The CEO of the Grammys has reacted to BTS backing out of the ceremony to protest the Asian pop category.

• READ MORE: Why the Grammys are right to not add a Best K-pop category – and why it should stay that way

Recently, the Grammys confirmed that next year’s awards would feature the Best Asian Pop Music category. The category aims to celebrate “artistic excellence” in pop music from Asian markets, and entries must possess meaningful use of one or more Asian language.

In response, BTS announced they would refuse to submit their new album ‘Arirang’ for the category. “We hope music can be heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages,” they said. “We are grateful to our ‘ARMY’ and everyone who has always supported us.”

Now, Harvey Mason Jr – the CEO of the Recording Academy – has commented on BTS’ reaction, sharing: “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.”

He went on to clarify that the Asian Pop category “was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters”.

He added that any artists submitting music in any genre category are still eligible to participate in the General Field Categories, such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. “Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive,” he wrote. “An artist can absolutely pursue both.”

Next year’s event, will be held on February 7, 2027. Submissions opened on July 7 and will close on August 28.

In 2021, we argued that the Grammys shouldn’t add an Asian Pop category, writing: “Doing so might give a handful of Korean groups new bragging rights and a shiny new trophy to display, but how much would it do for them in the wider world? If you’re not already interested in a particular genre or scene, the likelihood of you paying that much attention to a niche category celebrating its artists is low, so the chances of such a field bringing heaps of recognition onto K-pop stars also seems slim.”

“Segregating awards shows by language or region, as already happens with the Grammys’ Latin and “global music” categories, continues to perpetuate the othering of music that isn’t Western, white (until very recently Black artists also struggled to be considered in the main categories) and English-led,” we added.

Meanwhile, we gave ‘Arirang’ a four-star review when it landed last March. “In the days before BTS made their historic live comeback in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, a banner adorning a nearby building described the group as “Born in Korea. Play for the world.” It’s an apt characterisation of what they’ve always done – mixing the cultural heritage of their home country with global influences, an approach that lights up ‘Arirang’.

“After nearly four years, BTS are back doing what they do best – serving as both ambassadors and explorers, fuelled by curiosity and creativity,” we concluded.

Meanwhile, BTS recently performed at the Chris Martin-curated World Cup final halftime show alongside, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Burna Boy.