BTS’s Arirang Becomes First Album To Debut At No. 1 On Spotify Global Chart

BTS’s fifth full-length album, Arirang, is already commanding global attention well ahead of its official release on March 20, 2026, with early data from streaming platforms signalling one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent music history.

According to Spotify, Arirang has become the most pre-saved album on the platform’s Countdown Chart Global, underscoring the scale of worldwide interest surrounding the release. The album crossed one million pre-saves within just two days of the pre-save window opening on March 16 and surpassed two million pre-saves by day four, maintaining steady upward momentum. It also held the No. 1 position on Spotify’s daily Top 10 Countdowns from days two through six.

These figures place BTS at the forefront of global releases, outperforming major international artists including Bruno Mars and Charli XCX in pre-release engagement metrics. Industry observers note that such early traction is rare even among top-tier global acts and highlights BTS’s continued dominance in the streaming era.

The rapid accumulation of pre-saves further reflects the enduring strength of BTS’s global fanbase, ARMY, and the group’s ability to mobilise anticipation at scale. Crossing the million mark within 48 hours is widely viewed as a benchmark few artists achieve, reinforcing BTS’s unique standing in the global music ecosystem.

Currently, the record for the highest number of pre-saves in Spotify’s history is held by Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which amassed approximately six million pre-saves ahead of its release in October last year. With nearly two months remaining until Arirang drops, industry attention is now focused on whether BTS could challenge or surpass that milestone.

Arirang will feature 14 tracks, with themes centred on identity, longing and deep emotional connection. The album is expected to showcase a wide range of musical styles, reflecting both BTS’s artistic evolution and their continued resonance with a global audience.

Following the album’s release, BTS is scheduled to launch a large-scale world tour, beginning at Goyang Main Stadium on April 9, further amplifying anticipation around the project.

As the countdown to March 20 continues, fans and industry watchers alike are closely tracking the records Arirang may break and the role it is poised to play in shaping the next chapter of BTS’s global legacy.