Why BTS is Boycotting the Grammys

By Amira Fahira

BTS performs during “BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang” in Seoul, South Korea, on March 21, 2026. The concert marked the K-pop group’s return to the stage and was streamed live globally on Netflix.

June 16, 2026- The Grammys announced that they would be creating five new categories, one of which was the “Best Asian Pop” category. In light of this, the members of BTS have unanimously decided not to submit their music for the 2027 GRAMMY Awards.

From Bad Bunny to Beyoncé, the Grammys have a history of creating new categories for POC artists. When Beyoncé won “Best Country Album” for “Cowboy Carter,” the Grammys decided they wanted to redefine the category. For the 2026 Grammy Awards, they split the category into two: “best contemporary country album” and “best traditional country album.” While the Grammys have stated that this decision was made prior to Beyoncé earning her win, the timing is still suspicious. Similarly with Bad Bunny, when he won “Album Of The Year,” the Recording Academy decided to introduce a “Best Latin Song” category for the 2027 awards. It is extremely troubling that after a non-white artist wins an award typically dominated by Western, white music, the Grammys deems it necessary to change the parameters for what categories POC artists are capable of qualifying for. 

"I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language.” -BTS

In response to this new “Best Asian Pop” category, the members of BTS have shared via their personal Instagram accounts, “I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language.” They have additionally announced that they will not be submitting their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards on July 29, 2026. 

The Grammys released a statement July 29 following the announcement with their CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., stating “The Asian Pop Category” was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia…. 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.”

While the Grammys continue to argue that the new categories were added to expand their ability to recognize other artists, how much recognition will this truly bring? Using language or regions to separate artists and musicians will only create a larger divide based on “inclusivity.” It is not truly inclusive if the cost comes at the diminutization of musical success through the segregation of regions and languages. Separating art by region and stating that it is to “celebrate” diversity is not only harmful, it also feeds into the notion that anyone who is outside of the Western agenda will not succeed in the Western world, or in other words, the “big leagues.” 

It is setting a precedent that non-European or American artists will automatically be boxed into a niche pertaining to the region of the world from which they originate. As of Aug. 14, the Grammys are in discussion about revamping the “Asian Pop Category” for the 2027 Grammy Awards.

"...there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish. As a musician myself, I take that to heart.” -Harvey Mason Jr.

In a statement shared by Billboard, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish. As a musician myself, I take that to heart.”

Following this statement, ARMY, BTS’s fandom, has been critical of Mason Jr.’s approach, arguing that he is missing the point of their critique. It is very telling of how the category was created, considering that the only reason the Grammys originally published a statement was after BTS publicly rejected the category. After the large backlash from the group’s fans, the Grammys are now considering retiring the category entirely. If the Grammys were truly trying to be more inclusive, then they wouldn’t be so quick to consider eliminating a category created to usher in more diversity, especially considering their statement was given a week before the 2027 Grammy submissions were due.