SEOUL, July 29 -- BTS is taking itself out of next year's Grammy Awards race, in a move that appears aimed at the Recording Academy's new Asian pop category.

The seven-member K-pop group announced the decision in coordinated social media posts on Wednesday, saying its music should not be judged through the lens of region or language.

"We decided not to submit to the Grammys this year," the members wrote on their respective social media accounts.

"We want music to be heard and loved for what it is, rather than categorized by region or language," they added.

In another translated version of the message, the group said: "We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year."

"I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, ra...