Stray Kids have announced they will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, following a similar decision by BTS in July. The two major K-pop acts are objecting to a newly introduced category dedicated to Asian pop music, citing concerns that the award segregates artists by region and language rather than allowing them to compete across all categories.
The Recording Academy introduced the Asian pop category in June, positioning it as a way to recognize the growing influence of Asian pop music within the awards process. The category requires nominated songs to make “meaningful use” of an Asian language. Grammy leadership confirmed the category would proceed following consultations with stakeholders, with Recording Academy head Harvey Mason Jr. stating that the majority of feedback received expressed support for the award, though he acknowledged the decision “will not satisfy everyone.”
Critics of the category argue it creates exclusionary boundaries similar to other regional Grammy categories, potentially preventing Asian artists from competing for major prizes such as album or song of the year. The stipulation regarding Asian language usage has proven particularly contentious, as it would exclude major English-language releases from prominent Korean acts. Both BTS and Stray Kids have achieved significant success in the U.S. market, with Stray Kids recently scoring their ninth number one album. Earlier this year, all eight members of Stray Kids were granted voting privileges at the Academy.
The boycott decision comes as other artists in the K-pop sector have expressed sympathy with the position. Ateez leader Kim Hong-joong indicated in recent remarks that he was considering a similar approach, though he expressed uncertainty about the true motivations behind the category’s creation. Grammy nominations will be announced on 10 December, which will clarify whether additional major acts have chosen to submit or withhold their music from consideration.
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