K-pop sensation BTS has decided not to enter their music for the upcoming Grammy Awards. The group, consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, shared a collective statement via Instagram expressing their desire for their music to be appreciated without boundaries of region or language. This decision follows the recent introduction of a new Grammy category honoring Asian pop music performances.
The Recording Academy unveiled a new category highlighting excellence in Asian pop music performances, encompassing genres like K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. The criteria for nominations include significant use of Asian languages in the songs. BTS’s latest album, “Arirang,” predominantly features English lyrics, potentially affecting their eligibility for this category.
Despite receiving five Grammy nominations and delivering memorable performances at the ceremony, BTS has yet to secure a Grammy win. All seven members are active voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019. Fans, including Sokvin Vann, co-founder of BTS ARMY Toronto, lauded the group for their decision, believing it signifies a stand against being exploited solely for viewership rather than musical merit.
Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed disappointment over BTS’s choice but respected it. He emphasized that the new Asian Pop category aims to spotlight Asian pop artists and expand recognition within the Grammy landscape. He clarified that recognition in genre-specific categories does not preclude artists from competing in the General Field categories.
BTS, currently enjoying a successful comeback year, clinched the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart with their album “Arirang,” while their single “Swim” topped the Billboard Hot 100. The group joins other artists like Frank Ocean and The Weeknd in publicly criticizing the Grammy Awards or refraining from submitting their music.
In 2026, BTS made history with “Golden” from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack winning the first-ever Grammy for a K-pop song. Despite ongoing efforts by the Recording Academy to evolve, critics like Variety’s Steven Horowitz believe there will always be dissenting voices. While BTS has not explicitly tied their decision to the new Grammy category, observers suggest that the group aims to avoid being typecast solely as an Asian act.
Following their performance at the FIFA World Cup halftime show, BTS is embarking on the North American leg of their Arirang world tour, including a stop at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium in August. The group’s decision not to submit music for the Grammys indicates a desire to break free from categorization and embrace their diverse musical identity.