"Grammy, which boycotted BTS, has opaque judging criteria"...Seo Kyung-deok's sharp words [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Seongsin University's Seo Gyeong-deok (Prof.) mentioned the boy group BTS's (BTS) declaration to withdraw their submission from the 'Grammy Awards'.

Recently, through personal SNS, BTS stated, "We have decided not to submit any works to this year's Grammys. We hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being categorized by region or language," thereby declaring a boycott of the 2027 'Grammy Awards'.

In response, on the 1st, Seo Gyeong-deok (Prof.) stated, "AP News heavily reported local reactions indicating that the newly established 'Asian Pop' category by the Recording Academy, the organizer of the 'Grammys,' is acting as a sort of 'racialized barrier' for Asian musicians," and added, "The UK Guardian highlighted the reality of being consistently marginalized at major U.S.-centric award ceremonies, evaluating that 'while expressed gently, it contains clear criticism.'"

He continued, "Most importantly, it is significant that major foreign media outlets treated BTS on the same level as global pop stars like The Weeknd and Drake who refused to submit in protest against the 'Grammys'," while noting, "Of course, the 'Grammy' side has also expressed its stance regarding BTS's actions. However, now it is time for the 'Grammys' to move beyond mere statements of position and demonstrate action."

Regarding this boycott by BTS, ARMYs (the fandom name) worldwide launched a project to re-upload "Aliens," a track from their 5th full album "Arirang" that indirectly criticizes racial discrimination, onto the iTunes charts, successfully placing it at number one on the global iTunes 'Top Songs' chart across 78 countries.

Seo Gyeong-deok (Prof.) sharply remarked, "Listening to reactions from major foreign media and criticisms from world-renowned music critics, we must take this opportunity to definitely improve the opaque judging criteria and discriminatory elements of the 'Grammys' that have persisted until now."

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*This content was translated by AI.