BTS outranks Michael Jackson in UK mid-year top 20 albums

BTS has once again proven its global influence, achieving a significant milestone in the UK Official Charts' mid-year summary with their fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG'.

On the 16th (local time), the UK Official Charts announced 'The Official Biggest Albums of 2026 So Far', which aggregates physical album sales, digital downloads, and audio/video streaming figures from January of this year to the present.

According to the results, BTS's fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' landed at number 20. Notably, as the iconic album 'Thriller'—which has seen a resurgence in interest due to the release of the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael'—recorded number 21, BTS achieved the feat of surpassing the signature work of a global pop icon.

Among new releases issued this year, only six artists, including BTS, Drake, Harry Styles, and Olivia Rodrigo, managed to enter this chart. Among them, BTS firmly established its presence as a K-pop artist, once again proving its competitiveness in the global music market.

The UK Official Charts is considered a highly authoritative chart, alongside the US Billboard, serving as one of the two major indicators of the global music market. This ranking is significant as it is based on cumulative consumption over a long period rather than simple first-week sales, reflecting both a steady fandom and widespread public consumption.

BTS is a seven-member group that debuted in 2013, consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Park Ji-min, V, and Jung Kook. After all members completed their military service that had continued since 2022, they resumed full group activities last year, and they are continuing their global hit syndrome with their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' released last March.