BTS Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over Hit Song SWIM

BTS is facing a copyright lawsuit over their hit song SWIM, with three American songwriters alleging that the track copied elements from their earlier demo. The lawsuit targets HYBE and other associated parties, excluding BTS members. The plaintiffs claim significant similarities exist between the two songs, raising questions about the song's originality. As the legal battle unfolds, BTS and their management have firmly denied the allegations, asserting that SWIM was created independently. This controversy comes on the heels of the song's recent success, including winning the Summer Song of the Year at the American Music Awards. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:34 IST

BTS' SWIM Under Legal Scrutiny

The global sensation BTS is currently embroiled in a copyright controversy regarding their hit single SWIM. Three American songwriters have initiated legal action in the U.S., claiming that the popular track has borrowed significant elements from an earlier demo they produced. This song, which serves as the title track for BTS's comeback album ARIRANG, recently earned the accolade of Summer Song of the Year at the American Music Awards, but this lawsuit is casting a shadow over its success. The music video for SWIM, featuring the members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, has amassed over 140 million views on YouTube.

Details of the Lawsuit Against SWIM

The lawsuit asserts that the BTS track SWIM, which is the lead single from their fifth studio album, closely resembles an unpublished demo of the same name created by songwriters Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson. The plaintiffs argue that the similarities are too pronounced to be mere coincidence, constituting copyright infringement. This information was first reported by Billboard. The song SWIM debuted at the top of the Hot 100 chart this spring and is said to have numerous "substantial similarities" to the plaintiffs' original work. According to the legal representatives of the songwriters, after multiple listens, they concluded that SWIM significantly copied their original creation, infringing upon their copyrights.

Defendants Exclude BTS Members

The lawsuit targets HYBE, HYBE America, BigHit Music, and several credited composers, including renowned songwriter Ryan Tedder, but notably does not name any BTS members as defendants. The members who contributed to the song, including RM, are not included in the lawsuit. A key issue in this case is whether the defendants had access to the plaintiffs' demo prior to creating the BTS song. The lawsuit claims that the demo was circulated among music industry professionals starting in March 2025, including executives at Artist Publishing Group (APG), suggesting that it may have reached songwriters involved in the BTS project.

Analysis of Similarities Between the Two Tracks

The complaint references a study conducted by musicologist Alexander Stewart, which identified notable similarities in melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics between the two songs. The plaintiffs argue that these similarities render independent creation "highly unlikely." They are seeking damages, a portion of the profits from SWIM, acknowledgment as co-writers, and an injunction to prevent further use of the song. In response, HYBE and BigHit Music have categorically denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit as a "one-sided claim" and asserting that SWIM was developed independently. BigHit has stated their intention to robustly defend the song in court, emphasizing that SWIM is an original creation.