BTS’ Suga Sees the Movement Toward ‘Diversity’ in Music

BTS is nominated for a second Grammy Award, following their historic nomination for the 2021 ceremony. Even Suga noted the “movements in diversity” from the global music community. Here’s what we know about this boy band and their relationship with the Grammy Awards.

BTS is considered the world’s biggest boy band

Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook make up the K-pop boy band BTS. With humble beginnings at a then-small record label, BTS quickly earned recognition worldwide. 

Songs “Boy With Luv,” “On,” and “Life Goes On” earned millions of Spotify streams. They even earned recognition at one of music’s biggest award shows — the Grammys.

BTS became the first Korean artists to earn a Grammy Award

As global ambassadors for Korea, these artists visited the United Nations in 2021. They previously partnered with UNICEF, becoming philanthropists in addition to being the biggest boy band in the world. 

“We see movements in ‘diversity’ in the global music industry,” Suga said during an interview with the Grammys. “We hope these changes expedite and keep moving forward. There are so many artists in Korea besides us who put out great music.” 

“And I’m sure there are even more on a global scale,” he added. “Hopefully, we can play a part in helping people be exposed to diverse music, and more musicians become more widely known.”

BTS also received recognition from American award shows. That includes the Grammy Awards, where the boy band earned their first nomination for “Dynamite” in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. The 2021 title went to Lady Gaga for her song with Ariana Grande — “Rain On Me.”

“It’s an incredible honor to be the first Korean pop artist to be nominated for a Grammy, and we hope that this is just the beginning,” Jungkook said during the same interview. “A win would be significant not only for us but for many who pursue diversity in music.”

Some viewers recognize the work still needed to diversify award shows. Still, that “diversity” hinted at by Suga is already seeping into the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where several Squid Game actors earned awards. 

BTS earned a Grammy nomination for 2021’s ‘Butter’

In 2021, BTS released their chart-topping single “Butter,” shattering records previously held by “Dynamite.” They even released a remixed version with rapper Megan thee Stallion, later performing the track during their Permission to Dance on Stage concert. 

This song earned BTS their second Grammy nomination in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. BTS is also slated to perform at the Grammys for the third consecutive year. (The first, technically, was with Lil Nas X in 2020 for his “Old Town Road” live rendition.)

The Grammys take place on April 3, 2022. Until then, music by BTS is available on most major streaming platforms.