The Recording Academy has denied speculation that it removed BTS’ Grammy performance videos in response to the group’s decision to skip the upcoming Grammy Awards.

The clarification came after fans noticed that several BTS Grammy performances were no longer available on the Grammys website and YouTube, prompting online claims that the removals were linked to the band’s recently announced boycott of the 69th Grammy Awards.

Why were the videos removed?

According to the Recording Academy, the videos disappeared because of routine licensing agreements, not because of BTS’ stance on this year’s awards.

A spokesperson told Korea JoongAng Daily:

“Past BTS performances were removed from the Grammys website and YouTube years ago as part of routine licensing expirations.”

The Academy added that licensing arrangements for Grammy performances are typically temporary.

“This is a standard practice for Grammy performances, as licensing terms vary and are typically limited to one year or less.”

It also emphasised that the videos had been removed years before BTS announced they would not submit their music for this year’s awards.

Why did fans connect the two events?

The explanation came after BTS revealed they would not submit music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards.

The decision followed the Recording Academy’s announcement of a new Asian Pop category, which sparked widespread debate among fans. Many ARMY members interpreted the new category as separating Asian artists from the general field rather than recognising them alongside all global acts.

Shortly after BTS’ announcement, fans noticed their Grammy performances were unavailable online, leading to speculation that the removals were retaliatory. The Academy says the timing was coincidental.

BTS’s Grammy history

BTS has made several milestones at the Grammy Awards:

• 2020: Became the first K-pop group to perform at the Grammys, joining Lil Nas X for the “Old Town Road All-Stars” performance.
• 2021: Delivered their first standalone Grammy performance with “Dynamite,” which was pre-recorded.
• 2022: Performed “Butter” live in Los Angeles, earning widespread praise for the elaborate spy-themed stage.

The performances marked significant moments for K-pop’s presence on one of music’s biggest stages.

Why is BTS skipping the Grammys?

In statements shared on their individual Instagram accounts, the seven members of BTS said they would not submit music for this year’s Grammy Awards.

The group wrote:

“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language. Thank you to the ARMY and everyone for always being with me.”

While BTS did not directly mention the new Asian Pop category by name, the announcement came shortly after its introduction, leading many fans to view the two developments as connected.

What it means

The Recording Academy maintains that the removal of BTS’ Grammy performance videos was purely a licensing issue and unrelated to the group’s decision to skip the awards. Although the timing fuelled online speculation, the Academy says the videos had already been taken down under standard licensing practices long before BTS announced its Grammy plans.