The South Korean group BTS has announced it is withdrawing from the upcoming 2027 Grammy Awards. The members have decided not to submit their album Arirang or any of its tracks for consideration at the prestigious ceremony. This move serves as a direct response to the announcement of a new award for best Asian pop performance.
The group’s seven members issued a joint statement on social media. In the message, they made clear they would not compete in a category they felt segregated them. This confirms they will not participate in the Grammys this year, highlighting their disagreement with the new rules.
The key reason for the withdrawal is the introduction of a specific award for Asian artists. BTS expressed deep concern over this approach in their statement, considering the division of art by geographical or linguistic boundaries unacceptable. This decision comes as the music industry considers new ways to categorise global hits.
The group members stated they hope for a time when music is valued solely on artistic merit. They want to be heard and loved as they are, regardless of origin or the language they sing in. They believe music should not be divided by region, but accepted as a universal language that connects people regardless of their background.
