[Dispatch=Reporter Koo Min-ji] BTS has surpassed 1 billion streams for the first time among tracks released this year.

As of the 24th, BTS exceeded 1 billion cumulative plays on Spotify with "SWIM," the title track from their regular 5th album "ARIRANG."

It is the first among songs released worldwide this year and marks the shortest timeframe for the team itself. BTS has brought a total of 7 songs to the 1 billion streaming milestone, including "SWIM."

"SWIM" achieved recognition at major music award ceremonies. It won "Song of the Summer" at the American Music Awards and "Song of the Year" at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Global achievements are remarkable. It entered at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard main song chart "Hot 100" (as of April 4) and remained in the rankings for 20 consecutive weeks. It topped the UK "Official Singles Top 100" (March 27–April 2) at No. 2, setting a new record for the team itself.

On Spotify, it recorded approximately 14 million streams on its first day of release. It topped the "Daily Top Songs Global" chart. It is the highest daily play count among songs released in 2026.

BTS released "ARIRANG" approximately 3 years and 9 months after their last release. As of the 14th, it surpassed 5 billion cumulative streams on Spotify. It is the most-played album worldwide this year.

The long-term success continues. All 14 tracks on the album, including the interlude track "No. 29," which features the bell sound of the Emille Bell, have surpassed 200 million streams. The album demonstrates consistent popularity across the board.

Meanwhile, "SWIM" tells of the attitude of continuously swimming forward through life's waves without stopping. It conveys the resolve to move ahead calmly. RM took on the overall songwriting, adding authenticity.

<Photo provided by Big Hit Music>