[Dispatch=Park Hye-jin] BTS's new song has become embroiled in plagiarism allegations. The title track 'Swim' is said to have infringed on the plaintiff's copyright. HYBE dismissed the plagiarism suspicions, and legal proceedings are expected.

Composers Steve Cooper, John Sandler, and Graylin Johnson, three people, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against HYBE, Big Hit Music, Artist Publishing Group (APG), and Ryen Tether, among others, at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on the 8th.

According to the complaint, the three completed a demo song 'Swim' in March 2025. They sent this demo to several music industry contacts. APG was among them.

The plaintiff side claimed, "APG officials heard the demo and shared it with Derek Milano, their affiliated composer and co-composer of BTS's 'Swim.'"

The similarities asserted by the plaintiff are largely three. Distinctive harmony, melodic progression in key parts, and repeating eighth-note rhythms, among others. In particular, they said the lyrical theme of 'looking at someone swimming' also originated from their song.

The plaintiffs registered their 'Swim' with the U.S. Copyright Office. They sought an injunction prohibiting further use of BTS's 'Swim' as well as damages and profit-sharing.

BTS's position is firm. Big Hit Music told Dispatch, "It is only the plaintiff's one-sided claim," and said, "We have clearly confirmed from the creators that 'Swim' is an independently created work. We plan to respond firmly in future legal proceedings."

Meanwhile, BTS will continue the 'Arirang' tour in Munich, Germany on the 11th-12th and Paris, France on the 17th-18th. From the 24th to next month's 3rd, they will hold 'The City' in New York.

<Photo source=Big Hit Music>