BigHit Music has refuted claims that BTS’ recent track, Swim, from their new album Arirang, has infringed upon an unreleased song by three American songwriters. The agency’s response comes following a copyright lawsuit filed in the United States, in which it stated that the allegations lack merit and that it stands ready to defend the integrity of the song through appropriate legal measures.

The lawsuit was initiated by songwriters Steve Cooper, John Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson, who assert that BTS’ latest hit bears resemblance to their own unreleased demo, which also carries the title Swim. The complaint implicates multiple parties, including Hybe, Hybe America, and BigHit Music, as well as the credited writers for the song, notably Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic fame. It is worth noting that no BTS members are officially named in the lawsuit, although RM is acknowledged as one of the contributing writers.

Details of the Lawsuit

The plaintiffs claim to have circulated their demo to various industry contacts starting in March last year. They specifically allege that personnel from the independent label listened to their demo and subsequently shared it with individuals involved in the production of BTS’ Swim. In their filing, they have referenced musicologist Alexander Stewart, whom they asked to conduct a comparative analysis of the two songs.

According to the lawsuit, Stewart identified several similarities, including aspects related to “the hook referencing the title, unusual harmonies, textures, and rhythmic and lyrical elements.” His report, mentioned in court documents, concluded that independent creation by BTS is not plausible and indicated that the most logical explanation is that the song was copied. Stewart has previously served as an expert witness in copyright cases, including those involving Ed Sheeran and Led Zeppelin, both of which were ultimately resolved in favour of the defendants.

BigHit Music reflected on the lawsuit, suggesting that it merely showcases the plaintiffs’ perspective. In an official statement shared with Yonhap, the agency asserted, “This lawsuit represents nothing more than a one-sided argument put forward by the plaintiffs.” Further, they emphasised that Swim was conceived independently and initially, signalling their intention to mount a vigorous legal defence.

Implications for BTS and Upcoming Performances

Swim has emerged as the lead single from BTS’ fifth studio album, Arirang, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts at the start of the year and has achieved significant global success since its launch. The ongoing legal dispute arises as BTS is set to perform at the half-time show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, slated for July 19, 2026, in North America. The group will be joined by internationally renowned artists including Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira.

This situation has drawn considerable attention from both media and fans alike, highlighting the complexities surrounding copyright in the music industry. As BTS continues to grow in both popularity and influence, the resolution of this lawsuit may have broader implications for their artistic and commercial pursuits.

As the case unfolds, the focus will be on legal developments and how they might affect the group’s upcoming projects and performances. BigHit Music’s commitment to defending the originality of Swim suggests that they are prepared for a protracted legal battle, with potential ramifications for all parties involved in the lawsuit.

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