BTS's 'Arirang' tops Billboard Japan's albums chart for first half of 2026

BTS's “Arirang” topped Billboard Japan's Hot Albums chart for the first half of 2026, with the album's songs also doing well on the Hot 100 singles chart.

“Arirang” accomplished the feat despite being released less than three months ago on March 20, according to the magazine on Friday. The chart ranks the most popular albums in Japan based on physical sales, streams and downloads, using data from Nov. 24, 2025, to May 24.

“Arirang” ranked No. 1 in physical sales and streams and came second in downloads.

Meanwhile, the lead track “Swim” placed at No. 38 on Billboard Japan's Hot 100, the country's main singles chart, for the first half of the year. “2.0" was No. 87.

The album has also been performing well on Billboard Japan's weekly charts.

For the week of May 25 to Sunday, “Arirang” was No. 1 on Billboard Japan's weekly Hot Albums chart, according to the magazine on Wednesday. This marks the album's ninth chart-topping record. “Swim” placed No. 21 on the weekly Hot 100 chart for the same week.

BTS kicked off its “Arirang” world tour in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on April 9 and recently wrapped up the North American leg of the tour. The group is set to continue the tour with concerts in Busan on June 12 and 13 before heading to Madrid.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]