[Sportschosun Baek Ji-eun] BTS has broken through Japan's so-called "wall of tears."
On the 25th, Oricon announced its "First-Half Ranking 2026" for the period from Dec. 8, 2025, to June 7, 2026. BTS took first place in both the Oricon Album Ranking and the Oricon Combined Album Ranking with its fifth full-length album, "Wings," earning a double crown.
BTS has already delivered victories on major overseas charts, so some may see this as just another No. 1 record. But this double win is especially notable among the group's achievements. In Japan, Asia's largest music market, it shattered a barrier that is difficult even for local artists to overcome.
"Wings" sold more than 728,000 copies in Japan. It is the first time in 22 years that an album by an overseas male artist has surpassed 700,000 copies, since Queen's 2004 compilation album "Jewels." With this result, BTS has secured its second career No. 1 on the Oricon Album Ranking, following its Japanese fourth studio album, "Map of the Soul: 7 ~The Journey~," released in 2020. BTS is the only overseas artist to reach the top of that chart twice.
Even more remarkable is the Oricon Combined Album Ranking. BTS is the first foreign musician to reach No. 1 on that chart. Until now, only Japan's top idol groups, King & Prince and Snow Man, had surpassed 800,000 points there. BTS, however, reached 922,000 points, becoming only the third artist in history to break the 800,000-point mark.
Oricon's Combined Album Ranking calculates scores by combining CD sales, digital downloads, and streaming plays. Surpassing 800,000 points means that not only the core fandom but also the Japanese public listened to BTS's music regularly.
Japan is also a market centered on domestic acts. Even so, BTS became only the third act to break the 800,000-point barrier, after King & Prince and Snow Man, proving that it has outpaced even top local idols. Achieving such a record despite the disadvantage of limited TV appearances and local promotion is an unprecedented feat in Oricon history.
BTS also ranked No. 3 on the Digital Album Ranking, underscoring its powerful presence.
BTS said, "'Wings' is an album released by all seven members together for the first time in three years and nine months. It is an album we have not released in a long time, and we are truly honored and happy that this record, which reflects who BTS is today, is receiving so much love. We are always grateful to everyone who loves and supports BTS and our music."
Baek Ji-eun, silk781220@sportschosun.com
