RM's Remarks About the Grammys Gain Attention Following Controversy Over New Changes

 

More than a decade in the spotlight has taken BTS far beyond the boundaries of K-pop, cementing their status as a global phenomenon with an impressive collection of international accolades, including honors from three of the four major music awards in the United States: the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), the American Music Awards (AMAs), and the MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs). However, for BTS, the concept of a "limit" seemes not to exist in their vocabulary. The group continues to push toward new heights—including the Grammy Awards.

This March, BTS released their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, which set a series of unprecedented records and was named the Best Album of 2026 by Rolling Stone, NME, and Complex. Industry experts believe that this comeback, combined with the momentum generated by the group's global tour, will further strengthen BTS's connection with international audiences, creating a major opportunity for the group to secure their first Grammy Award.

Notably, the Recording Academy recently introduced several new categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance. Gold Derby commented, "The Grammys are getting bigger—and that's great news for BTS and Ella Langley." However,s ome industry experts and a large portion of fans have reacted quite differently."

Forbes noted that a win in the new Asian Pop category would mean little if BTS continues to overlooked in major fields such as Record of the Year or Album of The Year. BTS fans have been even more outspoken, openly criticizing what they view as a long-standing pattern of racial bias within the Grammy system. The new category has been interpreted by some as an attempt to prevent K-pop superstars from competing on equal footing with Western artists in the most prestigious categories. Critics rgue that the Recording Academy benefits from the popularity and engagement generated by BTS while maintaining the dominance of established artists in its "Big Four" awards.

As debates spread across social media platforms, comments RM made about the Grammys during a February interview with GQ suddenly began attracting renewed attention, offering a revealing glimpse into BTS's own perspective on the award.

Specifially, the journalist asked the leader whether "the Grammys still represent a pinnacle for them, and whether winning a trophy remains a goal" as they prepared ARIRANG. In response, RM said candidly, "I don't know." He continued, "Because time has passed. There are a lot of K-pop-related nominees you see in the general field, and really, I want to send big applause to them."

"I mean, we'll try," he added later. "Maybe we'll submit our album to the Grammys again. But I don't know, we don't want to be desperately eager for it. We don't wat to say anymore, 'Ah, man, we want the Grammys.' I mean, it doesn't mean that we really don't want it—but we'll try. But if not, then okay."

For the group, at least, the goals was always less about the trophy itself and more about having a North Star to guide them forward. "Typically, a band is four, right? We're seven. For a team like this, sometimes we need such a goal just to keep going," RM explained. "The Grammys were one of the goals that we haven't really achieved in the past, but I think now, the most important thing is just that we are back here together again, and we're going to see fans all over the world."

RM's approach to the Grammy question no longer reflects the fiery ambition of youth, but rather the thoughtful perspective of a seasoned leader. He did not dismiss the significance of the award, but instead placed it in its proper context: a milestone to strive for, not an obsession with achievements.

Meanwhile, RM's willingness to "give a big round of applause" to other K-pop nominees highlights another dimension of BTS. They are no longer simply competing for themselves, but also standing as pioneers who take pride in witnessing the ripple effect on the wave they helped create.

What is most touching is the philosophy of  "shared goal."For RM, the Grammys are sometimes just a symbol within the broader values the group to pursue. Being together as seven and meeting fans around the world remain the irreplaceable priorities.

The confidence behind this statement does not come from arrogance, but from freedom. BTS has grown strong enough to say, "If we don't get it, that's okay." When an artist is no longer controlled by external validation, they are able to create music that feels more genuine and authentic.

As Forbes aptly summarized RM's sentiment: "BTS will continue to tour and release music, and fans will continue to support them unabated, regardless of Grammy recognition... But as BTS continue smashing record and the Grammys continue to lose relevance, who really needs who?"

RM's remarks from earlier this year now feel like a remarkably sharp response to the Grammys' recent changes. Unsurprisingly, fans been quick to share their thoughts.

ARMYs Reactions:

● They definitely understand the complicated business behind award shows. This is how you approach the topic as a growing artist. I'm so glad both BTS and ARMYs understand this so well.

● BTS doesn't need the Grammys. The Grammys need BTS.

● I've always thought it was still something they wanted to achieve because, at the end of the day, I know it means something to them considering their position in the industry. But now I'm glad their mindset is that if it happens, it will happen wen the time is right.

● Notice how he openly acknowledges and appreciates other artists, while some people still try to diminish his group's legacy for paving the way. This is the major difference between true self-made artists and others.

● Look how humble they are. They paved the way but still don't make everything about themselves. Instead, they congratulate other nominees while others act like they achieved everything alone.

● My BTS, you are bigger than the Grammys. The award will come to you because you are not chasing it, and nobody deserve it more.

● Olivia Billie, Sabrina, BTS—you will always be bigger than the "Scammys." It's impossible not to praise our leader's response for being so toughtful, accurate, and refined.

● My babies are so humble, and that only makes me love them more and more.

● The shift from "we need it" to "we'll try, and if not, it's fine" says everything. True power speaks more quietly.