BTS opted out of the 69th Grammy Awards after the Recording Academy introduced a polarizing new Asian Pop category, sparking industry debates about regional segmentation in music awards, according to official statements and social media posts from Wednesday, July 29.
Why BTS Skipped the 69th Grammy Awards Submission Process
The global K-pop group announced on Wednesday, July 29, that it would not submit its first new album in six years, “ARIRANG,” for consideration at the Grammy Awards scheduled for February 2027. According to the group’s announcement, the decision stems from dissatisfaction with the Recording Academy’s newly established category for Best Asian Pop Music Performance. “I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the group stated regarding the boycott.
The Recording Academy announced the new category on June 16 to honor music originating from South Korea, Japan, China, and surrounding areas. The classification encompasses K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, provided the tracks make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Defends the New Category
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. responded to the group’s absence and the ensuing public backlash in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday evening. “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 Jr. wrote.
Pro Tip: Mason Jr. emphasized that the Asian Pop category is designed to expand recognition among the 15,000 Grammy voters, stating, “It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized.” He also clarified that genre-specific fields do not bar artists from competing in general categories like Album of the Year or Song of the Year.
Despite the CEO’s defense, social media users quickly criticized the decision. One X user wrote following the June 16 announcement, “Y’all couldn’t see Asians winning in main categories so [you just] created a new one.” Another commenter on Instagram argued that the Academy “completely missed the point,” writing that the separate classification isolates talented artists who are already capable of winning in main categories.
Precedents of Regional Categorization Backlash
Discontent over regional music categories is not unique to K-pop. Ghanaian American singer Amaarae raised similar concerns in a 2023 interview with Ghana’s Metro TV following the creation of the Best African Music Performance category.
“The idea of an African category is great in practice, but I think it is reductive. There are too many categories to just be placed under an umbrella of African music,” Amaarae stated during the 2023 interview, pointing out that tracks like “Sad Girlz,” “Calm Down,” and “Last Last” achieved massive global impact rather than merely regional success.
Did you know?
The Recording Academy includes approximately 15,000 voting members who evaluate submissions across hundreds of distinct categories each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BTS skip the Grammy Awards?
BTS chose not to submit their new album “ARIRANG” for the 69th Grammy Awards due to objections over the newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, stating they prefer music to be judged on its merits rather than divided by region or language.
What did the Recording Academy say about the Asian Pop category?
Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the category, stating it aims to celebrate the growth of pop artistry from Asia and expand recognition among voters without excluding artists from general categories.
Have other artists criticized regional Grammy categories?
Yes. In 2023, Ghanaian American singer Amaarae criticized the consolidation of African music genres into a single category, arguing that globally successful tracks deserve broader placement.
What are your thoughts on regional music categories at major award shows? Join the conversation below!
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