BTS 'SWIM' selected as Apple Music's '2026 Best Song,' the first Korean group to achieve this honor

The title track ″SWIM″ from BTS’s fifth regular album ″Arirang″ has been included in Apple Music’s ″Best Songs of 2026″ playlist, marking the first time a Korean group has been featured. This playlist selects 100 representative songs of the year, and ″SWIM″ also appeared on Apple Music’s year-end playlists such as ″A-List Pop,″ ″Viral Hits,″ and ″KPOPWRLD.″ Regarding BTS’s comeback, Apple Music stated, ″BTS’s comeback with ’Arirang’ was a moment long awaited by K-pop. It is a meaningful return that fulfills years of built-up anticipation. They have redefined the flow of K-pop in 2026.″ BTS’s success continues on the Billboard charts as well. ″Arirang″ ranked 62nd on the U.S. Billboard main album chart ″Billboard 200″ dated November 14, and after debuting at number one on the April 4 chart, it held the top spot for three consecutive weeks and remained on the chart for 33 consecutive weeks. On the detailed charts, it ranked 24th on ″Top Album Sales″ and 30th on ″Adult Contemporary.″ The title track ″SWIM″ is maintaining its position on global charts. The song rose five spots from the previous week to 28th on the ″Global 200″ and ranked 14th on the ″Global (excluding U.S.)″ chart. The album track ″NORMAL″ reached 114th on the ″Global (excluding U.S.)″ chart. BTS is scheduled to hold the ″BTS WORLD TOUR ’ARIRANG’″ Southeast Asia tour with a total of 15 performances in five cities, starting in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on the 19th, followed by Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta.