What is the story about?
Global K-pop sensation BTS has announced that it will not submit its music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled to take place on February 7.
All seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, shared a statement on their respective social media accounts and announced the decision, citing concerns over the Recording Academy's newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
They said they want their music to be heard and appreciated without being categorised based on region or language.
“We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us,”
the statement read.
The announcement of BTS comes weeks after the Recording Academy added the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, among the five newly added categories for next year’s Grammy Awards. The award is intended to honour music in Korean pop (K-pop), Japanese pop (J-pop), Chinese pop (C-pop) and other Asian pop styles.
“This category recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s),” the Academy’s description of the category reads.
What is the controversy around The Grammys’ new category?
The introduction of the category has divided fans and members of the music industry. One of the key arguments against the new category is the language-based eligibility criteria. Reports suggest that English-language songs by Asian artists, including BTS' Grammy-nominated hit Dynamite, would not qualify for the new category.
This has raised concerns about how globally successful Asian artists that primarily release English-language music will be classified.
BTS’s Grammy journey
Despite receiving multiple Grammy nominations over the years, including in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video categories, BTS has never won a Grammy. The members have also been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.
What is BTS currently busy with?
BTS is currently on its World Tour Arirang, having recently concluded its European leg. The group’s Paris concerts reportedly drew around 720,000 attendees. Earlier this month, BTS also made history by performing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.
The band is scheduled to resume the US leg of its world tour on August 1 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
All seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, shared a statement on their respective social media accounts and announced the decision, citing concerns over the Recording Academy's newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
They said they want their music to be heard and appreciated without being categorised based on region or language.
“We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us,”
The announcement of BTS comes weeks after the Recording Academy added the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, among the five newly added categories for next year’s Grammy Awards. The award is intended to honour music in Korean pop (K-pop), Japanese pop (J-pop), Chinese pop (C-pop) and other Asian pop styles.
“This category recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s),” the Academy’s description of the category reads.
What is the controversy around The Grammys’ new category?
The introduction of the category has divided fans and members of the music industry. One of the key arguments against the new category is the language-based eligibility criteria. Reports suggest that English-language songs by Asian artists, including BTS' Grammy-nominated hit Dynamite, would not qualify for the new category.
This has raised concerns about how globally successful Asian artists that primarily release English-language music will be classified.
BTS’s Grammy journey
Despite receiving multiple Grammy nominations over the years, including in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video categories, BTS has never won a Grammy. The members have also been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.
What is BTS currently busy with?
BTS is currently on its World Tour Arirang, having recently concluded its European leg. The group’s Paris concerts reportedly drew around 720,000 attendees. Earlier this month, BTS also made history by performing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.
The band is scheduled to resume the US leg of its world tour on August 1 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
