"Swim" Marks a Detour for BTS, Raising Questions About Artistic Direction and Global Appeal
The global phenomenon known as BTS, a seven-member South Korean supergroup, has consistently embodied a relentless drive and forward momentum throughout their career. From their explosive debut with "No More Dream" in 2013, their narrative has been one of constant motion and evolution. This theme of perpetual progress was even echoed in one of their recent powerful performances of "Run BTS" during their " in BUSAN" concert, where the very essence of being "bulletproof" – the core of their identity as BTS – was intrinsically linked to the necessity of pushing forward. However, their latest single, "Swim," from their new album Arirang, presents a notable shift, offering a more introspective and deliberately paced sonic experience that, while possessing certain aesthetic merits, also raises significant questions about the group’s artistic trajectory and their engagement with their global fanbase.
A Lull in the Momentum: Deconstructing "Swim"
"Swim" introduces a deceleration to BTS’s characteristic high-octane output, a change that can be viewed through both positive and challenging lenses. On the surface, the track offers an accessible and smooth listening experience. Its gentle, swaying melody and the members’ polished vocals contribute to an easily digestible soundscape. The English-language track features a simple, memorable hook, "Swim, swim / Water falling off your skin," which allows for effortless integration into a listener’s daily consciousness, making it a song that can be easily recalled and hummed.
The lyrical theme of "Swim" appears to revolve around a plea for a loved one’s return, with a notable emphasis on the irrelevance of time. J-Hope’s rap verse, "Under here, we don’t chase the time," directly speaks to this sentiment. This contemplative approach to time could be interpreted as a reflection of the group’s own journey. Having achieved global superstardom approximately six years after their debut, the pressure to constantly accelerate may indeed feel less urgent. Metaphorically, the act of swimming allows for a singular focus, a shutting out of external distractions, and an immersion in the present moment – a stark contrast to the relentless forward march that has defined much of their career.
However, the perceived shortcomings of "Swim" appear to overshadow its more subtle positive attributes. A primary point of contention among critics and fans alike is the decision to perform the song entirely in English. This choice has generated disappointment, particularly given the album Arirang was promoted as a return to the group’s roots, which many fans interpreted as a renewed focus on Korean-language artistry. While the right of any artist to express themselves in their chosen language is undeniable, and the members’ efforts to navigate English lyrics are acknowledged, the impact of this decision is amplified when considered alongside other aspects of the song’s creation and presentation.
The Creative Crucible: Western Influence and Artistic Identity
The genesis of the Arirang album, and "Swim" in particular, involved a significant period of collaboration within a songwriting camp held in Los Angeles. Over two months, the seven BTS members worked alongside a constellation of prominent Western songwriters and producers, including Ryan Tedder, Diplo, Tyler Spry, El Guincho, and JPEGMAFIA. This intensive creative process, aimed at purportedly bringing BTS’s Korean heritage to the forefront, has led to a critical examination of the group’s artistic direction and the intended audience for this lead single. The significant presence of Western collaborators and their influence on the album’s sound has prompted a fundamental question: Who are BTS and their agency, Hybe, aiming to connect with through this lead single?
The production credits for "Swim" reveal a substantial creative team, with nine individuals involved in its creation. Notably, RM is listed as the sole BTS member involved in the songwriting process, though reports suggest his participation was significant in the lyric development. This situation has drawn parallels to previous critiques, such as those leveled against Map of the Soul: 7, where the sheer number of external contributors raised questions about the potential for a diluted artistic vision – a "too many cooks in the kitchen" scenario.
Sonic Analysis: Production Choices and Vocal Processing
From a production standpoint, "Swim" is arguably one of BTS’s less impactful title tracks. While faint string arrangements emerge in the final chorus, adding a subtle textural layer, the dominant, sharp percussive element that repeats throughout the song tends to detract from the inherent softness of the vocals. This effect is further exacerbated by the vocal processing, which, in its intensity, can dampen the distinct timbres of each member’s voice. While one could argue this creates a deliberate contrast, this sharp sonic quality has become a recurring motif in BTS’s recent discography, potentially signaling a departure from their signature vocal expressiveness. Upon initial listens, and even subsequent ones, "Swim" lacks the immediate spark and distinctive "BTS sound" that has captivated millions worldwide.
Visual Narrative: The "Swim" Music Video and Its Reception
The music video for "Swim," directed by Tanu Muino, was reportedly filmed off the coast of Portugal and is visually striking, lending a cinematic quality that aligns with the nautical adventure depicted. The visual narrative portrays the members embarking on a sea voyage, creating an impression that, unfortunately, proves as fleeting as the initial impact of the song itself. Many viewers have likened the MV’s aesthetic to an extended perfume commercial, a description that, while perhaps unflattering, captures a certain polished yet somewhat superficial quality.
