BTS breaks sales records with ‘Arirang’ album, tops global charts

Global K-pop sensation BTS has shattered records with the release of their fifth full-length album ‘Arirang’, which sold more than 4 million copies on its first day, according to their label Big Hit Music.

The album marks the group’s first full-group comeback in almost four years and has set a new benchmark in K-pop, surpassing their previous first-week sales record. Released on March 20, ‘Arirang’ is BTS’ first full-group album in nearly three years and nine months since their 2022 anthology, ‘Proof’.

Data from South Korea’s Hanteo Chart showed that ‘Arirang’ sold over 4 million copies between March 20 and 22, topping the weekly physical album chart for the period March 16–22.

The album has also achieved widespread international success, topping the iTunes Top Albums chart in 88 countries, including Italy, Mexico and Sweden. Its lead single, ‘Swim’, reached No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in 90 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and France.

Furthermore, ‘Swim’ quickly climbed to the top of major real-time charts such as Melon and Bugs, with all tracks from the album entering the Melon Top 100, reflecting strong public reception.

A day after the release, BTS staged a comeback concert titled ‘BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang’ at Gwanghwamun Square, which was live-streamed on Netflix. The concert programme went on to rank No. 1 on the platform in 77 countries and territories, while entering the top 10 in 15 others.

Meanwhile, ‘Swim’ also topped Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart on March 20, garnering over 14.6 million streams on its first day and maintaining the top position the following day. The track has since accumulated more than 29 million streams on the platform, underscoring the group’s continued global dominance.