'Asian Pop' Survives BTS Boycott... Grammy Pushes Ahead with New Category

Nearly Two Months of Review After BTS Declined to Submit
Academy Upholds Original Plan Despite Input From Asian Music Industry
Controversy Persists Over Separate Category Based on Region and Language
Nature of 'Asian Pop' Category Expected to Emerge With First Nominee List

BTS attended Variety's "Hitmakers Brunch" held in West Hollywood, California, USA, in December 2019 (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

The Grammy Awards in the United States will proceed as planned with the introduction of the "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category, despite BTS's decision to decline submission and backlash from the music industry. While the intention is to expand recognition opportunities for Asian music, criticism remains over the separation of K-pop—already competing in the mainstream pop market—based on region and language. There is also controversy over the rule that prohibits the same song from being submitted in both the Asian Pop and existing Pop Performance categories simultaneously.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammy Awards, announced on October 1 (local time) that the Best Asian Pop Music Performance would be awarded as scheduled at the 69th Grammy Awards next year. After establishing the category in June, the Academy faced ongoing opposition and subsequently held discussions with figures in the Asian music industry.

Mason explained that, although there were voices opposing the continuation of this category, feedback supporting its existence from music creators was stronger. He added, "We understand that this decision will not satisfy everyone."

The Asian Pop category targets contemporary popular music produced or widely recognized in Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. Regardless of the singer's nationality or ethnicity, eligibility is determined by musical style. However, the lyrics must feature at least one Asian language in a prominent and meaningful way; songs performed solely in English are ineligible for this category.

The relationship with existing pop categories is even more complex. Grammy regulations stipulate that each recording can be submitted to only one performance category per year. Thus, a song qualifying for "Asian Pop" that is submitted to this category cannot be entered into another performance category such as "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" in the same year. However, it may still be submitted for Record, Album, or Song of the Year and other major awards.

On July 29, each of the seven BTS members posted identical statements on their respective social networks, declaring, "We will not submit our music to next year's Grammy Awards." They expressed their hope that music would be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. While they did not directly mention the Asian Pop category, because their statement came after the new, region- and language-based category had been announced, it was widely interpreted within the American music industry as a protest to the new category.

Following BTS's announcement, the Academy also initiated a re-evaluation. In August, Mason noted, "It has become clear that some artists feel this category does not represent the music they create in the way they wish." The Academy involved its board and committees related to the awards to solicit further input from Asian music professionals. After nearly two months of discussions, the conclusion was to move forward with the category as planned.

Five newly introduced categories at the 69th Grammy Awards. Official Grammy SNS screen

Criticism has also continued within the American music industry. Variety pointed out that while awards for specific regions or genres can expand opportunities for recognition, they may also result in the isolation of such music from mainstream categories. Forbes similarly raised concerns about the creation of a separate competitive section for Asian music. On the other hand, Japanese-American producer her0ism, who participated in the establishment of the new category, emphasized the significance of Asian music now being evaluated through the Grammys’ official review process.

K-pop has already been nominated for major Grammy awards. At this year's Grammy Awards, "Apartment" by ROSE and Bruno Mars was nominated for both "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year." "Golden," from the film "K-Pop Demon Hunters," was also nominated for Song of the Year and won Best Song Written for Visual Media. BTS has received five Grammy nominations so far, but has yet to win an award.

The core of the controversy is less about eligibility for major awards and more about the method of dividing Asian music again by region and language. The key issue is whether the separate Asian Pop category, when K-pop is already competing in major and pop categories, will truly increase recognition opportunities—or instead serve as a tool to segregate Asian music from the main pop categories.

The first round of voting for the 69th Grammys will begin on October 12. The nominees will be announced on November 16, and the award ceremony will take place on February 7 next year. The nature of the "Asian Pop" category will become clearer once the first nominee list is revealed. Whether Asian music—previously competing alongside mainstream pop—will now be concentrated in this new category, or continue to secure nominations in both areas, will be closely watched. Depending on the first year’s results, the rules based on region and language may be reconsidered in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.