Top Fourth-Gen Male Idol Directly Reacts To BTS’s “GRAMMY Boycott”

Earlier in the year, BTS sparked huge reactions after choosing not to submit any music for the 2027 GRAMMYs.

BTS’s Decision For This Year’s Grammy Awards Sparks Massive Response

Stray Kids‘ members were hit with backlash for their response.

Stray Kids’ Response To BTS’s “Grammy Awards” Boycott Sparks Backlash 

ATEEZ‘s Hongjoong has also gained attention for his reaction to BTS’s boycott.

Variety teased that ATEEZ’s captain would be speaking about BTS and GRAMMYs in a new interview.

ATEEZ’s Hongjoong Is Up Next ⭐️

Hongjoong opens up about his solo career, BTS’ decision not to submit to the Grammys, the original ninth member of #ATEEZ, and so much more. Watch the full conversation on at 8am PT. pic.twitter.com/VjpJVBI3FQ

— Variety (@Variety) September 24, 2026

Initially, many were confused as to why Hongjoong would be asked about this rather than focusing on topics about music and the group.

girl why the fuck would you ask him to talk about that 😭😭😭😭😭

— cora 🍋 (@cromerhearts) September 25, 2026

They could’ve asked him about edc, his past solo projects or even about his passion for music. But no, they ask him about a situation that has absolutely nothing to do with ateez nor hongjoong. 🫩

— loz is jonggi pilled ᯓ★ || ∞⁸ saw ateez (@loz4teez) September 25, 2026

Rather than directly speaking about whether Hongjoong agreed with BTS or what he thought of the decision, when the video was released, Hongjoong was asked if ATEEZ would be sharing a similar outlook when it came to their music. Hongjoong his reasoning for agreeing with BTS’s decision not to submit their music to the GRAMMYs for the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category.

ATEEZ member Hongjoong “agrees with BTS” on not submitting their music for the Grammys’ Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

Watch the full video now: pic.twitter.com/eOKPjXucod

— Variety (@Variety) September 25, 2026

I think I little agree with what BTS did, becaise for me, GRAMMYs is a dream too and for ATEEZ to, but I think music has no boundaries and K-Pop, we do many genres in K-Pop. When I make the music and talk with many producers, we never think about Korean music or AMerican music or some UK music, these days. In the past, we can make some boundaries, but these days, there’s quite a difference.

When the video was posted, netizens praised Hongjoong’s words and how he was focusing on creating music and not the boundaries between different genres.

Music is universal and cannot be divided by age, race or ethnicity. Everyone can enjoy it so therefore should not be categorized as such. My King 👏

— Yeosang flexed for me and I’ll never be the same🛹 (@Alex082107) September 25, 2026

hongjoong ur so smart and sexy the grammys got nothing on you

— mimi⁷🎱 (@wooy6vr) September 25, 2026

THAT’S MY CAPTAINNN SPEAK ON IT HONGJOONG!! Oh I love ult-ing both groups🤗

— ✿❀ᴛᴏʀɪ !! ɢᴏᴛ ɴᴏᴛɪᴄᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴊᴏꜱʜᴜᴀ ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა (@__woahitstori) September 25, 2026

im stanning the right groups: ATEEZ & BTS. im so pround to be an armytiny

— ani 🌷 (@minkispetal) September 25, 2026

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