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BTS accused of plagiarism over song 'Swim,' denies claims
🇸🇪 Sweden /Culture & Society

BTS accused of plagiarism over song 'Swim,' denies claims

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • K-pop group BTS is accused of plagiarizing their song 'Swim' from a demo by three American songwriters.
  • The American songwriters claim BTS's song, released in March, copied significant parts of their demo recorded in spring 2025.
  • BTS's label, Big Hit Music, denies the allegations, stating 'Swim' is an independent original work.

South Korean music sensation BTS faces accusations of plagiarism concerning their song 'Swim,' a track from their sixth album 'Arirang' released on March 20. Three American songwriters, Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson, have filed a lawsuit against companies and songwriters associated with BTS's hit.

The plaintiffs allege that the creators of BTS's 'Swim' heard their demo of a song with the same title, recorded in the spring of 2025, and plagiarized crucial elements. To support their claim, they have commissioned a musicologist who reportedly found numerous similarities between the two tracks.

BTS's record label, Big Hit Music, has strongly refuted these allegations. In a statement, the company declared, "We firmly maintain that 'Swim' is an independent original work. We will stand by this during the legal proceedings."

Cooper, Sandler, and Johnson are seeking recognition as co-creators of the song, entitling them to royalty payments. Alternatively, they are demanding financial compensation and a court order to prevent the song's further distribution. BTS, a globally popular group with seven members, is currently embarking on a major world tour.

We firmly maintain that 'Swim' is an independent original work. We will stand by this during the legal proceedings.

— Big Hit MusicThe record label's official statement denying plagiarism allegations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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