RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook posted the same message on July 29, 2026: they will not submit their music for the 2027 Grammys. The reason was not an artistic snub, but a new category that the Recording Academy created just for them: “Best Asian Pop Performance”.
Across five nominations throughout their career, BTS never won a Grammy. Now, instead of competing on equal footing in the general categories, the Academy is offering them a separate space. “We hope music will be recognized and loved for what it is, without being divided by region or language”, the seven members wrote.
Harvey Mason Jr., 58, CEO of the Recording Academy, responded that he is “saddened” but respects the decision. He clarified that competing in a specific category does not prevent them from also being eligible for Record, Album or Song of the Year. For many fans, the explanation is not enough: they feel that K-pop is still being kept out of the big leagues.