BTS has announced they will not submit music to the 69th Grammy Awards set for 2027, sending shockwaves through the global music industry.
On July 29, BTS stated via social media, "We decided not to submit to this year's Grammy Awards." They added, "We hope our music is heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language," hinting at the motivation behind their decision.
Inside and outside the K-pop scene, many view the announcement as a de facto boycott of the Grammys' newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The category groups together popular music from Asia, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, under one umbrella.
While the Recording Academy said the change reflects the growth and influence of Asian pop, the move has drawn heavy criticism at home and abroad. Observers argue that lumping together markets with distinct languages, cultures, and musical foundations—like Korea, Japan, and China—under the regional label of "Asia" is a Western-centric classification.
Critics also worry that, at a time when K-pop is already making clear inroads in the global pop market, creating a separate category could further fence artists out of the major awards. BTS's line about not being "divided by region or language" squarely underscores that concern.
Despite the massive success of their fifth studio album 'Arirang'—which topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200—BTS's decision to forego a Grammy submission is being read as a statement about how the global music market is classified, not just a simple no-show.
International outlets quickly picked up the story. UK music magazine NME reported that BTS refused to submit in protest of the new Asian Pop category, spotlighting concerns that a dedicated lane could sideline Asian artists from competing for the top awards. The Guardian framed BTS's move as a gentle but powerful rebuke to the Recording Academy. Germany's public broadcaster DW referenced past Grammys boycotts by Drake and The Weeknd to place BTS's choice within a broader industry context.
Support from creators followed. Maggie Kang, the Korean-Canadian director of the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, shared related coverage on her social media in support. Producer Mike Will Made-It, who worked on the BTS album track 'Aliens,' also amplified the moment by sharing a post celebrating the song hitting No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Top Songs chart.
Global ARMY responded with action. In the wake of BTS's decision, fans pushed 'Aliens' into the upper ranks of music charts around the world, signaling solidarity with the group's stance.
The Grammys responded swiftly as well. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, "While it's unfortunate BTS chose not to submit, we respect their decision." Addressing the Asian Pop category, he explained, "It was established to spotlight the depth, diversity, and excellence of Asian pop music," adding that the goal is not to segregate but to widen opportunities for more artists to be recognized by voters. He also stressed that submitting to a genre or regional category does not preclude artists from competing for top awards like Album of the Year, Song of the Year, or Record of the Year—they can pursue both simultaneously.
Still, the controversy shows no signs of cooling. The Grammys have long faced criticism for conservative tendencies that favor Anglophone and white artists. BTS, despite earning nominations three years in a row starting in 2021, went home empty-handed each time.
Billboard analyzed that BTS's refusal to submit could dent the Grammys' prestige—especially given the group's unparalleled ability to draw massive viewership to the broadcast—marking a potential loss for the ceremony itself.
Meanwhile, the 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 7, 2027, with submissions open until the 28th of next month.