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.
The fact that he carried the fandom in 2024, continuously releasing content and always being there for armys will always be one of the most cherished memories.
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.
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.