BTS have made one of the biggest music announcements of the year, and it's already sparking conversations far beyond the Grammy Awards.
On July 29, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook all shared the exact same message on their individual Instagram Stories, confirming that they will not submit their 2026 album Arirang for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The translated statement reads:
📌
"We have decided not to submit for this year's Grammys.
Rather than music being categorized by region or language, we hope music itself can be heard and loved for what it is.
We sincerely thank ARMY and everyone who is always with us."
Rather than music being categorized by region or language, we hope music itself can be heard and loved for what it is.
We sincerely thank ARMY and everyone who is always with us."
The announcement came shortly after news that the Recording Academy plans to introduce a separate category recognising Asian pop music at the upcoming Grammy Awards. While BTS did not mention the new category directly, many fans have interpreted the timing of the statement as a response to the move.
According to reports, HYBE believed Arirang had one of the strongest chances of earning BTS their first Grammy win. The album received widespread critical acclaim after its release on March 20, 2026, making the group's decision to skip Grammy submissions even more unexpected.
HYBE has since clarified that this is BTS' own decision, not a company-wide boycott of the Grammy Awards. Other HYBE artists remain free to submit their music for Grammy consideration if they choose.
The statement quickly spread across social media, with fans praising the group's message.
While BTS did not criticize the Recording Academy directly, their statement reflected their long-held belief that music should not be judged based on an artist's language or country of origin. Rather than focusing on awards, the group said they hope music can simply be appreciated for its artistry and emotional impact.
Need to Know
- BTS at the Grammy Awards: Did You Know?
- Before deciding not to submit Arirang for the 2027 Grammy Awards, BTS had already made history with multiple Grammy nominations over the years.
- "Dynamite" (2021) – Nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, becoming the first Korean pop group to receive a Grammy nomination.
- "Butter" (2022) – Nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
- "My Universe" with Coldplay (2023) – Nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
- "Yet to Come" (2023) – Nominated for Best Music Video.
- Music of the Spheres by Coldplay (2023) – Nominated for Album of the Year, with BTS receiving the nomination as featured artists and songwriters on the album.
- Despite earning five Grammy nominations, BTS have yet to take home a Grammy Award.
Whether or not Arirang competes for a Grammy, its impact is already undeniable. The album has resonated with millions of listeners around the world, earning praise for its music, heartfelt storytelling, and emotional depth.
