BTS has officially returned. On March 20, the South Korean icons released their fifth studio album, Arirang, alongside a cinematic music video for the title track, “Swim.” In a move that surprised both Hollywood and the music industry, the video features American actress Lili Reinhart as its central figure.
Filmed near Lisbon, Portugal, the video finds Reinhart on a vast ship at sea. While the seven members of BTS—RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—act as the vessel’s crew and silent guardians, Reinhart portrays a woman navigating a journey of internal struggle and eventual liberation.
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Director Tanu Muino, who previously worked with Jungkook on his solo project, opted for a grounded, film-like aesthetic. The production used actual ships and large-scale sets rather than relying solely on digital effects. Despite facing constant rain during the shoot, the group noted that the weather added to the video’s mood. “There wasn’t a single day with good weather,” the band shared through BigHit Music. “But the scenes turned out beautifully.”
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Symbolism and Fan Theories
In the video, Reinhart’s character observes a ship model in a museum before being transported onto the real vessel. Fans have been quick to dissect the imagery, with many speculating that her character represents the “ARMY” (the BTS fanbase).
The protagonist’s sense of longing and her ultimate decision to “keep swimming” is seen by many as a nod to the fans who waited through the group’s recent hiatus for mandatory military service. A pivotal moment in the video shows Reinhart breaking a symbolic necklace, representing the release of past burdens, before finally smiling as she looks toward the horizon.
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Arirang is named after a traditional Korean folk song that represents endurance and shared emotion. The album is the group’s first seven-member project in several years and kicks off a massive global tour spanning 2026 and 2027.
Netflix is also partnering with the group for two major releases. On March 21, the platform will livestream a special performance, BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang, from Seoul’s historic Gwanghwamun Square. This will be followed on March 27 by BTS: The Return, a documentary that chronicles the making of the new album.
As the group prepares for 82 tour stops across the globe, “Swim” serves as a reintroduction to a more mature version of the band. By partnering with Reinhart—an advocate for mental health and diverse storytelling through her company, Small Victory Production—BTS has created a cross-cultural moment that feels both intentional and sincere.
