BTS hit 'SWIM' faces copyright infringement lawsuit
BigHit Music has denied accusations that BTS copied another song for SWIM after three American songwriters filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States.
In a statement to the Korea Herald on July 10, the agency said the complaint reflects only the plaintiffs’ claims and insisted that SWIM is an original work.
"SWIM is an independent creation. The allegations in the lawsuit are unilateral and unsubstantiated. We will respond firmly through the appropriate legal processes," BigHit Music said.
Billboard earlier reported that songwriters Steve Cooper, John Sandler, and Graylin Johnson sued HYBE, HYBE America, BigHit Music, and several composers credited on SWIM, including OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder.
BTS leader RM, albeit credited as one of the track’s writers, was not named as a defendant in the complaint, nor were the six other BTS members.
As per the Korean Herald, the complaint stated that the three songwriters started working on their version of SWIM in early 2025 and finished a demo in March of that year. They claim the recording was shared with several music industry contacts and eventually reached the writers behind BTS’ song.
The plaintiffs also hired musicologist Alexander Stewart to compare the two tracks, who allegedly found similarities in the songs’ title hook, harmony, rhythm, texture, and lyrics,
The songwriters are seeking damages and an injunction to stop further use of SWIM. They are also asking the court to credit them as co-authors and grant them a share of the song’s copyright earnings.
As of June 2026, BTS’ lead single SWIM from its fifth album Arirang remained on Billboard’s Hot 100 for a 12th straight week, landing at No. 43. The track also held the No. 2 spot on the Global Excl. US chart, alternating between first and second place throughout its 12-week run.
