[Official] BTS faces unexpected plagiarism allegations over 'Swim'.. Big Hit: "One-sided claim, will respond firmly"

*This content was translated by AI.

BTS's hit song 'Swim' has become entangled in a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States.

A representative of BTS's agency, Big Hit Music, told StarNews on the 10th: "This lawsuit is merely a one-sided claim by the plaintiff," and stated, "We clearly assert that 'Swim' is an independently created work. We will respond firmly in future legal proceedings."

Previously, Billboard US and UK's Music Business Worldwide reported that three composers—Steve Cooper, John Sandler, and Greylin Johnson—filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against HYBE, Big Hit Music, and the 'Swim' composition team at a local court on the 8th (local time). However, member RM and producer Pdogg, who co-participated in the work, were not included in the list of defendants.

The three plaintiffs reportedly claim that 'Swim' appropriated core elements from their own unreleased demo song of the same title. They allege substantial similarities between the two songs in terms of hooks, unique harmonies, rhythms, textures, and certain lyrical elements.

Additionally, they sought a court order to prohibit further use of 'Swim', along with compensation for damages and return of profits. They also demanded recognition as co-composers and a share of copyright royalties.

Meanwhile, 'Swim' served as the title track from BTS's fifth album 'ARIRANG', released in March, and topped Billboard's main single chart, the Hot 100.

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*This content was translated by AI.