BTS and Stray Kids will not submit entries to the 2027 Grammy Awards… Controversy over the classification of K-pop as “Asian pop.”
Following BTS, Stray Kids also did not submit entries for the 69th Grammy Awards, and the debate surrounding the genre and regional classifications of American music awards is intensifying. However, it has been confirmed that both groups did not officially declare a “boycott” of the awards, but rather chose to decline participation by not submitting music for consideration in the nomination process.
BTS: “We hope there will be no divisions based on region or language.”
According to reports from the Associated Press and U.S. music media, all seven members of BTS announced through their respective social media accounts in July 2026 that they would not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. BTS decided not to submit the full-length album ARIRANG and its tracks for consideration as nominees.
The members conveyed a message expressing their hope that music should be enjoyed and appreciated for its own merit, rather than being categorized by region or language. This statement was interpreted as a response aimed at the newly created “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category by the Grammy Awards.
Stray Kids also did not participate by submitting any entries
JYP Entertainment, the agency of Stray Kids, confirmed on October 2, 2026, that the group did not submit any works for the 69th Grammy Awards. According to Grammy regulations, if a work is not officially submitted, it cannot be included in the nomination process or the final voting.
However, JYP Entertainment did not disclose the specific reasons for not participating. Therefore, it has not been officially confirmed whether Stray Kids’ decision was a protest against the new Asian Pop category or whether there were other strategic considerations.
The newly created “Best Asian Pop” category is at the center of controversy
The Recording Academy has established a new category, “Best Asian Pop Music Performance,” starting with the 2027 Grammy Awards. This category will recognize pop music made by artists active in the Asian market or using Asian languages. The category includes not only K-pop but also J-pop and C-pop, among other Asian pop music genres.
The Recording Academy stated that this category is intended to highlight the growth and diversity of Asian pop music. On the other hand, some artists and fans are concerned that separating K-pop from existing pop categories could lead to the division of musical achievements by region or language.
Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed regret over BTS’s decision not to submit their work, while also stating that he respects their decision. He explained that submitting to the Asian Pop category does not prevent submissions in other general categories, and that the new category can provide an opportunity to highlight more artists.
The relationship between the Grammys and K-pop: a new chapter?
BTS was the first K-pop group to be nominated for a Grammy Award in 2021 with “Dynamite“, and subsequently received a total of 5 nominations for “Butter,” “My Universe,” and “Yet To Come.” However, they have not yet won an award.
In this process, the Grammys acknowledged the global influence of K-pop, while also highlighting the challenge of establishing criteria for classifying and evaluating non-English music. The controversy, which extended to Stray Kids’ decision not to participate, has expanded beyond the question of whether a particular group will win an award, and now addresses issues of representativeness and fairness in global music awards.
The 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place on February 7, 2027. It remains to be seen how the absence of these two teams will affect the submission strategies of other K-pop artists, or the discussions surrounding the Asian Pop category; the impact will likely be gauged through the announcement of nominees and the results of the awards ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did BTS not submit any entries for the 2027 Grammy Awards?
BTS conveyed a message expressing their desire for music to be evaluated based on its intrinsic qualities, rather than being divided by region or language. This statement was interpreted as a commentary on the newly established “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category.
Did Stray Kids also officially declare a boycott of the Grammys?
It has not been confirmed that Stray Kids issued a separate statement regarding the boycott. However, JYP Entertainment announced that the group did not submit any works for consideration in the 2027 Grammy Awards.
What happens if you do not submit music to the Grammy Awards?
If a work is not officially submitted for Grammy consideration, it cannot be included in the nomination process or the final voting. Therefore, not submitting a work is equivalent to not participating in the competition for the awards.
What is the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category?
This newly established category evaluates the artistic merit of pop music that is made by artists active in the Asian market or uses Asian languages. It may include a wide range of Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop.
How many Grammy Awards has BTS won to date?
BTS has been nominated for the Grammy Awards a total of 5 times, but as of 2026, they have not yet won any awards. They were the first K-pop group to be nominated, and have consistently been recognized in major pop categories with songs like “Dynamite“.
