Notice BTS didn't insult them. They basically said they're done because of the difference in value and that's that. Meanwhile members of the RA are crashing out, insulting them and their work, and calling critics and the public names on social media.
imma need a hudcon on hot ones, buzzfeed puppy interview, or chicken shop date, maybe royal court if that’s anyone’s cup of tea. I just need them together on something again!!
And the fact that BTS made their statement in Korean 😎
MAD RESPECT for Bangtan🫡 Because of this ALIENation, creating a whole new category just to put BTS in an “Asian box”, BTS took a stand. This is exactly what “ALIENS” is all about.
Everybody knows BTS is a strong contender at the Grammys for their critically acclaimed album ARIRANG. And by not submitting, they’re sending the loudest message an artist can send: they don’t need a side category to be validated by the West. Yes, BTS dreams of a Grammy. But if that dream means being discriminated against like this, they know it isn’t worth it. Being the FIRST is not always important, but rather, leaving an IMPACT and a LEGACY is what really counts! Bangtan is on the right track💪🏽
“We have decided not to submit for the Grammys this year.
Rather than being categorized by region or language, we hope music can be heard and loved for what it is.
We sincerely thank ARMY and everyone who is always with us.” - BTS July 29, 2026
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU BTS
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.