BTS’s "Swim" from Arirang Album: A Deep Dive into a Contradictory Comeback
After a highly anticipated hiatus, global sensation BTS has returned with their new album, Arirang, and its lead single, "Swim," a track that has ignited considerable discussion regarding its artistic direction, production choices, and the group’s evolving identity in the international music landscape. The comeback, nearly four years in the making as a full group effort, arrives following a period of individual pursuits and mandatory military service for some members, making the stakes for a cohesive and impactful return particularly high. While "Swim" offers a smooth, easy-listening experience, its predominantly English lyrics, reliance on Western production talent, and a music video featuring a non-Korean lead have led many to question whether the track truly aligns with the album’s purported theme of returning to Korean roots, ultimately creating a paradoxical narrative that warrants closer examination.
A Legacy of Relentless Forward Motion: From Debut to Hiatus
BTS’s career has been defined by an almost ceaseless drive since their debut in 2013 with "No More Dream." The seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – built their empire on a foundation of hard work, authentic lyricism, and a powerful connection with their global fanbase, ARMY. Their early discography frequently explored themes of youthful struggles, societal pressures, and the pursuit of dreams, resonating deeply with millions worldwide. Songs like "N.O," "Dope," and later, "Fire" and "IDOL," showcased their dynamic performances and an unyielding commitment to pushing boundaries. Even one of their last collective performances before their individual endeavors, "Run BTS" from the "Yet to Come in BUSAN" concert in October 2022, powerfully underscored their ethos of constant progression and resilience, embodying the very meaning of being "bulletproof," or BTS. This relentless forward momentum propelled them to unprecedented heights, breaking numerous records, topping international charts, and becoming the first K-pop group to address the United Nations and perform at the Grammy Awards.
The announcement of a temporary hiatus for individual activities and military enlistment in June 2022 marked a significant turning point, allowing the members to explore their unique artistic voices. This period further fueled anticipation for their eventual reunion, with fans eager to witness how their individual growth would coalesce into a new group sound and message. The expectation for Arirang, therefore, was not merely for new music, but for a statement — a re-affirmation of their identity, perhaps one deeply reconnected with their origins after navigating the immense pressures of global superstardom.
"Arirang": A Conceptual Return to Roots?
The album title itself, Arirang, carries profound cultural weight. "Arirang" is not merely a song; it is considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea, a folk song with countless regional variations, deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of the Korean people. It embodies themes of separation, longing, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Korea. Ahead of the album’s release, Hybe, BTS’s agency, published an animated trailer for Arirang that drew inspiration from a poignant historical event: the seven Korean students who attended Howard University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the United States, and became the voices behind the first-known recording of "Arirang" in 1896. This narrative suggested a sophisticated exploration of Korean heritage, diaspora, and the global spread of culture, hinting at a deep, introspective album that would honor their roots while engaging with their international audience. However, as one Korean ethnomusicologist noted, this specific 1896 recording is distinct from the more widely recognized standard versions of "Arirang," adding a layer of nuanced historical inquiry that further elevated expectations for the album’s conceptual depth.
"Swim": An Underwhelming Lead Single Amidst High Expectations
The lead single, "Swim," however, appears to deviate significantly from the rich conceptual tapestry suggested by the album’s title and promotional material. In stark contrast to the group’s high-energy past, "Swim" presents a noticeable deceleration, embracing a swaying melody and smooth vocals that create an easy-listening, almost atmospheric, soundscape. The track is entirely in English, featuring a simple, repetitive hook: "Swim, swim / Water falling off your skin." This simplicity makes it digestible and catchy, suitable for casual listening. Lyrically, the song features BTS pleading with an unknown person to return, with J-Hope’s rap verse offering a moment of philosophical reflection: "Under here, we don’t chase the time." This line can be interpreted as a potential relief for a group that spent years "chasing time" to achieve global recognition, hinting at a newfound artistic freedom or a desire for a slower pace. Metaphorically, swimming engages the entire body, offering a meditative escape from the external world, allowing for focus on motion and breath – a stark contrast to the "running" narrative that has long defined their career.
