BTS withdraw from Grammys, a month after Asian pop prize introduced - BBC

What the report says

BBC News reported that all seven members of BTS have said they will not put their music forward for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The announcement was made through coordinated Instagram posts by RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin and J-Hope. According to the BBC, the statement said the group did not want to enter the Grammys this year and expressed hope that music would be appreciated beyond divisions of region or language.

The decision comes about a month after the Recording Academy introduced a new best Asian pop music performance category. BBC News reported that eligibility rules require songs in that category to include “meaningful use” of an Asian language. BTS had been expected to compete in major Grammy fields after the commercial success of their comeback album, “Arirang,” and its single “Swim,” but the BBC said more than 80% of the album’s lyrics are in English, which would affect eligibility for the new category.

The move is notable because BTS have had a long and high-profile relationship with the Grammys but have never won. The BBC reported that the group became the first K-pop band nominated at the awards in 2021, have received five nominations since 2020, have performed at the ceremony, and have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.

BBC News said the Recording Academy had not yet responded and had been contacted for comment. The report also noted mixed reaction among K-pop fans to the new category, with some arguing it could separate Asian artists rather than broaden recognition.