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K-pop sensation BTS has announced they will not be submitting their music for consideration at next year’s Grammy Awards, despite the introduction of a new category dedicated to Asian pop music.
On Wednesday, each of the seven members-RM, Suga, Jin, J-Hope, Jungkook, V, and Jimin-shared a unified message on social media. They expressed their hope that their music would be appreciated on its own merits, without being divided by region or language. They also thanked their fans, known as ARMY, and everyone who has supported them throughout their career.
The Recording Academy recently introduced the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which aims to honor outstanding performances in Asian pop genres such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. The award recognizes artistic excellence in songs that feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages and are either originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets.
BTS’ upcoming album “Arirang,” marking their return after completing mandatory military service in South Korea, was anticipated to be a strong contender for this new category. The Best Asian Pop Music Performance award is part of several changes to Grammy categories and nomination rules set to take effect at the ceremony scheduled for February 7, 2024.
Since becoming the first K-pop group nominated for a Grammy in 2019, BTS has received five nominations and performed on the Grammy stage but has yet to secure a win. Their decision to abstain from submitting music this time places them alongside other prominent artists like The Weeknd and Drake, who have also declined participation at times as a form of protest against the Recording Academy’s policies and nomination procedures.