BTS has announced that the group will not submit its music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, leading to strong reactions from international media outlets and fans around the world.
On July 29, BTS members Jin, Jungkook, Jimin, RM, J Hope, V, and SUGA shared the same statement through their individual Instagram Stories.
The members wrote: “We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being separated by region or language. We sincerely thank ARMY and everyone who has always supported us.”
The decision came about one month after the Recording Academy announced five new award categories in June, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
Some media reports connected BTS’s decision to the introduction of the new category. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the announcement came shortly after the category was created. It also mentioned that BTS had previously received five Grammy nominations but had not won an award.
The Associated Press described the decision as a strong rejection of the new category. Other reports said the music industry is now discussing whether the category represents greater global inclusion or creates another barrier by grouping different Asian music industries together under one label.
BTS leader RM had previously discussed the Grammys in an interview with GQ before the release of Arirang.
RM said: “I do not desperately want a Grammy. I do not want to keep saying, ‘I want to win a Grammy.’”
Because of his earlier comments, some observers believe the group had already been reconsidering its relationship with the awards ceremony.
Fans also began sharing a line from a 2019 article written after BTS did not receive a Grammy nomination for the 2020 ceremony. The article argued that BTS continued to break records while the Grammys appeared to be losing influence, asking: “Who needs whom more?”
Many Korean and international fans publicly supported BTS’s decision. Some questioned why music from Korea, Japan, China, India, and other countries should be placed together under the broad term “Asian pop” when they represent different languages, cultures, and music industries.
One international fan wrote: “Do people understand how significant it is to release a statement like this during their biggest comeback period after military service?”
Another called it “a decision that will be remembered in history,” adding that it required courage and deserved respect.
While reactions remain divided, BTS’s statement has renewed discussion about regional award categories, equal recognition, and how global music should be represented at major international ceremonies.
