Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Claims BTS’s “Swim” Copies Unreleased Demo
7/10/2026, 6:02:41 PM
Core Event
On July 8, 2024 three Los Angeles songwriters—Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler and Greylyn Johnson—filed a copyright infringement suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. They allege that “Swim,” the lead single from BTS’s album *Arirang* (released March 2026), reproduces a composition of the same name they recorded as a demo in March 2025. The complaint names HYBE, HYBE America, Big Hit Music, the publishing company Artist Publishing Group (APG), and several credited songwriters, including Ryan Tedder and Derrick Milano, as defendants. The plaintiffs seek an injunction, damages, and co-writer credit for “nearly all” of the BTS track’s profits.
Background & Prior Lawsuits
The suit follows two recent U.S. copyright actions against HYBE. In May 2024, four Los Angeles songwriters sued HYBE, ADOR and NewJeans over the single “How Sweet.” On July 7, 2024, New Surface Publishing sued the same companies over NewJeans’ 2023 track “ETA.” Both cases allege that the plaintiffs’ demos were shared with HYBE-affiliated writers without permission.
Official Statements & Responses
The complaint notes that the plaintiffs contacted HYBE, APG and the named songwriters before filing but received no response or could not reach a resolution. Representatives for HYBE, APG and Tedder have not returned requests for comment. The defendants are expected to file formal arguments in the coming months.
Criticism & Opposition
Musicologist Alexander Stewart, retained by the plaintiffs, has a history of testifying in high-profile copyright disputes that were ultimately rejected by juries, such as the Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” case and the Led Zeppelin “Stairway to Heaven” case. His involvement is cited by the plaintiffs but may be viewed skeptically given those outcomes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My research, investigation and analysis have determined that the versions of these songs titled ‘Swim’ contain significant similarities and that these elements in BTS were unequivocally taken from SJG,” — Alexander Stewart, musicologist
- “These similarities encompass the signature phrase (or ‘hook’) referencing the title, unusual harmonies, textures, and rhythmic and lyrical elements.” — Alexander Stewart
- “In my expert opinion, independent creation of BTS can be ruled out and copying is the inescapable conclusion.” — Alexander Stewart
- “Upon listening several times [to “Swim”], plaintiffs came to what they considered to be the obvious and inescapable conclusion that [it] copied in very large part the original work and clearly infringed their copyrights,” lawyers for the trio of songwriters write in the complaint.” — Plaintiffs’ attorneys (complaint)
- “Defendants either did not respond or were unable to reach a resolution with Plaintiffs, necessitating the filing of this action.” — Plaintiffs’ attorneys (complaint)
