Stray Kids will not submit work for the next Grammys, following BTS, as debate continues over the new Asian pop category.
October/3/2026 10:41Related Groups & Members
Following BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), Stray Kids also declared that they would not enter the Grammy Awards. On the 2nd (local time), according to overseas media such as Billboard, JYP Entertainment, the agency to which they belong, revealed that Stray Kids did not submit a work for the awards ceremony of the 69th Grammy Awards to be held next year. Although it did not explain the specific reason, overseas media are speculating that this is effectively a boycott following BTS. The timing at which this fact was reported is also drawing attention. On the 1st, the Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammy Awards, revealed that it would keep the controversial category of 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' as is. Stray Kids had been drawing attention as a strong candidate for that category. The controversy began in June of this year, when the Recording Academy announced the creation of the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category. It is an awards category for pop music from Asia, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. While the intention was to shine a spotlight on Asian music, there were pointed out concerns that grouping K-pop, which is already competing in the global music market, into a separate category by region or language could instead become a new barrier. BTS declared in July that they would not enter the Grammy Awards. At the time, the members conveyed their feelings, saying, 'We hope that music will be listened to and loved as music itself, not distinguished by region or language.' The Grammy side explained that submitting to the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category would not prevent challenges to major categories such as 'Album of the Year,' 'Song of the Year,' and 'Record of the Year.' Their position is that by means of a separate category, more artists will be given opportunities to win awards. After that, the Grammy side suggested the possibility of reconsideration while gathering opinions from the music industry, but in the end decided to maintain the existing plan. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, revealed that as a result of discussions with people involved in Asian music, voices supporting the category were stronger. He also acknowledged that it was not a decision that would satisfy everyone. However, with Stray Kids confirmed not to enter following BTS, the debate continues. The situation is that the Grammy Awards, which had said they would broaden the reach of Asian music, can no longer welcome representative K-pop groups as award candidates. ・Even though BTS declared non-participation... the Grammys will carry out the Asian music category as planned ・BTS declares non-participation... Interest grows in overseas media reports that the new Grammy category may be reconsidered
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