BTS says it will not submit its music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February. In a statement shared by all seven members via social media, the group announces, “We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year,” adding that it hopes music is heard and appreciated “as music itself,” rather than being divided by region or language. The group also thanks its fanbase, ARMY, and supporters worldwide.
The decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new category for the upcoming ceremony: Best Asian Pop Music Performance, among several additions announced earlier this year. Some commentators have described the Asian pop category as potentially sidelining Asian artists from major awards. BTS’s announcement follows a successful year for the group, with its fifth studio album “ARIRANG” topping the Billboard 200 and its lead single “SWIM” debuting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
BTS’s statement does not describe the decision as a boycott in legal terms, but it frames the move as a response to how music may be categorized by region and language for Grammys consideration.
