BTS's 5th album "ARIRANG" released in Japan, sells 541,895 copies on debut, featuring the title track "SWIM" about resilience in life.
March/23/2026 10:22
BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) announced their 5th full album "ARIRANG" on March 20, which was released in Japan on March 21. It achieved first place on the Oricon Daily Album Ranking with first-day sales of 541,895 copies as of March 21, 2026. The album depicts BTS's identity and universal emotions that many can relate to. The title track "SWIM" is an upbeat alternative pop song that sings about the attitude of continuing to swim forward without stopping amidst the rough waves of life. Instead of resisting the incoming flow, it expresses the will to calmly overcome challenges at one's own pace as a "love for life." RM was responsible for the overall lyrics, adding more persuasive power to the message. On the 21st, "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG" was held in the area around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, creating a whirlwind of excitement worldwide. On the 23rd, in collaboration with the global audio streaming platform Spotify, "Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE" will be held in New York, where BTS is set to perform the new song in front of local fans.
Related Articles
Jin from BTS explained his absence from the new album credits during a live stream, citing a solo tour that overlapped with the song camp. He joined the members just a week before completion. Other members expressed gratitude for his hard work and contributions, highlighting his significant role in the team. BTS continues to prove their global popularity with their new song 'SWIM' topping charts.
BTS members Jungkook and V showcased their new song 'SWIM' in a TikTok challenge while dressed in military uniforms. The video, shared by Jungkook on Instagram, features playful moments between the two in a hotel room. Recently, BTS released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' and held a comeback live event in Seoul, which attracted millions of viewers.
On the afternoon of the 25th, Longines hosted a product presentation at the Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, attended by celebrities Bae Suzy and Jang Dong-yoon. The event showcased a glamorous three-shot photo with BTS's V, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, along with Ko Hyun-jung praising Jang Dong-yoon's beauty.
Jimin from BTS continues his strict self-management through exercise, sharing a photo with V on social media. He revealed his weight of 59.7 kg, gaining attention. BTS recently released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' and held a comeback live event at Gwanghwamun Square, exciting fans with new performances.
BTS's live event on Netflix, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,' attracted 18.4 million viewers globally, highlighting Korean culture. It ranked in the top 10 in 80 countries and first in 24. The event featured advanced technology and a large-scale production, connecting fans worldwide in a unique experience.
BTS's promotional video for their 5th album 'ARIRANG' has ignited a whitewashing controversy due to the portrayal of characters. BIGHIT MUSIC clarified that the video is inspired by historical events involving Korean youth at Howard University. Despite the backlash, BTS's album has achieved significant commercial success, topping charts and selling over 4 million copies in just three days.
BTS captivated fans in New York City at the 'Spotify × BTS: SWIMSIDE' event on March 23, celebrating their new album 'ARIRANG'. The event featured 1,000 top listeners and showcased new songs, receiving enthusiastic responses. The album quickly topped charts, with critics praising it as a fitting representation of BTS's global pop phenomenon status.
President Yoon praised BTS's comeback performance for its significant role in promoting Korea and attracting tourists, especially young people. He noted the event's successful planning and execution, highlighting the increase in tourism since March. The concert, held at Gwanghwamun Square, drew large crowds, with estimates varying from 40,000 to 104,000 attendees.
A teaser for EPIK HIGH featuring BTS's RM and SUGA has been released, building anticipation for the full episode. The video showcases their lively interactions, with humorous exchanges and a strong rapport. This appearance marks SUGA's only YouTube feature in this activity, and it celebrates BTS's return to the global stage. The full episode will air on the 26th at 7:30 PM.
As BTS ramps up activities following their comeback concert in Seoul, illegal merchandise featuring their branding is rampant in China. Professor Seo Kyung-duk highlighted the sale of unauthorized goods on major platforms like Taobao and AliExpress, emphasizing the serious issue of copyright infringement. This situation echoes past controversies over illegal reproductions of Korean content, such as 'Squid Game.'
