BTS sets another first as 'ARIRANG' sweeps Oricon’s 2026 midyear chart

BTS has once again made history in Japan, claiming a double win on Oricon’s 2026 midyear charts.

On June 25, Oricon unveiled its “2026 Midyear Rankings” on its official website, covering the period from December 8, 2025, to June 7, 2026.

BTS topped two major categories with their fifth full-length album, 'ARIRANG': the Album Ranking and the Combined Album Ranking.

This marks the group’s second time reaching No. 1 on Oricon’s Album Ranking. Their Japanese fourth full-length album, 'Map of the Soul: 7 ~ The Journey ~,' previously became their first chart-topper in the category.

According to Oricon, 'ARIRANG' sold approximately 728,000 copies during the tracking period, making BTS the only overseas act to achieve a second No. 1 on the Album Ranking.

The group also made history on the Combined Album Ranking, becoming the first overseas artist among all K-pop musicians to top the chart. ARIRANG accumulated 922,000 points in total.

Notably, only three albums in the chart’s history have surpassed the 800,000-point mark, including 'ARIRANG.' The other two were releases by artists, King & Prince and Snow Man.

BTS shared their gratitude in a statement, saying, “ARIRANG is our first full-group album in three years and nine months. We’re happy that an album reflecting who we are today has received so much love.”

The group also thanked ARMY, adding, “We sincerely thank everyone who has loved and supported BTS and our music.”

Meanwhile, 'ARIRANG' has also been named to several international media outlets’ lists of the best albums of the first half of 2026, including Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Complex.