BTS’s “ARIRANG” Shatters Sales Records, Dominates Global Charts
BTS has achieved a monumental comeback with their new album, “ARIRANG,” released on March 20, 2026, breaking personal sales records and swiftly ascending to the top of charts worldwide. The album’s immediate success signals a triumphant return for the group following the completion of mandatory military service for all seven members.
Record-Breaking First-Day Sales
According to Hanteo Chart, “ARIRANG” sold an astounding 3,981,507 copies on its first day of sales, surpassing BTS’s previous first-week sales record of 3,378,633 copies set by “Map of the Soul: 7” in 2020 within just 24 hours. Soompi and InMusic both reported the impressive figures.
“ARIRANG” currently ranks as the second-highest first-day seller in Hanteo history, trailing only SEVENTEEN’s “FML” which holds the all-time record at 3,998,373 copies. InMusic
Chart-Topping Success
The album and its title track, “SWIM,” immediately claimed the No. 1 spot on major music charts both in Korea, and internationally. By the morning of March 21 KST, “SWIM” topped domestic charts including Melon, Bugs, Genie, and FLO. As of 11 a.m. KST, “SWIM” and the B-side “Body to Body” held the No. 1 and No. 2 positions, respectively, on Melon’s Top 100 chart. Soompi
Globally, “SWIM” reached No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in at least 90 regions, including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. “ARIRANG” simultaneously topped iTunes Top Albums charts in at least 88 regions, including Italy, Mexico, and Sweden. Soompi
The music video for “SWIM” also achieved significant traction, topping YouTube’s Trending Music lists in at least 70 regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and France. Soompi
Pre-Release Momentum
Prior to its release, “ARIRANG” garnered significant anticipation, surpassing 5 million pre-saves on Spotify, making BTS the first K-pop act, male act, Asian act, and group to achieve this milestone. This placed them alongside Taylor Swift as the only artists to reach this level of pre-release demand. InMusic
As of March 21, the full extent of “ARIRANG’s” success remains to be seen, with the remainder of the first week of sales still to be tallied. Soompi