{
  "id": 1615555,
  "title": "Grammys hint at change to controversial Asian pop category following BTS boycott",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/grammys-hint-at-change-to-controversial-asian-pop-category-following",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T02:52:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20260818/grammys-hint-at-change-to-controversial-asian-pop-category-following-bts-boycott"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammy Awards, has indicated a potential alteration to the \"Best Asian Pop Music Performance\" category following BTS' decision to not submit their music for consideration. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, released a statement on Friday regarding the concerns over the category, according to reports published by Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rolling Stone on Saturday. Mason acknowledged that, despite their intent to be more inclusive, some artists within the category feel it does not adequately represent their work. He emphasized that the management and Board are committed to collaborating to keep pace with progress and ensure musicians feel truly seen and heard by their actions. The controversy surrounding the category stemmed from the fact that the Recording Academy may consider changes to address these concerns.",
  "summary": "The organizer of the Grammy Awards hinted at a possible change to the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category following BTS’ refusal to submit its music for consideration. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammy Awards, released a statement addressing concerns over the new category on Friday, according to reports published Saturday by multiple outlets,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Recording Academy may alter Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.",
    "Harvey Mason Jr. addressed concerns over category's inclusivity.",
    "Changes aim to better represent artists' work and ensure recognition."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Grammys hint at change to controversial Asian pop category following BTS boycott",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/grammys-hint-at-change-to-controversial-asian-pop-category-following-1617361",
        "published": "2026-08-18T03:02:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}