BTS's 5th album 'ARIRANG' becomes the most streamed K-POP album ever, dominating charts on Spotify and Apple Music.
March/22/2026 15:10
According to Spotify yesterday (21st), BTS's (Bangtan Sonyeondan) 5th full album 'ARIRANG' has made its mark as the most streamed K-POP album of all time. It was also chosen as the most played album in a single day this year, proving its overwhelming popularity. On Spotify's 'Daily Top Songs Global' chart (as of March 20), the title track 'SWIM' debuted at number one, and all tracks from the album occupied positions one to fourteen. The top of the global chart was completely filled with BTS songs. Notably, the sixth interlude track, which features the sound of the Seongdeok Great King Bell, designated as Korea's National Treasure No. 29, also charted, garnering significant attention. BTS also topped the 'Daily Top Artist Global' chart. The excitement surrounding their comeback was further supported by new records on Apple Music. 'ARIRANG' became the most streamed K-POP album globally on its release day in Apple Music's history. Furthermore, it recorded the highest streaming numbers for a pop genre album on its first day. The interest of music fans worldwide, who have been eagerly awaiting their comeback for 3 years and 9 months, was proven by these figures. The album is also dominating domestic album and music distribution charts. The title track 'SWIM' secured the number one spot on the MelOn Daily Chart as of the 20th, maintaining the top position on the real-time chart 'TOP 100' from 8 AM on the 21st to 1 PM on the 22nd. The album's sales performance is astonishing, surpassing 3.98 million copies in the HANTEO chart's first-week sales count, setting a new record for the highest initial sales (sales volume in the first week after release) in just one day. The album has also recorded number one for two consecutive days (March 20-21) in the daily section of the chart. The 5th full album 'ARIRANG' is a work that embodies BTS's identity and the universal emotions they have faced. The title track 'SWIM' is a song that expresses the attitude of continuing to swim forward without stopping amidst the rough waves of life. RM was responsible for the overall lyrics, sincerely depicting the attitude of loving life.
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HYBE expresses gratitude for the support received during BTS's Gwanghwamun concert, highlighting the cultural importance of the venue. They acknowledge the efforts of local authorities and apologize for any inconveniences caused. Additionally, they extend condolences for a recent fire in Daejeon, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
On the afternoon of the 21st, BTS held their comeback concert 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The performance was live-streamed globally on Netflix, marking their first full group stage in about 3 years and 5 months, exciting fans worldwide. BTS expressed their joy at reuniting with ARMY, stating, 'What we can do is continue making music without stopping.'
BTS hosted 'THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' in Seoul's Gwanghwamun, celebrating their 5th album. With 104,000 attendees, the event highlighted Korean culture through performances and media art. The concert featured new songs and iconic hits, culminating in a powerful message of resilience. BTS expressed gratitude to fans and supporters, marking their return after 3 years and 9 months. The album 'ARIRANG' broke sales records, selling 3.98 million copies on release day.
RM of BTS thanked fans and supporters after their comeback concert at Gwanghwamun, emphasizing the collective effort that made the event possible. He acknowledged the police, firefighters, and citizens for their cooperation and understanding, promising to create more wonderful music in the future. BTS will continue their tour in various cities next month.
Chef Lee Yong-bok celebrated BTS's comeback by watching their live performance on Netflix and posting about it on Instagram, calling it a historic event. Fans responded with gratitude and excitement, filling the comments with purple heart emojis. Lee has a connection with Jin through a variety show, and BTS made their long-awaited return with a performance that thrilled fans worldwide.
Following BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun Square, fans, known as ARMY, voluntarily cleaned up the area, demonstrating a mature fandom culture. This event, part of their comeback for the album 'ARIRANG,' highlighted how fan influence extends beyond support to social responsibility. The concert marked the full group's return after military service and was broadcast globally, merging their roots with a global identity.
On the morning of the 22nd, BTS departed for the US via Incheon International Airport after their comeback concert in Seoul. They wore matching 'SWIM jumpers' with 'KEEP SWIMMING' written on them. The concert, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG', marked their first full group performance in over 3 years and was streamed live on Netflix, thrilling fans worldwide.
BTS reunited on stage for the first time in 3.5 years during 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' in Seoul, streamed live on Netflix. Members shared heartfelt messages with fans, expressing their joy and gratitude. They performed several hits, including 'Butter' and 'Dynamite,' and discussed their journey and future plans.
BTS has reunited for a live performance in Seoul, marking their first complete stage in over three years. The event, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,' is streaming on Netflix. Their new album, titled 'ARIRANG,' explores their identity and emotions through music, drawing from the traditional Korean folk song. The members express their commitment and excitement for this comeback.
Ahead of BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun, SUGA posted on Weverse urging fans to dress warmly and not to overexert themselves. He thanked the staff and safety personnel for their hard work. BTS also released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG', selling 3.98 million copies on the first day, and will perform new songs at the concert.
