BTS has added another major milestone to its record-breaking career, topping two categories on Oricon’s midyear charts in Japan with their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG. The achievement highlights the group’s continued influence in one of the world’s largest music markets and marks a powerful return for the septet as a complete group.
BTS Tops Two Oricon Midyear Charts With Arirang
BTS claimed two No. 1 spots on Oricon’s midyear charts, according to the rankings released by the Japanese music chart on June 25. For the tracking period from December 8, 2025, to June 7, 2026, the group’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, topped both the Album Ranking and the Combined Album Ranking.
The achievement is especially meaningful because ARIRANG marks BTS’s first full-group album in three years and nine months. The album, which reflects what the members described as “BTS as they are now,” has been warmly received by fans and listeners, further proving the group’s lasting popularity across borders.
Through Oricon, BTS shared their gratitude, saying they were honored and happy that an album released after such a long time was receiving so much love. They also thanked everyone who continues to support BTS and their music, emphasizing their appreciation for fans who have stood by them throughout their journey.
BTS Becomes First Overseas Act to Top Combined Chart
With this latest result, BTS became the only overseas artist to top Oricon’s midyear Album Ranking twice. The group previously reached No. 1 on the same chart in 2020 with their Japanese studio album MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 ~THE JOURNEY~, making their return to the top with ARIRANG even more significant.
In the Combined Album Ranking, which measures both physical album sales and digital performance, BTS made history as the first overseas musician to take the No. 1 spot. ARIRANG recorded approximately 728,000 sales during the chart period, securing its place at the top with a strong performance across formats.
The album’s success also marks the first time in 22 years that an album by an overseas male artist has surpassed 700,000 sales on Oricon’s midyear Album Ranking. The last album to achieve that milestone was Queen’s compilation album Jewels in 2004. Beyond Japan, ARIRANG has also been recognized by major international outlets such as Rolling Stone, Consequence, Complex, and the UK’s NME, all of which included it on their lists of the best albums of the year so far.
BTS’s double win on Oricon’s midyear charts with ARIRANG reinforces the group’s exceptional global reach and enduring appeal. As the album continues to earn praise from fans and critics alike, BTS has once again shown why they remain one of the most influential acts in contemporary music.