Just one day after BTS announced that they would not submit their music for consideration at the Grammy Awards, questions are now being raised over the disappearance of the group’s past performance videos from the Grammys’ official website.
On July 30, speculation began spreading online after fans noticed that BTS’ Grammy performances of “Butter” and “Dynamite” could no longer be found on the website.
Pop culture outlet Pop Core shared screenshots showing an error message on the Grammys website and reported on social media that the Recording Academy appeared to have removed the videos itself.
The timing has fueled further suspicion, as the videos reportedly disappeared shortly after BTS announced its boycott.
On July 29, BTS posted a statement on its official social media accounts, saying, “We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
Many in the Korean music industry have interpreted the decision as a protest against the Grammys’ newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
Critics have argued that placing music from across Asia into a separate regional category could effectively limit Asian artists’ chances of competing in the Grammys’ major general categories.
Following BTS’ announcement, Epik High’s Tablo and KPop Demon Hunters director Maggie Kang shared related reports and voiced their support. Music producer Mike WiLL Made-It also publicly backed the group.
International media outlets have also expressed support for BTS. The Guardian described the move as “a striking – if gently worded – rebuke,” while Cosmopolitan ran the headline, “BTS Is Right to Refuse the Grammys’ Newest Category.”
Billboard wrote that BTS’ decision was “a blow to the Grammys’ prestige,” adding that the awards telecast could also lose one of its biggest audience draws.
The 69th Grammy Awards, which will take place without BTS, are scheduled for February 7, 2027.
>> Grammys CEO ‘Saddened’ by BTS Boycott, Defends Controversial Asian Pop Category
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
