BTS Declines Grammy Submission Over New Asian Pop Category

All seven members of BTS posted on Instagram on July 29 that they will not submit their new album ARIRANG for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group said they want their music to be judged on its own merits rather than being divided by region or language. The decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category on June 16.

Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason Jr. said he was "saddened" by the group's choice but defended the category, stating it was intended to "celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia" and that artists could still compete in general categories such as Album of the Year or Song of the Year.

Industry observers note that similar identity-based categories have sparked controversy in the past, citing the Best African Music Performance award introduced in 2023 and the split of Best Country Album into traditional and contemporary categories in 2025. Critics argue that such categories can both recognize under-represented artists and limit their visibility in major award fields.

BTS’s boycott highlights a broader debate about whether the Grammys should continue to create region-specific categories or focus on ensuring that existing general categories reflect the global music landscape. The outcome may influence how emerging artists from Asia and other regions are recognized in future award cycles.