BTS’ latest hit, SWIM, has become the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States after three American songwriters alleged that the track shares substantial similarities with an unreleased demo they had previously created.
The lawsuit names HYBE, HYBE America, BigHit Music, and several credited songwriters as defendants. Notably, none of the BTS members have been named in the case, although RM is credited as one of the songwriters on SWIM.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs claim the musical composition of SWIM closely resembles elements of their unreleased work. They are seeking legal remedies under U.S. copyright law, with the court expected to determine whether the similarities amount to infringement.
In response, BigHit Music firmly rejected the allegations, describing them as “one-sided” and asserting that SWIM is an original song developed independently. The agency said it would vigorously defend its position throughout the legal proceedings.
As the lawsuit moves forward in the U.S. court system, the case is expected to examine evidence from both sides, including expert analysis of the compositions and the creative process behind the song. No court has made any finding of copyright infringement at this stage, and the allegations remain unproven.