“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year.”

The K-pop supergroup shared the news across all seven members’ Instagram accounts on Wednesday (29 July), saying: “We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us.”

Mason Jr. told BuzzFeed he is “saddened” by the group’s choice but respects it. 

He also addressed the conversation around the new Asian Pop category, explaining that it was created to recognise and celebrate artists from across Asia, rather than divide them by region or language.

Mason Jr. also clarified that artists submitted in genre categories can still be considered for the Grammys’ major General Field awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

"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.

"I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. 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.

"I also want to be very clear: submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre. Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both."

"The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it. As we continue to expand the reach, our membership, and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world."

Additional photo credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images