The seven members of the K-pop group BTS have announced they will not be submitting themselves for consideration for any Grammy Awards this eligibility period. The decision appears to be a protest against the Recording Academy's newly introduced "best Asian pop music performance" category, set to debut at the 2027 ceremony.
Members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook shared statements on their individual Instagram Stories, with one message, translated from Korean, stating, "We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language."
The group also expressed gratitude to their global fanbase, known as "Army," and "everyone who has always stood by us."
The new category aims to "recognize artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages."
BTS has a significant history with the Grammy Awards. In 2021, they became the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy nomination for their hit song "Dynamite" in the best pop duo/group performance category. They have since garnered four more nominations, including a nod for album of the year in 2023 as a featured artist on Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres."
The group has also performed at the awards show three times, in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Other new categories added for the 2027 Grammy ceremony include best Latin song, best R&B collaboration or duo/group performance, best traditional pop vocal performance, and best traditional folk album.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated that the changes reflect "the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it."
The 2027 Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place on February 7, airing on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
The Recording Academy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. BTS was reportedly expected to be nominated for multiple awards for their March album, "Arirang."