BTS Withdraws From Grammy Consideration In Apparent Protest Over New Asian Pop Category - Deadline

What the report says

Deadline reported that BTS will not put forward its music for Grammy consideration this year, a move the outlet characterized as an apparent protest of the Recording Academy’s newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The report, published July 29, said the group’s seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — posted on Instagram that they had chosen not to submit and wanted their work to be appreciated beyond regional or language labels, while thanking their Army fanbase.

According to Deadline, the Recording Academy announced the new category last month as part of a broader set of Grammy changes. The category is intended for performances connected to Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, and involving meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards in the category would go to the performing artist or artists.

The decision is notable because Deadline said BTS had been widely expected to be a major Grammy contender, including possible recognition for the group’s comeback album “Arirang” and its No. 1 single “Swim.” The outlet also reported that fans and Grammy organizers had hoped BTS might perform at the Feb. 7 ceremony, which is set to air on ABC and stream on Hulu and Disney+ after more than five decades on CBS.

Deadline added that BTS is currently on a world tour and recently appeared at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber. The group is scheduled to return to MetLife on Aug. 1 to begin the U.S. leg of the tour.