BTS “Swim” Tops Billboard Global Charts, Dominates with ARIRANG Album

BTS is once again dominating global music charts. Led by the single “Swim,” the South Korean group has achieved a record-extending eighth No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Charts. This marks a significant moment for the reunited septet, whose first studio album of new material since 2020, ARIRANG, is driving this latest wave of success. The album’s release has sparked a frenzy among fans worldwide, demonstrating the enduring power of the group’s connection with its ARMY.

The impact of ARIRANG extends beyond just the top spot. BTS has claimed an unprecedented nine of the top ten positions on the Billboard Global 200, tying with Taylor Swift for the most top 10s in a single week. Swift previously achieved this feat with the launch of her album The Tortured Poets Department on May 4, 2024. This accomplishment underscores the sheer scale of BTS’s current popularity and the album’s widespread appeal. The group’s ability to occupy so much of the chart is a testament to both the quality of the new music and the dedication of their fanbase.

Even more impressively, BTS has become the first act to monopolize the entire top 10 – and even the top 13 – on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart, thanks to the songs from ARIRANG. This is a feat previously unmatched in the chart’s history, which began tracking global music consumption in September 2020. While Taylor Swift scored nine of the top 10 with her album The Life of a Showgirl (dated October 18, 2025), and Bad Bunny held the top three simultaneously for two weeks earlier this year, no artist has achieved complete dominance of the top tier like BTS has with ARIRANG.

ARIRANG’s Chart-Topping Performance: A Detailed Look

The success of “Swim” is undeniable, racking up 108.8 million official streams and 221,000 sales in the week ending March 26, according to Luminate. But the song is just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a breakdown of the top nine tracks from ARIRANG on the Billboard Global 200:

  • No. 1, “Swim,” 108.8 million official streams / 221,000 sold
  • No. 2, “Body to Body,” 65 million streams / 35,000 sold
  • No. 3, “Hooligan,” 50.2 million streams / 21,000 sold
  • No. 4, “FYA,” 48.2 million streams / 20,000 sold
  • No. 5, “Normal,” 45.8 million streams / 21,000 sold
  • No. 6, “Aliens,” 44.2 million streams / 19,000 sold
  • No. 7, “Like Animals,” 43.3 million streams / 20,000 sold
  • No. 8, “2.0,” 42.8 million streams / 18,000 sold
  • No. 9, “Merry Travel Round,” 40.7 million streams / 17,000 sold

The dominance continues on the Global Excl. U.S. Chart, with the same top nine songs holding their positions. Four additional tracks from ARIRANG – “They Don’t Know ‘bout Us,” “One More Night,” “Please,” and “Into the Sun” – round out the top 13, further solidifying the album’s impact on international audiences.

A Historic Run for BTS

This latest chart performance significantly expands BTS’s already impressive record. The group now boasts a total of 20 top 10s on the Billboard Global 200 and 21 on the Global Excl. U.S., the most among all groups. This achievement highlights their consistent ability to connect with listeners across the globe and deliver music that resonates on a massive scale. The release of ARIRANG isn’t just a comeback; it’s a reaffirmation of BTS’s position as a global cultural force.

While BTS dominates the charts, other artists are too making waves. PinkPantheress’s collaboration with Zara Larsson, “Stateside,” holds the No. 10 spot on the Global 200, a week after reaching the top of the chart. On the Global Excl. U.S. Chart, Dominic Fike’s “Babydoll” is the highest entry not by BTS, landing at No. 14 after previously reaching the top 10.

Understanding the Billboard Global Charts

The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. Charts, launched in September 2020, provide a comprehensive view of music consumption worldwide. These charts are based on a weighted formula that incorporates official streams from both subscription and ad-supported music services, as well as digital sales from retailers around the globe. Notably, sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded from the calculations. Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. offer a unique perspective on global music trends, moving beyond traditional regional charts.

The charts dated April 4, 2026, will be updated on Billboard.com on Tuesday, March 31. Readers can access the top 100 titles on Billboard.com, while a complete ranking of 200 titles is available through Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription service. For ongoing chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on X, and Instagram.

Luminate, the independent data provider for the Billboard charts, rigorously reviews all data submissions to ensure accuracy. In partnership with Billboard, Luminate removes any data deemed suspicious or unverifiable before finalizing chart calculations.

The success of ARIRANG and “Swim” signals a strong start to this new chapter for BTS. Fans eagerly await further developments and future releases from the group. The next major update from the group is expected to be an announcement regarding their upcoming tour dates, slated for release in late May 2026.

What do you think of BTS’s latest chart-topping success? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow ARMY!

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