Lili Reinhart stars in BTS’ ‘Swim’ video as group launches new era

Lili Reinhart has joined BTS in the music video for their new single ‘Swim’, marking a high-profile collaboration as the K-pop group returns with a new album era.

The Riverdale and Forbidden Fruits actress appears alongside all seven members of BTS in the video for ‘Swim’, the lead single from their upcoming fifth studio album Arirang.

The track takes a more subdued, synth-driven approach compared to some of the group’s previous releases, while continuing BTS’ exploration of themes around life, resilience and emotional growth.

The music video opens with Reinhart observing a ship in a museum before shifting to a dreamlike sequence aboard the vessel, where she is joined by RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook.

According to a release, the ship serves as a symbol of healing and reflection, with Reinhart’s character navigating moments of doubt while the group offers quiet support throughout the journey.

Filmed in Lisbon, the video combines real ship locations with purpose-built sets to create a cinematic backdrop. It was directed by Tanu Muino, who previously worked on Jungkook’s solo video Standing Next to You.

‘Swim’ sets the tone for Arirang, which centres on moving forward through life’s challenges. The group described the track as a reflection of “life itself”, encouraging listeners to continue forward at their own pace.

Reinhart also shared a behind-the-scenes moment with the group on social media following the video’s release, playfully introducing BTS as her “friends” in a nod to a popular TikTok trend.

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The release marks BTS’ first full group project in several years following the members’ completion of mandatory military service, signalling the start of a new chapter for the global supergroup.

The group is set to further promote Arirang with a livestream performance titled BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang on March 21, followed by a documentary film, BTS: The Return, which will premiere on Netflix on March 27.

BTS are also preparing for a large-scale global tour spanning 2026 and 2027, with stops planned across Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia.