Grammys review Asian Pop category after BTS withdrawal

The Recording Academy is reconsidering its newly introduced Asian Pop category after K-pop superstars BTS announced that they would not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the organisation had held discussions with artists and other stakeholders following the group’s decision. He acknowledged that some musicians believe the new category does not adequately represent the music and artists it was created to recognise.

Mason said the Academy’s goal is to ensure that musicians from different communities feel properly represented and heard. He added that feedback from artists in the Asian music scene had prompted the organisation to reassess the category.

The review comes shortly after BTS confirmed that the group would not enter music for next year’s Grammy ceremony. BTS leader RM announced the decision last month, saying the group wanted music to be appreciated without being divided according to language or geographical region.

The band has a huge international following and has played a major role in bringing K-pop to audiences around the world. Its decision not to participate in the upcoming Grammy process has therefore drawn considerable attention within the global music industry.

The Recording Academy has not yet announced what changes could be made to the Asian Pop category. However, Mason indicated that the organisation’s management and board are committed to responding to concerns raised by musicians.

The new category was intended to broaden recognition of Asian music within the Grammys and provide artists with a dedicated platform. The Academy’s latest review could lead to changes in how the category is structured or which styles and artists it covers.

BTS’ withdrawal has also renewed discussion about how major international music awards classify artists and genres in an increasingly global music industry.