Aug 07, 2026 8:30pm IST
Everything BTS Did After Announcing Their Grammys Boycott: From Selling Out MetLife Stadium to Sending Subtle Messages
BTS has chosen action over words in the wake of its decision to boycott the 2027 Grammy Awards. Once a group that celebrated becoming the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy nomination, BTS has now stepped away from the Recording Academy over the introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, arguing that music should not be separated by language or region.
On July 29, the seven members announced they would not submit their work for Grammy consideration this year. Rather than continuing the debate publicly, BTS has largely remained silent, allowing its actions to speak instead.
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Just days after the announcement, the group headed to New Jersey, where it sold out two nights at MetLife Stadium, performing to more than 157,000 fans. The concerts came only weeks after BTS became the first group to perform at the inaugural FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show alongside Chris Martin, Madonna, Justin Bieber and Shakira.
Fans also picked up on subtle references during the group’s U.S. visit. At the airport, leader RM (Kim Namjoon) was spotted carrying a silver spoon charm attached to his bag — widely interpreted as a nod to BTS’ 2015 song “Silver Spoon (Baepsae),” which critiques social inequality and privilege. The accessory, from luxury label Enfants Riches Déprimés, reportedly retails for $1,650.
During the MetLife concert, RM also appeared to tweak the lyrics of “MIC Drop,” telling the crowd: “Haters gonna hate, players gonna play. Born in Korea, that’s why they don’t know about us.” Many fans interpreted the line as a response to the ongoing conversation surrounding the Grammys and the treatment of non-English-language music.
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Away from the stage, BTS projected a sense of normalcy. Ahead of the concerts, J-Hope shared photos of the members enjoying a meal together, seemingly unfazed by the media attention surrounding their Grammy decision.
RM later posted an image of the book “The Tao Is in the Urine and Feces” on Instagram. The work, displayed at South Korea’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, explores the idea that profound truths can be found in the most ordinary things. While he did not explain, fans viewed the post as another quiet statement during a week dominated by discussions about BTS’ stance.
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