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Filipinos Lead Southeast Asia in BTS Comeback Social Media Buzz

Between an album release, a docufilm, and a world tour with two Manila shows, Filipino ARMYs clearly can’t hide their enthusiasm for the boy group

By Pie Gonzaga March 30, 2026

bts arirang — BTS’ comeback has sparked a lot of buzz around the South Korean boy group since the release of *Arirang* on March 20. Photo from BIG HIT MUSIC/Instagram

Filipino ARMYs won’t stop talking about BTS after the beloved group’s comeback, and it shows in the numbers. According to exclusive data from consumer intelligence company Meltwater, the Philippines has talked about BTS and their latest album Arirang the most out of all countries in Southeast Asia.

As of writing, mentions of BTS across different media platforms in the Philippines have reached 77,800 since March 20, the album’s release day, ranking fifth among other Asia Pacific countries currently buzzing about the K-pop boy group.

But these numbers are dwarfed by mentions of BTS in Japan, which have reached 266,000. South Korea follows at less than half, with 126,000 mentions. India and China follow with 97,300 and 77,900, respectively.

meltwater data on BTS mentions in APAC — As of March 30, 4:50 p.m., Meltwater’s data shows that Japan drives the most mentions of BTS on social media, followed by South Korea, India, China, and the Philippines. Photo from Meltwater

In Southeast Asia, Thailand follows the Philippines at 75,700 thousand mentions of BTS, while Indonesia is at 75,400 thousand.

Meltwater also said that across Asia Pacific, social media mentions jumped 257.3 percent between March 17 and March 23, indicating excitement and maintained hype before and after BTS released ARIRANG.

Aside from the recent release of the album and the Netflix docufilm BTS: THE RETURN, the “SWIM” hitmakers are also set to embark on their Arirang World Tour, starting April 9 in Goyang, South Korea. The tour concludes with a two-show stop in Manila on March 13 and March 14, 2027.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many social media mentions did BTS get in the Philippines for their comeback?

According to consumer intelligence firm Meltwater, the Philippines generated 77,800 media mentions for BTS and their album Arirang following its March 20 release, ranking highest in Southeast Asia and fifth overall across the Asia-Pacific region.

Which Southeast Asian country has the most online buzz for BTS?

The Philippines leads all Southeast Asian nations in online buzz for BTS’s Arirang comeback with 77,800 mentions, narrowly surpassing Thailand (75,700 mentions) and Indonesia (75,400 mentions).

What is the title of BTS’s comeback album and Netflix documentary?

BTS released their comeback studio album titled Arirang on March 20. The release was accompanied by a Netflix documentary film titled BTS: THE RETURN, following the group’s journey leading into their global comeback.

When is BTS coming to Manila for their Arirang World Tour?

BTS is scheduled to bring their Arirang World Tour to Manila for a two-night concert run on March 13 and March 14, 2027. The Manila shows will serve as the grand finale of their world tour.

Where does the BTS Arirang World Tour kick off?

The Arirang World Tour officially launches on April 9 in Goyang, South Korea, before traveling to major international stadium venues across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Pie Gonzaga

Culture Writer

Pie Gonzaga is the Culture Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines, primarily covering film, TV, food, and internet culture.

Gonzaga has worked on a range of stories for print and digital formats, from an interview with Cardinal Ambo David to features on queer party organizers such as CHURCH and Club Euphoria. Her work as the magazine’s former State of Affairs Writer includes news updates on pressing issues like the flood control scandal and the missing sabungeros, and covering rallies. Under Culture, she’s written episode recaps for hit shows, film reviews, and features on restaurants and the people who run them.

Before working with Rolling Stone Philippines, she contributed lifestyle and entertainment stories for a digital news platform.

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