K-pop sensation BTS is facing a significant copyright infringement lawsuit over “Swim,” the lead track from their fifth album, “Arirang.” Three songwriters – Steve Cooper, John Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson – filed a lawsuit in the United States, alleging that “Swim” bears “substantial similarities” to their independently created song of the same name. Billboard first reported the lawsuit, which has sent ripples through the global music industry.
The plaintiffs have named Hybe, Hybe America, and BigHit Music as defendants in the copyright dispute. Additionally, the lawsuit targets the song’s credited writers, including former OneRepublic member Ryan Tedder. Notably, neither BTS nor its individual members have been listed as defendants, despite RM being credited as one of the songwriters on the track. Hybe serves as the parent company of BigHit Music, while Hybe America operates as the U.S. division of Hybe.
According to the plaintiffs, they circulated their demo track to various music industry contacts starting in March of last year, including executives at Artist Publishing Group, an independent music publishing and label company. They claim the label “listened to the (demo) and shared it with others,” asserting that some of the songwriters credited on BTS’s “Swim” were among those who heard their demo.
Further bolstering their case, the plaintiffs commissioned musicologist Alexander Stewart, who conducted an in-depth analysis of both songs. Stewart’s expert opinion highlights similarities encompassing “the hook referencing the title, unusual harmonies, textures, and rhythmic and lyrical elements.” He was quoted in his report stating, “In my expert opinion, independent creation of BTS can be ruled out and copying is the inescapable conclusion.” Stewart has previously been involved in high-profile music copyright cases, including those against Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” both of which were ultimately dismissed.
In response to these serious allegations, BigHit Music firmly rejected the claims on Friday, labeling them as “one-sided.” The company maintains that “Swim” was an independent creation and declared, “We will respond firmly through legal proceedings” to defend their position against the music plagiarism accusations.
