BTS is receiving public support after all seven members announced that they would not submit their music for consideration at next year’s Grammy Awards.
On July 29, Epik High’s Tablo shared RM’s post on social media and wrote: “ARIRANG > GRAMMYS.”
Maggie Kang, the Korean Canadian director of Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters, also shared a related news report and expressed support with applause symbols. Fans have also posted supportive hashtags across social media.
BTS explained its decision through statements shared on the members’ individual accounts. The group said: “We hope music can be heard and loved for the music itself rather than being divided by region or language.”
The announcement followed the Grammys’ introduction of a new category called Best Asian Pop Music Performance. Some listeners raised concerns that creating a separate category for Asian music, including K pop, could limit its recognition within the wider international music industry.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. responded by explaining that the category was created to celebrate the “depth, diversity, and remarkable growth” of pop music coming from Asia.
He said: “The goal is not to separate artists, but to expand the number of artists recognized by the 15,000 Grammy voters.”
He also clarified that submitting music to categories such as Asian pop, jazz, or country would not prevent artists from being considered for major awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.
According to the Recording Academy, the main award categories remain open to all eligible releases regardless of genre.
