Global K-pop sensation BTS said last week they will not submit their music for next year¡¯s Grammy Awards, after the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian pop category criticized for restricting the success of regional artists.

The South Korean megastars were widely tipped in the running for several of the Grammys¡¯ top honors, including Album of the Year, after their comeback album, ¡°Arirang¡± (stylized in all caps), became one of this year¡¯s best-selling hits.

But the seven-member group said they would not enter the contest after the introduction of five new categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance.