MANILA, Philippines — K-pop group BTS said it will not submit its music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing its preference for music to compete without divisions based on language or region after the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian pop category.
All seven members announced the decision in a joint statement shared on their respective Instagram accounts.
“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 decision came weeks after the Recording Academy announced five new Grammy categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
The Academy said the new category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets. It includes genres such as K-pop, J-pop and C-pop and requires meaningful use of at least one Asian language.
BTS’ statement indicated that the group preferred equal consideration for music regardless of its country or language of origin. Fans of Asian artists have also criticized the new category, describing it as potentially exclusionary.
The group thanked its fans, known as ARMY, for their continued support.
BTS has received multiple Grammy nominations, including for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video, but has not won an award. All seven members have served as voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.
The group recently performed at the inaugural halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.
BTS will resume the U.S. leg of its “ARIRANG” World Tour before traveling to Asia. The group has scheduled three concerts at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 13, 14 and 16, 2027.
