K-pop supergroup BTS have returned in spectacular fashion, topping the UK music charts with their new album and its lead single. Their 10th studio album, ‘Arirang’, went straight to number one on the UK albums chart and the vinyl albums chart, while the single Swim also claimed the top spot on the UK singles chart, marking the group’s first chart-topping single in the country.
The seven-member group, consisting of Jimin, Jungkook, Suga, RM, V, Jin, and J-Hope, released Arirang last week after a hiatus that began in 2022 while members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. The album reportedly sold nearly four million copies on its first day.
Arirang also topped album charts in Australia and Germany. BTS celebrated their comeback with an hour-long outdoor concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, their first in over three years. The event was streamed live on Netflix, attracting 18.4 million viewers worldwide and ranking in the platform’s weekly Top 10 in 80 countries, including number one in 24.
BTS, who debuted in 2013, are credited with bringing K-pop to a global audience. They supergroup is set for a worldwide tour next month.
