▲ K-pop boy group BTS is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

BTS-British chart

BTS ranks No. 4 on British Official Albums Chart with 'Arirang'

SEOUL, April 4 (Yonhap) -- K-pop powerhouse BTS ranked No. 4 on the British Official Albums Chart with its latest album, "Arirang," a week after debuting at the top spot.

According to the latest chart released Friday (local time), the group's fifth studio album moved down three places, trailing "This Music May Contain Hope." by Raye, Olivia Dean's "The Art of Loving," and Ye's "Bully."

"Arirang" debuted at No. 1 last week, becoming the third album from BTS to top the list after "Map of the Soul: Persona" in 2019 and "Map of the Soul: 7" in 2020.

On the Official Singles Chart, "Swim," the lead track from "Arirang," slipped to No. 5, a week after its No. 2 debut -- the group's highest ranking ever on the chart.

Produced under the direction of Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, "Arirang" explores the identity of BTS as a group that began in Korea and the universal emotions its members have encountered throughout their lives. "Swim" is an upbeat alternative pop song about navigating life's challenges, with lyrics co-written by the group's frontman, RM.

The group returned with the album on March 20 after a nearly four-year break from group projects caused by its members' military service. It held a free concert at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square to mark the return in front of tens of thousands of fans the following day.

"Arirang" and "Swim" also debuted atop the U.S. Billboard 200 albums and Billboard Hot 100 singles charts, respectively, this week.

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