[NME] "NME has long opposed classifications based on specific genres or regions, stating that "pop music is simply pop music, regardless of geographical location, language, or race. In 2021, we argued that the Grammys shouldn’t add an Asian Pop category, writing: “Doing so might give a handful of Kpop 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 Asian Artists also seems slim.”
“Segregating awards shows by language or region, as already happens with the Grammys’s 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.
"#BTS refused to submit in protest against the newly established 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category," giving significant weight to the criticism that the creation of a dedicated category would serve as a mechanism to exclude Asian Artists from nominations for major awards (General Field), such as "Album of the Year."
"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 influence, an approach that lights up ‘Arirang’."
#ArtHasNoAliens #GeographyIsNotAGenre #WeStandWithBTS
https://t.co/LJTdlA75qB
RT & REPLY
ART HAS NO ALIENS
@RecordingAcad
We hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language.
#ArtHasNoAliens
📱 El CEO y vicepresidente de Hyundai Card, Chung Tae-Young, expresó su postura en IG sobre la creación de una categoría de “Pop Asiático” y la decisión de BTS de no presentar su música.
"¿Será realmente un malentendido pensar que esto parece un intento de separar a los +
and last thing im gonna say is, ARMYs are the only fandom who immediately recognized that new asian category for what it is: blatant racism, while others were celebrating a potential win for their faves. the fact that BTS, an asian group, thinks the same as us says a lot. 🙏🏽
[NEWS] #BTS members announced that they won’t Submit to the Grammys! 🚨
"We’ve decided not to submit our work for this year’s Grammy Awards. We hope music will be recognized and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you, as always, to ARMY and everyone who supports us."
#WeStandWithBTS
BTS are—and will remain—the only ones with the courage to make such a decision. After years of the Grammys benefiting from their global impact, responding by creating a separate category only highlights the treatment they have received. Their decision not to submit what many consider their best album speaks to principles, dignity, and a refusal to settle for half-hearted recognition.
#WeStandWithBTS
Critic Lim on #BTS’s decision “The fact that a single Asian artist has rebelled against a massive awards ceremony and opened a forum for public discourse demanding change demonstrates immense influence in itself.”
They are the only asian artist that have the nerve to do that! 👏🔥
#WeStandWithBTS
As an ARMY since 2017, I’ve witnessed BTS’s journey in the U.S. industry. For years, they were used for their impact and attention, yet their music was often overlooked by award shows, radio, TV programs, and the industry itself.
That’s why their decision not to submit their album means so much. They chose to stand by their values and their art, and that says everything.
i dont think y’all realize how fucking cool it is to just openly announce you are not submitting for the grammys because of their mistreatment. it takes a lot to have that kind of courage. they said FUCK that racist organization. BTS are truly the most inspiring artists ever
The most powerful part of this decision is that they are no longer asking to be accepted by the industry. They already know their worth as artists and understand that they deserve nothing less than everything they have built and earned throughout the years. 👏💜🔥
#WeStandWithBTS
All seven BTS members stand united in their decision not to submit to the Grammys this year. ✊
"We’ve decided not to submit our work for this year’s Grammy Awards. We hope music will be recognized and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you, as always, to ARMY and everyone who supports us." 🔥