Archive · 4 Oct 2026
BTS and Stray Kids Skip Grammys Amid Asian Pop Category Debate
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.
BTS said it would not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Stray Kids also did not submit songs for this year’s Grammys, according to the article.
BTS said it wanted its music judged without being divided by region or language.
The new Asian pop category requires meaningful use of at least one Asian language.
Critics worry a regional category could marginalize Asian music and limit its recognition in major Grammy categories.
- Who
- BTS and Stray Kids did not submit songs for Grammy consideration; critics and fans have challenged the new category.
- What
- The article discusses the new Asian pop category at the 2027 Grammy Awards and the decision by BTS and Stray Kids not to submit songs.
- When
- For the 2027 Grammy Awards; the stated eligibility period is August 31, 2025, to August 28, 2026.
- Where
- The Grammy Awards.
- Why
- BTS said it wants its music heard without division by region or language; Stray Kids’ member Hwang Hyunjin said the group prioritizes fan satisfaction over award results.
- 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.