[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] The group Stray Kids did not submit an entry to the Grammy Awards. Following BTS’s announcement that they would not submit an entry in protest of the creation of the “Asian Pop” category, Stray Kids’ decision not to submit an entry has also been confirmed, drawing attention to the K-pop industry’s reaction to the new category.

On the 2nd, their agency, JYP Entertainment, responded to a query regarding Stray Kids’ Grammy submission status by confirming, “It is true that they did not submit an entry.” However, the agency did not provide a separate statement regarding the reason for the non-submission or its connection to the creation of the “Asian Pop” category.
The Recording Academy, the organizer of the Grammys, confirmed the introduction of the new category despite the controversy. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. reaffirmed the plan to establish the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category in an official statement on the 1st (local time).
Mason Jr. said, “While there have been disagreements and misunderstandings, we have seen strong support from creators,” adding, “We recognize that this decision will not satisfy everyone.” He continued, “I am confident this is the right decision for the entire music community,” and added, “I look forward to celebrating the nominees in this new category at next year’s Grammys.”
Last June, the Recording Academy announced the introduction of a new category for popular music produced in Asian markets, such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. The purpose is to evaluate the artistic merit of works that make meaningful use of Asian languages.
However, controversy persisted over whether grouping Asian music into a separate category was appropriate. In July, members of BTS posted on their respective social media accounts, stating, “We hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being categorized by region or language,” and expressed their intention to decline nomination.
The 69th Grammy Awards, where the new category will be introduced for the first time, will take place in February 2027 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, USA.