BTS Won’t Submit Music For Next Grammys In Opposition To New Asian Pop Category

The group BTS has decided to abstain from submitting music for consideration at the upcoming Grammy Awards. This move comes following the Recording Academy's decision to launch a new category dedicated to Asian Pop. In a collective announcement via Instagram, the band members stated they want their music to be judged on its merits rather than being sorted by region or language.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the boycott, expressing that he is saddened by the band's choice to opt out. Mason defended the introduction of the new category, stating the academy aims to celebrate the growth and artistry emerging from Asia. He emphasized that the intention behind the new category is not to divide artists but to provide more opportunities for recognition across the industry.

This development marks a significant shift for the band, which has received five Grammy nominations throughout their career. The decision means their latest album, ARIRANG, will not appear on the ballot for next year's ceremony. The album recently held the top spot on the Billboard 200 charts for two weeks during the band's current tour.

While the band members did not explicitly label their action as a protest, the timing aligns with broader industry concerns regarding the segregation of international artists. The Academy maintains that genre categories are distinct from general fields like Album of the Year, meaning artists can submit their work for consideration in both areas simultaneously.