BTS, the world-renowned K-pop group from South Korea, announced they will not submit works for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards in 2027 to take a stand against the creation of the new "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category. They stated that music should be judged based on the value of the work itself, not divided by region or language. The Grammy organizers expressed regret over BTS's decision but emphasized that the new category was created to expand opportunities for Asian artists, not to segregate competition separately.
All seven members of BTS—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—posted messages simultaneously on their personal Instagram accounts to announce their important decision not to submit any music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, which will take place in February 2027.
Their statement reads: "We have decided not to submit our work for Grammy consideration this year. We hope that music can be listened to and loved for its true self, rather than being divided by region or language."
This move follows the Recording Academy's announcement in June of a new category, "Best Asian Pop Music Performance," to honor music from South Korea, Japan, China, and other Asian countries. The category requires significant use of an "Asian language" in the songs.
However, this requirement became a major point of contention, as BTS's comeback album “ARIRANG,” released after members completed their military service, and its title track "Swim," which soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, features nearly 80% English lyrics. This disqualifies their music from the Asian Pop category. Fans worldwide view the category as a way to "box Asian artists into a separate category," effectively preventing them from competing alongside Western artists in main categories.
Following BTS's boycott announcement, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, quickly responded with a statement expressing sadness and disappointment about BTS's decision, but also understanding and respect as a fellow music creator. He said, "I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy process this year. However, as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision fully."
The Grammy CEO clarified to address misunderstandings, stating, "The establishment of the Asian Pop category aims to celebrate the depth, diversity, and rapid growth of Asian pop artists. The spirit of this category is to shine a spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean greater recognition for artists' work. This is not intended to segregate but to expand opportunities for the more than 15,000 Grammy voters."
Mason also emphasized that having an Asian Pop category does not prevent artists from being nominated in the major annual categories such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, or Song of the Year. Artists can be nominated in both, and the Academy remains open to feedback from the global music community.
BTS's announcement to decline Grammy consideration marks a historic moment for K-pop. BTS was the first K-pop group nominated for a Grammy in 2021 for "Dynamite," their first fully English-language song. Since then, they have received multiple nominations in categories including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video. All seven members have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019. However, the group has yet to win a Grammy.
Boycotting the Grammys is not new in the global music scene. Top artists like The Weeknd, Drake, Frank Ocean, Morgan Wallen, and Will Smith have previously declined to submit works or participate due to concerns over transparency, outdated values, and racial or genre segregation.
Although BTS will not compete at the 2027 Grammys, they continue to achieve massive success. Their album “ARIRANG” topped the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks. Additionally, tickets for their world tour concerts in South Korea, North America, and Europe sold out within hours, reflecting the group's enduring popularity and global fan base.