The title track 'SWIM' reached number 2 while maintaining the top position on global charts.
They also topped the weekly streaming ranking in Japan, proving their worldwide popularity.
[TV Daily Reporter Choi Hana] BTS has successfully placed 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. According to the latest chart released on April 7, their title track 'SWIM' from the fifth studio album 'Arirang' debuted at number 2, making it a remarkable achievement as 10 out of 14 songs entered the chart. Besides 'SWIM', tracks such as 'Body to Body' at 42, 'Hooligan' at 64, 'NORMAL' at 73, 'FYA' at 74, '2.0' at 75, 'Aliens' at 84, 'Like Animals' at 90, 'they don’t know ’bout us' at 94, and 'Merry Go Round' at 96 also made their mark.
Furthermore, 'SWIM' continues to exhibit its strong presence on global charts as it retains the number one position for two consecutive weeks. The song achieved first place in both the 'Global 200' and 'Global (excluding the US)' charts, while 'Body to Body' maintained the second position on both charts. BTS's latest release has been dramatically embraced across the entire chart landscape, as the group leads the 'Artist 100', 'Digital Song Sales', 'Top Album Sales', and 'Billboard 200' charts.
In Japan, 'Arirang' is also gaining significant traction. As of April 8, it recorded approximately 8.55 million streams in the weekly streaming ranking, securing the first position for two consecutive weeks. This marks the first time since November 2024. 'Arirang' is the album BTS released after a hiatus of 3 years and 9 months, dealing adeptly with universal emotions. The title track 'SWIM' conveys a message of resilience despite challenges, with RM actively participating in the lyrics, detailing the honest narratives of 'now' for BTS.
BTS's recent achievements extend beyond mere music chart success. The 'Arirang' album notably clarifies their musical identity, provoking deep empathy among global fans with its exploration of various emotions. Particularly, the title track 'SWIM' embodies a spirit of perseverance in difficult times, serving as a source of hope for many.
BTS vividly demonstrates the strength of the fandom they have cultivated over several years. The global influence of their music and messages underscores the solid position they hold within the music industry. The successful release of 'Arirang' will serve to elevate the status of Korean music even further.
Finally, BTS’s global expansion has coincided with the progress of Korean pop music. They consistently pursue new endeavors, pushing the boundaries of music as an art form. Such endeavors will likely serve as a significant reference point for other artists moving forward.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Big Hit Music
