rose two slots and one slot respectively from the previous week to land at No. 3 on both the 'Weekly Combined Album Ranking' and the 'Weekly Album Ranking'. It also recorded No. 7 on the 'Weekly Digital Album Ranking', demonstrating enduring popularity in the Asian market.
Having conquered global charts, BTS will now meet fans around the world with an unprecedentedly large-scale offline stage. BTS will hold three solo concerts, the first by a Korean artist at Stanford Stadium, on the 17th, 18th and 20th (local time), coloring the North American continent purple.
A special stage that will draw global attention also awaits. They will perform as co-headliners with legendary pop stars Madonna and Shakira at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in North America, held in July. Global music fans' anticipation is already reaching a peak for the megaton symbolic moment BTS will present at the center of this worldwide celebration.
[Photo] BigHit Music
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