BTS's Grammy boycott: What we know about the controversy
What's the story
The Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, has introduced five new categories for its 69th edition. One of these is Best Asian Pop Music Performance, which aims to honor "contemporary popular music originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets." However, this move has sparked controversy and led to a boycott by K-pop group BTS. The band had announced on social media that they would not be submitting their music for consideration in this category.
Statement
BTS's statement and Recording Academy's response
BTS expressed their disappointment with the new category, stating, "Rather than music being divided by region or language, we hope music itself can be heard and loved for what it is."
The band thanked their fans, ARMY, for their support.
In response, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, clarified that the new category was created to celebrate Asian pop artistry.
"More categories mean more artists' work is recognized. It's never to divide, but to expand who is recognized."
Controversy
Debate on the implications for K-pop
The introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category has sparked a debate about its implications for K-pop.
Mathieu Berbiguier, a visiting assistant professor of Korean studies at Carnegie Mellon University, said, "It is difficult to think of it as something positive because it's kind of saying we want to acknowledge you, but at the same time in a separate category so that it doesn't mix up with what is supposed to be mainstream."
Past controversies
Grammy Awards's history of controversies
The controversy over the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category is not new for the Grammys.
The Academy has faced criticism for its handling of racial and cultural representation in its categories.
Notable instances include Frank Ocean's refusal to submit his album Blonde for consideration; Tyler, The Creator's discomfort with being placed in a rap category; and the 2011 overhaul that merged several categories into gender-neutral ones.
Global representation
Efforts to diversify and expand global reach
The 2011 overhaul also affected the "world music" category, which was cut in half and renamed.
Ian Brennan, who produced the album that won this new consolidated category in 2012, said it reduced global representation at the Grammys.
Despite these controversies, the Academy has taken steps to diversify its voting body and expand its global reach by introducing more categories such as Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance.