BTS Say They Will Skip Grammy Consideration: "Music Itself Can Be Heard and Loved"

BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close surprised fans around the world on Wednesday by announcing that they will not submit their music for Grammy consideration this year. Each of the seven members shared the same statement across their individual Instagram accounts, saying they hope “music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language.”

The announcement immediately sparked widespread discussion across social media, with fans, journalists, and music commentators debating what the decision could mean for both BTS and the broader global music industry. Coming from one of the world’s biggest musical acts, the statement is already being interpreted as more than a simple awards decision.

The full statement reads:

“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language. Thank you to the ARMY and everyone for always being with me.”

BTS has received five Grammy nominations over the course of three years but has yet to win the award. In a 2020 interview with Variety, Suga × Artist bio Suga Real name: Min Yoon-giPosition: Lead Rapper, ProducerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1993-03-09Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea Rapper and producer of BTS. Suga appears reserved and calm but has sharp wit and a quietly caring personality. He expresses himself deeply through lyrics and production. Tap again to view profile → Close spoke about his hope of one day winning a Grammy, describing it as a meaningful career goal.

The announcement comes at a time of ongoing discussion surrounding the Recording Academy’s introduction of an Asian Pop sub category, a decision that generated mixed reactions among fans and industry observers. While some welcomed the recognition of Asian artists, others questioned whether creating a separate category could affect opportunities for recognition in the general field. BTS has not indicated whether their decision is connected to the new category, and the group’s statement did not elaborate beyond its message that music should be “heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language”.

As of this time, neither the Recording Academy nor BTS have offered further comment on the matter.

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I’m Juliana, a writer covering K-pop, BTS, music, fandom, and all the wonderfully complicated feelings that come with loving art.

Find more of my writing and BTS/K-pop thoughts on Instagram (@juliana_94_army/), TikTok (@disco.overload25), X (@juliana_94_army), and Substack (@discooverload25).