BTS’ “SWIM” Named Apple Music’s Best Song of 2026, the Only K-Pop Track Selected

Unmatched ability to dominate the global music market… kicking off a five-city tour in Taiwan

The group BTS has once again demonstrated its overwhelming reach in the global music market, topping a year-end chart from a global music platform with the title track from its fifth studio album.

BIGHIT MUSIC said BTS’ title track, “SWIM,” from its fifth studio album ARIRANG was the only K-pop group track officially selected for Best Songs of 2026, a year-end playlist announced by global streaming platform Apple Music.

The achievement is especially significant because the song topped several major global playlists that shape popular music trends worldwide. “SWIM” appeared not only on the flagship Best Songs list, but also on A-List Pop, which reflects the latest trends in pop music; Viral Hits, a collection of songs making waves on social media and online around the world; and KPOPWRLD, a key platform for global K-pop fans.

Commenting on the selection, Apple Music praised the group, saying, “BTS’ comeback with their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, is a landmark moment global music fans have long awaited. The expectations of the public and critics, built up over years, have come to fruition, and the group has redefined the landscape and direction of K-pop in 2026.”

After shaking up global music charts, BTS will carry the worldwide excitement into a large-scale world tour. Starting on the 19th in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, BTS is set to perform its ARIRANG world tour 15 times across five key Southeast Asian cities: Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore; and Jakarta, Indonesia.