BTS Sets Sail with ‘Swim’ Ahead of ‘Arirang’ Album Release

After a three-year hiatus while members fulfilled their mandatory South Korean military service, the K-pop sensation BTS is preparing for a highly anticipated comeback with their 10th studio album, Arirang, set to drop on Friday, March 20. The group has been fueling excitement with a series of teasers, the latest of which showcases a nautical theme for their lead single, “Swim.”

Second ‘Swim’ Teaser Takes to the High Seas

On Wednesday, March 18, BTS released the second official teaser for “Swim,” a 25-second video featuring the seven members – Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – aboard a massive schooner named the S.S. Arirang Billboard. Dressed in navy blue suits, the group is seen standing in formation near the ship’s bow as the song plays in the background.

First Teaser Hinted at Maritime Theme

The release follows a shorter, 16-second teaser released a day earlier. That initial video depicted a woman running through Lisbon’s Maritime Museum, Museu de Marinha, before pausing at a model ship exhibit CNA Lifestyle. Both teasers conclude with the song’s title, “Swim,” appearing in white cursive letters against a backdrop of ocean waves.

Comeback Live and Upcoming Performances

BTS will celebrate their return with a performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 20, titled “BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang,” which will be streamed on Netflix. The group is also scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 25 for an interview and performance, followed by another performance the next day Billboard.

Music Video Direction

The music video for “Swim” is directed by Tanu Muino, who previously won a MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction for Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” CNA Lifestyle.