BTS play a hero’s role in boycotting Grammys, Recording Academy responds with some mealy-mouthed statement

There was already considerable controversy surrounding the Grammys creating a separate category for Asian pop music, especially among K-pop fans because it was widely viewed as something that was done to effectively quarantine the surge of K-pop nominations or at least prevent it from winning one of the major categories. BTS (and/or BLACKPINK) have always been the obvious choice to win in those categories, and BTS notably recently declared they wouldn’t be submitting to the award show this year, effectively boycotting. “We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year,” the band said in a statement shared on Instagram by all seven members, adding: “I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. released a statement in response, once again trying to justify the creation of the new category. “I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision. “I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebr...