BTS flies to New York sporting "Keep Swimming"

by Han Jun-gu Posted : March 23, 2026, 16:27Updated : March 23, 2026, 17:33
BTS departs through Incheon International Airport for a Spotify performance in New York March 22 2026 Yonhap
BTS departs through Incheon International Airport for a Spotify performance in New York, March 22, 2026. Yonhap

SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - BTS flew off to New York less than 12 hours after they successfully pulled off their comeback stage in open-air Gwanghwamun in downtown Seoul and livestreamed worldwide via Netflix, and their appearance at the Incheon International Airport created an instant buzz over their groupwear featuring "Keep Swimming", a clever marketing nod to their title song SWIM from their new album.

RM, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga, V and Jungkook stepped out in matching blue hooded windbreakers, each stitched with the same phrase: “KEEP SWIMMING.” A subtle but unmistakable referemce to SWIM, the title track of their new album — and a reminder that the comeback was not a moment. 

Still recovering from an ankle injury that limited his performance the night before, the leader arrived on crutches, moving carefully through the terminal.

 
BTS departs through Incheon International Airport for a Spotify performance in New York March 22 2026 Yonhap
BTS departs through Incheon International Airport for a Spotify performance in New York, March 22, 2026. Yonhap

BTS is set to appear on NBC's popular talk show 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on March 25-26, where they will discuss their comeback in nearly four years and perform two songs from the new album.

On Tuesday , BTS will collaborate with Spotify to hold 'Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE' in New York to meet fans directly. They plan to perform new songs and introduce tracks from 'ARIRANG' in a live concert format.
 
BTS members Jin left and Jungkook depart through Incheon International Airport for a Spotify performance in New York March 22 2026
BTS members Jin (left) and Jungkook depart through Incheon International Airport for a Spotify performance in New York, March 22, 2026.