At exactly midnight on the 18th (KST), BigHit Music officially dropped a 17-second teaser for the title track “SWIM” from the album ARIRANG, sending fans worldwide into a frenzy. From the very first seconds, listeners could hear ambient sounds layered with soft synths and a slow beat, leading to predictions of either an R&B/Dream Pop track similar to Life Goes On or a Moombahton + Tropical House style like Blood Sweat & Tears.
At the same time, the teaser unveils a world with a distinctly artistic tone—somewhat subdued, profound, and rich in symbolism. Notably, none of the members of BTS appear in the teaser. Instead, viewers are guided through the perspective of a mysterious female protagonist, running through a museum-like space displaying ancient boats. Combined with warm, vintage golden lighting, the setting creates an atmosphere that feels both lonely and captivating. As the woman stops in front of a boat that appears to be what she has been searching for, the teaser comes to an end.
Despite making a strong impression both sonically and visually, many ARMYs couldn’t help but feel slightly “unsatisfied” due to the unusually short length of the teaser, leaving them wanting more. However, this appears to be a deliberate move by BigHit Music and BTS to heighten anticipation and excitement among fans more than ever before.
In particular, the appearance of a female lead in BTS’s upcoming MV has sparked major curiosity, as she is one of the rare muses featured throughout the group’s 13-year career. But of course, with ARMYs’ sharp detective sкιℓℓs, it didn’t take long for the internet to uncover her identity. None other than Lili Reinhart!
Fans believe the talented actress is involved in BTS’s project due to a series of compelling hints linking both sides. First, when BTS reportedly arrived in Lisbon on February 3, Lili Reinhart was seen following the group on Instagram just five days later, on February 8. This detail is particularly notable because BTS were widely speculated to be in Lisbon to film the MV for their upcoming title track. Both V and Jungkook had previously hinted that they were there to shoot soмєтнing important. Moreover, some fans also claimed that the actress was in the Portuguese capital around the same time.
Then, on February 9, she and the director Tanu Muino—who ever worked with Jungkook on Standing Next To You MV—were found to have followed each other on Instagram.
On March 5, the actress further fueled speculation by liking a post related to the BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE trailer on Instagram.
This chain of coincidental details has convinced many that Lili Reinhart is indeed the new muse of the global K-pop superstars!
Meanwhile, Lili Reinhart is an αмєяι¢αn actress best known worldwide for her role as Betty Cooper in the нιт series Riverdale. With a beauty that is both fresh and sharp, she quickly became a familiar face among Hollywood’s new generation. Beyond television, she has also impressed au∂ιєnces through various film projects and artistic endeavors. She notably appeared in Hustlers alongside a star-studded cast, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth as an actress.
Not only recognized for her acting career, Lili Reinhart has also been acknowledged by both the media and the public for her beauty. She is often described as embodying “effortless elegance” and “quiet luxury,” with delicate, natural features that are easy on the eyes. Public reactions further reinforce her appeal, as she is frequently praised as “beautiful,” “captivating,” and “increasingly attractive the more you look at her.”
Therefore, although everything remains speculation for now, fans can’t help but scream in excitement and anticipation:
- yeah im convinced it's lili bc of the same mole near her ear too. her vibe is sooooo SWIM tooo
- I’m not familiar with her so I googled, she also wrote a book called Swimming Lessons. Just interest connections
- OH my god if it's her then my Riverdale heart can't take it
- The more you look at her, the prettier she gets… that kind of effortless beauty is rare
- IF IT IS I'M GOING TO FREAK OUT BECAUSE I LOVE HER SO MUCH, SHE'S SO HOT, I HAVE SUCH A CRUSH ON HER SINCE RIVERDALE
- SHE IS SO SWEET, KIND, AND A GOOD ACTRESS , I WOULD BE SO HAPPY ABOUT IT
- very very possible... i think its her def. omg im so excited i love herrrrr!!!
- ARMYs really deserve this level of visual storytelling. Lili as the female lead is such a genius choice
- Lili Reinhart is literally glowing… her beauty is so soft and mesmerizing, I can’t take my eyes off her
- Her visuals are so delicate and cinematic… she’s seriously one of the prettiest actresses out there
