BTS boycotts Grammys over new Asian Pop category
Global K-pop group BTS has announced that it will not submit any music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, saying its music should be recognised for what it is rather than being divided by region or language.
The decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category in June. All seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — shared the same statement on their individual Instagram accounts yesterday (July 29).
“We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. 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 group wrote.
The move marks the first time BTS has opted out of the Grammy Awards process. The South Korean group has previously received several Grammy nominations, including for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video, but has never won the award.
The Recording Academy said the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was created to recognise artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, featuring meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
Following BTS’ announcement, Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr said he was saddened by the group’s decision but respected its stance.
“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision,” Mason said in a statement.
He said the new category was introduced to celebrate the diversity and growth of Asian pop music, not to separate Asian artistes from the main awards.
Mason also clarified that artistes submitting music in the Asian Pop category remain eligible for the Grammy Awards’ General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artiste can absolutely pursue both,” he said.
BTS is the latest major act to distance itself from the Grammy Awards over concerns about the academy’s approach. In previous years, artistes including Drake, Jay-Z and the Weeknd have also chosen not to participate in the awards process over what they considered unfair treatment.
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