South Korean pop group BTS announced Wednesday it will not participate in the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing objections to the Recording Academy introducing a new Asian pop music category. The seven members stated they want their music evaluated on artistic merit rather than geographic or linguistic origin.
In a move that surprised the music industry, the global group officially decided against submitting any work for competition at the upcoming 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 7, 2027, as reported by Alqiyady. The decision arrived directly from the group’s members via a unified statement posted across their individual Instagram accounts.
The Recording Academy Introduces Asian Pop Categories
The dispute centers on changes implemented by the awards organizers earlier in the summer. In June, the organization announced the creation of five new categories, according to Sharjah24, which included a dedicated slot for Asian pop music designed to honor emerging and established sounds originating from Asian markets or enjoying widespread popularity there, encompassing K-Pop, J-Pop, and C-Pop.
While the new grouping intended to celebrate regional creativity, it immediately triggered mixed reactions across the industry. Certain critics argued that establishing a separate category effectively segregates Asian artists rather than integrating them into broader global categories alongside their peers.
The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and prosperity of the amazing Asian musical creativity, and the goal of this new category is to highlight these artists
Recording Academy, via Sharjah24
The Members’ Statement on Artistic Value
The group’s members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—made their stance clear through social media channels, noted Alqiyady, emphasizing that artistic creation transcends regional and linguistic boxes.
We have decided not to compete in the Grammy Awards this year. We hope our music reaches listeners and is appreciated for what it represents, away from being divided by region or language. We thank the Army audience and everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.
BTS members, via Alqiyady
The group reiterated this philosophy in additional remarks published on Instagram, where members stated they hope our musical works will be listened to and appreciated for what they are, rather than being placed in a specific category based on geographic region or language, reported Sharjah24.
Grammy History and Voting Membership Status
The boycott unfolds against a backdrop of previous engagement with the institution. Over prior years, the group secured several nominations in competitive fields—including best pop duo/group performance and best music video—though they have yet to secure a victory.
Furthermore, all members hold official voting membership within the organization dating back to 2019, a credential that grants them direct voting rights in the annual awards process, according to Alqiyady. That voting status had fueled widespread industry expectations that the upcoming ceremony might yield their first win.
Commercial Success Following Military Service
The withdrawal coincides with one of the most commercially triumphant periods of the group’s career. Following the completion of mandatory military service by all members, the ensemble released their fifth studio album, titled Arirang
, in March, detailed Alqiyady.
The release achieved global commercial dominance, surging to the top of Billboard album and song charts while achieving records across international streaming and sales figures.
Official Reactions and Pending Academy Response
Leadership acknowledged the sudden pullout with regret. Harvey Mason Jr., head of the Recording Academy, expressed sadness over the group’s choice, noted Sharjah24, while defending the inclusion of the new genre criteria.
As the February ceremony approaches, the organizing academy has not issued any formal administrative response to the group’s decision to bypass the submission window.
