AMA-winning track continues global momentum as all songs from ‘Arirang’ album surpass 100 million streams
BTS’ highly successful track “Swim,” the main single from the group’s fifth studio album “Arirang,” has officially surpassed an incredible 500 million streams on Spotify. This milestone makes it the first song released in 2026 to achieve such a remarkable feat on the global streaming platform.
As confirmed by Big Hit Music on Tuesday, the song successfully exceeded 500 million cumulative streams on the influential global audio streaming platform as of May 26.
The acclaimed track “Swim,” released in March as the main single from the “Arirang” album, offers a powerful message of perseverance and moving forward at one’s own pace through life’s challenges. BTS leader RM played a significant role in crafting the lyrics, which the members state truly encapsulate “the BTS of today.”
This remarkable streaming achievement for “Swim” follows its recent triumph at the 52nd American Music Awards on Monday, where it clinched the highly coveted Song of the Summer award. Big Hit Music highlighted that BTS secured this prestigious award after being nominated based on an impressive just six days of tracking following the song’s global release.
Accepting the honor, BTS member V shared a heartfelt message perfectly aligned with the song’s uplifting theme.
“To everyone out there who keeps swimming no matter what, we send you our love and support,” he conveyed.
Beyond its streaming success, “Swim” has consistently demonstrated strong global chart performance. The BTS hit single soared to No. 1 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart, making its debut on April 4 and maintaining a presence for eight consecutive weeks. Furthermore, in the UK, “Swim” achieved a new milestone for BTS, peaking at No. 2 on the Official Single Top 100 chart from March 27 to April 2, marking their highest placement on that chart to date.
“Swim’s” widespread appeal is mirrored across its parent album. The entire “Arirang” album has achieved phenomenal success, with all 14 tracks now surpassing an incredible 100 million streams on Spotify. This includes the unique interlude track “No. 29,” which distinctively incorporates the resonant sound of Korea’s historic Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok, officially designated as Natural Treasure No. 29.
Further cementing the album’s dominance, other standout tracks from “Arirang,” such as “Body to Body” and “Hooligan,” have also exceeded impressive streaming milestones, surpassing 200 million streams on May 13 and May 26, respectively.
