SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- Global K-pop sensation BTS said Wednesday it will not submit any music for consideration at next year's Grammy Awards, a move widely seen as a protest against the creation of a new "Asian pop" category that critics say risks segregating non-Western artists.
The septet made the announcement on social media, adding it hoped music could be "heard and loved for what it is, rather than being categorized by region or language."
The statement came less than two months after the U.S.-based Recording Academy unveiled five new award categories for the 69th Grammys, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance, designed to honor contemporary pop recordings from or widely recognized in Asian markets.
K-pop supergroup BTS is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
While the academy said the change was meant to improve recognition for Asian artists, many fans and industry observers immediately denounced it as a form of "musical segregation" that could sideline stars like BTS from the ceremony's top general-field prizes.
BTS has received multiple nominations, including three consecutive nods for best pop duo/group performance between 2021 and 2023, but has yet to win. This repeated snub has sparked criticism that the Grammys have failed to fully embrace non-English-language acts despite K-pop's massive global commercial success.
The group topped both the U.S. Billboard's main singles and albums charts with its fifth studio album, "Arirang," released in March.
BTS concluded its statement by thanking its fanbase, known as ARMY, and "everyone who has supported us," without elaborating on whether it might reconsider the decision in future years.
The 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place in February 2027.