BTS has once again made history by topping both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts simultaneously.
According to a preview article published on Billboard's official website on the 31st, BTS's fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' and its title track 'SWIM' have taken the No. 1 spot on the main song chart 'Hot 100' (dated April 4). This marks BTS's seventh No. 1 hit, following 'Dynamite', 'Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) (BTS Remix)', 'Life Goes On', 'Butter', 'Permission to Dance', and 'My Universe (Coldplay X BTS)'. 'SWIM' is the 1,190th song in Hot 100 history to reach No. 1 and the 89th song to debut at the top. Only about 7% of all No. 1 songs in Billboard history have debuted at the top.
Billboard noted, "BTS has set a record for the most No. 1 hits by a group in nearly 50 years, since the Bee Gees achieved nine No. 1 hits from 1971 to 1979." BTS now holds the fifth-most No. 1 hits among groups since the Hot 100 chart was established in 1958. The Beatles hold the record with 20 No. 1 hits, followed by The Supremes (12), Bee Gees, and The Rolling Stones (8).
Released on the 20th, 'SWIM' recorded 15.3 million streams, 25.8 million radio listeners, and 154,000 digital and physical single sales by the 26th. It debuted at No. 2 on the 'Streaming Songs' chart, marking the group's highest entry, and at No. 18 on the 'Radio Songs' chart, achieving their highest debut on this chart. On the 'Digital Song Sales' chart, it secured the No. 1 spot, becoming BTS's 13th No. 1 song and setting a record for the most No. 1 hits by a group on this chart.
Through their agency Big Hit Music, BTS expressed, "We are deeply honored to achieve 'Billboard No. 1' with an album released after a long wait of 3 years and 9 months. We sincerely thank ARMY and everyone who listened to our music and shared their hearts with us." They added, "While preparing for the new album, we aimed to capture universal emotions that many people can relate to. The title track 'SWIM' is a song about persevering through hardships. We hope this song has provided a small amount of courage and comfort to many people across borders. We are grateful for the unwavering support and will continue to repay it with sincere music."
Billboard had previously announced on the 30th that 'ARIRANG' had topped the main album chart 'Billboard 200' (dated April 4). This marks the first time BTS has topped both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 simultaneously since their mini-album 'BE' and its title track 'Life Goes On' in 2020. Other artists who have achieved this feat include Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Drake.
The album 'ARIRANG' was entirely produced by Bang Si-hyuk. The title track 'SWIM' conveys the determination to keep moving forward despite life's trials, with RM contributing to the songwriting to reflect the group's genuine story.