HYBE clarifies stance after BTS announces Grammys boycott

Entertainment giant HYBE has responded after BTS announced they would not participate in the upcoming Grammy Awards, clarifying that the group’s decision should not be interpreted as a company-wide boycott. The statement comes after the seven BTS members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — reportedly decided against participating following changes to the Recording Academy’s awards structure.
The controversy centres on the Grammys’ reported introduction of dedicated K-pop categories, a move that many fans believe separates Korean artists from competing equally in the general-field categories. According to reports, BTS and HYBE view the changes as unfair at a time when the group is considered one of the strongest contenders for major Grammy honours.
Addressing the issue, HYBE released a statement explaining its concerns over the reported rule changes.
“It is difficult to accept that this Grammy’s screening change was made when BTS is most likely to win the main prize.”
Despite expressing disappointment, the company stressed that BTS’s decision does not represent an official boycott by HYBE itself.
“It’s not a boycott at the company level.”
An official further clarified the company’s position, saying, “In the case of other artists, if they are willing to participate, they will proceed with the exhibition as scheduled.”
HYBE also revealed that BTS carefully considered whether to participate before reaching their final decision.
“BTS also thought about whether to participate until the last minute of this announcement, but they made this decision with the idea that a cautious move is necessary for the sake of the music industry and K-pop as a whole.”
According to the statement, the group’s decision was made after considering what they believe are broader implications for K-pop artists rather than focusing solely on their own chances at the awards.
Industry observers believe BTS’s move could influence conversations across the global music business. In recent years, all four major American music awards have introduced dedicated K-pop categories, prompting debate over whether such divisions recognise the genre or limit Korean artists from competing directly alongside international acts in major categories.
While BTS has chosen not to participate, neither the group nor HYBE has encouraged other artists to do the same. The company has made it clear that performers under its management remain free to decide whether they wish to submit their work or attend the ceremony.
The reported boycott is especially significant because BTS has historically been one of the Grammy Awards’ biggest international attractions. Their appearances have consistently generated massive global viewership, extensive social media engagement and strong fan participation, making their absence notable for both the Recording Academy and music fans worldwide.
Neither the Recording Academy nor Grammy organisers have publicly responded to HYBE’s latest statement at the time of writing.
Fans continue to debate the issue across social media, with many praising BTS for taking what they view as a principled stand, while others hope discussions between the music industry and award organisers will lead to greater equality for K-pop artists in future Grammy competitions. HYBE, however, has maintained that the decision reflects BTS’s own position and should not be viewed as a blanket boycott by the company or its other artists.