South Korean band BTS will not submit their new recordings for consideration by the organizers of the 2027 Grammy Awards. All seven members of the group announced the decision at the same time, publishing the same statement on their Instagram pages.
BTS was considered one of the main contenders for the upcoming ceremony after their successful comeback with the album Arirang. The album became one of the most popular releases of the year, and the single Swim topped the American chart. It was predicted to be nominated in the “Song of the Year” category, while the album could claim the main award.
The band’s decision is associated with the discussion around the new award for best Asian pop performance. According to the rules, applicants must use an Asian language as a significant part of the composition. Meanwhile, more than 80% of the lyrics from the new album “Arirang” are in English, so “Swim” would not have met the criteria for the nomination.
Some K-pop fans have seen the new category as an attempt to separate Asian artists from the main awards, rather than integrate them into the global music industry. BTS’s mention of language and region has fueled speculation that the band shares these reservations.
BTS became the first K-pop group to be nominated for a Grammy in 2021 with the song “Dynamite.” In total, the group received five nominations, performed at the ceremony several times, but never won.
The Recording Academy has not yet commented on the band’s decision. Reactions from fans were divided: some were upset that BTS refused to participate, while others supported the musicians, saying that they no longer have anything to prove to the Grammys.