BTS

The K-pop megastars BTS will not submit music for next year’s Grammys. The news comes despite — or perhaps because of — a new category specifically designed to honor Asian pop.

The seven members of BTS — RM, Suga, Jin, J-Hope, Jungkook, V and Jimin — each shared the same message across their social media Wednesday, announcing the news and saying, “We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us.”

The Grammys’ new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category “recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s).”

BTS’ comeback album “Arirang,” its first after the band members’ mandatory South Korean military service, was widely expected to compete for the award. The new category came as part of a bevy of added or tweaked awards and nominating rules that will debut at next year’s ceremony on Feb. 7.

BTS has a mercurial relationship with the Grammys, having been nominated five times in various categories since becoming the first K-pop group nominated in 2019, and performing for the live telecast. They have never won.

The band joins the Weeknd and Drake as high-profile artists who, at least for some time, declined to submit their music to the Recording Academy in protest of its policies or nominating processes.

A POP clash is thought to have broken out ahead of the World Cup final halftime show between Madonna and Justin Bieber.

Insiders say the upcoming show has turned into a ‘bitter competition’ between the queen of pop and the Canadian singer.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin – who is in charge of organising the historic music event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – is said to be trying to ‘figure it out before it gets out of hand’.

While the Yellow singer has put together an impressive lineup featuring Madonna, Bieber, Shakira and BTS, he is reportedly struggling to creatively manage the two headliners.

An insider told The Daily Mail: “Neither wants to walk away feeling like they played second fiddle.

“Their different approaches have created real tension behind the scenes.”

The major comeback opportunity for Justin follows his latest stripped-back performance at Coachella festival.

According to the publication, the Sorry singer wants to keep his appearance ‘straightforward and risk-free’ – with the music ‘clean, controlled and no distractions’.

“His mindset is simple,” the source continued: “Don’t overcomplicate it, don’t take unnecessary risks and absolutely don’t have a performance that becomes a story for all the wrong reasons.”

On the other hand, it’s said that Madonna wants to make a statement on stage and feels the show should be ‘unforgettable – not safe’.

The insider added: “She believes a stage this massive calls for something people will be talking about for years.”

The closing ceremony will also feature Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and YouTuber IShowSpeed.

The Sun has contacted Justin’s rep for comment.

K-pop exports reached a record high in the first half of 2026, South Korean government data showed Friday, In this March 21 photo, a billboard advertising the Netflix livestream of a BTS concert is seen in Seoul. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo

South Korea’s exports of K-pop albums hit a record high in the first half of the year, government data showed Friday, driven in part by BTS‘ fifth studio album, “Arirang.”

K-pop album exports reached US$257.48 million in the January-June period, up 125 percent from a year earlier, according to import and export trade statistics from the Korea Customs Service.

The United States was the largest importer of K-pop albums during the period, with imports totaling $74.12 million, followed by China and Japan at $61.18 million and $45.61 million, respectively.

Rounding out the top 10 were Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Britain, France and Poland.

BTS, one of the world’s top boy bands, released its first new album in three years and nine months in March. Both the album and its lead single topped Billboard’s main charts.

Earlier in February, BLACKPINK released its third mini album, “Deadline,” which had sold nearly 2 million copies as of June.

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A sign welcoming ARMY, the fandom of K-pop superstars BTS, hangs outside a convenience store near Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul in Maech The band returned for “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang,” its first concert in nearly four years after going on hiatus in 2022 to complete mandatory military service. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo

SANTIAGO, Chile, July 7 (UPI) — Chile’s government is facing an unexpected political controversy after the suspension of three BTS concerts scheduled for October prompted coordinated protests by the K-pop group’s fans across the country.

President José Antonio Kast’s administration has been forced to reconsider its decision to bar the concerts from the National Stadium after ARMY, BTS’ global fan community, organized simultaneous demonstrations in 11 Chilean cities.

About 5,000 fans marched Sunday to protest cancellation of the performances at Chile’s main sports venue, where all tickets had already sold out. Authorities cited technical concerns over the impact the concerts could have on the stadium’s playing field.

BTS, one of the world’s most successful K-pop groups, uses a 360-degree stage that weigh about 600 tons. The structure would be installed in the center of the field, directly above the stadium’s irrigation system.

Sports Minister Natalia Duco said the production could damage “the country’s most important sports asset” and declined to authorize the venue for the concerts. About 200,000 people were expected to attend the three shows.

“It is impossible to cancel something that was never confirmed,” Duco said after criticism of the decision began.

The move prompted an immediate backlash from BTS fans. ARMY Chile, which has more than 130,000 followers on Instagram alone, organized through social media to pressure the government and called for demonstrations in the streets and outside La Moneda presidential palace.

Supporters also flooded the social media accounts of the Sports Ministry, Duco and concert promoter DG Medios with messages demanding that the shows be held at the National Stadium. “BTS at the National Stadium” became the movement’s main slogan.

“All our support to our Chilean sisters. We sincerely hope this situation can be resolved in the best possible way and that you will receive good news very soon,” ARMY Peru wrote on social media.

