The announcement arrived through identical statements posted across all seven members’ individual Instagram accounts, marking a collective position from the group as it continues its comeback era following military service.
BTS Says Music Should Not Be Separated by Region
Rather than celebrating a category created to spotlight Asian artists, BTS made it clear that it wants its work evaluated without geographic or linguistic distinctions. In its statement, the group wrote, “We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year.” The members added, “We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
The decision comes shortly after the Recording Academy unveiled the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which recognizes recordings originating from or widely associated with Asian music markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, while requiring meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. The Academy said the award is intended to recognize artistic excellence within those genres.
BTS has a long history with the Grammys, becoming the first Korean pop act to earn Grammy nominations and performances during the ceremony, although the group has never won an award. Across its career, the seven-member act has collected multiple Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards while earning five Grammy nominations. The band has also broken numerous global chart records, including becoming the first all-South Korean act to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200.
The announcement arrives during one of the busiest periods of BTS’ career in years. After completing mandatory military service in 2025, the group reunited and returned with its 2026 album Arirang, which launched alongside a worldwide tour that continues through 2027.
Even while opting out of Grammy consideration, BTS ended its message by acknowledging the fanbase that has supported the group throughout its rise, writing, “We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us.”