Full Breakdown
BTS' "ARIRANG" Achieves Third Consecutive Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200
4/13/2026, 4:00:26 AM
Overview of "ARIRANG's" Chart Performance
BTS' album "ARIRANG" has secured its position at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for a third consecutive week, as reported for the chart dated April 18. The album earned 124,000 equivalent album units in the week ending April 9, according to data from Luminate. This marks a 34% decrease from the previous week, where it garnered 187,000 units. Notably, "ARIRANG" debuted at the top of the chart on April 4, achieving the highest debut of the year and the best opening since Taylor Swift's album release last October.
Historical Context
Prior to "ARIRANG," BTS had never spent more than one week at No. 1 on the U.S. album rankings. The album's sustained success extends a significant milestone for the K-pop group, as the last album by a group to achieve three weeks at No. 1 was Mumford & Sons' "Babel," which accomplished this feat in 2012-13. The current performance of "ARIRANG" is particularly notable as it is the first album since Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" to spend its first three weeks at No. 1.
Breakdown of Album Units
The 124,000 equivalent album units for "ARIRANG" consist of 71,000 in album sales, which remains the highest on the Top Album Sales chart for a third week. Additionally, streaming contributed 50,000 units, equating to 52.44 million on-demand streams of the album's songs. The album's TEA (Track Equivalent Album) units accounted for 3,000, reflecting a 65% decline.
Competition and Chart Dynamics
In a relatively quiet week for new releases, "ARIRANG" faced minimal competition. Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" moved up to No. 2 with 80,000 units, while Ye's "Bully" fell to No. 3 with 69,000 units, experiencing a 54% drop in its second week. Other albums in the top 10 include Don Toliver's "Octane" at No. 4, Olivia Dean's "The Art of Loving" at No. 5, and Luke Combs' "The Way I Am" at No. 6.
Official Statements & Responses
Billboard and Luminate have confirmed the authenticity of the data used for the chart rankings, ensuring that all submissions are thoroughly reviewed and verified. This process helps maintain the integrity of the Billboard charts.
Criticism & Opposition
While the album's success has been celebrated by fans, some critics have pointed out the significant drop in sales and streaming numbers compared to its debut week. The decline raises questions about the album's long-term staying power on the charts.
What's Next
As "ARIRANG" continues its run at No. 1, industry observers will be watching for upcoming releases that may challenge its position in the coming weeks. The performance of BTS' album will also be analyzed in the context of the broader music market trends.
