Stray Kids join BTS in boycotting 2027 Grammys following introduction of Asian Pop category

Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close perform in 2026 [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/stray-kids@2000x1270.jpg]

Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close have announced that they have not submitted any of their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

* READ MORE: Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close on ‘Lose My Breath’: “We want to show that we can do something different”

The move from K-pop giants – who recently topped the charts with their new album ‘This and That’ – was announced in a new statement from their record label JYP. In it, the label simply shared: “Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close did not submit for the Grammys”.

Although they did not explicitly state why the band chose not to submit their music for any of the categories, it seems likely that the decision could be in response to the newly introduced ‘Asian Pop Music Performance’ category that is coming into effect at the 2027 awards.

That award is set to recognise “artistic excellence” in Asian pop music originating from Asian markets, and entries must have meaningful use of one or more Asian language. Since it was announced, however, it has been divisive – and fellow K-pop superstars BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close were the first act to say that they would not be submitting any of their music in retaliation.

“We have decided not to submit our work to this year’s Grammy Awards.” they stated, echoing concerns from some critics suggesting that the new category could ghettoise certain genres and make it easier for Grammy voters to recognise Asian artists without seriously considering them for awards like Album of the Year.

> According to a Naver article Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close didn’t submit any of their works for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards despite them joining the Recording Academy voting members this year. pic.twitter.com/8mZrUd7PJC
>
> — SKZ BASE (@skzpopbase) October 2, 2026

“We hope music can be heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages,” BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close continued. “We are grateful to our ‘ARMY’ and everyone who has always supported us.”

Despite some backlash to the new category, Grammys boss Harvey Mason Jr went on to acknowledge the concerns, but shared that they would still be going ahead with the category as planned at next year’s ceremony.

“We heard candid feedback from people in our community who don’t support the continuation of this category,” he said. “We also heard from people who didn’t have accurate information about the category, and having space to clear up misperceptions has been especially valuable.”

“But by far, the loudest feedback we heard was from people who were enthusiastic supporters of the category, fellow music creators expressing their encouragement for keeping it,” he added, saying that he is aware that the move “will not satisfy everyone”.

> The Recording Academy is moving forward with its new ‘Asian Pop’ category for the 2027 Grammys. pic.twitter.com/bjKVTHsGVD
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> — Pop Base (@PopBase) October 1, 2026

NME previously argued against the creation of a K-pop category. We wrote: “Pop music is pop music, regardless of geographical location, the racial or ethnic identity of those making it, the language it’s sung in, or any other factor you might choose to segregate people by.”

Next year’s event will be held on February 7. Submissions opened on July 7 and closed on August 28.

Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close dropped ‘This & That’ back in August, and have also recently became the first ever K-pop band to headline Rock In Rio. Other big sets have included a headline slot at Governors Ball in New York City earlier this year, and they also released their concert film Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close : The dominATE Experience in cinemas back in February.

The post Stray Kids × About group Stray Kids Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines. Tap again to view profile → Close join BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close in boycotting 2027 Grammys following introduction of Asian Pop category appeared first on NME.