Archive · 30 Jul 2026
BTS Boycott Grammys Over New Asian Pop Category
BTS, a famous Korean music group, said they will not enter the Grammy Awards this year.
They were unhappy with a new award category that only looks at Asian pop music.
The group posted this on Instagram, hoping music should be judged by its quality, not where it comes from.
The Grammy organizers were sad but respected BTS’s choice.
BTS has had big successes, like topping the Billboard chart with their album ARIRANG and winning Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards.
BTS will not submit music for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards due to dissatisfaction with the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The Recording Academy introduced the category on June 16, covering music from South Korea, Japan, China, and other Asian markets.
BTS’s Instagram post emphasized a desire for music to be judged on its merits rather than region or language.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys, expressed disappointment but respect for BTS’s decision and clarified the category’s purpose.
BTS’s boycott follows recent successes, including topping the Billboard 200 with their album ARIRANG and winning Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards.
- Who
- BTS, the South Korean K‑pop group
- What
- BTS announced a boycott of the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, refusing to submit music due to dissatisfaction with the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Online via Instagram
- Why
- BTS cited a desire for music to be judged on its merits rather than region or language.
- Artist
- BTS
- Event
- 69th Annual Grammy Awards
- Decision
- Boycott
- New Category
- Best Asian Pop Music Performance
- Announcement Date
- June 16 (category) and Wednesday (boycott)
- Album
- ARIRANG
- Chart Achievement
- Billboard 200 top
- Award
- Artist of the Year at American Music Awards