Story perspectives

Songwriters Sue HYBE, Claim BTS Copied Their ‘SWIM’ Demo

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

On July 8, 2026, Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler and Greylyn Johnson, songwriters, filed a lawsuit in California against HYBE, HYBE America, Big Hit Music, songwriter Derrick Milano.
The plaintiffs allege the plaintiffs’ March 2025 demo “SWIM” was shared with Artist Publishing Group and copied in BTS’s track, with musicologist Alexander Stewart’s April 2026 analysis finding song mirrors demo’s hook, harmonies, textures and lyrics.
The suit seeks an injunction, damages, profit sharing and co-writer credit for revenue.

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Story summary

On July 8, 2026, Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler and Greylyn Johnson, songwriters, filed a lawsuit in California against HYBE, HYBE America, Big Hit Music, songwriter Derrick Milano.
The plaintiffs allege the plaintiffs’ March 2025 demo “SWIM” was shared with Artist Publishing Group and copied in BTS’s track, with musicologist Alexander Stewart’s April 2026 analysis finding song mirrors demo’s hook, harmonies, textures and lyrics.
The suit seeks an injunction, damages, profit sharing and co-writer credit for revenue.