The group BTS has once again set a monumental record in the global music market.
The title track "SWIM" from BTS's fifth full-length album "Arirang" (ARIRANG), released in March, surpassed 500 million cumulative streams on Spotify, the world's largest audio and music streaming platform (as of May 26). This is a monumental record as the first and fastest new song released worldwide this year to reach the 500 million mark.
"SWIM" is a song that expresses a resolute will to keep swimming at one's own pace amid life's rough waves and a deep love for life. Leader RM participated broadly in writing the lyrics, conveying the sincere and weighty message that "the current BTS" sends to the world through the words, which drew explosive empathy from global listeners.
As proof of its global craze, "SWIM" won the Song of the Summer award at the American Music Awards, one of the three major U.S. pop music award shows, on the 25th (local time). In particular, it showed unprecedented impact by earning a nomination and then the trophy based on only six days of performance after release. BTS said immediately after winning, "We send love and support to everyone who keeps swimming forward no matter the circumstances. Let's keep swimming."
"SWIM," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (April 4 issue) upon entry, has stayed on the chart for eight consecutive weeks so far, continuing its global long-term success. In addition, it entered at No. 2 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart in March, breaking the group's own highest record, and it also held the top spot on Spotify's Weekly Top Songs Global for four consecutive weeks.
Especially, "Arirang," BTS's new release issued 3 years and 9 months later, has become a mega hit not only for the title track but for the entire album. All 14 tracks on the record each surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. Even the interlude track "No. 29," which samples the antique bell sound of Korea's National Treasure No. 29, the Seongdeok Daewang Sinjong, reached over 100 million plays—an extraordinary record. In addition, the tracks "Body to Body" and "Hooligan" each surpassed 200 million streams.
[Photo] HYBE (BigHit Music)
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