BTS's 'SWIM' debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's HOT 100, marking their 7th chart-topping song and a significant milestone for the group.
March/31/2026 11:43
BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) has once again engraved their name at the top of the US Billboard charts. Following 'Billboard 200', they also achieved 1st place on 'HOT 100', creating a global sensation. Today (31st), according to a chart preview article published on the official site of the US music media Billboard, BTS's 5th full album 'ARIRANG' title track 'SWIM' recorded its debut at 1st place on the main song chart 'HOT 100' (dated April 4). This is the group's 7th song to reach 1st place, following 'Dynamite', 'Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) (BTS Remix)', 'Life Goes On', 'Butter', 'Permission to Dance', and 'My Universe (Coldplay X BTS)'. Additionally, 'SWIM' is the 1190th song in 'HOT 100' history to reach 1st place and recorded as the 89th song to debut at the top simultaneously. This is an extremely rare case, accounting for only about 7% of all songs that have reached 1st place historically. Billboard reported that 'since the Bee Gees recorded 9 songs at No. 1 from 1971 to 1979, it has been nearly half a century since a group set the record for the most No. 1 hits'. Furthermore, BTS has become the artist with the 5th most No. 1 songs since the 'HOT 100' chart began in August 1958. According to the media, the record for the most No. 1 songs by a group is held by The Beatles (20 songs), followed by the Supremes (12 songs), Bee Gees, The Rolling Stones (8 songs each), and then BTS. 'SWIM' was released on the 20th of this month, and as of the 26th, it achieved 15.3 million streams, 25.8 million radio listeners, and a total of 154,000 digital and physical single sales. It debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's 'Streaming Songs Chart', setting a new personal best for the group. It also debuted at No. 18 on the 'Radio Songs Chart', marking the highest debut position in the group's history. On the 'Digital Song Sales Chart', it reached No. 1, making it BTS's 13th No. 1 song, thus making them the group with the most No. 1 songs on that chart. BTS expressed their honest feelings through their agency BIGHIT MUSIC: 'After a long time of 3 years and 9 months, we received the great honor of being 'No. 1 on Billboard' with an album we presented. We deeply thank all the ARMY (BTS fans) who always send us generous love and support, as well as everyone who listens to our music and connects with us.' They continued, 'While preparing the new album, we struggled to incorporate universal emotions that many people can relate to. The title track 'SWIM' carries a message of continuing to move forward even in difficulties. We hope this song transcends borders and provides small courage and comfort to many. We are grateful for the unwavering trust and support over a long time and want to repay that with heartfelt music in the future.' Billboard revealed through the chart preview article published on the 30th that 'ARIRANG' topped the main album chart 'Billboard 200' (dated April 4). It has been about 6 years since BTS simultaneously occupied the top of both the 'Billboard 200' and 'HOT 100' with the album 'BE' and the title track 'Life Goes On' in 2020. Artists who have dominated both charts in the same week include Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Drake. BTS has once again established a solid position as musicians who move and inspire music fans worldwide. 'ARIRANG' reflects universal emotions that many people can relate to in their music, gaining support from a wide audience. The title track 'SWIM' is a song about the will to keep swimming without stopping amidst the rough waves of life. Leader RM was responsible for the overall lyrics, honestly embodying 'the current BTS'.
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