The Recording Academy has responded after BTS announced that they would not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, saying it is "saddened" by the group's decision while clarifying the intent behind its newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
In a statement shared on 29 July, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he respects the group's choice not to participate in this year's awards process.
"I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision."
Mason also addressed the conversation surrounding the Recording Academy's newly announced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, emphasising that it was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian pop music — not to separate artists by region.
View this post on Instagram
"The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists' work is recognized. It's never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters," he said.
He further clarified that artists submitting to genre-specific categories are still eligible for the Grammys' General Field awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
The response comes shortly after all seven members of BTS — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — shared a joint statement confirming they would not submit their music for Grammy consideration this year.
"We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank ARMY and everyone who has always stood by us."
The announcement came just over a month after the Recording Academy unveiled the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which recognises excellence in Asian pop performances, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.
BTS have previously received Grammy nominations, including in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video, but have yet to take home a Grammy. The group joins a growing list of artists, including Drake, JAY-Z and The Weeknd, who have at various times chosen not to participate in the Grammy submission process over concerns about the awards.
Neither BTS nor BIGHIT MUSIC has issued any further statement beyond the group's original announcement.
-