BTS has dropped a teaser for their highly anticipated new track, “Swim,” igniting excitement not only for the song itself but also for the star-studded team behind its music video.
The 17-second teaser offers a tantalizing glimpse into the upcoming release. After dedicating nearly five seconds to the Big Hit Music logo, the remaining brief footage leaves fans eager for more, providing only a few clues about the song’s concept or overall sound.
Early reactions from music critics suggest that the music video might be strategically geared towards the Western pop market, potentially shifting away from traditional Korean elements typically associated with the album title, “Arirang.”
The clip opens with actress Lili Reinhart running through an empty museum, her eyes darting across the exhibits before she pauses in front of a striking ship installation. The scene then transitions to a serene, shimmering ocean, culminating in the word “Swim” gracefully appearing over gentle waves.
American actor Lili Reinhart is confirmed to star in the full music video. The project is helmed by Tanu Muino, a globally acclaimed director renowned for her work on Jungkook’s “Standing Next to You,” as well as collaborations with industry giants like Jennie, Post Malone, Doja Cat, and Dua Lipa.
“While the teaser is brief, the involvement of Tanu Muino and Lili Reinhart strongly indicates a deliberate move towards appealing to the Western pop audience,” notes music critic Lim Hee-yun. “The connection to the album title ‘Arirang’ doesn’t seem immediately apparent.”
“Swim” is described as an invigorating alternative pop track crafted by a team of ten songwriters, primarily based internationally. RM and Pdogg, a longtime BTS producer, are the only Korean names listed in the production credits.
RM spearheaded the lyric writing process, with the agency explaining that the song encapsulates the group’s current perspective following their military service and subsequent reunion. The track embodies a message of continuous progress, encouraging listeners to navigate the waves of life without hesitation.
Tanu Muino is celebrated for her ability to amplify artists’ visual presence, earning consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Music Video for Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” in 2022 and Harry Styles’ “As It Was” in 2023.
This strategic collaboration could signify BTS’s broader ambition to solidify their presence in the US market, potentially with an eye on future Grammy recognition.
BTS is slated to launch their new album, “Arirang,” on March 20th at 1 p.m. KST. The album is anticipated to delve into both the group’s distinct identity and the universal emotions that resonate with a global fanbase.
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