In brief
K‑pop mega‑group BTS has chosen not to submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The decision was announced via a coordinated Instagram story where the seven members said they hoped music could be heard beyond region or language. Their latest smash Arirang – a Korean‑English hybrid – failed to meet the new category’s “meaningful use” of an Asian language rule, prompting criticism that the award pigeonholes Asian artists. Fans and industry observers react in real‑time, debating whether the Grammys’ new category helps or harms global pop recognition. The Recording Academy has yet to issue a response.
K‑pop giants BTS announced today that they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group’s decision came via a coordinated Instagram story, with all seven members releasing identical statements.
"We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us."
The band had been expected to compete for major categories such as Album of the Year and Song of the Year, after their comeback record Arirang topped global sales charts and its lead single “Swim” reached number one in the United States. However, under the new Grammy rules the song would not qualify for the recently added Best Asian Pop Music Performance prize, because the track contains less than a 20% mix of Asian language – the category demands a “meaningful use” of an Asian language.
The introduction of the award has divided the K‑pop community. Some fans argue it unfairly segregates Asian artists into a separate category, while others welcome a dedicated space for the genre. BTS’s dual mention of region and language in their statement reflects the broader concern about the award’s framing.
The Recording Academy has not yet responded to inquiries. BBC News has requested a statement from the academy and will update readers once one is available.
BTS has been a voting member of the Recording Academy since 2019 and has previously performed on the Grammy stage. This marks the first time a major K‑pop act has boycotted the awards to protest its categories.
Fans reacting on social media expressed both disappointment and relief. One Army member on Twitter shared: "I know BTS love the Grammys – it’s a shame they won’t be in the awards this year," while another expressed peace: "They don’t have to prove anything, we’re happy they are staying true."
The decision follows the Grammys’ 2025 expansion of voting members to include prominent Korean artists, and the addition of Asian and Latin categories in 2026, illustrating the award’s shift toward greater global representation.
BTS fans continue to monitor updates from the Recording Academy, hoping for future opportunities to celebrate the group’s global impact on the music stage.
