Global K-pop superstars BTS have staged a record-breaking comeback with their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, selling an astonishing 3.98 million copies within its first 24 hours, according to Hanteo Chart.
The feat surpasses the group’s previous milestone set by MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 in 2020, which recorded 3.37 million first-day sales, further cementing BTS’s dominance in the global music scene.
The 14-track album highlights the group’s artistic growth, blending diverse sounds and themes. Its lead single, “SWIM,” delivers a melodic and introspective message, encouraging resilience in the face of life’s struggles.
Other notable tracks include “Body to Body,” which merges hip-hop energy with traditional Korean elements, and “Hooligan,” a high-octane track driven by industrial influences.
Beyond sales, ARIRANG has achieved widespread global success, topping iTunes’ Top Albums chart in 88 countries, including Italy, Mexico, and Sweden. Meanwhile, its lead single “SWIM” has dominated the Top Songs chart in 90 countries, such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
To celebrate the release, BTS are set to headline the ‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG’ concert at Gwanghwamun Square, with the event expected to draw a crowd of about 260,000 fans.
The highly anticipated show will also be streamed globally on Netflix, giving millions of fans worldwide a chance to join the celebration.