BTS is proving its global power yet again. The group’s fifth studio album "ARIRANG" has topped the Billboard 200 for a third consecutive week―and their world tour is already off to a blazing start.
According to Billboard’s chart preview published on the 13th (local time), "ARIRANG" ranks No. 1 on the April 18-dated Billboard 200. BTS is now the first Korean act to spend three straight weeks at No. 1 on that chart.
Among group albums, it’s the first time in about a decade since Mumford & Sons’ "Babel" in 2012. With Babel having held No. 1 for five consecutive weeks, fans are watching to see if BTS can extend their streak even further.
Billboard reports "ARIRANG" earned 124,000 equivalent album units this week. That includes 71,000 in pure sales, 50,000 SEA (streaming-equivalent album) units, with TEA (track-equivalent album) units following. After debuting with 532,000 in pure sales―the highest one-week sales for a group album―the set is holding the top spot into week three, signaling long-haul momentum.
That fire is carrying into the world tour. BTS met roughly 132,000 fans at BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN GOYANG, held on April 9 and 11-12 at the Main Stadium of the Goyang Sports Complex.
A 360-degree open stage, modern takes on traditional Korean aesthetics, and choreography evoking ganggangsullae came together to create a global celebration―on site and online―with fans from 194 countries and regions joining in.
Hits like "FAKE LOVE," "IDOL," and "Dynamite," plus new tracks, pushed the energy to a peak. Near the end, BTS shared, “Even amid change, what matters most is the journey of the seven and our sincere hearts for our fans. We won’t forget this and will repay you with even better stages.”
BTS will continue with 85 shows across 34 cities worldwide, including Tokyo, North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. It marks the most dates for a single tour by a Korean act, and all eyes are on whether BTS will set yet another live performance record.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)