BTS made a powerful return with their comeback album ARIRANG, achieving the biggest chart week for any group in over a decade.

After completing nearly four years of mandatory military service, the group released ARIRANG on March 20. The album quickly debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning 641,000 equivalent album units in its first week—the largest opening for a group since streaming-based tracking began in 2014.

Out of that total, 532,000 were pure album sales, marking the highest figure for a group in more than ten years and surpassing One Direction’s 2013 release Midnight Memories. Vinyl sales alone contributed 208,000 copies.

The lead single SWIM also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’s seventh chart-topping hit.

This comeback followed years of absence as the members fulfilled South Korea’s military service requirements. Jin enlisted first in December 2022, with the remaining members joining throughout 2023. Suga, who completed alternative service due to a prior shoulder injury, was the last to finish, officially discharged on June 21, 2025. By mid-2025, all seven members had completed their duties.

The album title ARIRANG reflects a deeper meaning, drawing from Korea’s iconic folk song that symbolizes resilience, longing, and national identity. It represents not just a return to music, but a meaningful homecoming after their time away.

Group leader RM spoke about the uncertainty and pressure surrounding their comeback, explaining that the group is exploring new directions to rediscover what defines their identity. He acknowledged the uniqueness of their situation, noting that even their longtime producer Bang Si-hyuk had never navigated a moment like this.

Fans around the world responded emotionally to the reunion, which marked over a decade of the group’s journey. RM described their 12-year career as a blessing, emphasizing that growth required change despite having no precedent to follow.