BTS snubs 2027 Grammys over Asian pop category; Stray Kids stays silent

BTS will not submit any songs for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, the seven-member band announced this week, in protest of the Recording Academy's newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

In a statement issued online, BTS said they did not want their music to be "divided by region or language." The band expressed hope that their work "can be heard and loved for what it is," and thanked their fanbase, known as ARMY, for their continued support.

The new Grammy category is designed to encompass K-pop, J-pop and C-pop releases from across Asia. Critics, including BTS, argue the category could serve as an exclusionary barrier preventing Asian pop music from competing in broader award categories. Supporters of the category say it is simply one of more than 90 genre categories now recognized by the Grammys.

BTS has never won a Grammy Award despite being nominated five times—three times for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance, once for a shared nomination on Coldplay's album "Music of Spheres," and once for their music video "Yet to Come." Until this year's ceremonies, no K-pop act had ever won a Grammy; the award went to "Golden" from the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" for Best Song for Visual Media.

Stray Kids deflects on the controversy

When asked about BTS's decision, members of fellow K-pop group Stray Kids declined to directly comment, instead speaking about their dedication to music. The band did not take a public stance on the Grammy protest.

Fan response drives chart surge

Following BTS's announcement, fans rallied to support the band by purchasing "Aliens," a track from their new 14-track album ARIRANG, released after the group's return from military service. The song re-entered the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart at No. 4 this week, marking a new peak for the track in only its second appearance on the ranking.

BTS has established itself as one of the most successful acts on the Digital Song Sales chart, with 15 No. 1 hits to their name. The band is currently tied with Drake for the third-most chart-toppers of all time, behind Taylor Swift with 31 and Nicki Minaj with 17.

Meanwhile, BTS member V has been managing hearing loss for 2.5 years, and bandmate Jung Kook has been dealing with a painful shin injury as the group continues its touring schedule.