The seven members of the South Korean band BTS have announced they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The decision was communicated through identical statements posted on Instagram by each member.
"We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year," a translated version of the statement read. "I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language."
The group's latest record, "Arirang," had been widely anticipated to compete in major categories, including Album of the Year. Its lead single, "Swim," which reached number one in the US, was also expected to contend for Song of the Year.
However, the English-language lyrics of "Arirang" would have made it ineligible for the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. This award, announced last month, requires nominated songs to feature a "meaningful use" of an Asian language, and over 80% of "Arirang's" lyrics are in English.
The introduction of the new category received mixed reactions within online K-pop communities, with many fans expressing concern that it could lead to the pigeonholing of Asian artists rather than celebrating their achievements.
In their statement, RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin, and J-Hope appeared to address these concerns by referencing both region and language.
The group concluded their message by thanking their fanbase, known as the BTS Army. "Thank you to Army and everyone who is always with us," they stated. The Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, has not yet issued a response, and BBC News has reached out for comment.