BTS will not participate in the 2027 Grammy Awards, objecting to the new best Asian pop music performance category. The group cites concerns over regional divisions in music recognition. The Recording Academy responds to their decision.
BTS, one of the most prominent K-pop groups globally, has announced it will not submit any music for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards in 2027. The decision, made public via a coordinated Instagram statement from all seven members, comes in direct response to the Recording Academy's introduction of a new category: best Asian pop music performance. This marks the first time BTS has opted out of the Grammy process, a move that immediately drew attention across the international music industry.
The group explained that their withdrawal is rooted in dissatisfaction with the new category, which they believe divides music by region and language rather than celebrating artistic merit universally. According to BTS, music should be valued for its quality and impact, not its geographic origin. The Recording Academy, in its June announcement, described the new category as a way to recognize excellence in Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, with a focus on works performed in Asian languages and widely recognized within Asian markets.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys, expressed disappointment at BTS's decision but emphasized respect for their stance. He clarified that the new Asian Pop category was intended to highlight the diversity and growth of pop music from Asia, not to segregate artists. Mason also pointed out that artists submitting to the Asian Pop category remain eligible for the main Grammy awards, such as record of the year, album of the year, and song of the year, regardless of genre or language. He reiterated the Academy's commitment to serving the global music community and listening to artists worldwide.
BTS's absence from the 2027 Grammys comes after a period of renewed activity for the group. In March, they released the comeback album “ARIRANG” following a hiatus for mandatory military service. The album achieved significant commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks—a record for a K-pop act. Concert tickets for their South Korean shows sold out rapidly, and the North American and European tour dates also saw overwhelming demand, according to their agency Hybe.
Earlier in 2026, BTS won artist of the year at the 52nd American Music Awards, surpassing major international artists including Taylor Swift. The group, consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, is managed by Big Hit Music, a label under Hybe. Their decision to step back from the Grammys highlights ongoing debates about how global music is recognized and categorized by major Western institutions.
For context, the Recording Academy has faced criticism in recent years over its approach to international music genres and representation. The introduction of the best Asian pop music performance category was seen by some as progress, but reactions from leading artists like BTS suggest that questions remain about inclusivity and the criteria for global recognition. As the music industry continues to evolve, the choices of influential groups such as BTS may shape future discussions about awards, diversity, and the boundaries of genre and geography.
