Topline<\/p>\n
The K-pop mega band BTS will not be submitting their music for consideration at next year’s Grammy Awards in an apparent protest against the Recording Academy\u2019s decision to introduce a separate new \u201cAsian Pop\u201d category, prompting the academy\u2019s CEO Harvey Mason Jr. to defend the new category while saying he was \u201csaddened\u201d by the band\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
The South Korean K-pop band BTS will perform during the halftime show at the FIFA World Cup final.<\/p>\n
dpa\/picture alliance via Getty ImagesKey Facts<\/p>\n
In statements issued via Instagram on Wednesday, each of the band\u2019s seven members announced they have decided not to enter the Grammys this year.<\/p>\n
The band members said they hoped that their music could be \u201cheard and loved for what it is, rather than being categorized by region or language,\u201d according to a translation by Yonhap News<\/a>.<\/p>\n The statement thanked their fans\u2014who refer to themselves as \u201cARMY\u201d\u2014for standing by the band.<\/p>\n Although the statement didn\u2019t explicitly say they were pulling out of the Grammys in protest, it comes amid concerns that the new Asian Pop category may segregate popular Asian artists from the Grammys\u2019 main categories.<\/p>\n The band\u2019s decision to pull out of the Grammys means \u201cARIRANG\u201d, their comeback album after all members completed South Korea\u2019s mandatory military service, will not be in contention for the awards.<\/p>\n \u201cARIRANG\u201d topped the Billboard 200 charts for two consecutive weeks earlier this year, and the band is currently in the middle of a World Tour promoting the new album.<\/p>\n What Have Grammy Awards Officials Said?<\/p>\n