Grammy targeted again? BTS: "They don't know us well," cryptic lyrics [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Top idol group BTS (RM, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga, V, Jungkook) has effectively declared a boycott of the Grammy Awards following the establishment of an Asian Pop category, drawing renewed attention with lyrics that appear to express their indirect feelings on the matter.

BTS leader RM altered some lyrics from their hit song "MIC Drop" during the "Arirang" world tour performances held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, USA, on the 1st and 2nd (local time), singing: "People who curse will keep cursing anyway; we will just continue our way. We were born in Korea, so they don't know us well."

Earlier, on July 29, BTS announced via official social media: "We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being categorized by region or language. Thank you to ARMY and everyone who has supported us always."

The Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammy Awards, announced in June that starting with the 69th Grammy Awards on February 7 at Crypto.com Arena, five new categories would be introduced: Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best Latin Song, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, and Best Traditional Folk Album.

From the perspective of domestic fans, the most eye-catching category was "Best Asian Pop Music Performance." According to the Recording Academy's official rulebook, this category recognizes artistic excellence in pop music performances originating from or widely known in the Asian market, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. It targets works that meaningfully use at least one Asian language.

Subsequently, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, issued a statement regarding BTS's boycott: "We were saddened to learn that BTS has decided not to participate in the Grammy Awards, but as music creators, we understand and respect their decision."

Addressing public criticism over the new "Asian Pop Music Performance" category, he explained: "This category was established to celebrate the depth, diversity, and remarkable growth of pop artistry emerging from Asia. It is meant to shine a spotlight on important artists, not to distinguish or discriminate against them."

Later, the Grammy Awards suddenly removed a video of BTS performing "Butter" at their 2024 event, sparking public outrage.

Adding to this, BTS's fifth full album track "Aliens," from their album "Arirang," simultaneously topped the iTunes Top Songs chart in 78 countries worldwide, drawing significant attention. The song reflects BTS's identity and aspirations as Korean artists on a global stage, metaphorically comparing themselves to aliens. Lyrics such as "Born different seven aliens / They envy us, those civilians" and "You with eyes so ridiculously big say this" are interpreted as sharp messages directed at the Western mainstream music market, aligning with their recent boycott declaration of the Grammys.

Additionally, the line "Pardon Kim Gu tell me how you feel / I'm the only one who can't speak English but that is how we kill" also sparked discussion. By directly referencing the name of Korean independence activist Kim Gu, the group expressed confidence in their ability to succeed "in our own way" toward the Western mainstream market. The boycott message urging not to categorize music by region or language perfectly matched the song's sentiment.

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*This content was translated by AI.