BTS Declines Grammy Consideration Following Introduction of New Asian Pop Category

BTS has announced that the group will not submit its music for Grammy consideration ahead of the 69th Grammy Awards, making the decision shortly after the Recording Academy introduced a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The announcement has sparked conversation among fans and music observers about how global artists should be recognized on the industry’s biggest stage.

The seven-member group shared a unified message explaining that the decision reflects their belief that music should be appreciated for its artistic merit rather than being separated by region or language.

BTS Shares a Unified Statement

On Tuesday, all seven BTS members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, posted the same statement to their Instagram Stories.

In the translated message, the group said they had decided not to enter the Grammy Awards this year. They added that they hope music can be “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being distinguished by region or language.”

The members also thanked their fans, known as ARMY, for their continued support.

A New Grammy Category for Asian Pop Music

The announcement follows the Recording Academy’s decision to introduce five new Grammy categories for the 2027 awards.

Among them is Best Asian Pop Music Performance, a category intended to recognize artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including genres such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop that feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the additions reflect the continued growth and diversity of today’s global music industry.

BTS Has Earned Multiple Grammy Nominations

Although BTS has become one of the world’s most successful music acts, the group has yet to win a Grammy Award.

They have previously received five Grammy nominations, making history as one of the most recognized K-pop acts by the Recording Academy. Their latest album, Arirang, released after all seven members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, had prompted speculation that the group would once again compete for Grammy recognition.

Instead, BTS has chosen not to submit the album for consideration.

A Decision Rooted in Artistic Principles

The group’s statement suggests that the decision is based on how they believe music should be evaluated.

Rather than competing within a category defined by geography or language, BTS indicated that they would prefer their work to be appreciated without those distinctions. The announcement has generated discussion among fans and industry observers about the balance between expanding recognition for international music and ensuring artists compete on equal footing across genres.

Neither BTS nor the Recording Academy has provided additional details beyond the public statements.

Looking Ahead

Despite stepping away from Grammy consideration this year, BTS remains one of the most influential groups in contemporary music.

With chart-topping albums, sold-out world tours, and a devoted global fan base, the group’s impact extends well beyond awards recognition. Their decision underscores an ongoing conversation within the music industry about how international artists are honored as popular music continues to evolve across cultures and languages.

Whether or not BTS returns to Grammy consideration in the future, the group’s influence on the global music landscape remains undeniable.

Featured Image: instagram.com/bts.bighitofficial