BTS has made a major statement ahead of the 69th Grammy Awards, not by adding another nomination campaign, but by stepping away from one entirely. The band announced on Wednesday that it will not submit its music for Grammy consideration this year, a decision that has been widely viewed as a response to the Recording Academy’s newly introduced Asian Pop category.
Sharing a statement through the Instagram Stories of all seven members, BTS said the decision was rooted in its belief that music should not be judged through geographical or linguistic divisions.
“We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year,” the group said. “We hope music can be heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language.”
The septet also expressed gratitude to its fans, thanking its official fandom ARMY and supporters around the world. The statement ended with a simple “Thank you, ARMY,” a message that quickly trended on social media platforms as fans expressed both support and sorrow over the group’s decision.
BTS steps back despite career-defining year
The decision comes at a time when BTS is enjoying one of its strongest commercial runs. The group’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, released in March, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after recording 641,000 units in its opening week — marking the biggest debut week for a group album in more than a decade. Its lead single, “SWIM,” also made history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 at the top spot, further cementing BTS’ position as one of the biggest acts in global music. The album explored themes of Korean heritage and modern identity, blending traditional sounds with contemporary pop, earning critical acclaim for its production and lyrical depth.
Despite this momentum, the group has chosen not to enter the Grammy race this year. This isn’t the first time BTS has taken a stand on issues of representation in the music industry. The group has previously spoken about feeling boxed into categories like “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” despite their music often defying genre labels. Their Grammy history includes a nomination in 2020 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their single “Dynamite,” followed by a nomination in 2021 for the same category with “Butter.” In 2022, BTS performed their hit “Butter” on the Grammy stage but left empty-handed, a moment that sparked widespread debate among fans and critics about the Recording Academy’s treatment of international artists.
Since then, BTS has continued to break records—selling out stadiums worldwide, collaborating with artists like Coldplay and Snoop Dogg, and earning platinum certifications across multiple continents. Yet the group’s relationship with the Grammys has remained complicated. In a 2021 interview, member RM hinted that the group wanted recognition in the main categories rather than being pigeonholed into specific genre brackets. “We want to be seen as artists, not just as a K-pop group,” he said.
New Grammy category sparks controversy
BTS’ announcement follows the Recording Academy’s decision in June to introduce Best Asian Pop Music Performance, one of five new categories added for the upcoming ceremony. While the category was created to recognise the growing global influence of Asian pop music, critics have questioned whether separating Asian artists into a dedicated category limits their chances of competing in broader award fields. Some have described the move as a form of segregation, arguing that artists should be recognised alongside all other performers rather than being divided by region. The category specifically includes music with predominantly Asian language lyrics or instrumentation, which has drawn fire for potentially marginalizing artists like BTS who often blend multiple languages and styles.
“The Grammys have a long history of creating ‘international’ categories that end up being dumping grounds for non-Western artists,” said Dr. Jane Kim, a musicologist at Seoul National University who studies global pop culture. “Instead of opening the main categories to diverse sounds, they create separate silos. This decision by BTS is a powerful protest against that system.” Industry insiders report that several other Asian pop acts have privately expressed similar concerns, though none have yet followed BTS’ lead in boycotting the awards.
The Recording Academy has defended the new category, stating in a press release that it aims to “highlight the incredible artistry and cultural impact of Asian pop music on the global stage.” However, the Academy has not yet responded to BTS’ specific announcement. Calls for comment to the Recording Academy’s headquarters were not returned by press time. Meanwhile, social media has exploded with fans and celebrities weighing in. Many have pointed out that the creation of an Asian Pop category feels regressive at a time when other award shows are moving toward gender-neutral and genre-fluid categories. For instance, the MTV Video Music Awards eliminated gendered categories in 2021, and the Brit Awards dropped male/female distinctions in 2022.
Historical context of genre segregation in awards
The debate over the Asian Pop category is not new. The Grammys have a controversial history with genre divisions, particularly regarding Black music. The category “Best Rhythm & Blues Performance” was created in 1969, but for decades, Black artists were often relegated to R&B or Urban Contemporary categories while being excluded from the general pop field. Similarly, Latin music has its own category structure, which some believe limits crossover potential. The introduction of a dedicated Asian Pop category is seen by many as repeating that pattern rather than learning from it.
Music journalists have noted that categories like “Best World Music Album” (renamed “Best Global Music Album” in 2020) historically pushed non-Western artists into a niche, even when their work had wide international appeal. BTS’ album Love Yourself: Answer was submitted for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2019 but was not nominated, despite massive commercial success. Many speculate that the Recording Academy’s jury struggles to evaluate music that doesn’t fit neatly into traditional Western pop structures. BTS’ music often incorporates Korean folk melodies, hip-hop beats, and EDM influences, making it resistant to easy classification.
The response from the K-pop industry has been mixed. Some smaller groups see the new category as an opportunity for exposure, since competition would be limited. But major labels like Big Hit Music, BTS’ parent company, have allegedly encouraged other artists to also consider withholding submissions. Representatives from SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment have declined to comment publicly. However, a source close to Blackpink said the group is still evaluating their submission plan.
BTS’ philosophy and fan reactions
BTS has long advocated for music as a universal language. In multiple interviews, the members have discussed their desire to break down barriers between cultures. Their 2022 UN Speech emphasized the importance of embracing diversity while finding common ground. “Music is the only language that everyone can understand,” RM said at the time. That philosophy is now being put into practice at the highest level of the industry.
Fans, collectively known as ARMY, have reacted with a mixture of pride and disappointment. On Twitter, the hashtag BTSBoycottsGrammys trended for hours, with many praising the group for taking a stand against what they see as systemic bias. “BTS doesn’t need the Grammys to validate their music. They are the biggest band in the world. The Grammys need them more than they need the Grammys,” wrote one fan. Others expressed sadness that the group’s record-breaking year would not receive recognition from the Academy. Some have started a campaign to boycott the Grammys entirely.
Meanwhile, the impact on the Korean music industry remains to be seen. BTS’ decision could influence how other Asian artists approach the awards. It might also pressure the Recording Academy to reconsider the category for future ceremonies. However, the Academy is unlikely to revert the change before the 69th ceremony, as categories are typically set months in advance.
BTS continues to focus on their world tour and upcoming projects. Their label announced that the group is working on a new album set for release in early 2027. For now, the seven members are taking a stand—one that could reshape the conversation about diversity in music awards for years to come. The Recording Academy has yet to respond to BTS's announcement, but industry observers predict that the debate over the Asian Pop category will dominate discussions leading up to the ceremony.