SEOUL: BTS song “Aliens” reached No.1 on iTunes top songs charts across 78 regions after the K-pop group announced it would not submit music for next year’s Grammy Awards, sparking a global fan campaign supporting the band’s decision.
The members said they hope their music can be appreciated without being separated by region or language, highlighting their desire for recognition based on artistic value rather than categories linked to geography.
Soon after the announcement, BTS global fan community, known as ARMY, organized streaming efforts that pushed “Aliens” to the top of iTunes charts in major music markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, India and Australia.
The Korean language track has gained renewed attention because of its message about BTS journey as Korean artists navigating the international music industry. The song compares the group’s global rise to aliens arriving on Earth, reflecting themes of identity, belonging and overcoming barriers.
Fans have interpreted the song’s renewed popularity as a response to the Recording Academy’s decision to introduce a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2027.
Critics have argued that creating a separate category could limit recognition for Asian artists rather than allowing them to compete across broader music fields. BTS withdrawal has intensified discussions about representation and fairness within major international awards.
The Grammys have faced similar criticism from other major artists over the years. Musicians including Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, Drake and Zayn Malik have previously questioned the academy’s nomination process and raised concerns about fairness and transparency. BTS decision marks another major moment in the group’s relationship with western music institutions.
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