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BTS and Stray Kids Skip Grammys Amid Asian Pop Category Debate

BTS and Stray Kids Skip Grammys Amid Asian Pop Category Debate
BTS, Stray Kids vs Grammys? Why K-pop stars are pushing back on new Asian pop category? Explained · livemint.com

The Grammys have created a new category for Asian pop music.

To qualify, a song must meaningfully use at least one Asian language.

BTS says it will not submit music for the 2027 awards, saying it wants its music heard without being divided by region or language.

Stray Kids also did not submit songs for this year’s awards.

A member of Stray Kids said the group focuses on making fans happy, not on award results or records.

Some critics worry that a separate category could keep Asian music from being recognized in the Grammys’ biggest awards.

BLACKPINK’s songs from its latest album mostly do not meet the language requirement, and its song “Jump” was released before the eligibility period described in the article.

Key facts

New category
Asian pop
Category language rule
Submissions must meaningfully use at least one Asian language.
BTS decision
The group said it would not submit songs for consideration at the 2027 Grammys.
Stray Kids decision
The group did not submit songs for this year’s Grammys.
Eligibility period
August 31, 2025, to August 28, 2026.
BLACKPINK
The article says “Jump” was released before the eligibility period, while the other songs on Deadline are in English.
BTS shareholding estimate
The article cites an estimate of ₩162.7 billion in HYBE shares collectively held by BTS members as of March 2026.

Quotes

Hwang Hyun-jin

Member of Stray Kids

“We have never once set award results or records as our goal. Our top priority is for our fans to be happy and satisfied.”
livemint.com
“We hope that our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
livemint.com

Sources

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