According to global audio streaming platform Spotify on March 23, the title track “SWIM” from BTS’s fifth studio album “ARIRANG” maintained the No. 1 position on the “Daily Top Songs Global” chart for three consecutive days (March 20–22). In addition, the B-side track “Body to Body” also held steady at No. 2 throughout the same period. All remaining tracks from the album occupied high positions on the chart, with even “No. 29” ranking at No. 22.
The album is also creating a sensation in the נαραиese music market. According to an announcement by Oricon on March 24, “ARIRANG” debuted at No. 1 on the “Weekly Album Ranking.” This marks the group’s 11th time topping the chart in their career. With 547,000 copies sold during the tracking period, BTS set a new record for the highest sales by a foreign artist in 2026.
Notably, these remarkable achievements were accomplished just three days after release and nearly four years after BTS’s hiatus from group activities—further proving their overwhelming popularity and enduring status in the global music market.
At the same time, these accomplishments have sparked curiosity among fans about how BTS managed to create such a landmark album for their comeback. Part of the answer lies in “BTS: THE RETURN,” an upcoming documentary set to premiere on Netflix on March 27. Beyond documenting the making of the album “ARIRANG,” the film also captures the authentic reality of BTS reuniting after a long hiatus.
On March 23, Forbes published comments from director Bao Nguyen ahead of the release, revealing that filming began last summer after SUGA completed his military service in late June. However, during the first month of songwriting in Los Angeles, only six members were present, as Jin was still on his #RUNSEOKJIN_EP_TOUR. At the time, the director chose not to begin filming with just six members, deciding instead to start only when the full lineup had reunited.
“The real return doesn't happen until they're all together,” Nguyen says, understanding how BTS and ARMY work. “It's OT7. Jin's arrival was always the beginning of the film for me, because this is when they are all together, and this is when they are BTS.”
The director’s remarks quickly sparked widespread support from fans on social media, praising him for making the right decision. One fan wrote: “This is how it should be! I'm so glad at least this director waited for Seokjin. BTS is always 7.” Other fans also chimed in with similar responses:
- He’s a true professional, I wish many Armys who claim to be loyal ot7 would learn from this
- Da** right!! BTS is 7. Thank you. Waiting for this so muchhh
- It means so much that the director chose to tell their story with all seven members all the moments. I’m beyond excited to see this film
- This made me tear up. Director-nim knows bts is nothing without JIN
- Its the most basic thing if you consider yourwwkf family..even outsiders felt that its proper to wait for Jin...BTS is not BTS with a member мιѕѕιиg
- Thank you, Director Bao Nguyen! Thank you for understanding that the group isn't complete without him.
- now THIS is a director that truly understands what BTS is about! 7-1=0.
- You can really tell the director understands BTS at their core. Waiting until all seven were together says everything about the respect he has for them. I’m already emotional just thinking about this documentary.
- ‘OT7’ truly means so much to BTS and ARMY. Thank you Bao. This isn’t just a documentary, it feels like a romantic K-drama. I honestly can’t wait to watch it
In another interview, the director also demonstrated a deep understanding of the relationship between BTS members and how he authentically captured it in the film. "Knowing that they are like a family to each other, having them document that was soмєтнing I knew would be very hard to capture from an outside film crew," he said. "We have these moments of intimacy between them that are shot by them, which I think are really beautiful and unique."
The documentary “BTS: THE RETURN,” set to premiere this Friday, is described as a raw portrayal of the members’ genuine emotions, pressures, and even vulnerabilities throughout the creative process. At the same time, it highlights their deep bond as a chosen family—the connection that has carried them through the past decade to where they are today.
This human-centered storytelling style—restrained in dramatic peaks and focused on everyday moments—is a defining strength of Vietnamese-born director Bao Nguyen. He previously made a significant international impact in the documentary field with The Greatest Night in Pop (2024), a film about the iconic song “We Are the World,” which went viral on Netflix and earned three Emmy nominations.
With his expertise, professional achievements, and clear understanding of BTS, fans are confident that “BTS: THE RETURN” will undoubtedly be another masterpiece.
