Global K-pop sensation BTS have announced that they will not submit their music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, saying they believe music should not be categorised by language or region, states Hindustan Times.
The decision comes despite the group’s latest album, Arirang, becoming one of the biggest global music success stories of the year.
In a statement shared through the Instagram Stories of all seven members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—the group said they had decided not to enter the upcoming Grammy Awards.
“We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year,” the statement read.
“We hope music can be heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language.”
The members also thanked their global fanbase, ARMY, for its continued support.
BTS’ decision follows the Recording Academy’s introduction of a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category among several additions for the next Grammy Awards.
The award is intended to recognise performances in K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and other Asian pop genres.
However, the new category has prompted debate within the music industry, with critics arguing that it separates Asian artists instead of allowing them to compete equally in the general Grammy categories.
BTS were previously nominated three consecutive years in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for Dynamite, Butter, and My Universe, their collaboration with Coldplay.
Despite opting out of the Grammys, BTS have enjoyed one of the most successful eras of their career with Arirang, their first full-group album since completing mandatory military service.
Released on 30 March, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after earning 641,000 equivalent album units in its opening week, including 532,000 pure album sales.
The album also recorded 516,000 physical sales across multiple CD and vinyl editions, with vinyl alone contributing 208,000 units, making it one of the biggest vinyl sales weeks of the modern chart era.
Its lead single, Swim, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’ seventh chart-topping single.
The album also placed all 14 tracks on Spotify’s Global Daily Top Songs chart, while generating more than 110 million first-day streams worldwide.
Following a short break, BTS are set to resume their Arirang World Tour on August 1 with two concerts at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
The tour will then continue across Foxborough, Baltimore, Arlington, Toronto, and Chicago throughout August.
