BTS became the only K-pop group featured on Apple Music’s Best Songs of 2026 playlist, with their single Swim selected among 100 tracks that defined the year.
The playlist features songs chosen by Apple Music’s editorial team rather than being based solely on streaming figures. According to the group’s agency, BigHit Music, BTS is the first South Korean group to receive the recognition.
Swim, the lead single from the band’s fifth studio album Arirang, also appeared in Apple’s A-List Pop, Viral Hits and Kpopwrld year-end selections.
Apple Music praised the seven-member group’s return following their military service hiatus, describing Arirang as one of K-pop’s most anticipated comebacks and crediting BTS with helping shape the genre’s direction in 2026.
Billboard rankings
The recognition follows a strong run on the Billboard charts. Arirang debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in April and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks.
More than seven months later, the album remains on the chart, reaching No. 62 in the November 14 edition and extending its run to 33 consecutive weeks.
Meanwhile, Swim climbed five places to No. 28 on the Billboard Global 200 and reached No. 14 on the Global Excl. US chart. Another album track, Normal, reached No. 114 on the Global Excl. US chart.
The news comes as BTS prepare for the next leg of their record-breaking Arirang world tour, which has already generated more than $500mn in ticket sales.
After completing their South American concerts, the group will return to Asia on November 19 with a performance in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Further shows are scheduled in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta.
