[Edaily Starin Gim Ga Yeong Reporter] Seo Kyung-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, called on the Grammy Awards organizers to reform their system in response to BTS’s decision to boycott the event.

Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women’s University stated on the 1st, “BTS’s announcement this week that they will not submit entries for the 2027 Grammy Awards has become a major global issue. The Associated Press (AP) prominently reported local reactions suggesting that the “Asian Pop” category, newly established by the Recording Academy—the organizer of the Grammys—is acting as a kind of ‘racialized barrier’ for Asian musicians,” he said, adding, “The UK’s Guardian highlighted the reality that Asian artists have been consistently marginalized at major U.S.-centric award ceremonies, assessing that ‘while phrased gently, it contains clear criticism.’”
Professor Seo emphasized, “Above all, it is significant that major international media outlets placed BTS on the same level as global pop stars like The Weeknd and Drake, who boycotted the Grammys in protest.” He added, “It is now time for the Grammys to move beyond mere statements and demonstrate concrete action. “By heeding the reactions of major international media outlets and the observations of global music critics, the Grammys must use this opportunity to address their opaque judging criteria and discriminatory practices,” he emphasized.
Previously, BTS members announced via social media, “We have decided not to submit entries to this year’s Grammys. We hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
In response, some observers interpreted this as a “boycott” reflecting concerns over the Grammy Awards’ decision to create a separate award category for music from Asia, including K-pop.