Grammy CEO “Saddened” By BTS Withdrawal, Defends Asian Pop Category: “It’s Never To Divide”

After BTS sent shockwaves through the music industry with their withdrawal from the 69th Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy’s CEO has responded. On Wednesday, shortly after the K-pop removed themselves from consideration in apparent protest over the newly added Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

The Grammys have faced criticism for their lack of representation of Asian artists, and the creation of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was intended to address this issue.