Grammy CEO Responds To BTS’ Boycott, Says  Meant To Celebrate, Not Divide

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has responded to BTS’s decision not to submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, saying he is disappointed by the group’s choice but respects their position.

The K-pop superstars announced earlier this week that they would not participate in this year’s Grammy submission process, stating that they wanted their music to be appreciated “for what it is” rather than being categorized by region or language.

In a statement addressing the development, Mason said he understood the group’s concerns while clarifying the intention behind the Recording Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance 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,” he said.

Mason stressed that the new category was created to recognize the rapid growth and diversity of Asian pop music, not to separate K-pop and other Asian artists from mainstream Grammy recognition.

“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 explained.

He further clarified that artists submitting work in genre-specific categories remain fully eligible for the prestigious General Field awards, including 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. An artist can absolutely pursue both,” Mason added.

On Wednesday, all seven BTS members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, shared an identical statement across their individual Instagram accounts announcing their decision.

“We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank ARMY and everyone who has always stood by us,” the statement read.

The group’s announcement followed criticism from fans who argued that the introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category could reinforce the separation of Asian artists from the Grammys’ top honours rather than promote inclusion.

Despite receiving multiple Grammy nominations over the years, including in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video, BTS has yet to win a Grammy.

The group joins a growing list of global stars, including Drake, Jay-Z, and The Weeknd, who have, at various times, stepped away from the Grammy Awards over concerns about the Recording Academy’s voting process and treatment of artists.

While BTS’s decision has reignited debate over representation at the Grammys, Mason expressed hope that the conversation would continue, emphasizing that the Academy remains committed to recognising artists from across the global music landscape.