"Music Should Not Be Divided by Language"…BTS Boycotts the Grammys

BTS has decided not to submit any music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. All seven members posted identical statements simultaneously on their respective Instagram Stories on the 29th (local time).

The members expressed their wish that music could be heard and appreciated for what it is, rather than being separated by region or language.

This decision is interpreted as a protest against the Grammys’ introduction last month of a new category called “Asian Pop Music Performance,” which categorizes music from countries such as South Korea, China, and Japan separately. Entries for this category require lyrics to “meaningfully use” an Asian language. More than 80% of the lyrics in BTS’s album *Arirang*, released in March of this year, are in English.

Members such as RM, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, Jin, and Jung Kook have a relatively short history of competing at the Grammys. In 2019, BTS first appeared on a Grammy stage as presenters for the “Best R&B Album” category. From 2021 onward, they were nominated for major categories such as “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for three consecutive years but failed to win any awards each time.

This year’s situation was different. Their fifth studio album *Arirang*, released in March, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Its Title Track, “Swim,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and this album helped South Korea rise to third place among the world’s top music exporters, behind the United States and the United Kingdom.

With these achievements, BTS was widely expected to be a strong contender for major Grammy awards such as “Album of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” Their decision to withdraw their submission has sparked debate regarding the global standing of K-pop.

The members concluded their statement by expressing gratitude to their fans, known as “ARMY,” and to everyone who has supported them. The Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys, has not yet issued an official statement.