K-pop superstars BTS have announced they will not submit their music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, protesting the Recording Academy’s newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

In a joint message shared on Instagram, the seven-member group said they wanted their music to be judged on its artistic merit rather than by region or language.

“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”

Why is BTS boycotting the Grammys?

The move comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new award recognising Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.

The academy says the category aims to celebrate the growing influence and diversity of Asian pop music, not separate it from mainstream recognition.

Recording Academy responds

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was disappointed by BTS’ decision but respected the group’s stance.

He stressed that artists entering the new Asian Pop category would still be eligible for the Grammys’ top awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

“It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognised,” Mason said.

BTS’ comeback continues

The announcement comes months after BTS returned with their comeback album ARIRANG, released after all seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service.

The album topped the Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks, while the group’s reunion world tour sold out across South Korea, North America and Europe.

BTS also won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards earlier this year.