The infectious alternative pop track “Swim,” the lead single from the band’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Arirang,” has soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of April 4th. According to a Billboard preview released Monday (U.S. time), “Swim” surpassed Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” to claim the coveted No. 1 spot.
This achievement marks another significant milestone for the group, adding “Swim” to their already impressive list of Billboard chart-toppers, which includes hits like “Dynamite,” “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” (BTS Remix), “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Permission to Dance,” and “My Universe.”
The success of “Swim” mirrors the overall dominance of the album “Arirang.” Billboard announced on Sunday that “Arirang” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 main albums chart, securing the group’s seventh No. 1 album. This momentum extended overseas, with “Arirang” debuting at No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart Top 100 in Britain on Friday, and “Swim” entering the Official Singles Chart Top 100 at No. 2.
Produced under the guidance of Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, “Arirang” delves into the band’s identity as a group originating from Korea and explores the universal emotions they’ve encountered throughout their journey. “Swim” embodies the spirit of overcoming life’s challenges and serves as an empowering anthem, with lyrics co-written by the band’s frontman, RM.
The 14-track album was released on March 20th, marking the end of a nearly four-year hiatus from group activities. To celebrate their highly anticipated comeback, the band held a free concert for tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul the following day.
