The "Kings of K-pop" are back, and this time they have the UK summit in their sights. Following the global frenzy of their Gwanghwamun Square comeback performance, BTS is currently locked in a dead heat for their first-ever British Number 1 single with the lead track "SWIM."
A Historic Chart Run
According to the Official Chart: First Look, which tracks preliminary sales and early streaming data, "SWIM" is currently sitting at Number 2. If the momentum holds through Friday’s final tally, it will become the group’s highest-charting UK single to date, surpassing the Number 3 peaks of 2020’s "Dynamite" and 2021’s "Butter."
The track is the flagship release from their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, their first collective material since 2022. The "Army" has clearly been waiting; the album’s impact is being felt across the board, with two further tracks, "Body to Body" (24) and "Hooligan" (34), also trending toward Top 40 debuts.
The Battle for the Summit
Standing in the way of BTS and the history books is the formidable duo of Sam Fender and Olivia Dean. Their collaboration, "Rein Me In," currently occupies the pole position, looking to secure a fifth non-consecutive week at the top. With Harry Styles also making significant waves further down the chart, the race for the Number 1 trophy is the tightest the UK has seen in months.
Around the Top 40
The mid-week update reveals a vibrant landscape beyond the K-pop takeover:
RAYE and Hans Zimmer are eyeing a Top 20 entry with the cinematic "Click Clack Symphony" (18).
Chris Stussy is on course for a first-ever Top 40 appearance with "Wide Awake" (31).
Bebe Rexha and Faithless are making a renewed push for the Top 40 with "New Religion" (38).
British girl group FLO is hovering at the edge of the charts with "Leak It" (40).
As the streaming numbers continue to pour in from over the weekend, all eyes remain on RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jin, Jung Kook, V, and Jimin. Can they finally claim the elusive UK crown?
