Overview
- Three U.S. songwriters filed a federal copyright complaint, which they lodged Wednesday, July 8, asking for an injunction, damages or recognition as co‑writers of 'Swim'.
- The plaintiffs say they completed a demo in March 2025 and circulated it to music‑industry contacts, including Artist Publishing Group, which they allege passed the recording to others.
- The lawsuit names HYBE, Hybe America, BigHit Music and several credited writers on BTS’s track, while most BTS members were not listed as defendants.
- A musicologist retained by the plaintiffs reported overlapping elements in the hook, harmonies, texture, rhythm and lyrics, but that expert has a record of involvement in past high‑profile cases that were dismissed.
- BigHit Music has called the claims one‑sided and vowed to defend 'Swim' in U.S. court, with the dispute expected to proceed through pretrial motions and discovery before any decision on use, credit or royalties.