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Recording Academy “saddened” by BTS’ decision to snub Grammys
BTS have decided not to submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, saying they want it judged for its merits rather than divided by region or language. Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason Jr said he was saddened by the decision but understood and respected it. The move has intensified debate over whether the Grammys’ new Asian pop category recognises Asian artists or segregates them.
The Academy announced five new categories in June, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance, covering K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and related releases. Mason said entry in a genre category does not prevent artists from competing in the major general-field awards. BTS have received five Grammy nominations but have never won; their decision follows the release of their 14-track comeback album, Arirang, after a nearly four-year hiatus.
In short
- BTS will not enter the 2027 Grammys.
- They object to music being divided by region or language.
- The Academy says it respects the decision.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A dedicated Asian pop category could give work across K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and related styles greater visibility, recognise their distinct traditions and help voters assess a broad field on informed terms. Since artists in the category remain eligible for the general-field awards, it can be seen as an additional route to recognition rather than a limit on their ambitions.
The case against
A category defined by region or language could signal that Asian pop belongs in a separate lane, even if its artists remain eligible for the major awards. BTS’s choice to seek consideration on musical merit across categories reflects a concern that equal treatment means competing in the same fields, and that a separate category may entrench divisions rather than overcome them.
Explained simply
The Grammy Awards are the music industry's most prestigious annual ceremony, recognising artists across multiple genres and categories. BTS is a globally successful music group from South Korea. The group has decided not to submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing a preference to have their work judged purely on musical merit rather than divided by region or language.
The Recording Academy, which runs the Grammys, introduced five new categories in June, including a dedicated award for Best Asian Pop Music Performance. The Academy's chief, Harvey Mason Jr, said he was saddened by BTS's decision but understood and respected it, whilst noting that artists in this category can still compete for the main Grammy Awards.
BTS's decision has intensified an ongoing debate about the purpose of the new Asian pop category. Questions have emerged about whether the category represents recognition and celebration of Asian artists, or whether it functions as segregation, separating their work from the main Grammy awards. The move comes as BTS have re-emerged with new music after nearly four years away from recording, and have previously received five Grammy nominations without winning.