Popular music critic Lim Jin-mo called BTS’s decision to boycott the Grammy Awards “cathartic” on the October 21 broadcast of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” framing the move as a declaration of musical independence from the United States.
According to TV Report, Lim appeared on the episode and reflected on the dramatic rise of K-pop, calling BTS’s global breakthrough a “cultural revolution” that ushered in a new era. He noted that what once seemed like an impossible dream — a Korean act cracking the Billboard charts — has now become reality through BTS.
Lim argued that the Grammys’ practice of splitting awards by genre amounts to “genre ghettoization.” He added that BTS was not alone in its stance, noting that HYBE, SM, YG, and JYP also declined to submit entries to the awards.
“Dividing award categories by genre itself causes genre ghettoization,” Lim said. “The Grammy boycott declaration felt cathartic to me. We can just make enjoyable music. That’s why I called it a declaration of musical independence from the United States.”
The episode also featured lighter moments, including Lim’s confession that he once showed immigration staff a photo of himself with BTS to speed through a slow line — a joke that drew a mock-scolding from host Yoo Jae-suk. No official response from the Grammys was available.
