Overview
- BTS, which posted identical Instagram statements on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, announced the seven members decided not to submit any work for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards.
- The band said it hopes “music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” language that has been read as a response to the Academy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
- HYBE said the decision was made by BTS after internal discussions and is not a company-wide boycott, and other HYBE artists may still enter the Grammys.
- Practically, BTS’ choice means Arirang and its tracks, including the hit “Swim,” will not be entered and cannot be nominated or win in the 2027 cycle.
- The move deepens a debate over the Academy’s language-based eligibility rule, which requires “meaningful use” of Asian languages for the new category and could shift how Asian and non-English pop are placed and judged at major U.S. awards.