The Theme of the Comeback Song 'Swim' Was Already Revealed in a 10-Year-Old Interview? 'BTS's Imagination Becomes Reality' [BTS D-1]

Poster for 'BTS Comeback Live: Arirang' to be held on the 21st at Seoul Gwanghwamun Square. Photo Netflix

The title track of BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)'s comeback album, their fifth studio album 'Arirang (ARIRANG)', is "Swim," with lyrics by leader RM. The agency BigHit Entertainment described the song as "an upbeat alternative pop track," explaining that it conveys the will to calmly swim through incoming currents at one's own pace, with the theme of continuing to move forward without stopping amid the waves of life.

Is it a coincidence? Or was it part of a bigger picture he had been thinking about for 10 years? About 10 years ago, RM had an idea in an interview with "Sports Kyunghyang" that could be a hint of "Swim." BTS appeared as the exclusive interviewees in the May 16, 2017 issue of "Sports Kyunghyang" commemorating its 12th anniversary. While answering questions from fans ARMY (A.R.M.Y) and reporters, RM predicted what his situation would be like 10 years later.

Poster image of the special album 'You Never Walk Alone' released in 2017, when the group BTS was interviewed with 'Sports Kyunghyang'. Photo BigHit Music

At the time, BTS was in the midst of their second world tour, the "Wings Tour." They had released the second studio album 'WINGS', which included "Blood Sweat & Tears" that ushered in their true period of glory, and were preparing the album 'LOVE YOURSELF 承 'Her'', which included "DNA" and became a springboard into the global market. Around their fourth year since debut, the members were asked to imagine what they would be doing now had they not become BTS, and what they would be doing 10 years later.

Suga first answered, "If I hadn't been in BTS, I probably would have been composing," and added, "I think I would still be active as a member of BTS 10 years later." RM, who at the time used the stage name "Rap Monster," said, "I would probably have been a student in a commerce-related field," and added, "I hope that 10 years from now I will be making music and performing in a more relaxed state after the waves have passed."

Image of congratulatory signature sent by the group BTS to commemorate the founding of 'Sports Kyunghyang' in 2017. Photo BigHit Music

The will for a much more relaxed appearance after the waves have passed matches perfectly with the message of "Swim" that will be released now. Whether this is a coincidence or part of RM's plan from carefully keeping lyric notes and ideas cannot be known, but the idea for BTS's new album title track that is about to shake the world was slightly spoiled in the interview with "Sports Kyunghyang" 10 years ago.

At the time, the members talked about the emotions felt during the Wings Tour, the meaning of ARMY, and topics they'd like to write lyrics about. Jungkook said, "The more we perform, the more I feel we should strive to become one with the fans," and Jimin also said, "The first tour passed in a blur, but this time I feel that the concert is fun."

The group BTS is performing at the London Wembley Stadium show held as part of the 2019 world tour 'Love Yourself: Speak Yourself'. Photo BigHit Music

J-Hope said, "I enjoy tasting the delicious local foods in each country," and apologized to the members, joking that he feels sorry for being the only one who eats the food so deliciously.

They also expressed their love for ARMY. Jin defined ARMY's presence early on, saying, "You are part of us" and "Without ARMY, we are nothing," and Suga also said, "Just as much as you gain strength from us, we also gain strength by seeing you."

BTS and Coldplay (third from the left) are performing together at the American Music Awards (AMA) ceremony held on November 21, 2021 (local time) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, USA. Photo Reuters·Yonhap News

What BTS predicted 10 years ago turned out to be not only the theme of "Swim." RM named Tablo and Younha as artists he wanted to collaborate with: he worked with Tablo on the 2022 first solo album 'Indigo' track "All Day" and on Tablo's single "Stop The Rain", and with Younha he was featured on the 2020 mini 5th album 'UNSTABLE MINDSET' track "WINTER FLOWER" and also participated as a speaker in Younha's 20th debut anniversary project.

Jin dreamed of collaborating with Coldplay, and in 2021 they met Coldplay and achieved worldwide popularity with the collaborative single "My Universe." John Legend mentioned by V, Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth mentioned by Jungkook, and Ariana Grande mentioned by Jimin also all met with BTS on global awards show stages, accompanying them on their path toward their dreams.

The group BTS arrives and poses at the venue of the 64th Grammy Awards set up at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, on April 3, 2022 (local time). Photo AFP·Yonhap News

In addition, Suga cheerfully answered fans' questions by naming "black" as his favorite hair color; Jin cited frequent face masks, a massive intake of fruit and hydration, and confidence in his appearance as his beauty maintenance secrets. V advised shy and bashful fans, "Don't be afraid by worrying ahead about what's next," and J-Hope said, "I felt the fun of dancing from the talent show stage at elementary school retreats."

RM expressed his wish, saying, "Someday I haven't properly talked about my parents, so I want to write about that topic." Even in fleeting interviews, BTS put sincerity into their words and through effort made those words a reality; their appearances are clear evidence of why they are icons awaited by the whole world.

Reporter Ha Kyung-heon [email protected]