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The conversation around a BTS ARIRANG Grammy submission has officially begun.
After announcing their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, global superstars BTS once again found themselves at the center of Grammy discussions. Fans, industry insiders, and music critics all asked the same question: Will BTS submit ARIRANG to the Grammys?
Leader RM addressed this directly in a recent interview with GQ. His response felt honest, mature, and refreshingly grounded.
Let’s break down what we know—based only on verified public statements and past Grammy history.
BTS and the Grammys: A Complicated History
Before we discuss ARIRANG, we need context.
BTS has received five Grammy nominations from the Recording Academy, the body that organizes the Grammy Awards.
Here’s their official nomination record:
- 2021 – Dynamite (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance)
- 2022 – Butter (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance)
- 2023 –
- Yet To Come (Best Music Video)
- My Universe with Coldplay (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance)
- Music of the Spheres (Album of the Year, as featured artists)
- Yet To Come (Best Music Video)
Despite strong global sales and chart performance, BTS has not won a Grammy yet.
That fact sparked intense debate online. Many fans felt the group deserved recognition. Critics discussed industry politics. Analysts examined voting patterns.
Still, BTS kept showing up with dignity and grace.
RM on the Possibility of a BTS ARIRANG Grammy Submission
In a recent GQ interview, RM spoke openly about the Grammy conversation.
He acknowledged the growing number of K-pop nominees in major Grammy categories. For example:
- Rosé received nominations in general field categories.
- K-pop-related projects also secured multiple nominations in major fields.
RM praised those achievements.
He said he wants to “send big applause” to artists who received nominations. That statement reflects support rather than competition.
When asked whether BTS would submit ARIRANG, RM replied:
“Maybe we’ll submit our album to the Grammys again. But we don’t want to be desperately eager for it.”
That sentence carries weight.
He clarified that the group still values the award. However, they no longer want to appear overly focused on it.
In short: They may try—but they won’t chase.
Why the BTS ARIRANG Grammy Submission Matters
A Grammy submission isn’t just about trophies.
It signals industry positioning.
When artists submit their work, they declare that they want to compete in the U.S. recording industry’s most recognized awards platform.
For BTS, this carries additional meaning:
- They represent K-pop globally.
- They broke multiple Billboard records.
- They headline stadium tours worldwide.
- They remain one of the most commercially successful groups of the decade.
Submitting ARIRANG would continue their engagement with the U.S. music awards system.
Choosing not to submit would also send a message.
Either way, the move matters.
The Growth of K-Pop at the Grammys
The Grammy landscape has changed over the past few years.
More K-pop artists now appear in nomination lists. General field categories—often called the “Big Four”—have seen increasing Asian representation.
This reflects broader global streaming data.
According to reports from the IFPI, K-pop continues to rank among the most consumed music genres globally. BTS consistently appears in IFPI’s Global Artist charts.
Streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music also report strong international K-pop engagement.
The numbers support the visibility.
However, Grammy voting does not depend solely on streaming or sales. Voting members of the Recording Academy evaluate artistic and technical merit within peer groups.
That difference explains why commercial dominance does not guarantee a win.
ARIRANG: What We Know So Far
At the time of RM’s interview, ARIRANG had not yet been released.
Therefore, no one can predict its Grammy categories with certainty.
However, based on BTS’s history, possible submission categories could include:
- Album of the Year
- Best Pop Vocal Album
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
- Best Music Video
The final decision would depend on:
- Album genre classification
- Production credits
- Label strategy
- Grammy eligibility timelines
BigHit Music has not publicly confirmed submission details.
Until then, speculation remains just that—speculation.
A Shift in Tone: From Pressure to Perspective
RM’s recent comments show growth.
Earlier Grammy seasons came with visible anticipation. Members attended ceremonies. They performed. They spoke about wanting the award.
This time feels different.
RM emphasized reunion and connection over awards. He said:
“The most important thing is that we are back together again.”
That statement reframes the narrative.
Instead of chasing validation, BTS appears focused on music and fans.
Ironically, that mindset often strengthens artistic credibility.
What History Tells Us About BTS and Recognition
BTS does not lack recognition.
Here are verified achievements:
- Multiple Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits (Billboard data)
- Sold-out global stadium tours
- Numerous American Music Awards wins
- IFPI Global Artist of the Year titles
They remain one of the most commercially successful acts of the 2020s.
The Grammy gap stands out precisely because everything else already exists.
This creates tension in public discourse.
Yet awards form only one part of legacy.
How the Grammy Submission Process Works
Understanding the process helps clarify expectations.
Here’s a simplified outline:
- Artists or labels submit eligible recordings.
- Screening committees verify eligibility.
- Voting members select nominees.
- Members vote again to determine winners.
The Recording Academy publishes official rulebooks each year outlining category definitions and eligibility periods.
That structure means:
- Submission does not guarantee nomination.
- Nomination does not guarantee a win.
- Campaign strategy can influence visibility.
- Peer voting determines final results.
If BTS submits ARIRANG, the album would enter this established system.
Industry Strategy: Submit or Step Back?
From a strategic standpoint, BTS has two options:
1. Submit ARIRANG
Pros:
- Maintains Grammy engagement.
- Keeps industry visibility high.
- Signals continued ambition.
Cons:
- Revives public scrutiny.
- Risks another public loss.
2. Skip Submission
Pros:
- Reduces pressure narrative.
- Emphasizes independence.
- Avoids repeated disappointment headlines.
Cons:
- Fuels speculation.
- Creates “Grammy avoidance” debate.
RM’s comments suggest a middle path: submit without desperation.
That approach aligns with long-term brand stability.
Humor Break: The Golden Gramophone Question
Let’s be honest.
If streaming numbers decided Grammy winners, ARMY would probably build a Grammy-shaped stadium by now.
But Grammy voting does not work like YouTube views.
The golden gramophone follows its own rhythm.
And BTS seems to understand that better than anyone.
Why This Moment Feels Different
The BTS ARIRANG Grammy submission discussion does not feel heated.
It feels reflective. BTS no longer needs Western validation to prove global impact. They headline world tours. They dominate charts. They influence fashion and culture.
A Grammy would add prestige. It would not define them. That distinction changes the energy entirely.
What Fans Should Expect Next
Here is what will likely happen:
- BigHit Music will announce submission details if applicable.
- Grammy eligibility lists will appear later in the year.
- Nomination announcements will confirm outcomes.
Until then, no verified source confirms submission status.
Fans should rely on official statements rather than rumors.
Final Thoughts: Ambition Without Obsession
The BTS ARIRANG Grammy submission conversation highlights maturity.
RM did not dismiss the Grammys. He did not downplay the award. He simply removed urgency.
That signals confidence. BTS stands at a point where legacy no longer depends on a single trophy. If ARIRANG earns a nomination, it will represent artistic recognition. If it does not, BTS will still tour stadiums, release music, and lead global charts. Either way, the music continues.
And perhaps that matters more than any golden gramophone ever could.
