I. Introduction
"Black Swan" is the fourth digital single by BTS. It was released on January 17, 2020.
The single is a pre-release track from Map of the Soul : 7.
II. Background & Release
Following the release of their sixth extended play Map of the Soul: Persona (2019), BTS took an extended period of rest and relaxation in the midst of their Love Yourself World Tour to recharge and prepare to present themselves anew as musicians and creators and enjoy the lives of young people in their 20s."
On January 7, 2020, the band announced a return to music with the release of their fourth Korean-language studio album Map of the Soul: 7, on February 21 of that year. A "comeback map" for the album was released on January 8, 2020, revealing a schedule split into four phases. The map featured multiple dates, including the release dates for the album's two singles. Details on the first single, including its title and artwork, were revealed in conjunction with the release of the song.
"Black Swan", the first single from Map of the Soul: 7, was made available for digital download and streaming in various countries on January 17, 2020, by Big Hit Entertainment. The song was released one week after BTS teased the track "Interlude: Shadow" from the album, performed by band member Suga.
The release was in line with the band's global public art project, Connect, BTS, bringing together 22 contemporary artists across the world for curating works that resonate BTS' philosophy.[12]
III. Song Details
IV. Spotify Playlist
V. Videos
Art Film
Official MV
Live Performance
Dance Practice
VI. Reception
"Black Swan" was met with acclaim from music critics.
Initially, "Black Swan" debuted at number 7 on the Gaon Digital Chart for the issue date of January 25, 2020, ultimately reaching number 10 following the release of Map of the Soul: 7. The song debuted and peaked at number two on the Gaon Download Chart, remaining in the top five for two consecutive weeks. "Black Swan" was the 11th best-performing song of the February 2020 issue of the Gaon Monthly Digital Chart, based on streaming, digital sales and downloads.
The song debuted at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 becoming BTS' eighth entry on the chart, and ranked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, it debuted atop the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart for the issue date of February 1, 2020, becoming the band's 18th chart-topper, and the song entered the US Digital Song Sales chart at number 2. The song charted at number 63 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart and number 9 on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart, an extension to the New Zealand Top 40 chart.
