Why BTS Is Skipping the 2027 Grammys

BTS has officially announced it will not submit its latest album Arirang or any of its tracks for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. This is one of the strongest industry statements from the group yet. The decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian Pop category, which brought in a slew of criticism from musicians and fans alike. Key Takeaways BTS will not submit Arirang or its songs for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The decision follows the Grammys’ introduction of a new Asian Pop category with language-based eligibility rules. The 69th Grammy Awards will take place on February 7, 2027, with submissions closing on August 28. BTS Explains Why They Won’t Enter the 2027 Grammys BTS confirmed the decision on July 29 through the members’ individual social media accounts. The members shared, “We have decided not to submit for the Grammys this year. Rather than music being divided by region or language, we hope music will be appreciated for what it is. To ARMYs who are always with us and to everyone who has always supported us, we thank you” The members all posted the same statement at the same time, implying that it was a decision mutually agreed on by the team. Individual Statements by the BTS Members Posted on their Instagram Accounts Why the New Grammy Category Sparked Backlash In June, the Grammys unveiled a dedicated Asian Pop category covering K-pop, J-pop and C-pop. However, eligibility requires entries to make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, while songs primarily in English do not qualify. The timing raised eyebrows because Arirang was widely expected to compete in the Grammy’s major categories. Most tracks on the album are predominantly in English, meaning they would not qualify for the newly created category. Other U.S. Award Shows Took a Similar Path The Grammys are not the first American awards show to introduce K-pop-specific categories. Those changes accelerated as BTS gained mainstream recognition and began winning alongside Western artists. Recent additions include: MTV Video Music Awards: Best K-Pop (2019) American Music Awards: Favorite K-Pop Artist (2022) Billboard Music Awards: Four K-pop categories, including Top Global K-Pop Artist (2023) While these categories increased visibility, they also brought on criticism from fans who feared K-pop artists would be confined to separate divisions instead of competing equally for the biggest awards. RM Previously Hinted at a Changing Perspective Before the announcement, RM had already suggested that the group’s priorities were evolving. While acknowledging growing recognition for Korean artists like Rosé and the Netflix project KPop Demon Hunters, he praised their achievements instead of focusing solely on BTS. He said, “There are a lot of K-pop-related nominees you see in the general field and, really, I want to send big applause for them.” Speaking about future Grammy submissions, RM explained, “I mean, we’ll try. Maybe we’ll submit our album to the Grammys again. But I don’t know, we don’t want to be desperately eager for it.... We don’t want to say anymore like, ‘Ah, man, we want the Grammys.’ I mean, it doesn’t mean that we really don’t want it, but we’ll try. But if not, then okay.” Reflecting on the group’s priorities, he concluded, “Now, the most important thing is just that we are here back together again, we’re going to see the fans all over the world.” Between 2021 and 2023, BTS earned Grammy nominations for “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Yet To Come,” “My Universe” with Coldplay, and Music of the Spheres, but never secured a win.