BTS has stamped their name at the very top of the U.S. Billboard charts once again. After leading the Billboard 200, they’ve now hit No. 1 on the Hot 100, proving their global impact.
According to Billboard’s chart preview posted on March 31, the title track “SWIM” from BTS’s fifth studio album "ARIRANG" debuts at No. 1 on the April 4-dated Hot 100. It’s the group’s seventh Hot 100 No. 1 after “Dynamite,” “Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) (BTS Remix),” “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Permission to Dance,” and “My Universe (Coldplay X BTS).” “SWIM” also becomes the 1,190th song to reach No. 1 on the Hot 100, and the 89th to debut at the summit―an achievement that accounts for just 7% of all No. 1s in history.
Billboard noted that BTS has set the record for the most No. 1s by a group in nearly half a century, following the Bee Gees, who earned nine No. 1s between 1971 and 1979. Since the Hot 100 launched in August 1958, BTS now holds the fifth-most No. 1s among groups, behind The Beatles (20), the Supremes (12), the Bee Gees, and The Rolling Stones (8).
Released on March 20, “SWIM” logged 15.3 million streams, a radio audience of 25.8 million, and 154,000 combined digital and physical singles sold through March 26. It debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart, marking a new personal best for the group. On Radio Songs, it opens at No. 18, BTS’s highest debut there to date. On Digital Song Sales, “SWIM” lands at No. 1, giving BTS their 13th chart-topper―the most No. 1s for any group on that chart.
Through BigHit Music, BTS shared a heartfelt message: “After a long wait of 3 years and 9 months, we’re honored to achieve a Billboard No. 1 with this album. We’re deeply grateful to ARMY, who always show us boundless love and support, and to everyone who listened to our music and shared their hearts with us.” They continued, “While preparing the new album, we focused on universal emotions that many people can relate to. The title track ‘SWIM’ speaks about pushing forward through hardship without stopping. We hope this song crosses borders and brings even a little courage and comfort to many. Thank you for your unwavering trust and support over a long time―we’ll keep repaying you with sincere music.”
In its chart preview on March 30, Billboard also confirmed "ARIRANG" at No. 1 on the April 4-dated Billboard 200. This marks BTS’s first time topping the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 in the same week since 2020 with the mini album BE and its title track “Life Goes On,” about six years ago. Artists who have achieved the same-week double include Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Drake. BTS once again stands shoulder to shoulder with them, moving music fans around the world.
"ARIRANG" is executive produced by Bang Si-Hyuk. The album channels universal feelings that resonate widely. “SWIM” tells a story of persistence―choosing to keep swimming through life’s waves. RM led the songwriting, capturing the most candid portrait of “BTS right now.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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