Global music group BTS has announced they will not submit their latest music for Grammy Award consideration, marking a significant shift in their approach to the prestigious awards.
The decision was shared via identical Instagram stories from members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.
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The move comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 69th Grammy Awards, set to take place in 2027.
BTS stated, "I hope the music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region and language."
The group's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, released in March, achieved massive commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, UK Official Albums Chart, and several other international charts.
Its lead single, "SWIM," became the group's seventh No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, with nearly all album tracks charting on the Hot 100.
BTS previously received five Grammy nominations across three years, including nods for "Dynamite," "Butter," and "My Universe," and performed at the ceremony three times without winning.
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Members had earlier expressed a strong desire to win a Grammy, with SUGA calling it "a dream anyone working in music has."
RM noted that striving for the award "motivated us to work harder, as the award represents the ultimate recognition."
Over their 13-year career, BTS has won over 500 domestic and international awards.
The group recently completed mandatory military enlistments before reuniting for ARIRANG and the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return.
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The boycott signals pushback against the new category structure, as the group opts out of all Grammy categories, including Album of the Year.
