Pop group BTS bows out of 2027 Grammy Awards as new Asian pop music category raises concerns
K-pop group BTS has announced a boycott of the 2027 Grammy Awards in response to the introduction of a new 'Asian pop music' category. The group expressed concerns that the category creates a racialized barrier rather than celebrating their music on its own merits.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing debates regarding the categorization of non-Western artists in major music awards and the tension between industry recognition and artistic autonomy.
The announcement comes one month after five new categories have been introduced to the Grammy Awards. ( Supplied: Netflix )
K-pop group BTS shared a coordinated message saying it would boycott the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The joint message appears to take aim at a controversial new Asian pop music category, introduced for the 69th Grammy Awards.
Hybe, the talent agency representing BTS, has said the boycott is not a company-wide decision.
Link copied Share Share article Members of K-pop powerhouse BTS say they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
All seven BTS members — RM, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, Jung Kook and Jin — shared a coordinated message announcing the apparent boycott.
"We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language," it read.
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