Korean pop sensation BTS has decided not to enter their music for the upcoming Grammy Awards ceremony. The band’s seven members, comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, shared the news through a joint statement on Instagram. In their statement, they expressed a desire for their music to be appreciated without being limited by geographical or linguistic boundaries, thanking their loyal fan base, known as ARMY.
This decision follows the recent introduction of a new Grammy category for outstanding Asian pop music performances, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. The Recording Academy described the category as a recognition of excellence in Asian pop music originating from or recognized within Asian markets, emphasizing the use of Asian languages in nominated songs.
BTS’s latest album, “Arirang,” predominantly features English lyrics, potentially impacting their eligibility in the new Asian pop music category. Despite receiving multiple Grammy nominations in the past, including for hits like “Dynamite” and “Butter,” the group has yet to secure a win. All BTS members are active voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.
CEO of the Grammys, Harvey Mason Jr., expressed disappointment over BTS’s decision not to participate but acknowledged and respected their choice. He emphasized that the newly introduced Asian pop category aims to highlight Asian pop artistry and expand the Grammys’ inclusivity, stating that recognition in genre-specific categories does not preclude artists from competing in broader fields.
BTS has joined a growing list of artists, including Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, who have critiqued the Grammys or opted not to submit their music for consideration in recent years. The group’s recent achievements, such as their chart-topping album “Arirang” and the success of their single “Swim,” have solidified their comeback in the music industry.
In light of their decision, speculation arose about BTS’s reluctance to be categorized solely as an Asian act. Despite not explicitly linking their choice to the new Grammy category, industry experts suggest that the group aims to avoid being confined to a specific music genre.
Following their performance at the FIFA World Cup halftime show, BTS is gearing up for the North American leg of their Arirang world tour, including a scheduled stop at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium in August.