BTS Boycott or White Flag? Grammys Reconsider Controversial 'Asian Pop' Category [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

As the boy group BTS launches a boycott of the Grammy Awards, the controversial category in question appears set for review.

On the 14th (local time), Billboard CEO Harvey Mason Jr. issued a statement saying, "It has become clear that some artists feel, contrary to our intentions, that the 'Asian Pop' category does not represent the music they have worked hard to create. As someone who came from the music industry, I deeply accept this."

Mason Jr. further emphasized, "Over the past six years, the Recording Academy (which organizes the Grammy Awards) has demonstrated its ability to move decisively and swiftly to meet the needs of the music community. We will strive to keep pace with such progress and ensure that musicians truly feel respected."

He also mentioned reviewing a restructuring of the process for developing new award categories, adding, "With the number of Grammy categories now exceeding 100, it is time to consider how we can further develop our efforts."

In this regard, Billboard predicted that the Recording Academy might unusually restructure the 'Asian Pop' category starting from next year's ceremony.

It is reported that the Recording Academy is currently in contact with music professionals across Asia to discuss the matter. The Academy stated that Harvey Mason Jr. and various organizational leaders have held discussions with musicians, labels, and managers representing K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, India, and others, including HYBE.

Additionally, the Academy has convened its full board of directors and nomination committee to conduct separate advisory work on the 'Asian Pop' category. It is understood that from the very first ceremony, the goal was to honor this music with respect and accuracy.

Earlier, in June, the Grammy Awards announced the creation of a new category called 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' to distinguish Asian music from countries such as South Korea, China, and Japan.

However, even as K-pop has gained global popularity, criticism arose that the Academy was merely going through the motions by awarding only an 'Asian Pop' prize instead of a main category award. Consequently, on the 29th of last month, BTS declared its boycott of the Grammy Awards, stating, "We have decided not to submit our work 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."

Following this, Harvey Mason Jr. conveyed through the official 'Grammy' account, "While we were saddened to learn that BTS has decided not to participate in the Grammy Awards process, as a music creator, we understand and respect their decision."

Regarding criticism over the establishment of the 'Asian Pop Music Performance' category, he explained, "It was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and remarkable growth of pop artistry emerging from Asia. It is intended to shine a spotlight on important artists, never to distinguish or discriminate against them."

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*This content was translated by AI.