BTS leader RM offered candid thoughts on potentially submitting Arirang to the Grammy Awards. He confirmed they might submit but emphasized they’re done desperately chasing the golden gramophone—a mature shift after five nominations without wins.
BTS & Grammy Awards Timeline
| Year | Category | Nomination | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Dynamite” | Nominated |
| 2022 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Butter” | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Yet To Come” | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “My Universe” (with Coldplay) | Nominated |
| 2023 | Album of the Year | Music of the Spheres (featured artist) | Nominated |
| 2026 | Possible Submission | Arirang (March 20, 2026) | TBD |
RM’s Refreshingly Honest Response
“We’ll try. Maybe we’ll submit our album to the Grammys again. But we don’t want to be desperately eager for it,” RM told GQ. “We don’t want to say anymore like, ‘Ah, man, we want the Grammys.’ It doesn’t mean we really don’t want it—but if not, then okay.”
This marks evolution from earlier Grammy pursuit. After five empty-handed nominations (2021-2023), the group recalibrated expectations while acknowledging it remains an aspirational K-pop goal.
Celebrating K-Pop’s Grammy Growth
Rather than dwelling on disappointments, RM celebrated K-pop’s expanding presence: “There are a lot of K-pop nominees in the general field, and I want to send big applause.” He referenced Rosé’s Big Four nods and KPop Demon Hunters’ win.
The 68th Grammys saw unprecedented K-pop representation—Rosé performing “APT.” with Bruno Mars as first K-pop female soloist nominated in general categories.
Arirang Album & Evolved Mindset
Dropping March 20, Arirang is BTS’s first full-group release since 2020. Named after Korea’s folk song symbolizing reunion, the 14-track album reflects their military hiatus. Producer Diplo called it the “craziest album” that will “shock the world.” The 79-date tour launches April 9 with cinema livestreams.
BTS’s evolved Grammy perspective resonates through authenticity. They spent 2021-2023 vocally pursuing recognition, making disappointments public. Post-military with successful solo careers, they prioritize artistic integrity over validation. Suga told GQ the album showcases “negative sides of life” typically restrained in idol music—creating for themselves, not trophy committees.
RM’s “we’ll try” confirms likely submission, but desperate hunger transformed into mature acceptance: winning would be wonderful; not winning won’t define them.