Yet, these redeeming qualities are largely overshadowed by several critical shortcomings. The decision to release an all-English title track for an album purportedly returning to Korean roots immediately raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. While the group has previously released English singles like "Dynamite" and "Butter" to massive global success, those were often presented as standalone pop endeavors. For an album titled Arirang, the choice of an English lead single seemed to contradict the stated artistic intent, leading to disappointment among those who anticipated a deeper lyrical engagement with the Korean language and culture. The broader debate in K-pop circles often revolves around whether English tracks represent genuine artistic expression or a strategic concession to the Western market, potentially diluting a group’s unique cultural identity.
The Western Influence in Production and Songwriting
Further complicating the narrative is the revelation that Arirang was largely created during a two-month songwriting camp in Los Angeles. During this period, the seven members collaborated with a host of veteran Western songwriters and producers, including industry heavyweights like Ryan Tedder (known for his work with Adele, Beyoncé), Diplo (Major Lazer, Justin Bieber), Tyler Spry, El Guincho, and JPEGMAFIA. The presence of so many prominent Western figures in the creative process, especially for an album "bringing the group’s Korean heritage to the forefront," immediately begged the question: Who is BTS, and more importantly, Hybe, hoping to reach with this lead single?
"Swim" itself credits nine individuals in its creation, with RM being the sole BTS member involved in the lyric writing, albeit reportedly quite extensively. This collaborative approach, while common in contemporary pop music, raises concerns about the potential for "too many cooks in the kitchen," a critique previously leveled at albums like Map of the Soul: 7. Such extensive external involvement can sometimes dilute a group’s distinctive artistic voice, particularly when the stated goal is a return to roots. The heavy presence of "white people and western pop music styles in the room" for an album named Arirang creates a palpable dissonance, leading to questions about the authenticity of the "return to roots" concept and the target demographic for this particular release.
Production-wise, "Swim" has been described as one of BTS’s less impressive title tracks. While faint strings in the final chorus attempt to add texture, a sharp, repeating percussive element frequently distracts from the intended softness of the vocals. Additionally, harsh vocal processing dampens the distinct vocal colors of the members, a common criticism that has appeared in the band’s last few albums. While some might argue this is an intentional contrast, the overall effect is a production that feels generic and lacks the signature "BTS" spark that typically defines their lead singles. This uniform sound, which permeates parts of the album, further contributes to the feeling that "Swim" struggles to carve out a unique identity within their expansive discography.
The Music Video: A Visual Extension of the Contradiction
The music video for "Swim," directed by Tanu Muino (known for her work with Harry Styles, Cardi B), was reportedly filmed off the coast of Portugal, presenting a visually stunning, film-like sea adventure. The cinematography is undeniably beautiful, creating an immersive aesthetic. However, this initial impression, much like the track itself, is fleeting. Many fans and critics have likened the MV to an extended perfume commercial, an apt description given its glossy production and ambiguous narrative.
The most significant point of contention within the MV is the central role played by American actress Lili Reinhart, known for "Riverdale." Reinhart, whose presence was hinted at in teasers, opens and concludes the MV, time-traveling to BTS’s ship-bound adventure and back to the present day. Her character explores the S.S. Arirang with a mix of wonder and familiarity, encountering fleeting glimpses of the members—bumping into V, seeing Jin in a mirror—but never fully interacting with them. She "feels" their presence, existing in a space between the past and the present, but she remains an outsider to their complete story.
This decision to cast a white actress as the main character in a highly anticipated comeback MV, especially one supposedly rooted in Korean heritage, has sparked considerable debate. While an argument could be made that BTS sought an outsider to serve as a bridge for global viewers into this "new(er) world," choosing a white person as that bridge raises uncomfortable questions about target demographics and the perceived need to "center whiteness" to achieve broader appeal. It implicitly suggests that a non-Korean, specifically white, perspective is necessary to unlock or mediate the Korean narrative for an international audience, potentially alienating parts of their diverse global fanbase, particularly those of Asian descent who might have hoped for a celebration of Asian representation. This strategic choice by Big Hit Music/BTS reflects a calculated effort to appeal to a specific segment of the global market, potentially at the expense of thematic consistency and cultural affirmation.