A more significant point of discussion surrounding the MV is its perceived centering of whiteness. The second teaser for the music video featured a woman observing a ship model in a museum. Fans correctly identified this figure as Lili Reinhart, known for her role in "Riverdale." Reinhart appears at the beginning and end of the music video, seemingly time-traveling to the BTS members’ maritime adventure and then returning to the present. Her character emerges as the central figure in this highly anticipated comeback, which arrives after a nearly four-year hiatus from group activities.
While it can be argued that BTS aimed to utilize an outsider’s perspective to guide viewers into this new narrative world, the choice of a white actress as this "bridge" raises questions about the target audience for this particular visual presentation. The implication is that Big Hit Music/BTS may be prioritizing an appeal to a Western demographic, potentially at the expense of fully celebrating their established Korean identity.
Reinhart’s character navigates the ship’s interiors and exteriors with a blend of wonder and an almost familiar ease. She is depicted as being caught between the past – with echoes of shipboard events manifesting during a suggestive dance break – and a spectral present. She "feels" the presence of BTS members, encountering V in a hallway and glimpsing Jin in a mirror, yet she remains outside the complete unfolding of their narrative.
Deeper Meanings and Cultural Anchors
Upon closer examination and reflection, certain elements within the "Swim" MV begin to offer a degree of redemption, though not without qualification. Prior to the album’s release, Hybe unveiled an animated trailer for Arirang that drew inspiration from the historical narrative of seven Korean students who attended Howard University, one of the United States’ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These students became instrumental in producing the first known recording of the folk song "Arirang" in 1896. This connection highlights a lineage of cultural exchange and preservation, although the specific recording referenced is not the universally recognized version of the song.
While the song’s production itself may not evoke profound emotional resonance beyond a pleasant auditory experience, a particular lyric stands out. The delivery of "I could spend my lifetime watching you" by V, Jungkook, and Jin, particularly V’s lower timbre and the extended note on the word "watching," conveys a palpable sadness and deep longing. This suggests an uncrossable distance, perhaps alluding to the members’ separation during their solo endeavors or their prolonged absence from their devoted ARMY. The sentiment expresses a state of being observed rather than actively participating, a lack of direct human-to-human connection.
The "Swim" music video subtly embeds clues that touch upon this theme and the tradition of "Arirang." Jungkook is shown at the helm of the ship, his gaze fixed on the horizon, steering the vessel. His actions, coupled with Jimin’s line, "I just wanna dive," and a quick shot featuring the German word "voraus" (meaning "ahead") in a command, emphasize the group’s readiness to move forward decisively.
A quintessential BTS touch is the inclusion of a Morse code message. In the captain’s cabin, Jin hands RM a slip of paper, which RM deciphers. The message reads "NORMAL," a reference to another track on the album that critiques the pressures of everyday life and questions societal definitions of normalcy. This inclusion invites listeners to contemplate their own experiences and whether they align with conventional expectations.
The MV continues to play with perceptions of presence and absence. A single-shot sequence follows Reinhart as she moves through the ship, passing by the frozen members. They are present, yet seemingly inaccessible, akin to lingering memories aboard the vessel. Reinhart’s eventual return to her present, drenched and smiling, suggests that BTS’s narrative, and the themes they explore, can continue to resonate and be carried forward.
The Enduring Legacy of "Arirang" and the "Swim" Conundrum
The folk song "Arirang" itself is a testament to endurance, a piece of cultural heritage passed down through generations. While "Swim" incorporates some nods to this enduring legacy, these touches are insufficient to position it as a truly compelling herald of BTS’s long-awaited comeback. The lyric "I just wanna to dive / I just wanna dive" hints at a desire for depth, yet the song and its accompanying visuals struggle to fully explore the risks and profound implications inherent in such a plunge. Despite intriguing ideas present in "Swim" and its MV, they remain largely at a surface level, failing to coalesce into something deeply meaningful.
Furthermore, the music video struggles to establish a definitive central thesis. It oscillates between telling BTS’s story and narrating it through the limited perspective of an external observer. This perceived caution, this desire to capture the attention of a broad audience, may ultimately prove counterproductive, potentially alienating segments of their dedicated fanbase who have long cherished their Korean roots and authentic expression. The album Arirang, named after a song that has historically symbolized both sorrow and resilience, and has served as a cultural touchstone for Koreans worldwide, presents a complex canvas for BTS’s exploration. However, the lead single "Swim" appears to skim the surface, leaving the deeper currents of its thematic potential largely unexplored.
