BTS Rejects New Grammy Category, Says Music Should Not Be Divided by Language or Region

Global K-pop sensation BTS has announced that it will not submit songs from its highly anticipated comeback album ‘ARIRANG’ for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, in a move widely seen as a protest against the Recording Academy’s newly created category for Asian pop music.

All seven members of the group; RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, posted the same statement simultaneously on their individual social media accounts, explaining the decision.

“I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us.“

Although the statement did not directly mention the Grammy Awards, it was widely interpreted as criticism of the Recording Academy’s decision to introduce the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, one of five new Grammy categories announced last month.

Many fans and music industry observers believe BTS is rejecting the idea that Asian artists should compete in a separate category instead of being judged alongside musicians from around the world.

The seven-member group has previously received Grammy nominations in major international categories, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, becoming one of the first Korean acts to earn repeated recognition from the Recording Academy.

Their latest decision has reignited debate over whether creating region-specific categories celebrates diversity or unintentionally separates artists based on language and geography.

Supporters of the new category argue that it gives greater recognition to the growing influence of Asian music worldwide, particularly as K-pop, J-pop and other genres continue attracting global audiences.

Critics, however, say such categories risk creating a separate lane for Asian musicians rather than encouraging equal competition in the Grammys’ main awards.

BTS’s statement appears to align with the latter view, suggesting that music should be appreciated on its artistic merit rather than where it comes from or the language in which it is performed.

The announcement comes as BTS prepares for one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent music history. After completing mandatory military service, all seven members have reunited for ‘ARIRANG’, their first full-group album in several years.

Fans, known collectively as ARMY, quickly rallied behind the group’s decision, praising BTS for taking a stand on what they see as equal treatment for artists regardless of nationality.

Despite opting out of the new Grammy category, BTS remains one of the world’s biggest music acts, with multiple Billboard No. 1 albums, sold-out stadium tours and a global fanbase spanning every continent.

Whether the group’s decision influences future Grammy policies remains to be seen, but it has already added another chapter to the long-running conversation about diversity, representation and equality in the global music industry.