BTS faces US plagiarism lawsuit over ‘SWIM’ song

BigHit Music claims that “SWIM” is an original work.

South Korean boy band BTS is facing a plagiarism lawsuit in the United States over its song “SWIM,” but the group’s agency has rejected the allegations and said it will defend the case in court.

BigHit Music said the lawsuit is based only on the plaintiffs’ claims and maintained that “SWIM” is an original work.

“The song is an independent and original creation. We will respond firmly through legal procedures,” the agency said.

The lawsuit was filed in the US by songwriters Steve Cooper, John Sandler and Graylin Johnson, according to reports. The writers claim that BTS’ “SWIM” is similar to a demo song with the same title that they previously created.

The complaint reportedly names several parties, including HYBE America, BigHit Music and songwriters credited on the track.

Among the credited writers is Ryan Tedder, the frontman of American pop-rock band One-Republic, BTS member RM is also listed as one of the song writers.However, the lawsuit does not name any BTS members as defendants.

The case will now move through the US legal system, where a court will decide whether the alleged similarities between the two songs amount to copyright infringement.