Symbolism and Subtlety: Glimmers of Deeper Meaning
Despite these criticisms, the "Swim" MV is not entirely devoid of deeper meaning. Closer inspection reveals subtle clues that hint at the conceptual depth promised by Arirang, albeit in a fragmented manner. The animated trailer’s reference to the Korean students at Howard University and the 1896 "Arirang" recording adds a layer of historical context that, while not explicitly translated into the MV’s visual narrative, informs the album’s broader ambition.
Within "Swim," there are poignant lyrical deliveries that stand out. V’s low timbre, combined with Jungkook and Jin’s vocals, delivering "I could spend my lifetime watching you," conveys a profound sadness and longing. The extended note on "watching" emphasizes an uncrossable distance, perhaps symbolizing the group’s separation during their hiatus or their collective yearning for a full reunion with ARMY. This interpretation suggests that they can only "watch" their fanbase from a distance, unable to fully engage in the human-to-human connection that defined much of their career.
The MV also contains classic BTS Easter eggs. Jungkook, steering the ship with eyes fixed on the horizon, spins the wheel and pulls an interior gadget along the "voraus" command. "Voraus," a German word meaning "ahead," when paired with Jimin’s delivery of "I just wanna dive," emphasizes the group’s preparedness for the journey ahead, hinting at a determined redirection. A note in Morse code, passed from Jin to RM in the captain’s cabin, decodes to "NORMAL," the title of another new track that questions societal pressures and the definition of "normalcy" in their extraordinary lives. These elements challenge listeners to engage in detective work, a signature BTS move, to uncover layers of meaning.
The visual of Reinhart running through the ship past "frozen" members suggests they exist as memories or echoes of the past, still present but not fully tangible. Her return to the present, soaking wet but with a grin, implies that their story, even if filtered through an outsider’s lens, can be carried forward and perhaps even enriched by new perspectives. The opening and closing shots of the members preparing the S.S. Arirang, bracing for rough waves, and collectively looking towards the "next adventure" beyond the frame, emphasize their unity and shared direction, reaffirming their collective commitment despite the individual journeys.
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
The reception of "Swim" highlights the complex challenges faced by K-pop groups, particularly those with global stature like BTS, in balancing artistic integrity, cultural authenticity, and commercial appeal. Hybe’s strategy appears to be a calculated move to solidify BTS’s position in the global pop market, potentially prioritizing accessibility over a deep dive into the "Arirang" concept for the lead single. This approach risks alienating a segment of their fanbase and critics who champion the unique cultural contributions of K-pop. The controversy surrounding the MV’s casting and the all-English lyrics underscores the ongoing debate within the industry regarding the "westernization" of K-pop for international success. While English tracks can undoubtedly expand reach, they also raise questions about whether groups are sacrificing their distinct identity in pursuit of mainstream Western validation.
The "Arirang" folk song has endured through generations, a testament to its cultural significance and power of connection. While "Swim" contains subtle nods to this enduring spirit and the idea of moving forward, these elements feel underdeveloped and fail to coalesce into a powerful herald for BTS’s long-awaited comeback. The lyrics "I just wanna dive / I just wanna dive" hint at a desire for depth and risk, but the execution of the track and its accompanying MV often remain at a surface level. The music video, in particular, struggles to define its central thesis: Is it telling BTS’s story, or is it telling their story through the limited, often detached, lens of a stranger? This caution, this apparent desire to appeal universally, might ironically dilute the very distinctiveness that made BTS a global phenomenon.
Ultimately, "Swim" serves as a microcosm of the current tensions in global K-pop. It’s a testament to BTS’s continued evolution and willingness to experiment, but it also reflects the pressures of maintaining relevance and expanding influence in an increasingly competitive global market. While intriguing ideas and symbolic clues are scattered throughout, they are not robustly built upon each other to create a meaningful, cohesive statement for an album as conceptually weighty as Arirang. The group’s journey ahead, as they stand on the starboard side of the S.S. Arirang looking towards the unknown, remains compelling, but the initial dive with "Swim" leaves many yearning for a deeper, more authentically rooted exploration.
(YouTube. Lyrics via Genius[1][2]. Images via Big Hit Music.)
