Grammy pushes ahead with Asian pop category despite BTS boycott

The Grammy Awards appears set to press ahead with plans to create an Asian pop category, even as BTS has declared a boycott of the ceremony.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. issued a statement Thursday (local time) saying the organization intends to keep the Asian pop category at the Grammy Awards at least through 2027, according to Variety.

The Grammy Awards is considered the most prestigious ceremony in the American music industry. The Recording Academy is the organization that hosts the event.

Mason said the academy had spent the past several weeks in conversation with leaders across the Asian music community, listening to their perspectives.

As a result, he said, voices supporting the creation of an Asian pop category outnumbered those opposed.

"We know this outcome won't satisfy everyone, and it's not something we feel good about," he said, "but at the same time, we are confident this is the right decision for the music industry as a whole."

The Grammy Awards announced in June that it would create a new "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category, separating music from Korea, China, Japan and other parts of Asia into its own category.

The announcement drew criticism, with some arguing that the move was an attempt to sideline K-pop — which has already broken into the global mainstream — by steering it away from the major categories and diminishing its standing.

The Grammys appeared to briefly step back, signaling the category could be revised within two weeks, but the organization has ultimately decided to proceed with its original plan.

Meanwhile, BTS has declared a boycott of the 69th Grammy Awards, set for February next year, saying it will not submit music for consideration.

In July, BTS said on Instagram: "We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We are grateful to every member of ARMY who has always been with us."

BTS first became associated with the Grammys in 2019, when they appeared as presenters for the Best R&B category. The following year, they performed alongside Lil Nas X, becoming the first K-pop act to take the Grammy stage. From 2021, they received nominations in categories including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for three consecutive years but did not win.

At a press conference in 2021, BTS expressed their desire to win a Grammy, saying persistence would eventually pay off — making their public stand against the academy's current approach all the more striking.

At the 68th Grammy Awards in February this year, the original soundtrack "GOLDEN" from KPop Demon Hunters won a single award — Best Song Written for Visual Media. Rosé's "APT.," which performed comparably, went home empty-handed.

The Grammy Awards has been held annually since 1959 and is regarded as the highest honor in popular music. It has nonetheless faced persistent criticism for being particularly stingy and conservative toward non-white artists compared with other major American music awards.