BTS has once again rewritten music history with the release of their latest album, ARIRANG. Topping the Billboard 200, the album marks BTS’ seventh chart-topping release and sets a record for the largest opening week ever for a male group, amassing an impressive 641,000 equivalent album units.
The album’s phenomenal debut includes 532,000 pure album sales, underscoring BTS’ global popularity and the excitement surrounding their reunion following mandatory military service. Vinyl editions also contributed significantly, with 208,000 copies sold across 17 unique formats, placing ARIRANG among the top six largest vinyl sales weeks in history. These figures surpass One Direction’s 2013 record with Midnight Memories, establishing a new milestone for male groups.
On the domestic front, ARIRANG sold over 4.16 million copies in its first week on South Korea’s Hanteo Chart, marking BTS’ biggest opening week at home and surpassing their previous record with Map of the Soul: 7. While narrowly missing the all-time K-pop first-week sales record, the album reinforces BTS’ dominance in both local and international markets.
With this release, BTS extends their Billboard legacy, joining previous chart-toppers including Love Yourself: Tear, Love Yourself: Answer, Map of the Soul: Persona, Map of the Soul: 7, Be, and Proof. The achievement reflects not only the unwavering dedication of their fanbase but also the global influence and lasting cultural impact of the group’s music and artistry.
