Group BTS topped the U.S. Billboard global chart for the sixth time overall with the title track SWIM, earning the most No. 1 titles among global artists in 2026.
On the 19th (local time), according to the latest chart (May 23) released by U.S. music outlet Billboard, the title track SWIM from BTS's fifth full-length album ARIRANG held the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive week on the Global (excluding U.S.) chart following last week. In particular, this No. 1 is BTS's sixth chart-topping record this year, surpassing pop star Taylor Swift's record and adding the unique career milestone of being the artist with the most No. 1s on that chart in 2026.
It also maintained a top position at No. 2 for three consecutive weeks on the Global 200 chart, which tallies streaming and sales worldwide, and all 13 vocal tracks on the album have shown staying power by remaining side by side on the two global charts for eight consecutive weeks.
The fifth full-length album ARIRANG held firm in the top 10 for two months (8 weeks), ranking No. 8 on the main album chart Billboard 200. On subcharts, the new release proved solid album power by landing at No. 5 on Top Album Sales and No. 16 on both Top Streaming Albums and Vinyl Albums.
On the main songs chart Hot 100, the title track SWIM ranked No. 34, marking eight consecutive weeks on the chart. Moreover, its performance on radio airplay charts, a measure of U.S. popularity, was remarkable: Pop Airplay (No. 11), Adult Contemporary (No. 16), Adult Pop Airplay (No. 18), Radio Songs (No. 29), showing it has permeated local audiences across all channels.
Along with this, BTS's past acclaimed albums are boasting remarkable longevity with chart resurgence. This week on Billboard's World Albums chart, no fewer than four BTS albums simultaneously made the list. Proof, released in 2022, rose one spot from last week to No. 3, marking its 205th week on the chart and proving its powerful long-run popularity; the Japanese fourth studio album MAP OF THE SOUL ： 7 ～ THE JOURNEY ～ reached No. 11; the third full-length album LOVE YOURSELF 轉 'Tear' reached No. 16; and the fifth mini album LOVE YOURSELF 承 'Her' entered at No. 25. This clearly reveals the 'BTS effect,' where the new album's success leads to increased streaming across the existing discography.
Meanwhile, BTS is currently conducting the North America tour BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" IN NORTH AMERICA. In July, they were abruptly chosen as co-headliners of the halftime show for the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup final alongside legendary pop stars Madonna and Shakira.
[Photo] BigHit Music
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