The dispute has also spilled into politics. Opposition lawmakers criticized the government and demanded an explanation for the decision, while other public officials and even soccer clubs have offered their stadiums as alternative venues.

Facing mounting pressure, the government said it is willing to reconsider its decision if the concert promoter can meet the conditions required to protect the playing surface. Meanwhile, thousands of fans continue campaigning on social media as they await a final decision.

BTS member Jungkook, seen here performing in New York’s Central Park in September 2023, topped 3 billion Spotify streams with his single “Seven,” his agency BigHit Music said Tuesday. File Photo by John Nacion/UPI | License Photo

“Seven,” a hit solo track by BTS member Jungkook, has surpassed 3 billion streams on Spotify, making him the first Korean artist to hit the threshold with a single song, his agency BigHit Music said Tuesday.

“Seven” is also the only song released in 2023 globally to reach the milestone, according to the agency.

A passionate serenade about wanting to spend every day with a loved one, “Seven” blends a catchy melody with a warm acoustic guitar sound and rhythms from UK garage, a genre of electronic music that emerged in Britain in the early 1990s.

The song’s music video surpassed 600 million views on YouTube in April.

Since its release, “Seven” has enjoyed worldwide success, debuting at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 3 on the British Official Singles Chart Top 100.

K-pop supergroup BTS, to which Jungkook belongs, is currently on its largest-ever scale world tour, “Arirang.”

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May 25 (Asia Today) — Buddhist temples in South Korea’s southeastern region are opening temple stay facilities to help accommodate foreign fans traveling to Busan for upcoming concerts by K-pop group BTS amid severe lodging shortages and complaints over soaring hotel prices.

The Korean Buddhism Culture Corps said Sunday that temple stay-operating temples in Busan and South Gyeongsang Province will provide lodging support for tourists visiting Busan for the “BTS World Tour Arirang in Busan” concerts scheduled for June 12-13.

Public concern has grown over accommodation costs ahead of the concerts as demand from domestic and overseas fans surged.

According to a February survey conducted by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency covering 135 hotels and lodging facilities in Busan, average room rates during the concert weekend rose about 2.4 times compared with the weekends before and after the event.

The Busan city government has also been conducting inspections since May 13 targeting unfair business practices, including excessive room charges and possible violations of public sanitation and lodging regulations.

Alongside government measures, Buddhist groups said private-sector support was also urgently needed.

The Buddhist cultural organization and participating temples plan to use temple lodging rooms and available indoor spaces to provide safe and stable accommodations for visitors traveling to Busan.

Temples currently participating in the program include Beomeosa, Naewonjeongsa, Hongbeopsa and Seonamsa in Busan, along with Seongjusa and Daegwangsa in Changwon, Tongdosa in Yangsan and Pyochungsa in Miryang.

A representative from the Buddhist cultural organization said the effort was intended not only to provide lodging but also to allow foreign visitors to experience traditional Korean and Buddhist culture in a peaceful temple environment.

Temple stay programs have become increasingly popular among foreign tourists seeking cultural experiences in South Korea. Last year, temple stays attracted 349,236 visitors, including 55,515 foreign tourists.

Participants using temple stays during the BTS concerts will be offered accommodations, temple meals and simple cultural programs depending on conditions at each temple.

Organizers said visitors will also be required to follow temple rules, including check-in and check-out schedules and shared living guidelines, since temples remain active religious and monastic spaces.

The Buddhist organization and participating temples said they are also reviewing interpretation support and visitor guidance measures to help overseas guests stay comfortably.

“We hope to share the spirit of hospitality and generosity embodied by Buddhist temples with fans facing accommodation difficulties,” a representative said. “We want visitors to leave Busan with safe and warm memories.”

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260525010007064

South Korean boy band BTS, U.S. pop culture icon Madonna and Latin music superstar Shakira will be performing at halftime during the World Cup final July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., FIFA announced Thursday morning.

The performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is looking to raise $100 million to assist children in accessing education and soccer.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote on Instagram that the show “will be a truly special moment, bringing together music, football and a shared commitment to improving the lives of children around the world.”

The show is being curated by Coldplay leader Chris Martin and, if this event announcement video is to be believed, a bunch of Muppets.

“It’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are,” Martin explains to Elmo in the video.

The three acts will bring a variety of cultures, musical styles and generations of fans to the Super Bowl-style concert, which will be the first of its kind for a World Cup final.

Madonna headlined the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in 2012, and Shakira teamed with Jennifer Lopez to co-headline the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020. Also, Coldplay headlined the Super Bowl 50 halftime show in 2016.

No duration time has been announced for the World Cup show, although soccer halftimes are not supposed to last more than 15 minutes. Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LX in February lasted 13 minutes.

Among the three of them, Madonna, Shakira and BTS have compiled 20 No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart, 10 Grammys and 37 MTV Video Music Awards. Shakira is scheduled to release “Dai Dai” with Nigerian singer Burna Boy as the official song of the 2026 World Cup this month.