By Zinhle Radebe
BTS will not submit their comeback album ARIRANG for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The announcement follows the Recording Academy’s introduction of the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The news came in a coordinated Instagram post, with all seven members sharing the same statement.
They said, “We have decided not to submit for the Grammys this year.”
“We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the group statement continued.
“We thank ARMY and everyone who has always stood by us.”
Why BTS walked away
The Recording Academy announced the new category in June as part of five additions to next year’s awards.
It recognises performances from Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.
While the category was introduced to celebrate the growth of Asian pop music, many fans believe it separates Asian artists instead of allowing them to compete in the main pop categories.
BTS was widely expected to compete following the release of ARIRANG, the group’s first album together in four years.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, topped Apple Music charts in more than 115 countries and became one of 2026’s biggest releases.
Instead of entering the Grammy race, BTS chose to step away.
Recording Academy responds
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said he respected BTS’ decision but defended the introduction of the category.
“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision,” Mason said.
He added that the category was created to celebrate the depth and diversity of Asian pop music, not to separate artists from the main awards.
“More categories mean more artists’ work is recognised. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognised by our 15,000 Grammy voters,” he said.
Mason also noted that artists remain eligible for the General Field awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
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Fans question the move
The decision quickly became one of the week’s biggest talking points online.
Many ARMYs argued that music should be recognised by genre rather than geography.
One fan wrote: “Music categories should be based on genres: pop, country, rock and R&B. Asia is a continent, not a music genre.”
Another asked: “Then where are European pop or African pop categories?”
Others argued that the new award places Asian artists in a separate lane instead of recognising them alongside the world’s biggest pop acts.
The conversation has since grown beyond the BTS fandom, with critics and music fans questioning whether regional categories still have a place in an increasingly global industry.
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More than another Grammy
After completing military service, BTS returned with ARIRANG, one of the biggest albums of 2026.
The group continues to sell out stadiums on its world tour while the album remains one of the year’s strongest commercial successes.
Despite receiving five Grammy nominations throughout its career, BTS has never won a Grammy.
The 69th Grammy Awards will take place on 7 February 2027, airing on ABC, Hulu and Disney+ for the first time after more than 50 years on CBS.
Whether the Recording Academy revisits the new category remains to be seen.
What is already clear is that BTS has shifted the conversation beyond next year’s nominations and towards how global music should be recognised.
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