BTS returns to multiple charts in the U.K. with both “Swim” and Arirang following the K-pop band’s several concerts in London as part of the Arirang World Tour. THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 2272 — Pictured: Musical guest BTS poses after their performance on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 — (Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images
In March, BTS finally returned after a years-long hiatus with the highly-anticipated album Arirang. The K-pop group stepped away from the spotlight so all seven members could fulfill their mandatory military enlistment – required of all men by a certain age in South Korea – and while waiting for their colleagues to do the same, each singer released music on their own.
Arirang became a global blockbuster the moment it dropped, and lead single “Swim” was another major win for the Grammy-nominated troupe. Less than a month after the project arrived, BTS began the Arirang World Tour, which fittingly kicked off in South Korea. The trek is slated to run into next spring, with 88 shows currently planned.
The superstars are currently in Europe, and they recently finished two nights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. BTS returns to multiple charts in the United Kingdom, with both Arirang and “Swim” becoming bestsellers again due to all the excitement around the band’s recent performances.
BTS Turns “Swim” Into a Bestseller Again
“Swim” only appears on a pair of tallies in the U.K., and it reappears on both of them, becoming a top 40 success again. “Swim” glides back onto the Official Singles Downloads chart at No. 20 – an especially lofty placement for a returning favorite. On the Official Singles Sales ranking, which also includes purchases on CD, cassette and vinyl, as well as digital downloads, “Swim” is a top 40 smash again as it makes a home at No. 29.
“Swim” Reaches 13 Weeks on Two U.K. Charts
“Swim” earns its lucky thirteenth turn on both the Official Singles Sales and Official Singles Downloads charts as it returns. The former No. 1 is the fourth longest-running hit by the K-pop group on the two tallies.
Arirang Returns to the Vinyl Ranking
While “Swim” reenters two lists in the U.K., its parent full-length Arirang only manages to find its way back to one roster, the Official Vinyl Albums chart. Arirang lands at No. 36 on the format-specific tally. Arirang departed the vinyl chart in mid-June, and the title last sat in a loftier position a little more than a month ago.
Arirang Climbs on Every Other Chart
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: (L-R) V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS speak onstage during Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE at Pier 17 on March 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify)
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify
While “Swim” needed to return to chart anywhere in the U.K., Arirang was present on five rosters last frame, and this time around, it grows everywhere. Arirang only fails to appear within the top 40 on the Official Albums Streaming list, where it appears a few rungs beneath that important tier, setting up shop at No. 45. Otherwise, Arirang is a top 40 bestseller and top performer in the U.K.
Here is where Arirang by BTS appears on the U.K. charts this week.
- Official Albums Sales – No. 20
- Official Physical Albums – No. 20
- Official Vinyl Albums – No. 36
- Official Albums – No. 37
- Official Albums Streaming – No. 45
Arirang Hits 15 Weeks on the U.K. Albums Charts
As of this period, Arirang has lived on four of the five rankings it inhabits for a milestone 15 weeks. The set is up to 11 stays on the Official Vinyl Albums chart, as it has disappeared and rebounded on that ranking alone.