South Korean band BTS has decided to stay out of the running for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, set for February 2027. The group will not submit any music for consideration, protesting the Recording Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The Recording Academy announced the new category on June 16 for music from South Korea, Japan, China, and elsewhere in the region.
“This category recognizes 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,” the Grammy website says.
All seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, shared the decision on social media. In their message, the band explained they want music to be judged on its own artistic merit, not separated based on where it comes from or what language it’s in.
“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,” they wrote.
The disagreement began after the Recording Academy created the new award. The category is meant to recognize artists from Asian pop markets, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, and requires performances to make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. BTS reportedly saw this as a way of separating Asian artists rather than giving them wider recognition on the global stage.
This marks the first time BTS has chosen not to be considered for a Grammy. The band has picked up several nominations in the past, but has never actually won.
The Recording Academy has pushed back on the criticism. Officials said the category was created to celebrate the fast growth of Asian pop music and does not stop artists from competing in bigger categories like Album of the Year or Song of the Year. Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was disappointed by BTS’s decision but stood by the idea behind the new award.
“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,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys, said.
The move has started a bigger conversation among fans and industry watchers over whether separate regional categories help inclusion or end up creating fresh divides in global music awards.
