BTS’ fifth studio album, ARIRANG, has surpassed five billion streams on Spotify, making it the most-streamed album released in 2026 so far, according to the group’s label, BIGHIT MUSIC. The milestone was confirmed on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following the album’s release on 20 March.
The album is reportedly around two billion streams ahead of its closest competitor, Olivia Rodrigo’s third album, You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love, released in June. Every track on ARIRANG has now passed 200 million streams, while lead single SWIM is approaching one billion.
BTS’ ARIRANG leads 2026 album streaming figures
BIGHIT MUSIC also reported that Bruno Mars’ The Romantic and Harry Styles’ Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, both released shortly before ARIRANG, have each accumulated between one and two billion streams.
Released on 20 March, ARIRANG opened with more than 110 million Spotify streams on its first day. It was BTS’ first album as a reunited seven-member group following the members’ mandatory military service.
BTS’ reported Grammy boycott over Asian Pop category
Despite the album’s streaming success, BTS are reportedly boycotting the 2027 Grammy Awards, refusing to submit music following objections to the Recording Academy’s new Asian Pop category.
The group has criticised the category’s requirement for “meaningful use” of an Asian language, arguing that the rule restricts artists instead of recognising their music on its merits. According to the supplied report, all seven members issued the same statement confirming they would not submit music, arguing that songs should be judged on their impact rather than geography or vocabulary.
The decision comes as SWIM, which reached No. 1 in the United States, has reportedly been tipped as a potential contender for Song of the Year. However, its English-only lyrics would make it ineligible for the new Asian Pop category. Much of ARIRANG is also performed in English.
Recording Academy chief responds to criticism
Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason Jr has acknowledged concerns about the new category, following weeks of discussions with artists who felt the award did not reflect the music they were creating.
Mason stressed that the Grammys must ensure:
no voice or community gets overlooked or misunderstood.
He maintained that the category was designed to broaden recognition rather than divide musicians, adding that the Academy was prepared to act quickly to ensure artists:
feel truly seen and heard.
The 2027 Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place on 7 February 2027.
