Some artists feel this category isn’t representing the music they create

The Grammys may reconsider their new Best Asian Pop award after BTS decided not to submit their music for the 2027 ceremony.

The Recording Academy announced the new category in June, saying at the time that it would recognise “artistic excellence” in Asian pop music originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets.

It is due to make its debut at next year’s ceremony, but BTS have said they will not be submitting their new album ‘Arirang’ for consideration, or any of their other music, saying that they hoped their work could be “heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages”.

Now, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr has acknowledged that the category may not represent the artists that it was intended to celebrate.

“The Grammy organization exists to serve all music people, and part of that is working to ensure that no voice or community gets overlooked or misunderstood,” he said in a statement shared with Billboard.

“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.”

All seven BTS members stand united in their decision not to submit to the Grammys this year. ✊

“We’ve decided not to submit our work for this year’s Grammy Awards. We hope music will be recognized and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank… pic.twitter.com/x5WCRtZsav

— BTS Daily⁷ (@btsdaily77) July 29, 2026

“Over the past six years, the Academy has shown that it can act decisively and move swiftly to meet the needs of our music community. The management and Board are committed to working together to keep pace with that progress and ensure the musicians we intend to honor feel truly seen and heard by our actions.”

Mason and other Grammy executives have reportedly been holding discussions with artists and industry figures representing K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, Indian music and other scenes, including representatives from BTS’ label HYBE.

No changes to the category have been announced, but the Grammys board will convene to “determine how we best honour this music in the future”. As it stands, records must make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages to be eligible for the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

It marks a shift in tone from Mason’s initial response to BTS’ boycott, in which he defended the award more robustly. “The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists,” he said at the time.

NME argued against creating a K-pop specific Grammy category back in 2021.

“Pop music is pop music, regardless of geographical location, the racial or ethnic identity of those making it, the language it’s sung in, or any other factor you might choose to segregate people by,” we wrote.

“Segregating awards shows by language or region, as already happens with the Grammys’ Latin and ‘global music’ categories, continues to perpetuate the othering of music that isn’t Western, white – until very recently Black artists also struggled to be considered in the main categories – and English-led. It takes the onus off of awards bodies to work towards equal diversity and representation, or judging music on its merit and with an open mind, because those releases can just sit in the specific categories created to celebrate them at arm’s length.”

The eligibility period for new releases to be considered for the 2027 Grammys closes on August 28, with nominations to be announced on November 16. The ceremony will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on February 7, 2027.

BTS, meanwhile, are currently on the North American leg of their ‘Arirang’ world tour. Earlier this week, V revealed he has been receiving treatment for hearing loss in his right ear, while Jungkook said he was also managing a shin injury.

NME gave ‘Arirang’ four stars, noting: “After nearly four years, BTS are back doing what they do best – serving as both ambassadors and explorers, fuelled by curiosity and creativity.”

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