Big Hit Music denies copyright claims against BTS’ song Swim

Big Hit Music rejects the allegations

Big Hit Music has denied allegations that BTS‘ song “Swim” infringes on the copyright of a demo created by three American songwriters. On Friday, July 10, 2026, the company released an official statement describing the allegations as unsupported and insisting that the song was created independently. “’Swim’ is an independent creation,” the agency affirmed. “The allegations in the lawsuit are unilateral and unsubstantiated. We will respond firmly through the appropriate legal process.” The statement came after songwriters Steve Cooper, Jon Sandler, and Greylyn Johnson filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, claiming their recording was shared without credit.

The lawsuit claims the songs share similarities

According to the complaint, the three writers began working on their own version of “Swim” in early 2025 and completed a demo in March of that year. They claim the recording was shared with several music industry contacts and may eventually have reached the writers of BTS’ song. The lawsuit also cites an analysis by musicologist Alexander Stewart, who reportedly found similarities between the two tracks in areas including the title hook, harmony, rhythm, texture, and lyrics. The complaint names HYBE, HYBE America, Big Hit Music, and several co-writers of the song as defendants. However, the BTS members are not included in the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs seek damages and songwriting credit

The three songwriters are asking the court to stop the commercial use of “Swim” and to award damages if they win the case. As an alternative, they are requesting recognition as co-writers of the track along with a share of future copyright royalties. “Swim” served as the lead single from BTS’ latest album, ARIRANG. The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marked the start of the boy group’s stellar return to the music scene.