I don't think people fully understand the magnitude of this decision.
Some of the music industry's most respected producers, writers, engineers, and creatives worked on ARIRANG. A project built to the highest artistic standard. One producer even spoke publicly about hoping the album would receive Grammy recognition.
Then the Recording Academy introduced a category specifically for Asian pop.
And BTS chose not to submit.
Think about that. The biggest musical project of the year. One of the strongest commercial and artistic contenders. A project that could have competed across multiple major categories. It simply won't be in the race because the artists chose principle over prestige.
Moves like this don't happen often. When artists at BTS' level willingly walk away from the biggest stage in music, the conversation shifts because of what they refused to endorse.
BTS are—and will remain—the only ones with the courage to make such a decision. After years of the Grammys benefiting from their global impact, responding by creating a separate category only highlights the treatment they have received. Their decision not to submit what many consider their best album speaks to principles, dignity, and a refusal to settle for half-hearted recognition.
#WeStandWithBTS
[NEWS] INSIDE #BTS’ SECRET PERFORMANCE AT NYC’S GUGGENHEIM FOR ‘TONIGHT SHOW’
The Guggenheim in New York City is one of the most famous art museums in the world, and on the morning of Wednesday (March 25), BTS descended on the landmark to add a little performance art to its galleries ahead of the band’s Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon appearance
Billboard was on the scene as RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook sang and danced to two tracks from their new album, ARIRANG, which dropped earlier in March. One of them was “SWIM,” the project’s lead single, while the other was “2.0.”
The septet performed the two tracks in the Guggenheim’s striking multi-story round in the main lobby — and while RM was able to dance for “SWIM,” he sat on a stool during “2.0” as he recovers from the ankle injury he suffered shortly prior to BTS’ March 21 comeback show in Seoul.
As previously announced, the Bangtan Boys will appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night for their first full-group late-night interview since reuniting. One of BTS’ Guggenheim performances from Wednesday morning will air during the episode, while the second will be shown to Fallon viewers on Thursday (March 26).
The Guggenheim showcase and Fallon interview come as BTS has been promoting ARIRANG — the group’s first full-length since 2020’s Billboard 200-topper Be — in New York City. A few days prior, the members answered ARMY questions and performed for an immersive Spotify fan event.
https://t.co/HFpLy5QC3b
Another moment for the history books! 🇯🇵
What an incredible achievement for Team Japan's first-ever pair skating gold medallists. 🥇
#Olympics#MilanoCortina2026@ISU_Figure