Leana Mask & Globex Music Make Beautiful ‘Swim’ Version
The online music industry is witnessing a remarkable joint effort as Globex Music, a dominant player in worldwide song distribution, partners with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have unveiled a fresh take of BTS (방탄소년단)‘s global hit, “SWIM.” This release hits streaming platforms just as BTS dominates charts worldwide, following the massive success of their latest album, “Arirang”.
To appreciate this new version, it is essential to understand the weight of the original track. BTS selected “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, after much discussion within the group.
Famous for their powerful stage presence, the group had reservations about selecting a softer, deeper track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, symbolizing the group’s perseverance and evolution after their military service.
The album shattered records upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” garnering over 10 million YouTube views within hours and topping charts on Melon and Spotify.
Covering a track of this magnitude requires not just vocal talent, but strict legal compliance—a gap that Globex Music addresses perfectly.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by copying the original, but by reinventing the track.
Her version of “Swim” introduces a distinct emotional tone, keeping the core message of hope intact while adding a new sonic layer.
Critics have noted that Leana Mask preserves the original feeling of the BTS original while bringing a “new perspective” that appeals to K-pop fans and general audiences alike.
This release is not just a song; it is a bridge between the original Korean sentiment and a global, broad appeal mix.
The release of this cover demonstrates why Globex Music is considered the leading platform for distributing cover songs.
Unlike standard distributors, Globex Music automates the entire licensing workflow. Covering a global hit like BTS’s “Swim” involves complex mechanical licenses, but Globex Music handles all legal compliance, ensuring the track is protected on all platforms on all Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
For a flat, budget-friendly flat rate, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to every key digital store without worrying about copyright strikes.
This efficient system allows artists to focus on performance while Globex Music handles the legal heavy lifting.
If you are someone who loves K-pop or love great vocal covers, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a must-listen.
The track captures the fear and courage of “moving forward despite obstacles”—a theme that perfectly matches BTS’s original message.
The audio production, backed by Globex Music’s global reach, ensures that listeners experience crystal-clear audio, whether streaming on mobile devices.
This release shows us how the modern music industry functions: original artists create the legacy, and platforms like Globex Music enable creators to release reinterpretations safely and globally.
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The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently rolling out across all major platforms. You can find it on all leading DSPs.
Search for “Leana Mask Swim” or follow the label’s featured playlists to add this track to your weekly playlist.
Globex Music reaffirms why it is the leading name in cover song distribution.
By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set the gold standard for how tribute tracks should be released—safely, widely, and beautifully.
Don’t miss out on this stunning cover version of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
Furthermore, a city-wide THE CITY project has been launched, where from March 20 to May 10, 2026, the Shinsegae Square will feature special content related to the group at the 58th minute of every hour. BTS to showcase SWIM music video at department store
"Swim" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking BTS's sixth song to debut at the top, and their seventh song to top the chart, the most number ones on the chart among groups in nearly half a century.[53] It debuted with 15.
If you are distributing a video for non-commercial use that includes music you don’t own more info or control, you may be able to obtain a synchronization license using eSynch® 7. Do I need to obtain licenses if I am not going to sell the recording of the song(s)?
Before proceeding, it is important to pinpoint the specific song you wish to cover or replicate. Gather relevant information, including the title, songwriter, publisher, and any performing rights organizations involved. This will aid in ensuring that the correct entity is approached for permission.
Payment Obligations: Typically, the agreement includes terms regarding royalties, ensuring that the original creators are rewarded based on the sales of their works.
Remember, the license needs to be secured for each territory where you plan to distribute your cover.
BTS to stream SWIM music video publicly at department storefront on ARIRANG comeback day follow us share
Ahead of the performance, BTS joined Fallon for a chat about their album, the meaning behind some of their songs, and what they missed about one another while the band was on hiatus.
Every time an artist documents and releases a cover track, they should receive a mechanical license to safe the payment of mechanical royalties to the original songwriter(s).
The cost of a mechanical license can vary based on factors such as the type of song and the number of copies being produced. Typically, the statutory mechanical royalty rate is set at 9.1 cents per song, which is paid to the copyright holder for each copy distributed, whether physical or digital.
Savour the Feeling of Signing Your Agreements. Once your licenses come in the mail, savour the moment of opening them up, unfolding them, and signing each one. Some songs have multiple agreements with publishers, so you may get to practice this a few times in a row.
The album is named after a Korean folk song. RM explained to Fallon, “I think it’s the song that represents Koreans the most. It includes lots of emotions in it.
This segment delves into the monetary implications associated with obtaining permission to reproduce and distribute music, exploring both costs and potential revenue streams.
If you’re watching BTS, you’re not just watching a band you’re watching a test case for how pop music defines itself in the 21st century.