The March 2026 CIRCLE CHART was dominated by major acts including BTS, Hearts2Hearts, and HUNTR/X.
KPIA (formerly KMCA), the publisher of CIRCLE CHART, announced, "In the monthly CIRCLE CHART for March 2026, BTS swept a total of six charts while Hearts2Hearts topped two charts and HUNTR/X led the Global K-pop Chart."
BTS crushed a total of six charts as their fifth studio album released on March 20th, ARIRANG, led both the Album Chart (4,175,303 total copies sold) and Retail Album Chart (984,070 retail copies sold) while its lead single "SWIM" topped the V Coloring, Bell, and Ring charts. The top spot of the Social Chart 3.0 was also claimed by BTS.
The album ARIRANG explores the group's identity as well as the varied yet universal emotions they have experienced in life. Counting albums of all formats (CD+Weverse+LP) in the Album Chart TOP 100, ARIRANG sold a combined total of 4,753,755 copies. Additionally, counting albums of all formats (CD+Weverse+LP) in the Retail Album Chart TOP 50, it sold a combined total of 1,309,189 copies.
Hearts2Hearts dominated two charts as "RUDE!" hit No. 1 on the Digital Chart (with a CIRCLE Score of 67,177,989) and Streaming Chart. Released in February 2026, "RUDE!" showcases the group's tomboyish, unruly charm as they break free from stuffy rules.
HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, and KPop Demon Hunters Cast continued their long-running nine-month streak at the top of the Global K-pop Chart with "Golden". "Golden" is part of the soundtrack to the Netflix film <KPop Demon Hunters> and has become a global sensation, with various artists having released cover versions shortly after its release.
ONEW took the top spot on the Download and BGM charts with "TOUGH LOVE". This is the lead single from the artist's fifth mini-album and conveys the message that "love lets you endure the pain and awaken your potential."
On the Social Chart 3.0, which provides an intuitive look at the global popularity of K-pop, the artist who moved up the most during March was 'Crayon Pop'.
In the week 14 (Mar. 29-Apr. 4, 2026) CIRCLE CHART of 2026 which was released the same day, BTS swept a total of four charts as "SWIM" topped the Global K-pop, BGM, and V Coloring charts while BTS also took the lead in the Social Chart 3.0. IRENE went to No. 1 on the Album Chart with Biggest Fan - The 1st Album while Wonpil (DAY6) topped the Retail Album Chart with Unpiltered.
Meanwhile, CIRCLE Certifications in the Album category will be announced today for the following releases: ▲3 Million : Stray Kids ATE ▲1 Million : BLACKPINK DEADLINE ▲3 Platinum : ATEEZ GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4, IVE REVIVE+ ▲2 Platinum : NewJeans `OMG` (Weverse) ▲1 Platinum : ATEEZ GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 (POCA), NCT JNJM BOTH SIDES - The 1st Mini Album, Park Ji Hyeon MASTER VOICE (MINIRECORD). Certifications in the Streaming category will be announced today for the following releases: ▲1 Platinum : AKMU "Love Lee", Hwang Karam "I'm Firefly".
