After a 3-year and 9-month hiatus, BTS has made a triumphant return, dominating both album and music charts.
According to Hanteo Chart on the 21st, BTS's 5th studio album 'ARIRANG' sold 3.98 million copies on its release day, topping the daily chart. Released on the 20th at 1 PM, it became a 'million-seller' within just 10 minutes, showcasing an explosive response. This moment highlighted the global anticipation and eagerness of music fans for BTS's new release after such a long wait.
BTS's previous record for first-week sales was set by their 4th studio album 'MAP OF THE SOUL: 7' in February 2020, with 3.37 million copies sold. 'ARIRANG' surpassed this record on its release day alone, setting a new personal best. With the first-week sales period still ongoing, there is keen interest in the history BTS will continue to make. The new album has also topped the iTunes 'Top Albums' chart in 88 countries/regions worldwide, including Italy, Mexico, and Sweden, confirming its global popularity.
The digital tracks are also performing strongly. The title track 'SWIM' reached the top of the iTunes 'Top Songs' chart in 90 countries/regions, including the US, Japan, UK, Germany, and France, by 9 AM on the 21st. Additionally, several other tracks from the album have secured high positions on the charts, demonstrating the immense interest in BTS's comeback.
The domestic music charts, which had seen little movement, also experienced a shake-up. 'SWIM' shot to the top of Melon and Bugs' real-time charts. Notably, on Melon, every track from the album entered the 'Top 100' real-time chart. 'SWIM' maintained its number one position from 2 PM on the 20th until midnight and continues to hold the top spot as of 10 AM on the 21st. The track 'Body to Body' followed closely, securing the second spot on Melon's 'Top 100' at 10 AM on the 21st, further cementing BTS's dominance on the charts.
The music video for 'SWIM' is also receiving a warm reception. It has topped the trending music charts in 70 countries/regions, including the US, UK, Mexico, and France. 'Body to Body' is garnering significant attention as well, achieving high rankings in several countries/regions with just its official audio video.
Released at 1 PM on the 20th, 'ARIRANG' is an album that explores BTS's identity and universal emotions they encounter, with Bang Si-hyuk serving as the executive producer. The title track 'SWIM' conveys a message of perseverance, encouraging listeners to keep swimming through life's waves and resonate deeply with those striving to do their best in their respective places.
BTS is set to hold 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG' at 8 PM on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square, where they will perform new tracks, including the title song, for the first time.
By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr