BTS Boycotts 2027 Grammy Awards Over New Asian Pop Category

K-pop group BTS announced on Wednesday that they will not submit music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2027. The decision is a protest against the Recording Academy's introduction of a new category called "Best Asian Pop Music Performance."

In coordinated Instagram posts, all seven members stated their hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. The new Grammy category covers music from South Korea, Japan, China, and other regions; it requires entries to make meaningful use of at least one Asian language.

Harvey Mason Jr. CEO of the Recording Academy, said he was saddened by the decision but defended the new category. He stated that the award aims to celebrate the diversity and growth of pop artistry in Asia and is intended to expand recognition for artists. Mason also noted that submitting music to this category does not prevent an artist from being considered for general field awards, such as Album of the Year or Record of the Year.

The announcement led to a surge in streaming activity from the group's fanbase, known as ARMY. The song "Aliens" from the album ARIRANG reached number one on iTunes Top Songs charts in 78 countries and regions. Support for the boycott was also expressed by celebrities such as Tablo of Epik High and producer Mike Will Made It.

Outlets with a center-right lean highlight the tension between racial categorization and artistic evaluation, noting that some view the Grammys as a US-based business entity. Center outlets emphasize the sequence of events and the measurable reaction of the fanbase. Outlets with a center-left lean discuss how the move signals a decline in the Recording Academy's power to act as an industry gatekeeper.