BTS Steps Back From Grammys 2027 Over New Asian Pop Award Category

K-pop icons BTS have stepped back from submitting their Arirang album, including its songs, for the 2027 Grammys ceremony. According to reports, the band withdrew due to the addition of a new award for best Asian pop music performance. Taking to their Instagram timeline, each of the South Korean group’s seven members shared, “We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that 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.” All seven members, namely, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook – posted the same statement on their individual Instagram accounts.

BTS Boycotts Grammys: Here’s What the K-Pop Icons Have to Say

On Wednesday, K-pop group BTS ​stated that they will not submit any music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, which are scheduled for February 2027. The band cited ‌dissatisfaction with the academy’s new category for best Asian pop music performance. When the Asian pop award was announced, Academy president Harvey Mason Jr stated, “Our music community sharing with us that they felt they needed to have more opportunities to celebrate different and new genres of music.” 

After BTS’s withdrawal, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys, stated, “I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision,” Moreover, netizens too urged other bands to step back from Grammys.

According to Reuters, BTS released the comeback album “ARIRANG” on March 20 after a hiatus for their members to complete military service. A ​global success, it topped ⁠the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks, setting a new record for a K-pop act.