Quick take: Lili Reinhart turns up in BTS' new music video for "Swim," the laid-back lead single from the group's fifth studio album, Arirang. It is a synth-forward, mellow track and the visuals lean into calm, cinematic vibes.

Setting and sight gags that are not really sight gags

The video opens with Reinhart standing in a museum, staring at an old ship. Waves swell and the music begins. Then we cut to that same ship, this time real and on location, with BTS taking the helm in sailor-friendly outfits. The members shown are RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook.

The character and the crew

Reinhart plays a person who wakes up on the ship and moves through moments of doubt and pain. The seven members stay close but quiet, acting as a steady presence rather than loud rescuers. Over the course of the video, her character reflects, heals and decides to keep going.

How it was made

Filming took place in Lisbon. The production used a real ship plus purpose built studio sets to make the scenes feel cinematic and tactile. The video was directed by Tanu Muino, who previously worked with member Jungkook on his solo video "Standing Next to You."

What the song is about

"Swim" fits into a larger theme running through Arirang: movement and the choice to keep going. The track centers on the idea of continuing onward through life at your own pace, treating the decision to move forward as an act of love for life itself. Compared to other songs on the album, "Swim" leans more mellow and synth rich.

The group described the song as a piece that reflects life itself. They said they hope it comforts listeners and stays with people for a long time, similar to how the traditional folk song "Arirang" has been handed down across generations.

Reinhart's reaction and fan moments

Fans had guessed Reinhart would appear in the video, and she did a short social post after the release. Joining a popular trend, she cheekily asked viewers to "watch my friends for a second," referring to BTS.

Where this fits in BTS' comeback

  • Seven-member return: Arirang is the group's first full release with all seven members after they completed mandatory military service.
  • Netflix tie-ins: The group has two projects on the platform. First is a livestream performance titled BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang, scheduled from Gwanghwamun and streaming on March 21. One week later, on March 27, Netflix will release BTS: The Return, a documentary about making the new album.
  • Tour plans: BTS announced a major tour across 2026 and 2027 covering Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia. The run begins with three nights in Goyang, South Korea, then two nights in Tokyo, and includes a U.S. stop in Tampa. The tour is expected to include around 82 dates.

All told, "Swim" feels like a softer moment in BTS' catalog. The video uses a simple, ship-bound story to show that healing can be quiet and steady, and that support does not always need to be loud to be real.