Stray Kids Follow BTS in Boycotting 2027 Grammys Over Asian Pop Category

Key points

• JYP Entertainment confirmed Stray Kids filed no entries before the August 21 deadline for the 69th Grammy Awards, mirroring BTS's earlier decision.
• The Recording Academy confirmed the new Asian Pop category will debut at the 2027 ceremony, stating that support from music creators outweighed criticism.
• Critics argue the category, which requires 'meaningful use' of an Asian language, excludes major acts like BTS and Blackpink whose recent work is primarily in English.
• All eight members of Stray Kids received voting privileges from the Recording Academy, adding weight to their decision to withhold their music from consideration.
• BTS previously stated they would not submit their music to avoid being 'divided by region or language,' a stance Stray Kids implicitly echoed by not commenting on the category directly.

Background

This development follows the Recording Academy's introduction of the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category in June 2026, a move prompted by the global rise of K-pop and the success of the animated film 'Kpop Demon Hunters.' BTS announced its boycott in July 2026, leading to a review process. The Academy held listening sessions with Asian music leaders in September 2026 before CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed the category would proceed, noting 'robust' submissions despite mixed feedback.

How outlets are covering it

Variety reports that Stray Kids offered no explanation for their boycott, while JYP Entertainment declined to confirm if the Asian Pop category was the sole reason. BBC highlights the financial and cultural impact of the boycott, noting Stray Kids' massive US popularity and recent US number one album. Billboard provides a broader industry perspective, quoting Chinese singer Miist and 88rising CEO Sean Miyashiro, who argue that while the category is flawed, it is a necessary step toward global recognition, comparing it to the evolution of Latin Grammy categories. Billboard also notes that the Academy is still debating potential changes to the category's name and eligibility rules.

Why it matters

The boycott by two of the world's most popular K-pop groups signals a significant rift between the Recording Academy and major Asian artists. It highlights the ongoing tension between genre-specific awards and the desire for artists to compete in mainstream categories like Album of the Year. The decision may influence other major acts, such as Ateez, who have expressed sympathy for BTS's stance, and could impact the Academy's future approach to regional categories.

What to watch

Nominees for the 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled to be announced on November 16, 2026, with the ceremony set for February 7, 2027. The Recording Academy is expected to continue discussions on the Asian Pop category's development, potentially adjusting its name or eligibility criteria to address concerns about segregation and language requirements.