Does K-pop need the Grammys? BTS’ boycott reignites debate

BTS’ decision has forced Asian pop artists to weigh Grammy recognition against the risk of being boxed in

In a social media message announcing their decision last month, the seven-member supergroup wrote: “We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”

BTS have received six Grammy nominations to date – thrice in the best pop duo/group performance category and one each in the album of the year, best music video and best recording package categories – and lost all of them.

The best Asian pop music performance category covers various genres of Asian music including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.