BTS Decline 2027 Grammys Over New Asian Pop Category

Mon Sep 14 2026 11:10:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

K‑Pop sensation BTS states it will not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing the new Asian pop category that requires meaningful use of an Asian language.

BTS announced they will not enter the 2027 Grammys after the Recording Academy added a new Best Asian Pop Performance category that limits eligibility to songs containing significant Asian language content. The group’s latest release, "Arirang," is mainly sung in English, causing critics to question the fairness of the award. In a coordinated Instagram post, the members expressed hope that music can be celebrated beyond regional or linguistic divisions, while thanking fans for their support. The decision sparks debate among K‑Pop fans and industry observers about the Grammys’ approach to global representation.

BTS Decline 2027 Grammys Over New Asian Pop Category

K‑Pop superstar BTS announced the decision not to submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards in a coordinated Instagram statement. All seven members posted identical messages, echoing a sentiment that music should be judged on what it is, rather than divided by region or language.

The announcement comes a month after the Recording Academy introduced a "Best Asian Pop Performance" category. To qualify, nominees must use "meaningful use" of an Asian language, a requirement that bars BTS’ recent single "Swim"—a U.S. number‑one that features almost entirely English lyrics—from contention. The group has long been a fixture on the Grammys stage: they received their first nomination in 2021 for "Dynamite," have been nominated four times more, and have never won.

In the same post, they thanked their global fan base, the "ARMY," and urged listeners to appreciate music in its pure form. The Recording Academy has yet to respond to the announcement.

Context

Prior to this, BTS became the first K‑Pop group nominated for a Grammy when "Dynamite" earned them a nod in 2021. Their 2025 tour is projected to rival Taylor Swift’s Eras, underscoring their global influence. Other K‑Pop acts, such as Blackpink, have also received nominations under the new categories, though they too faced the same language‑based eligibility issue.

Fan Reaction

Fans expressed disappointment through social media and local radio. Ashia Davies, 27, lamented the loss of a potential performance at the ceremony. “It’s such a shame,” she said. Some devotees argued the new category keeps Western artists outside the fold, while others welcomed BTS’ choice as a stand for artistic unity.

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