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BTS ‘ARIRANG’ Tops Billboard 200 for 3rd Week

Author David Kim

Update April 13, 2026

Date April 13, 2026

BTS ARIRANG comeback group portrait in formal suits, highlighting unity and professionalism.

BTS pose in coordinated suits, celebrating their ARIRANG album’s Billboard 200 No.1 achievement. (Photo / BigHit Music)

BTS has set a new milestone on the U.S. charts, with their latest album ARIRANG extending its dominance on the Billboard 200 for a third consecutive week.

According to Billboard’s preview published on April 12, the group’s fifth full-length album remained at No. 1, outperforming major global releases including Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem and Kanye West’s BULLY.

This marks the first time a K-pop act has held the top position on the Billboard 200 for three straight weeks, signaling a new level of sustained chart performance for the genre.

Strong sales and streaming power sustain chart lead

During the latest tracking week, ARIRANG recorded 124,000 album units, a 34% decrease from the previous week but still enough to maintain its lead. Of that total, 71,000 units came from pure album sales, securing the No. 1 spot on the Top Album Sales chart for a third consecutive week.

Streaming Equivalent Albums (SEA) contributed 50,000 units, while Track Equivalent Albums (TEA) added 3,000 units. The consistent performance across all metrics highlights the album’s balanced consumption, combining strong fan-driven sales with steady global streaming demand.

The Billboard 200 ranks albums based on a combination of physical and digital sales, streaming activity, and track downloads, offering a comprehensive measure of overall popularity in the U.S. market.

“BTS drone show above Brooklyn Bridge, spelling ARIRANG in red letters across the New York night sky.” — The BTS drone show in New York lit up the skyline near the Brooklyn Bridge, with hundreds of drones forming the word ARIRANG, the title of BTS’s comeback album. (Photo / BigHit Music)

Historic context places BTS among global heavyweights

Billboard noted that prior to ARIRANG, the last group album to spend three or more weeks at No. 1 was Mumford & Sons’ Babel, which achieved five non-consecutive weeks atop the chart in 2012–2013.

The publication also highlighted that ARIRANG is the first album since Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl to debut and remain at No. 1 for three consecutive weeks, underscoring its rare staying power in today’s competitive streaming landscape.

For BTS, the achievement adds another chapter to their ongoing record of chart-breaking success in the United States, further solidifying their position among the world’s leading music acts.

Comeback album reflects identity and global appeal

BTS released ARIRANG on March 20, marking their first full-group comeback in three years and nine months. The album features 14 tracks, including the title song “SWIM,” an upbeat alternative pop track that conveys resilience and perseverance.

Leader RM took a central role in writing the lyrics, incorporating themes of identity, longing, and universal emotions that resonate with a global audience.

The album’s continued success reflects not only the group’s established fanbase but also their ability to maintain relevance and expand their reach in the international music market.