BTS has made a major statement ahead of the 69th Grammy Awards, not by adding another nomination campaign, but by stepping away from one entirely. The septet announced on Wednesday that it will not submit its music for Grammy consideration this year, a decision that has been widely viewed as a direct response to the Recording Academy's newly introduced Asian Pop category.
Sharing a statement through the Instagram Stories of all seven members, BTS said the decision was rooted in its belief that music should not be judged through geographical or linguistic divisions. "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 septet also expressed gratitude to its fans, thanking its official fandom ARMY and supporters around the world.
A Career-Defining Year Set Aside
BTS's decision comes at a time when the group is enjoying one of its strongest commercial runs. The group's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, released in March, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after recording 641,000 equivalent album units in its opening week — marking the biggest debut week for a group album in more than a decade. Its lead single, "SWIM," also made history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 at the top spot, further cementing BTS's position as one of the biggest acts in global music. Despite this momentum, the group has chosen not to enter the Grammy race this year.
The album ARIRANG draws heavily on Korean traditional music and has been praised for its fusion of modern pop with folk elements. Tracks such as "Han River" and "Moonlight" explore themes of identity and belonging, which many critics say align with the group's message about breaking down barriers. The album's commercial success has been underpinned by a massive global fanbase, but this decision to withhold submission suggests that artistic integrity and a broader view of music's role outweigh awards recognition.
The New Grammy Category Sparks Controversy
BTS's announcement follows the Recording Academy's decision in June to introduce Best Asian Pop Music Performance, one of five new categories added for the upcoming ceremony. While the category was created to recognise the growing global influence of Asian pop music, critics have questioned whether separating Asian artists into a dedicated category limits their chances of competing in broader award fields. Some have described the move as a form of segregation, arguing that artists should be recognised alongside all other performers rather than being divided by region.
The controversy is not new. For years, Asian artists — particularly K-pop groups like BTS — have faced barriers at major awards shows. Despite record-breaking sales and immense cultural impact, BTS had never won a Grammy before 2024, when they took home Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for a collaboration with an American artist. Many fans and industry observers felt that the Recording Academy was slow to embrace the global shift in music consumption. The introduction of a dedicated Asian Pop category, while possibly intended to create more visibility, is seen by some as a way to sideline Asian acts from the general categories.
In a statement given to the press shortly after the category was announced, a Recording Academy spokesperson said, "We believe that adding categories like Best Asian Pop Music Performance allows us to celebrate the diversity and innovation within the global music community. It's about giving more artists a platform." But BTS's decision seems to reflect a different view — that the platform should be shared equally across all artists, not segregated by origin.
Historical Context: BTS and the Grammys
BTS's relationship with the Grammys has been complex. They first performed at the ceremony in 2020 as part of a collaboration with Lil Nas X, and later had their own stage in 2022. However, despite multiple nominations — including Album of the Year for BE in 2021 and Best Music Video for "Dynamite" — they only won their first Grammy in 2024. The group has often spoken about the importance of the awards yet also expressed a desire for change in how music is judged.
In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, RM, the leader of BTS, said, "We're grateful for any recognition, but we also want to see the system evolve. Music is universal. Why should we be put in a box?" That sentiment echoes in the current announcement. The group's decision not to submit may also be viewed as a form of protest against an institutional framework that, despite efforts to diversify, still struggles to fully integrate non-English and non-Western acts.
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the fan community. ARMY, the group's devoted fandom, quickly trended hashtags like BTSGrammysBoycott and MusicWithoutBorders on social media. Many fans praised the group for taking a principled stand, while others expressed disappointment that the group's achievements might go unrecognised. Industry figures also weighed in. A&R executive Karen Kim told Variety, "BTS is making a powerful statement. They don't need the Grammys to validate their success, but by withdrawing, they're drawing attention to a deeper issue in how award shows categorise talent."
Other Asian artists have also spoken out. Chinese pop star Lay Zhang, a former member of EXO, tweeted, "We should be one community, not silos. BTS is right." Meanwhile, some critics argue that the Asian Pop category could benefit smaller artists who might otherwise be overshadowed. But the consensus among many observers is that the Academy needs to re-evaluate how it defines 'pop' and 'global music'.
Also Read: BTS's Jungkook Calls Out Invasive Behaviour
In a separate but related incident, BTS member Jungkook recently addressed fan privacy concerns after a fan pointed a camera at him inside a bakery. He called the behaviour "rude," sparking a larger conversation about the boundaries between celebrity and fandom. While not directly related to the Grammy decision, it reflects the group's ongoing efforts to set expectations around respect and fairness — themes that also underpin their stance with the Academy.
A Broader Debate on Music Categorisation
The debate over the Asian Pop category is part of a larger conversation in the music industry about how to honour diversity without pigeonholing artists. In recent years, the Grammys have added several new categories, including Best African Music Performance and Best Latin Pop Album. While these are intended to recognise underrepresented genres, they also risk creating a separate track for artists who might otherwise compete in the main categories.
Dr. Alison Chan, a professor of musicology at the University of California, Los Angeles, notes, "The Grammys have a long history of struggling with diversity. The new categories are a double-edged sword. They can highlight artists, but they also reinforce the idea that 'mainstream' music is still largely Western and English-language." BTS's decision mirrors that of other prominent artists who have boycotted award shows over similar issues, such as the Weeknd, who refused to submit to the Grammys after being excluded from nominations in 2021.
BTS's statement may further fuel calls for the Recording Academy to reconsider its category structure. In the meantime, the group's commercial success continues to skyrocket. With ARIRANG still dominating charts worldwide and a sold-out stadium tour underway, BTS demonstrates that awards are not the sole measure of influence. The group's choice to abstain from the Grammys could be seen as a statement that musical excellence transcends geographic boundaries — a message that resonates with a global audience that already embraces them without needing institutional validation.
As the 69th Grammy Awards approach, all eyes will be on the Academy's response. Will they address the controversy? Will other Asian artists follow BTS's lead? For now, BTS is charting its own path, proving that the most important award is the love and loyalty of millions of fans who value music not for its label, but for its power to connect.