BTS Member Reveals Swim ‘Hate’ – Fans React

Internal dissent within BTS surfaced publicly this week as member Jimin expressed significant reservations about “SWIM,” the title track from the group’s recently released album, Arirang. The revelation, disclosed in an upcoming Netflix documentary, comes amidst a complex reception to the album, which achieved 3.98 million first-day sales and 110 million Spotify streams despite sparking debate over its artistic direction and allegations of plagiarism.

According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, Jimin voiced concerns prior to the song’s release, questioning whether “SWIM” possessed the strength to serve as a lead single for BTS. His doubts appear to have been shared by other members, with J-Hope admitting he “hesitates when I play it for people I recognize,” and V stating the track represents a departure from audience expectations. The group reportedly received lukewarm feedback from those who previewed the song, with some friends acknowledging the shift in style but admitting they didn’t “fully get it.”

The decision to proceed with “SWIM” was influenced by the group’s experience with a previous single, which also faced initial resistance from half the members before achieving significant success. “Trends change, and People can’t maintain doing the same thing forever,” a member stated in the documentary, as reported by Koreaboo. “If we’re going to change, it has to be now.”

The release of Arirang and “SWIM” has been accompanied by controversy beyond internal reservations. The music video for “SWIM” featured a prominent cameo by actress Lili Reinhart, a decision that drew criticism from some fans who felt her inclusion overshadowed the BTS members, particularly after a four-year hiatus. Online reactions ranged from disappointment at the limited screen time given to the group to comparisons with past controversies surrounding the video’s trailer and accusations of historical erasure.

Simultaneously, BTS is facing accusations of plagiarism, with listeners drawing parallels between “SWIM” and Jason Derulo’s 2010 hit “Ridin’ Solo.” A TikTok video highlighting the similarities in melodic structure and rhythmic cadence went viral, prompting a wider discussion about originality and sampling. The allegations have sparked debate on social media, with some users calling for legal action against the group. As of today, HYBE, BTS’s management company, has not issued a public statement addressing the plagiarism claims.