BTS Won’t Submit Their Music For Next Year’s Grammys

Back in June, the Recording Academy announced plans to add five new categories at the 2027 Grammys, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance. In a statement, the Recording Academy said it was part of the organization’s “ongoing commitment to reflecting today’s dynamic musical landscape.” But the news elicited mixed reactions—check out this excellent community article on the subject—and at least one major K-pop group, BTS, has decided to boycott the ceremony next year.

“We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year,” the band shared via the IG stories of all seven members. “I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”

BTS have never won a Grammy, though they’ve been nominated five times over the years. They’ve won multiple Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards, and they’re poised for another big run during next year’s award season, as their recent album ARIRANG was a massive commercial and critical success.

The other new categories for 2027 are Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album, and Best Latin Song. Time will tell whether any performers up for prizes in these categories decide to withhold their music from consideration.