South Korean supergroup BTS announced they will not participate in the upcoming Grammy Awards following the Recording Academy’s introduction of a new category dedicated to Asian pop music.
The seven-member band, whose album ARIRANG was among this year's top sellers, expressed concerns that the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category confines artists by region and language rather than celebrating music universally.
In coordinated Instagram posts, BTS stated: "We hope that music is heard and loved for what it is, rather than being defined by region or language."
Background and Reactions
- BTS made history as the first all-South Korean act to top the US Billboard singles chart with their 2020 English-language hit "Dynamite."
- Despite multiple Grammy nominations and performances, the group has yet to win an award.
- Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr expressed regret over BTS’s decision, emphasizing that the new Asian pop category aims to highlight the rich diversity of Asian pop music without excluding artists from other major awards.
- The category requires entries to feature significant use of an Asian language, which excluded ARIRANG due to its primarily English lyrics.
- Critics argue the category segregates Asian artists instead of integrating them among global peers.
BTS’s Broader Impact
Beyond music, BTS has been active in social causes, including UNICEF campaigns, a $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter, and speaking out against anti-Asian hate. They recently completed a European tour and performed at the World Cup final halftime show in the US.
