BTS says they will not submit music for the Grammy Awards

Korean pop group BTS has announced that they will not be performing at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

The news was a coordinated Instagram post where all seven members of the band uploaded the same statement.

“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year,” a translation of the message read. “I hope that music should be heard and loved instead of being divided by region or language.”

The band was widely expected to be in contention for some of the Grammys’ major categories, including album of the year, after their comeback record Arirang became one of the year’s biggest sellers.

The US number one lead single is also tipped to be in the running for Song of the Year.

But the English lyrics from New Best Asian Pop Music Performance AwardIt was announced last month.

Under Grammy rules, songs nominated for the category must contain “meaningful use” of an Asian language. Over 80% of the lyrics on Arirang are sung in English.

The introduction of the new award has met with a mixed reception in K-pop spaces online. Many fans complained that the Grammys pigeonholed Asian artists instead of celebrating them.

By choosing to mention both region and language in their statement, the BTS members — RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin and J-Hope — seemed to reflect that concern.

They ended their statement with a message to their fans known as the BTS Army.

“Thank you to the army and everyone who is always with us,” the group said.

The Recording Academy, which is organizing the ceremony, has yet to respond. The BBC has contacted them for comment.