BTS’s latest studio effort, ARIRANG, has surged to the top of this week’s fan-driven music poll, reinforcing the group’s indomitable global presence.
In a survey launched last Friday (March 20), Billboard readers were invited to select their favorite fresh release of the week. By the time the final tallies were recorded on Sunday, the South Korean septet’s comeback LP had secured a staggering 94% of the total vote, leaving no doubt about the enthusiasm surrounding their return.
The poll featured a competitive field of new arrivals from high-profile artists, including Niall Horan, Lizzo, and Paris Paloma. Despite the stiff competition, the ARMY mobilized in force to ensure BTS’s first-place finish.
Released via BigHit Music, the 14-track collection represents a monumental milestone for the group. While members J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jung Kook, RM, Suga, and V were fulfilling their mandatory military obligations in South Korea, the group had been on a creative hiatus as a full unit. Although they touched the top of the Billboard 200 in 2022 with the anthology project Proof, ARIRANG marks their first comprehensive studio album of original material since 2020’s chart-topping BE.
The sonic landscape of the album is shaped by an elite roster of collaborators, featuring production work from Diplo, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Mike WiLL Made-It, and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder.
To coincide with the album’s debut, BTS also premiered a visually stunning music video for the track “SWIM.” Directed by the acclaimed Tanu Muiño, the cinematic piece features a guest appearance by actress Lili Reinhart, adding an extra layer of star power to the launch.
The excitement doesn’t end with the digital release; the group is preparing to reconnect with fans in person through a massive global stadium tour, scheduled to commence this April.
Trailing behind the success of ARIRANG in this week’s poll were several notable singles, such as Niall Horan’s “Dinner Party,” Lizzo’s “Don’t Make Me Love U,” and Dermot Kennedy’s “Honest.”
Final Results: New Music Poll
- BTS, ARIRANG – 94%
- Niall Horan, “Dinner Party” – 2%
- Lizzo, “Don’t Make Me Love U” – 1%
- Others – 3%
