BTS Reportedly Skips Grammy Awards Amidst New ‘Asian Pop’ Category Protest
BTS, a globally recognized K-pop group, has reportedly opted out of attending the Grammy Awards in New York. The decision appears to be a protest against a newly introduced category for "Asian pop."
New York, NY, July 29, 2026 —
BTS, the globally acclaimed South Korean septet, has reportedly decided not to attend the upcoming Grammy Awards ceremony in New York. This reported absence is understood to be a form of protest against the recent introduction of a new award category specifically for “Asian pop.”
The specific details surrounding the group’s decision and the exact nature of their protest have not been fully disclosed. It remains unclear what steps, if any, BTS or their management may take beyond their reported absence from the event.
The introduction of a dedicated “Asian pop” category at the Grammy Awards has been a topic of discussion within the music industry. While some may view it as a step towards greater recognition for artists from the continent, others, including BTS, reportedly see it as a divisive and potentially reductive classification.
Representatives for BTS and the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, have not yet released official statements confirming the group’s attendance status or addressing the reported protest. The exact reasons and the full scope of BTS’s concerns regarding the new category are therefore not yet publicly confirmed.
BTS has previously been nominated for Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Their participation and nominations have often been seen as significant milestones for K-pop on the international music stage.
The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in New York. The event typically draws significant attention from artists, industry professionals, and fans worldwide.
Story summarized from the original created by Antoinette Bueno on pagesix.com, see more information here.
