BTS Targeted Again as Unauthorized 'SWIM' CDs Surface on Temu

Unauthorized copies of BTS' "SWIM" single CD have been spotted for sale on Chinese e-commerce platform Temu, raising fresh concerns over the unauthorized use of the group's intellectual property.

Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University known for his efforts to promote Korean history and culture globally, said Sept. 15 that he looked into the listings after receiving reports from overseas ARMYs. According to Seo, the CDs were not only listed for sale on the platform but were also being advertised on social media.

Seo criticized the sales, noting that the official "SWIM" CD is distributed through authorized channels including Weverse Shop. He also argued that e-commerce platforms have a responsibility to address unauthorized products listed by third-party sellers rather than simply providing a marketplace for them.

It is not the first time unauthorized BTS merchandise has surfaced on Chinese e-commerce platforms. In March, when the group's Gwanghwamun comeback concert drew global attention, T-shirts, accessories and other merchandise featuring the "ARIRANG" logo without authorization were found for sale on platforms including Taobao and AliExpress.

As K-POP's global reach continues to expand, the overseas sale of products using artists' names, logos and other intellectual property without authorization has become a recurring concern, extending beyond counterfeit versions of official merchandise.

Seo called for an end to the practice. "This needs to stop," he said. "Profiting from the illegal sale of someone else's content must end immediately."