July 29, 2026:BTS has surprised fans and the music industry by choosing not to submit its music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, a decision that shifts the conversation from awards to artistic identity.
The seven-member group ; RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, shared the same message across their individual Instagram accounts on Wednesday, explaining that they would not participate in this year’s Grammy submission process.
Rather than focusing on trophies, BTS said it wants its music to be appreciated without being viewed through the lens of geography or language.
“We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us,” the group said.
The announcement has drawn attention because it comes just weeks after the Recording Academy introduced the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, created to recognize music from Asian pop markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, featuring one or more Asian languages.
While the new category was welcomed by many as broader recognition for Asian artists, BTS’ statement appears to reflect a different perspective. Instead of embracing a category tied to regional identity, the group emphasized that its music should be judged on its own merit, regardless of where it comes from or the language in which it is performed.
BTS is no stranger to the Grammys. The group has received multiple nominations over the years, including in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video categories, but has yet to secure its first Grammy win. Since 2019, all seven members have also served as voting members of the Recording Academy, making their decision to step away from this year’s submission process particularly notable.
BTS’ Grammy Decision Comes After New Asian Pop Category
The move also comes during one of the biggest chapters in BTS‘ career. Earlier this year, the group reunited after completing mandatory military service and released its fifth studio album, Arirang. The album topped Billboard’s major charts and reaffirmed the group’s global appeal.
Beyond the charts, BTS has continued to dominate the live stage. After completing the European leg of its World Tour Arirang, the band delivered a headline-making performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber. The performance marked another milestone in the group’s international journey before it heads back to North America for the next leg of its tour.
For now, BTS‘ decision ensures that the conversation around the 2027 Grammys will extend beyond nominations. By stepping away from the awards race, the group has reignited a broader debate about how global artists are recognized and whether music should be categorized by language and region or simply judged for its artistry.