BTS and HYBE's statement!
"We find it difficult to accept that this change in the Grammys' judging was made at a time when BTS was considered to have the highest chance of winning the main award." However, HYBE stated, "This is not a boycott at the company level." One official said, "If other artists from the same affiliation wish to participate, they will proceed as scheduled."
BTS announced their hiatus. When nobody expected them to. They fulfilled their country's national duty. Without hesitation. They came back after four years. People doubted them. Said they were over. Said the industry had moved on. Then they released ARIRANG. The biggest. The boldest. The most artistically ambitious projects of the year. Ended the Western Darlings.
And now they've chosen NOT to submit their music to the Grammys, taking a stand against a system they believe categorizes music by region and language.
That's power. Not chasing the industry.
That's how history is written. That's how the industry changes.
BTS did the same to the South Korean Government in 2022. The Govt tried to dangle the military exemption like a bone infront of them to make them perform in political events and do their bidding for free. And after they got scammed at the Busan Expo, BTS had enough and ennounced their military enlistment unanimously one day which send the whole Govt in a frenzy. Had politicians contacting their company & even parents to change their minds.
Same way today they announced they won't be submitting ARIRANG for the 2027 Grammys. For years they thought they weren't enough, kept accepting the invite to perform and getting subbed by songs with barely any impact outside 3 states of USA. But Arirang is different, it is the most successful album of 2026 both in records & in critical acclaim. And yet the Grammys decided to introduce a whole new Asian Pop Category to box them than give them their deserved Album of the Year win. Would've probably nominated them to give false hope and bait them to perform again and increase their viewership. And then toss them that token asian award like a pity. But BTS has had enough. They now know their worth and exactly what they deserve. Just like they did in 2022. I'm so proud of them.
It breaks my heart that they're so used to being treated like outsiders that the bare minimum feels extraordinary. Seeing them genuinely surprised just because Zane said he listened to "Arirang" says everything.
they were so excited for their first grammy nomination, they went from this somewhat innocent excitement and anticipation to realizing how fucked up the industry is towards them
BTS spent years opening doors that weren’t built for them. now they have the freedom to decide which ones are worth walking through. bts are truly living legends.
grammys created an whole new category just to keep bts out of the main categories so they do not win it only for bts to not submit for grammys. yes they are the aliens, they are the GOATS.
paving the way doesnt always mean the first to win an award, it means the one who makes impact where it matters and allows for those who follow in their footsteps to be seen and treated fairly too. that is what bts are doing, and that takes courage