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BTS pulls out of Grammys after Asian pop category introduction

K-pop sensation BTS will not submit their music for next year's Grammy Awards, following the Recording Academy's introduction of new categories that include the Best Asian Pop Music Performance.

By Agence France-Presse·Jul 29·scmp.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

BTS pulls out of Grammys after Asian pop category introduction
Image: scmp.com

BTS has decided not to enter the Grammys this year, citing that music should be appreciated for its own merit, rather than being defined by region or language.

Why it matters

BTS's decision not to enter the Grammys highlights the growing recognition of Asian pop music globally and the need for a more inclusive approach to music awards.

BTS, a popular K-pop group, decided not to enter the Grammy Awards because they think music should be appreciated for its own merit, not because of where it comes from or what language it's in. This is a big deal because it shows that music from Asia is becoming more popular worldwide, and that we need to be more inclusive when it comes to music awards.

Analysis

A Shift in the Music Industry

BTS's decision to pull out of the Grammys is a significant move in the music industry. The K-pop sensation has been a trailblazer in breaking cultural barriers and pushing the boundaries of what is considered 'mainstream' music. By choosing not to enter the Grammys, BTS is sending a strong message that music should be appreciated for its own merit, rather than being defined by region or language.

The Rise of Asian Pop

The introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the Grammys is a recognition of the growing popularity of Asian pop music globally. BTS's success in the US market, with their 2020 hit 'Dynamite' becoming the first all-South Korean act to reign over Billboard's US top singles chart, has paved the way for other Asian artists to break into the global music scene. However, the Grammys' decision to create a separate category for Asian pop music has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it perpetuates the notion that Asian music is somehow separate from the rest of the world.

Implications for the Music Industry

BTS's decision not to enter the Grammys has implications for the music industry as a whole. It highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to music awards, one that recognizes the diversity of music from around the world without perpetuating stereotypes. The Grammys' decision to create a separate category for Asian pop music may have been well-intentioned, but it has ultimately led to a backlash from some of the very artists it was meant to celebrate.

Key points

  • BTS will not submit their music for next year's Grammy Awards.
  • The group cited that music should be appreciated for its own merit, rather than being defined by region or language.
  • The introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the Grammys has been met with criticism from some quarters.
  • BTS's decision not to enter the Grammys highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to music awards.
  • The Grammys' decision to create a separate category for Asian pop music may have been well-intentioned, but it has ultimately led to a backlash from some of the very artists it was meant to celebrate.
The Upside

BTS's decision not to enter the Grammys could lead to a more inclusive approach to music awards, recognizing the diversity of music from around the world without perpetuating stereotypes. This could pave the way for more Asian artists to break into the global music scene, and for music from Asia to be celebrated for its own merit.

The Downside

The Grammys' decision to create a separate category for Asian pop music may have been well-intentioned, but it has ultimately led to a backlash from some of the very artists it was meant to celebrate. This could lead to a further polarization of the music industry, with some artists feeling that they are being pigeonholed or stereotyped.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsbtsgrammysk-popasian-popmusic-industry

Author

Agence France-Presse

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 29, 2026

Source

scmp.com

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Topics

btsgrammysk-popasian-popmusic-industry

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