Recording Academy Responds to BTS Sitting Out 2027 Grammys

BTS Grammy Boycott and ARIRANG Submissions

All seven members of the K-pop supergroup—RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—simultaneously posted an identical statement on their individual Instagram accounts on Wednesday, July 29, announcing the decision. According to a translation of the message provided in source reports, the group stated, “We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year,” adding an expression of hope that music would be appreciated for its inherent value rather than being divided by region or language.

This decision follows the Recording Academy’s introduction of five new categories in June, including the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The group’s specific mention of “region” and “language” serves as an implicit critique of the new category’s guidelines, which mandate that eligible songs feature “meaningful use” of any Asian language. Ironically, the group’s English-language hit single “SWIM,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, would have been excluded from the Asian pop category regardless, according to industry analysis.

Recording Academy CEO Response and Category Rules

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. responded to the group’s absence on Wednesday, July 29, releasing an official statement expressing sadness over the decision while emphasizing respect for the creators’ choice. According to Mason, the Asian Pop category was established to celebrate the growth of artistry originating from Asia and to expand recognition among the 15,000 Grammy voters rather than to divide artists.

Mason clarified that submitting a recording to a genre-specific category prevents that exact recording from being entered into another performance category—such as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—though the same artist can pursue multiple categories with different recordings. Precedent exists for tracks winning across both fields; for example, Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” won both a rap/sung performance category and record and song of the year in 2019, while Silk Sonic achieved a similar double win in 2022.

Impact on the K-Pop Comeback and Grammy History

The decision arrives during a major commercial milestone for BTS following the completion of their mandatory military service. Their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, dropped in March and secured a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 with 641,000 units sold, marking the largest opening week for a group album in over a decade. Previously, BTS earned five Grammy nominations, including consecutive nods in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for “Dynamite” in 2021, “Butter” in 2022, and “My Universe” with Coldplay in 2023.

Other prominent acts, including Drake, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen, have similarly declined to submit music for Grammy consideration following past disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does entering the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category block artists from General Field categories?

No. According to Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., entries in genre categories do not exclude artists from being considered for General Field awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Can an artist submit the same recording to multiple performance categories?

No. A specific recording can compete in only one performance category, meaning an entry in Best Asian Pop Music Performance cannot simultaneously be entered into Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, though artists can submit different recordings across multiple categories.

What are the language requirements for the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category?

Eligible recordings must feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages that play a significant role in the song. Songs performed entirely in English are ineligible for this specific category.