BTS Declines 2027 Grammy Submission Over New Asian Pop Category

BTS Declines 2027 Grammy Submission Over New Asian Pop Category

K-pop powerhouse BTS said on Wednesday that they would not submit songs for consideration for the 2027 Grammys next February. The seven band members issued the same Korean-language note online in concert. What's the reason BTS doesn't want to be considered this year? They said they did not want to be included in the new Grammy category, best Asian pop music performance, that's seen as a way to categorize releases across K-pop or J-pop and C-pop from Japan and China, respectively. Newly reformed BTS, touring to promote a new album after returning from a military service hiatus, would seem to be among the frontrunners in the category. "We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language," the band's message read. "We thank Army [the band's colloquial term for the BTS fan base] and everyone who has always stood by us." Critics of the new Grammy argued it could serve as an exclusionary barrier stopping Asian pop music from winning other awards. Proponents argued it was just the latest of numerous genres added to the list of more than 90 Grammy categories. Has BTS won Grammys before? No. But the band had been nominated for a total of five. Three times they made the shortlist as the best pop duo or group performance, once they shared a nomination for best album of the year because of their contributions to Coldplay's "Music of Spheres," and also for their music video "Yet to Come." Up until this year's ceremonies, no K-Pop act had ever won a Grammy Award. "Golden" from the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" won the best song for visual media, a decision that prompted elation in South Korea, despite the song's US roots and fictional performing artists. BTS touring to promote 'ARIRANG' after military service return BTS reformed and returned to frontline performance this year after a four-year hiatus. They have released and are now promoting a 14-track album, "ARIRANG" — named after Korea's most renowned traditional folk song and unofficial national anthem, roughly translating as "My Beloved One." The band has spent most of the summer in the Americas amid the World Cup and its world tour, including performing at the controversial halftime show of the World Cup final this month. This fifth studio album follows a four-year break as the band members completed South Korea's mandatory military service and pursued solo projects. Edited by: Sean Sinico