BTS' Grammys boycott signals reversed relationship between artists, award shows
The Recording Academy's changed stance over its new Asian pop music category after K-pop superstars BTS opted not to submit music for consideration for the 69th Grammy Awards has shown the shifting dynamics between artists and award organizers, according to critics and industry figures. While acknowledging that such a boycott was possible only because it came from BTS, one of the world's most…
The Recording Academy's decision to introduce an Asian pop music category for the 69th Grammy Awards, following K-pop superstars BTS' refusal to submit their music, has highlighted the evolving dynamics between artists and award organizers, according to critics and industry figures. While it's acknowledged that the boycott was possible only due to BTS' immense influence, the controversy revealed that award shows rely more on the presence of artists with large fanbases than the artists needing the shows.
The Academy announced the new category on June 16, alongside four other awards, which were open to singles and tracks that effectively incorporated one or more Asian languages. On July 29, all seven members of BTS sent identical statements, refusing to submit their music for Grammy consideration, and expressing the hope that music could be appreciated for its merits without regard to region or language.
As the dispute escalated, Billboard reported on July 29 that the Recording Academy's leadership sought input from representatives associated with K-pop and J-pop music circles.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
