Global powerhouse BTS has announced that they will not be submitting for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The seven-member K-pop group announced their decision in a coordinated Instagram story Wednesday local Korean time. “We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year,” a translation of the message reads.
“I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the message continues. “Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us.”
BTS’ decision comes just a little over a month after the introduction of a new category for the 2027 Grammy Awards, the Asian pop music performance category. The addition has received mixed reactions in K-pop spaces online, but BTS is the first artist to announce they’re going to sit out of the awards.
The group members’ choice to specify both region and language is relevant, as the category specifics that the songs entered music include “meaningful use” of any Asian language. BTS, in the midst a banner comeback year, was an obvious frontrunner for the new category and have been nominated in other Grammy categories in years past.
The Recording Academy’s description of the new award reads, “This category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized 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).”
All seven members returned to the trailblazing boy group and to group activties last year following their mandatory military enlistment in their home country of South Korea, working on their first new album in years. They released that album, Arirang, in March, which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 while their lead single “Swim” landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Recording Academy hasn’t issued a statement, though The Hollywood Reporter has reached out for comment.
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