Global superstars BTS have announced they will not be submitting their latest album, ‘Arirang’, for consideration at the 2027 Grammys. This decision follows the Recording Academy’s recent confirmation of a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which aims to recognize artistic excellence in music originating from Asian markets.

The new category requires entries to feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, a stipulation that has sparked significant industry debate. Each member of the group shared an identical statement on their individual Instagram Stories, clarifying their stance: “We have decided not to submit our work to this year’s Grammy Awards. We hope music can be heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages. We are grateful to our ‘ARMY’ and everyone who has always supported us.”

All seven BTS members stand united in their decision not to submit to the Grammys this year. ✊

"We’ve decided not to submit our work for this year’s Grammy Awards. We hope music will be recognized and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank… pic.twitter.com/x5WCRtZsav

— BTS Daily⁷ (@btsdaily77) July 29, 2026

The Recording Academy has yet to issue a formal response regarding the band’s omission. The eligibility criteria for the new category explicitly exclude songs performed entirely in English, which presents a logistical hurdle for the group, as their recent project features several tracks with predominantly English-language lyrics. For instance, the track ‘Swim’ would have been ineligible for the category regardless of the band’s decision.

Critics of the new category, including NME, have previously argued that such classifications risk segregating artists rather than fostering genuine inclusion. The argument remains that pop music should be evaluated on its own merits, irrespective of geographical location, language, or the ethnic identity of the performers. As the industry looks toward the ceremony on February 7, 2027, the conversation surrounding the necessity of genre-specific regional awards continues to evolve.

Despite this development, BTS remains at the forefront of the global music scene. The group recently performed at the World Cup final halftime show, sharing the stage with high-profile artists including Chris Martin, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy, further cementing their status as international cultural ambassadors.