K-pop's BTS opt out of new Asian music Grammy consideration
K-pop group BTS has announced they will not submit music for consideration in the new Grammy category for Asian pop music. The band expressed a desire for their music to be judged on its own merits rather than being categorized by region or language.
Why it matters
The decision highlights ongoing debates regarding the inclusivity and potential ghettoization of non-Western music within major international award institutions.
The K-pop sensation BTS, snubbed when nominated for Grammys in the past, say they're not interested in winning a new Asian music category.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Hy5G BTS' recent tour of the Americas included a cameo in the much-maligned World Cup final halftime show Image: Tom Weller/dpa/picture alliance Advertisement K-pop powerhouse BTS said on Wednesday that they would not submit songs for consideration for the 2027 Grammys next February.
The seven band members issued the same Korean-language note online in concert.
They said they did not want to be included in the new Grammy category, best Asian pop music performance, that's seen as a way to categorize releases across K-pop or J-pop and C-pop from Japan and China, respectively.
Newly reformed BTS, touring to promote a new album after returning from a military service hiatus, would seem to be among the frontrunners in the category.
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