BTS withdraws 2027 Grammy submission over concerns about music being divided by language and region

Global K-pop sensation BTS said on Wednesday they will not submit their music for next year’s Grammy Awards, following the Recording Academy’s introduction of new categories that include the Best Asian Pop Music Performance. The South Korean megastars had been widely tipped to be in the running for several of the Grammys’ top honours, including Album of the Year, after their comeback album, Arirang, became one of this year’s bestselling hits. “We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year,”...

Korean pop group BTS have announced they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The news came in a co-ordinated Instagram post, with all seven members of the band uploading an identical statement. “We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year,” a translation of the message read.

“I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” The band were widely expected to compete with some of the Grammys’ major categories, including album of the year, after their comeback record, Arirang, became one of the year’s biggest-sellers. The lead single Swim, a US number one, was also predicted to be in contention for song of the year. But the English-language lyrics would have excluded it from the new best Asian pop music performance prize, which was announced last month.

Under Grammy rules, songs nominated for the category must contain “meaningful use” of an Asian language. More than 80% of the lyrics on Arirang are sung in English. The introduction of the new award met with mixed reception in K-Pop spaces online.

Many fans complained that, instead of celebrating Asian artists, the Grammys had pigeonholed them. By choosing to mention both region and language in their statement, the members of BTS – RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin and J-Hope – appeared to reflect that concern. They ended their statement with a message to their fans, known as the BTS Army.

“Thank you to Army and everyone who is always with us,” the group said. The Recording Academy, which organises the ceremony, has yet to respond. BBC News has contacted them for a statement.