BTS’ global hit ‘Swim’ is now at the center of a high-stakes copyright dispute that could have far-reaching implications for how pop music is created and credited.
Three veteran US songwriters—Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson—filed a lawsuit on July 8 in a California federal court, alleging that the chart-topping single borrows heavily from an unreleased demo they created under the same title.
According to the complaint, first reported by Billboard, the plaintiffs claim the Kpop group’s version was “copied in very large part” from their earlier work, which they say had been circulating among industry executives since March 2025.
The lawsuit names HYBE, HYBE America, Big Hit Music, Artist Publishing Group, and several credited writers—including Ryan Tedder—as defendants. BTS and its members are not named in the suit.
Released as the lead single from BTS’ 2026 album Arirang, ‘Swim’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became one of the year’s biggest songs.
Read more: BTS Stalker Faces Deportation From South Korea After Ringing Jungkook’s Doorbell 133 Times
The plaintiffs allege that key elements of the track—including its hook, melodic structure, harmonies, rhythmic patterns, textures, and portions of its lyrics—closely resemble their demo.
They argue the similarities are too extensive to be coincidental and hinge their case on the claim that the defendants had prior access to the original recording.
A central issue in the case is whether the creators of BTS’ ‘Swim’ could have encountered the demo before writing their own version.
The complaint states that Cooper, Sandler, and Johnson shared their track with industry contacts, including executives at Artist Publishing Group. Listening records from the platform Disco were reportedly included to show the demo had been accessed.
The lawsuit further alleges that the demo was circulated more broadly within professional networks, potentially reaching individuals later involved in BTS’ release.
To support their claims, the plaintiffs enlisted musicologist Alexander Stewart, who compared both recordings.
According to the complaint, Stewart found multiple overlapping elements, including “the signature phrase (or ‘hook’) referencing the title, unusual harmonies, textures, and rhythmic and lyrical elements”.
View this post on Instagram
He concluded: “unequivocally taken” and stated, “In my expert opinion, independent creation of BTS can be ruled out and copying is the inescapable conclusion.”
Stewart has previously testified in high-profile copyright cases involving Ed Sheeran and Led Zeppelin—both of which ultimately resulted in verdicts against infringement claims, underscoring the complexity of such disputes.
Big Hit Music has denied the allegations and confirmed it will contest the lawsuit.
“The lawsuit contains only the plaintiffs’ unilateral claims,” the agency said in a statement. “We clearly maintain that ‘Swim’ is an independent, original work. We will respond firmly through the legal process.”
The plaintiffs claim they attempted to resolve the matter privately before filing suit, stating defendants “either did not respond or were unable to reach a resolution with Plaintiffs, necessitating the filing of this action”.
They are seeking damages, a share of the song’s profits, or recognition as co-writers with corresponding copyright and royalty rights.
Read more: BTS Leader RM Appointed Global Ambassador for National Museum of Korea
The legal battle unfolds as BTS ride a major comeback wave. After returning in March 2026 with Arirang—their first group project since completing military service—the group is currently on a global tour, their first in nearly four years.
The case could become one of the most closely watched copyright disputes in recent years, raising broader questions about creative overlap, industry access, and where the line between inspiration and infringement is drawn in modern pop production.
