BTS makes history as first Korean group on Apple Music's Best Songs of 2026

BTS has become the first Korean group to be named to Apple Music's Best Songs of 2026 after the title track 'SWIM' was included in the platform's year-end selection on the 7th. The achievement follows the group's fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG', which has maintained a presence on the Billboard 200 for 33 consecutive weeks.

The group BTS has established another significant milestone in the global music market. The title track 'SWIM' from their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' has been named to Apple Music's 'Best Songs of 2026', marking the first time a Korean group has achieved this distinction. This recognition in year-end rankings, following long-term chart competitiveness and global streaming success since the album's release, proves that the return of BTS has evolved beyond temporary buzz into sustained musical influence.

According to the year-end annual playlists released by Apple Music on the 7th (local time), 'SWIM' was included in the 'Best Songs' selection, which features 100 songs representing the 2026 global music market. The achievement sets a record as the first Korean group to be included, once again elevating the global status of K-pop. The selection is significant as the track is recognized as a major pop track chosen by global music consumers, rather than being limited to popularity within a specific country or genre.

The success of 'SWIM' extends beyond a single playlist selection. BTS also appeared in several sub-sections of Apple Music's 'Best of 2026 Playlists', including 'A-List Pop', 'Viral Hits', and 'KPOPWRLD'. The group expanded its presence across various sectors of the global music platform, from the mainstream pop market to viral-centered consumption and K-pop specialized playlists.

Apple Music also evaluated the comeback of BTS as a special event. "The 'ARIRANG' comeback is a moment K-pop has long awaited, a meaningful return where years of accumulated anticipation have perfectly come to fruition," Apple Music stated. The platform further highlighted, "They redefined the flow of K-pop in 2026." The assessment suggests that BTS, returning as a full group after a long hiatus, has demonstrated an impact that goes beyond a simple comeback.

The long-term success of BTS continues on the album charts. In the latest Billboard charts for November 14, announced on the 10th (local time), the fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' recorded 62nd on the 'Billboard 200' main album chart. After entering at number one in April and holding the top spot for three consecutive weeks, the album is continuing a record of being on the chart for 33 consecutive weeks. This demonstrates the album's lasting vitality, as it continues to be consumed in the U.S. music market months after its initial release.

The album has also maintained stable performance on detailed charts. 'ARIRANG' reached 24th on 'Top Album Sales' and 30th on 'Adult Contemporary', showing competitiveness in both album sales and adult-oriented music consumption. On the 'Global 200', which tracks global streaming and digital sales, 'SWIM' settled at 28th, rising five positions from the previous week. It also recorded 14th on the 'Billboard Global Excl. U.S.' chart, confirming its widespread popularity outside the United States.

The performance of the album's B-side tracks is also notable. 'NORMAL' appeared at 114th on the 'Billboard Global Excl. U.S.' chart. This serves as an indicator that the interest centered around 'SWIM' is spreading to the entire album. It can be analyzed that BTS's global fandom and musical influence remain robust, as music consumption is occurring at the album level rather than depending solely on the popularity of individual songs.

Having dominated both digital singles and album charts, BTS is now expanding its connection with the global ARMY through offline performances. Starting in Kaohsiung on November 19, the group will hold a total of 15 performances for the 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'' across five Southeast Asian cities, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta. The group is expected to fully spread the heat of the global tour by following its long-term chart success with large-scale performances.

The achievements—ranging from Apple Music's year-end selections to the long-term charting on Billboard and the resurgence on global charts—are symbolic scenes representing the current state of BTS. As the influence of K-pop expands in the global music market, BTS is reaffirming its presence as an artist that not only sets new records but also leads the current trend.

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