Big Hit Music isn’t backing down. The HYBE subsidiary that manages BTS has firmly rejected claims that the group’s chart-topping single “SWIM” copied an unreleased demo by three US songwriters.
In a statement shared Friday (July 10), the label called the allegations “unilateral and unsubstantiated,” insisted the track is an “independent creation,” and vowed to respond “firmly through the appropriate legal process.” This comes just days after the copyright complaint was filed on July 8 in the US District Court for the Central District of California.
The Allegations at a Glance
Three Los Angeles-based songwriters — Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson — claim that BTS’s “SWIM,” the lead single from the March 2026 album Arirang, lifts substantial elements (hook, harmonies, rhythms, and lyrics) from their own demo of the same title written in early 2025.
The lawsuit names HYBE, HYBE America, Big Hit Music, and several credited songwriters on the BTS track — including hitmaker Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic), Derrick Milano, and James Essien — as defendants. Notably, BTS members themselves are not named in the suit.
The plaintiffs say their demo reached people connected to the “SWIM” production team and enlisted musicologist Alexander Stewart to argue the similarities are “obvious and inescapable.”
Big Hit Music’s Response: “Independent Creation”
Big Hit Music wasted no time pushing back. Their clear message: this is not plagiarism, and they plan to fight it in court. The label’s swift denial echoes how major K-pop companies typically handle these matters — standing firm while the legal system runs its course.
“SWIM” has been a massive global success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the standout tracks from Arirang. That level of success often attracts legal attention in the music industry, where similar titles and sonic overlaps can spark disputes even when creators insist on originality.
Why This Matters in the Bigger Picture
Copyright battles are nothing new in pop music. High-profile cases involving everyone from Ed Sheeran to Marvin Gaye’s estate have shown how tricky proving (or defending against) substantial similarity can be — especially when expert witnesses get involved.
BTS and HYBE have built an empire on innovation, global appeal, and top-tier songwriting collaborations. Ryan Tedder’s involvement brings major Western pop credibility to the track, which is exactly the kind of cross-cultural magic that’s fueled BTS’s dominance.
At this early stage, it’s a classic “he said, she said” situation with plenty of legal maneuvering ahead. Fans have already rallied online, pointing out that musicologist Stewart has been on the losing side of some notable cases before.
What Happens Next?
The case will play out in the US federal court system. Big Hit Music’s firm stance suggests they’re confident in their position and ready for discovery, expert analysis, and whatever else the process demands. In the meantime, “SWIM” continues to stream, chart, and connect with fans worldwide.
This story is developing. For now, Big Hit has drawn a clear line: “SWIM” is original, and they’re prepared to prove it. Stay tuned as the legal wave unfolds — we’ll keep you updated on how this one plays out for BTS and the wider K-pop industry.
