BTS, the globally acclaimed K-pop septet, has consistently defined their career by a relentless forward momentum, a theme powerfully encapsulated in their early hit "No More Dream" and echoed in recent performances like "Run BTS." Their discography and public image have long been synonymous with an unyielding drive, a “bulletproof” spirit pushing them ever onward. However, their latest release, the lead single "Swim" from the album Arirang, presents a marked departure, prompting a critical examination of the group’s artistic direction and their engagement with their Korean heritage. While the track offers moments of auditory appeal, its reception has been largely characterized by a debate over its English-language focus, Western production influences, and the visual narrative of its accompanying music video.
A Shift in Tempo: The Sound and Substance of "Swim"
"Swim" introduces a slower, more introspective pace, a stark contrast to the high-energy anthems that have become BTS’s hallmark. The song is characterized by a swaying melody and smooth vocal deliveries, making it an easily digestible listen. Its simple, repetitive hook, "Swim, swim / Water falling off your skin," facilitates immediate recall and easy humming, a common strategy in contemporary pop music designed for broad appeal. Lyrically, the song explores themes of waiting and patience, with J-Hope’s verse notably stating, "Under here, we don’t chase the time." This sentiment resonates with the group’s trajectory, particularly their global breakthrough occurring years after their debut, suggesting a potential comfort in a less frenetic pace. The metaphor of swimming itself can be interpreted as a method of immersive focus, shutting out external noise and centering on internal motion and breath.
However, this shift in tempo and lyrical theme has also drawn criticism, with many pointing to perceived shortcomings that overshadow the song’s more palatable aspects. A significant point of contention is the track’s exclusive use of English lyrics. This decision has been met with disappointment by fans who had anticipated Arirang to signify a return to the group’s Korean roots, a narrative that had been amplified by pre-release discussions. While the artistic freedom to express in any language is universally acknowledged, the integration of English within the context of a "return to roots" album has raised questions about the intended audience and the project’s core message.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of "Arirang" and "Swim"
The creation of Arirang and its lead single "Swim" involved a significant collaborative effort that included a two-month songwriting camp in Los Angeles. During this period, BTS members worked alongside established Western songwriters and producers such as Ryan Tedder, Diplo, Tyler Spry, El Guincho, and JPEGMAFIA. This intensive Western-centric creative environment, while potentially beneficial for broader market penetration, stands in contrast to the album’s stated intention of foregrounding the group’s Korean heritage. This disparity has led to speculation about the primary target demographic for this lead single and the overarching album: are BTS and their agency, Hybe, aiming for a more global, Western-leaning audience, or are they seeking to re-engage with their foundational Korean identity through a new lens?
The production credits for "Swim" list nine individuals involved in its creation, with RM being the sole BTS member credited for lyric writing, though reports indicate his significant involvement. This high number of external collaborators has drawn comparisons to past album reviews, such as that of Map of the Soul: 7, where a similar critique of "too many cooks in the kitchen" was raised, suggesting a potential dilution of the group’s distinct artistic voice.
From a production standpoint, "Swim" is considered by some critics to be less impactful than previous BTS title tracks. While subtle string arrangements in the final chorus add a layer of texture, a persistent sharp percussive element is noted for detracting from the vocal softness. This is compounded by what is described as harsh vocal processing, which reportedly diminishes the members’ unique vocal timbres. This aggressive sonic characteristic, a recurring element in recent BTS albums, is seen by some as a deliberate choice for contrast, but it ultimately fails to imbue "Swim" with the immediate, distinctive "BTS sound" that listeners have come to expect.
Visual Storytelling: The "Swim" Music Video and its Interpretations
The music video for "Swim," directed by Tanu Muino and reportedly filmed off the coast of Portugal, offers a visually striking, cinematic experience. Its narrative follows the BTS members on a sea adventure, evoking a sense of exploration and journey. However, the visual impact, much like the song’s initial auditory impression, is described as fleeting. The video has been unfavorably compared to an extended perfume commercial, a critique that points to a perceived lack of substantial thematic depth.
A more significant point of discussion surrounding the MV is its centering of whiteness, particularly through the inclusion of actress Lili Reinhart. Reinhart, known for her role in "Riverdale," opens and closes the video, framing the narrative by time-traveling between the present and BTS’s historical maritime adventure. Her character’s journey through the ship, experiencing both the past and the ghostly presence of the members, positions her as the central figure in a comeback that has been highly anticipated for nearly four years.
While it could be argued that Reinhart’s character serves as an outsider perspective, a bridge for viewers to enter the world of the song, her selection as this crucial link is seen by some as indicative of Big Hit Music’s and BTS’s targeted audience for this particular release. The MV narrative depicts Reinhart exploring the ship, interacting with ethereal glimpses of BTS members like V and Jin, but never fully engaging with their story, highlighting a sense of distance and observation.
Cultural Threads and Lingering Questions
Despite the criticisms, the Arirang album and its accompanying visuals do weave in elements that connect to Korean culture, albeit subtly. An animated trailer for the album drew inspiration from the historical journey of seven Korean students who attended Howard University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States. These students are credited with producing the first known recording of the folk song "Arirang" in 1896. This historical connection, while significant, is noted as not directly aligning with the specific rendition of "Arirang" featured in BTS’s song.
Within "Swim" itself, certain lyrical moments offer glimmers of emotional depth. The delivery by V, Jungkook, and Jin on the line "I could spend my lifetime watching you" carries a profound sadness and longing. The extended note on "watching" suggests an uncrossable distance, potentially alluding to the members’ separation as a group or their prolonged absence from their fanbase, ARMY. This interpretation frames their current position as one of observation rather than direct connection, a sentiment that resonates with the concept of "Arirang" as a song of enduring cultural connection.
Further symbolic elements are present, such as Jungkook steering the ship towards the horizon, his gaze fixed forward. This action, coupled with Jimin’s line, "I just wanna dive," emphasizes the group’s readiness to move forward with renewed purpose. The inclusion of a Morse code message, a classic BTS Easter egg, reveals the word "NORMAL." This is a direct reference to another track on the album, which challenges societal pressures and questions the very definition of normalcy, prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the pressures BTS faces.
The MV also explores the theme of perception, with Reinhart moving through scenes of frozen BTS members, who appear present yet intangible, like lingering memories. Her return to the present, drenched but smiling, suggests that BTS’s narrative, even if filtered through an external lens, can continue to resonate and be carried forward. The final shots of the MV depict the members preparing the ship, bracing for challenges, and ultimately looking towards their next adventure with unified intent, reinforcing the theme of collective forward movement.
Unpacking the Legacy: "Arirang" and the Future
The folk song "Arirang" itself is a powerful symbol of endurance, cultural heritage, and connection passed down through generations. While "Swim" attempts to incorporate elements of this legacy, the consensus among many listeners and critics is that these touches are not substantial enough to fully represent the depth and significance of such a foundational piece of Korean culture. The song’s exploration of diving in, as expressed in the lyrics, is perceived as lacking the profound depth and inherent risk that such a metaphor implies. The intriguing ideas present in "Swim" and its MV remain largely at a surface level, failing to coalesce into a truly meaningful or impactful statement.
The music video’s indecision regarding its central thesis – whether it aims to tell BTS’s story or tell it through the limited perspective of an outsider – further complicates its reception. This perceived caution, an effort to appeal to a wide audience, may inadvertently lead to the opposite effect, diluting the message and alienating dedicated fans who seek a deeper connection to the group’s roots and artistic evolution. As BTS continues to navigate their path, the critical reception of "Swim" highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing global appeal with authentic cultural expression and the enduring legacy of their artistic journey.
