Highlights
- Stray Kids have confirmed they did not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards
- The group joins BTS, who announced in July that they would not submit their music
- Both groups have raised concerns about the Grammys’ new Asian pop category
- Critics fear the new award could separate Asian artists from the Grammys’ main categories
- The Recording Academy has confirmed that the category will remain for the 2027 ceremony
Stray Kids have joined BTS in refusing to submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, putting two of K-pop’s biggest global acts on the sidelines of next year’s ceremony.
The decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian pop category, which has sparked debate over whether the award will help recognize Asian music or further separate it from the Grammys’ main categories.
Why are Stray Kids and BTS boycotting the Grammys?
Stray Kids’ record label JYP Entertainment confirmed in a brief statement that the group did not submit music for Grammy consideration.
The group had previously avoided giving a direct answer about whether they would enter the awards. During a press conference for their latest album This and That in August, member Hwang Hyun-jin said the group had never made awards or records its priority.
“Our top priority is for our fans to be happy and satisfied,” he said.
BTS announced in July that they would not submit songs for consideration in any Grammy category. The group said they wanted their music to “be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
The decision carries significance because all eight members of Stray Kids were given voting privileges at the Recording Academy earlier this year. BTS members are also Academy voting members.
What is the new Asian pop Grammy category?
The Recording Academy announced the new category in June. It is intended to recognize “artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets.”
The category has received a mixed response, with some artists and fans concerned that it could create a separate lane for Asian music rather than encouraging greater representation across the Grammys.
Another point of contention is a requirement that nominated songs make “meaningful use” of an Asian language. That could exclude major Korean acts whose recent music is primarily performed in English, including BTS and Blackpink.
The Recording Academy has defended the category, saying it followed discussions with members of the Asian music community.
Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr recently confirmed that the category would go ahead at the 2027 ceremony. He said the Academy had heard both criticism and support for the award and acknowledged that the decision would not satisfy everyone.
Stray Kids’ growing presence in the US
The Grammy decision comes as Stray Kids continue to expand their presence in the US.
The group recently scored its ninth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 and has performed at major US festivals, including the Governors Ball in New York. They also recently headlined Rock in Rio alongside Elton John.
Only The Beatles have scored more No. 1 albums in the US among bands.
BTS, meanwhile, have previously performed at the Grammys and received five nominations, although they have yet to win an award.
The debate over the new category also comes as Asian and non-English-language music continues to gain recognition across major Grammy categories. Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos became the first Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year, while Rosalía’s Lux is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming nominations.
Could more K-pop groups follow?
Stray Kids and BTS are not necessarily the only major K-pop acts questioning the new category.
Earlier this week, Ateez leader Kim Hong-joong said he was impressed by BTS’ decision and suggested he would consider taking a similar approach, although he did not confirm whether Ateez would refuse to submit.
The full list of artists who submitted music for Grammy consideration will become clearer when the nominations are announced on December 10.
For now, Stray Kids’ decision marks another significant moment in the ongoing debate over how Asian music should be represented at the Grammys.
Dhurandhar BTSInstagram/@adityadharfilms
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