'SWIM' Named Apple Music's 'Song of the Year' for 2026

First Korean artist to be selected for '2026 Best Songs'Strong performance continues on Billboard chartsGroup BTS's 'SWIM' has been included in Apple Music's '2026 Best Songs.' This marks the first time a Korean artist's song has been featured on this list. / Big Hit Music[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group BTS's 'SWIM' has been recognized as one of the 'Most Popular Songs Worldwide in 2026.'Its agency, Big Hit Music, announced on the 11th, "The title track 'SWIM' from BTS's (RM SUGA Jin V J-HOPE JIMIN JUNG KOOK) fifth full-length album 'ARIRANG' has been named on Apple Music's 'Best Songs of 2026' list."'Best Songs of 2026' is a playlist curated by Apple Music featuring 100 songs representing the year. This is the first time a song by a Korean group has been included on this list. Additionally, the song was selected for other lists such as 'A-List Pop,' 'Viral Hits,' and 'KPOPWRLD.'Apple Music highlighted, "'ARIRANG' by BTS was a long-awaited comeback for K-pop," adding, "They redefined the K-pop trend in 2026. It was a meaningful return, bearing fruit from years of anticipation."'ARIRANG' continues to enjoy steady popularity in the global music market, approximately eight months after its release in March. The album ranked 62nd on the latest US Billboard 'Billboard 200' chart (dated November 14). Furthermore, 'SWIM' climbed to 28th on the Billboard 'Global 200,' a jump of five spots from the previous week.BTS is currently on their world tour 'ARIRANG.' They are scheduled to perform 15 shows in five cities, starting with Kaohsiung on November 19, followed by Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]