Big Hit denies copyright accusations against BTS’ “SWIM”

Mikaela Ariar, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 15, 2026

Photo Courtesy: HYBE LABELS

SOUTH KOREA – BTS’ comeback single SWIM for their fifth studio album Arirang is currently facing a copyright infringement lawsuit.

According to reports, on July 8, three songwriters from the United States alleged that the track had similarities to their unreleased demo. The plaintiffs are Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson.

However, BTS members Kim Namjoon, Kim Seok Jin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook are not mentioned in the lawsuit. Instead, Big Hit Music, HYBE, its subsidiary HYBE America, and some of the song’s co-writers are named.

Big Hit has denied the accusations and said that the track was independently created. The company also stated that it will firmly pursue the necessary legal process.

SWIM earned the award for Song of the Summer at the 2026 American Music Awards and spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.