REGION - SARAWAK > NEWS

BTS SETS NEW FIRST-DAY SALES RECORD WITH 'ARIRANG'

Published : 21/03/2026 05:48 PM

SEOUL, March 21 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- K-pop supergroup BTS has sold nearly 4 million copies of its new album "Arirang" on the first day of release, marking the band’s highest first-day sales to date, its agency said Saturday.

BigHit Music said the band’s fifth studio album recorded 3.98 million sales within 24 hours of its release on Friday, Yonhap News Agency reported. 

The figure surpasses the group’s previous first-week record of 3.37 million copies set by its fourth studio album "Map of the Soul: 7" in February 2020.

"Arirang" has also topped iTunes Top Albums charts in 88 countries and regions, including Italy, Mexico and Sweden, according to the label.

Its lead single "Swim" reached No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in 90 markets, including the United States, Japan, Britain, Germany and France. In South Korea, the track debuted at No. 1 on local streaming services Melon and Bugs, with all songs from the album entering Melon’s Top 100.

Produced under the direction of Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, the album explores BTS’ identity as a group that began in Korea and reflects universal feelings conveyed through its musical journey. The lead track carries a message of resilience and moving forward through life’s waves.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP

 

 


BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.

Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial

© 2026 BERNAMA   • Disclaimer   • Privacy Policy   • Security Policy