Despite the disappointment expressed by fans and Koreans who were hoping for the band to receive their first Grammy award, critics argue that the outcome is not the only thing that matters.
K-pop band BTS (Big Hit Music)

SEOUL – BTS, the popular K-pop phenomenon, was once again left empty-handed at the 65th Grammy Awards, but experts are assuring fans that this doesn't mean a failure. Despite not winning any awards, the fact that they were nominated in multiple categories for the first time in their career shows that they are making significant strides in the music industry. 



BTS received multiple Grammy nods this year, including nominations for best music video for "Yet to Come" and for best pop duo or group performance for "My Universe." They were also in the running for the prestigious album of the year award for Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres," on which BTS's rappers, J-Hope, RM, and Suga, were credited as songwriters for "My Universe." 


Taylor Swift's "All Too Well: The Short Film" was the winner of the best music video category, beating out BTS's "Yet to Come." "Yet to Come" is from the group's anthology album "Proof," which was released in June to celebrate their ninth anniversary. 


BTS was nominated for the best pop or duo performance category for the third time with "My Universe," a collaboration with British rock band Coldplay. In the past, they were nominated in this category for "Dynamite" in 2021 and "Butter" in 2022. However, this year's award went to "Unholy" by Kim Petras and Sam Smith. 



For the first time in their career, BTS also had a chance to win the top prize of the night, album of the year, with Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres." Despite the recognition for their work on the album, the award eventually went to Harry Styles' third studio album "Harry's House." 

This year marked BTS's fifth year of involvement with the Grammys and their third attempt to win an award. In 2019, they were invited to present an award at the 61st edition.


The following year, they became the first Asian act ever to perform at the Grammys. In 2021, BTS was nominated for their first award, which they followed up with a second nomination in 2022. 

While many fans and those rooting for BTS to win their first Grammy award may be disappointed with the result, experts are reminding them that the final win is not all that matters.


During the live broadcast of the ceremony, pop music critic Kim Young-dae stated that there are many big names, such as Snoop Dogg, who have been nominated countless times but have not yet won a Grammy. He added that focusing only on the final win would be unfair and that getting nominated in and of itself holds significant importance. 



Seoul-based pop music critic Kim Do-heon agreed with this sentiment, saying that BTS has greater prospects of winning a Grammy in the future if they continue to make music about their own stories. He expressed hope that BTS will continue to make albums like the "Map of the Soul" series, through which they can express their own stories. He added that hopefully in 2025-26 when the group is set to make a full return, the members will be more mature and capable of creating music that can leave a meaningful impact on the US music scene. 

BTS did not attend the ceremony in person this year. Since June, they have been on an indefinite hiatus to focus on their solo careers and fulfill their military duty. The group's eldest member, Jin, enlisted in December, and the rest of the members will also begin their service in turn. 


The biggest winner of the night at the 65th Grammys was American pop artist Beyonce, who won four