BTS has announced it will not submit its music for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, saying it opposes the Recording Academy’s newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, a move that has revived debate over whether regional music labels limit global recognition.
The South Korean group said on Wednesday that it would boycott the 2027 Grammys, marking the first time it has opted out of the awards process.
“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the seven-member group wrote in a post on Instagram.
The Recording Academy introduced the new category on June 16 for pop music from South Korea, Japan, China and other parts of Asia.
According to the Grammy website, “This category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.”
Responding to BTS’ decision, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he respected the group’s position but defended the new award.
“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.
He added: “The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
Mason also stressed that artists entering the Asian Pop category remain eligible for the Grammys’ top honours.
“Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre. Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both,” he said.
“I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world.”
BTS’ boycott has also renewed attention on comments made by Nigerian superstar Wizkid in March 2024, when he criticised the practice of grouping African artists under a single genre label.
Ahead of the release of his sixth studio album, the singer argued that his music should not be defined solely as Afrobeats.
“U lost people always want someone to educate you. U got your phone Google research sh*t or take a flight and see the world don’t be ignorant and st*pid all the time,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Listen, am I African? Yes! But I do make all sorts of music. Fine music! But I don’t want these labeled just afrobeats. That’s like saying every American artist makes rap. That’s st*pid.
“This is why no matter how good or amazing the music we make be it RnB or whatever other genre, we all get nominated in one Africa category or the other. I’ve made songs from different genres of music. Made in Lagos is not an ‘Afrobeats’ album.
“That’s a fusion of different sounds. Real music! The word Afrobeats was made up by y’all to put all we make into one box. Fela created Afrobeat. I make All sorts of music. Fusion of sounds! ‘I’m an artiste’ before anything else. True to my art. Not scared to try sh*t. Now y’all drink some milk.”
The discussion over regional music classifications comes as BTS continues a successful return following its military service hiatus. The group’s comeback album, ARIRANG, topped the Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks, while its world tour sold out across South Korea, North America and Europe. In May, BTS also won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, defeating Taylor Swift and other leading global acts.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
