BTS’ ‘Arirang’ Achieves Decade’s Best Group Sales Record
BTS has reached a significant milestone with its latest album, “Arirang,” dominating the Billboard 200 charts. The group achieved its seventh No. 1 album, recording the best group sales week in over a decade.
“Arirang” Opens with Remarkable Sales
“Arirang” debuted on the Billboard 200 with an impressive total of 641,000 equivalent album units. Out of these, 532,000 were pure album sales, marking the largest first-week sales for any album by a group since Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.” Swift’s album had set records with over four million units sold in its debut week last year.
Sales Comparison and Records
“Arirang” not only topped the charts but also achieved significant milestones in pure album sales:
- It recorded the highest pure album sales since “Showgirl,” which is known for selling 3.48 million copies.
- The last group to outpace BTS in a sales week was One Direction with “Midnight Memories,” selling 547,000 copies in 2013.
Vinyl Sales Contribute to Success
The album also experienced a surge in vinyl sales, moving 208,000 copies across 17 variants. This accomplishment positions “Arirang” as the sixth highest vinyl sales week for an album in the modern era, with Taylor Swift holding the top five records.
BTS’s Previous Billboard Achievements
BTS has a remarkable track record with multiple No. 1 albums. Their previous titles include:
- “Love Yourself ‘Tear'” (2018)
- “Love Yourself ‘Answer'” (2018)
- “Map of the Soul: Persona” (2019)
- “Map of the Soul: 7” (2020)
- “Be” (2020)
- “Proof” (2022)
Celebrating the Release of “Arirang”
In celebration of “Arirang,” BTS held a concert in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, which was streamed live on Netflix. Additionally, they premiered a feature-length documentary on the service, further amplifying their comeback after completing mandatory military service.
Chart Highlights
In the broader music landscape, Luke Combs made headlines by securing his seventh top-10 album with “The Way I Am,” debuting at No. 2. Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” follows at No. 3, with Harry Styles’ “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” and Don Toliver’s “Octane” close behind.
The remaining spots in the top 10 feature:
- Olivia Dean – “The Art of Loving”
- Bad Bunny – “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”
- Bruno Mars – “The Romantic”
- Morgan Wallen – “One Thing at a Time”
- KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
The return of BTS with “Arirang” adds another chapter to their impressive legacy in the music industry.
