Grammys respond to BTS boycott: 'No intent to discriminate against Asia'

As controversy grows following BTS's decision to skip submissions to the Grammy Awards, organizers have stepped in to address the backlash.

With mounting criticism that classifying Asian music as a separate genre is effectively a form of discrimination, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, released an official statement clarifying that "this is not a measure to segregate or limit Asian artists."

On the 30th, the Recording Academy released Mason Jr.'s statement through official SNS.

Mason Jr. expressed his regret, stating, "I am saddened to hear that BTS has decided not to participate in the Grammy Awards submissions this year," adding, "As a music creator myself, I understand and respect their decision."

He went on to explain the controversy surrounding the recently established 'Asian Pop' category.

"I want to clarify one thing that is being misinformed during the current discussions," he emphasized. "This category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and incredible growth of pop music emerging from Asia."

He further drew a line, stating, "It is intended to shine a separate spotlight on important artists, and it is not for the purpose of separating or devaluing anyone."

The Recording Academy also emphasized that the creation of new genre categories is intended to recognize more music and artists.

Mason Jr. explained, "The addition of categories means there are more opportunities for the works of more artists to be recognized," and "It is intended to expand the scope of music recognized by the 15,000 Grammy voting members."

In particular, he refuted suspicions that submitting to the 'Asian Pop' category would exclude artists from competing in the major General Field categories.

He stated, "Submitting music to genre categories such as Asian Pop, Jazz, or Country does not mean being excluded from submission or consideration in the General Field."

All members of BTS expressed through their respective SNS on the 29th that they would not be submitting for this year's Grammy Awards.

The members explained their reason for refusing submission, saying, "We hope that music is heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language."

This was interpreted as more than a simple announcement of non-attendance at an awards ceremony; it was a challenge to the existing genre divisions and cultural classification methods in the global music market.

Given that BTS is the representative artist that expanded K-pop into a global genre, this decision has caused significant ripples both within and outside the industry.

Despite the Recording Academy's clarification, the debate over whether the separate 'Asian Pop' category is a consideration for global musical diversity or just another way of setting boundaries is expected to continue for some time.