BTS and Stray Kids skip Grammys Asian pop category

The Grammys’ first Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will go ahead at the 2027 awards ceremony, but two of K-pop’s biggest global acts, BTS and Stray Kids, will not compete.

BTS announced in July that it would not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group raised concerns about the newly introduced category and said it hoped music could be appreciated without being separated by region or language.

Stray Kids have also decided not to participate in this year’s submissions process. JYP Entertainment confirmed that the group did not submit any music before the August 21 deadline. However, the agency did not provide a specific reason for the decision or confirm whether it was connected to the new Asian pop category.

Despite the absence of both groups, the Recording Academy has confirmed that the award will continue as planned. Officials said the category received a strong number of submissions, suggesting that the controversy surrounding it has not stopped artists from seeking recognition.

The absence of BTS and Stray Kids is nevertheless expected to remain an important part of the discussion surrounding the inaugural award. Both groups are among the most internationally successful K-pop acts, making their participation potentially significant for the category’s visibility and credibility.

The Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was introduced in June as part of the Recording Academy’s effort to recognise pop music originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets. To qualify, recordings must include meaningful use of at least one Asian language.

The new category quickly faced criticism from some artists and fans. Critics questioned whether using geography and language to define Asian pop could unintentionally create another barrier between Asian artists and the wider global pop industry.

BTS’ decision added further attention to those concerns. Following the group’s announcement, the Recording Academy held discussions with representatives from different Asian music industries to hear feedback about the new category.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. later confirmed that the category would remain part of the 2027 Grammys. While acknowledging the criticism, he said the organisation had also received substantial support from music creators.

The large number of submissions indicates that BTS’ decision has not resulted in an industry-wide rejection of the category. However, it remains uncertain whether other K-pop artists or agencies will eventually take a similar position.

The Grammys continue to hold significant prestige within the global music industry, meaning many artists may still view a nomination or win as an important career milestone.

At the same time, the decisions made by BTS and Stray Kids could encourage other artists to think more carefully about how Asian music is represented at major international award shows. Some artists may choose to participate, while others could raise concerns about how their music is categorised.

Ateez leader Hongjoong recently highlighted the complicated feelings surrounding the issue. During an interview on September 26, he said that winning a Grammy remains a dream for both himself and Ateez. However, he also expressed personal agreement with BTS’ decision and shared the belief that music should have no boundaries.

The comments reflect the wider debate surrounding the new category. While the award could provide greater recognition for Asian artists, some performers believe Asian music should compete on an equal footing with artists from around the world rather than being separated into regional categories.

The final nominees for the 2027 Grammy Awards are scheduled to be announced on November 16. The nominations will provide the first major indication of which artists have embraced the new category and how the Grammys’ Asian pop initiative will be received by the global music industry.