Reinhart, the star of Forbidden Fruits, has joined forces with BTS for the group's new music video for "Swim," the lead single from their long-awaited fifth studio album, Arirang. The synth-heavy track is a departure from the usual upbeat and energetic K-pop fare, with a mellow and introspective vibe.
The music video opens with Reinhart gazing at a ship in a museum as the sound of waves sets the tone for the song. The scene then cuts to a real ship, manned by the seven members of BTS – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – all dressed in sailor-friendly outfits.
"Swim" continues BTS' exploration of their perspective on life, echoing themes found in their previous singles "Life Goes On" and "Permission to Dance," though each takes a different path to arrive at the same destination. The ship featured in the music video represents a space for healing and growth, and Reinhart's character, having woken up inside the ship, grapples with moments of doubt and anguish throughout the video. The seven members remain by her side as silent sources of support, and over time, she reflects on herself and finds the strength to move forward once again.
Filmed in Lisbon, the video was shot practically on an actual ship with "purpose-built studio sets" to give it a more cinematic feel. It was directed by Tanu Muino, who also directed Jungkook's solo music video "Standing Next to You."
The theme of moving forward is a consistent thread throughout Arirang, but it's particularly strong on "Swim." The song centers on the resolve to keep swimming onward through life's many tides. Rather than resisting the current, it frames the choice to move ahead at one's own pace as an expression of love for life itself. In a statement, BTS said of "Swim": "It's a song that mirrors life itself. We hope it resonates with many people as they move through each day, taking each moment as it comes, splashing along and continuing to swim forward. The more you listen, the warmer it feels, so we hope it becomes a source of strength as people go through their lives."
Reinhart, who fans had been speculating would appear in the music video, shared a video with the global superstars shortly after its release. "Will you guys watch my friends for a second?" she asks the camera, participating in the popular TikTok trend. The "friends" in question are, of course, the members of BTS.
Arirang marks BTS' first seven-member release in several years, as each member completed their mandatory military service over the last few years. BTS is ringing in the latest chapter of their group with two Netflix projects. Last month, Netflix announced their special BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang, a livestream performance of the seven-member group that will stream on the platform on March 21. The livestream, the first global performance of the album, will be broadcast live from Gwanghwamun, a well-known Seoul landmark offering views of the city's iconic Gyeongbokgung palace. Following the live stream, Netflix will premiere BTS: The Return, an "intimate documentary film chronicling the making of the band's new album," according to a release. It'll premiere a week after the live stream on March 27 on the streaming platform.
The seven-member K-pop supergroup is also preparing to embark on their first full-scale, all-group tour in years. The tour, spanning 2026 and 2027, will hit Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Australia, making it one of the most expansive tours of their career. The tour will kick off with three nights in Goyang
