Absence of acts from Hybe, SM, JYP and YG adds weight to concerns first raised by BTS over separating Asian music from mainstream categories
K-pop’s four biggest entertainment companies — Hybe, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment — have reportedly opted not to submit their artists to the Grammy Awards’ newly created best Asian pop music performance category, adding weight to concerns first raised publicly by BTS over how the award separates Asian music from the broader pop field.
The development significantly broadens the picture that emerged earlier this year, when BTS, and later Stray Kids, issued separate statements saying that they had decided to sit out the submissions process.
The new award, set to debut at the Grammys’ awards ceremony in February 2027, recognizes pop recordings that make meaningful use of at least one Asian language. Its introduction in June was initially welcomed by some as an opportunity to increase recognition of Asian artists, but also drew concerns that it could effectively separate K-pop and other Asian music from the Grammys’ established pop categories.
BTS first raised the concern in July, when the group announced it would not submit music for consideration at next year’s Grammys, saying it hoped music could be “heard and loved for what it is” rather than divided by region or language.
JYP Entertainment confirmed in early October that Stray Kids had not submitted music before the Aug. 21 deadline, although the agency did not say whether the decision was directly related to the Asian pop category.
Local media also reported that acts including Twice and Aespa, as well as artists under YG Entertainment, did not submit entries, suggesting that the concerns were more widespread among Korea’s largest K-pop companies.
Though the decisions made by the four companies should not be read as a coordinated industry boycott, the absence of many of K-pop’s most globally visible acts could affect how the inaugural award is perceived.
When BTS and Stray Kids were the only groups confirmed to have stayed out, music critic Lim Hee-yun predicted that their absence would inevitably be felt.
“The category can still establish credibility through the artists who participate, but when one of the most internationally recognized Asian acts chooses not to compete because it disagrees with the premise of the category, that becomes part of the context surrounding the award,” Lim told The Korea Herald earlier this month.
The Recording Academy has nevertheless decided to proceed with the category.
After receiving criticism from parts of the Asian music industry, the organization held discussions with music professionals in the region and considered whether changes were necessary. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said earlier this month that support for the award among Asian music creators ultimately outweighed any opposition.
The question of which artists submitted work remains unclear. According to Billboard, the category received 116 submissions — considerably fewer than the 519 submitted to another new category, best Latin song.
Grammy prediction sites have mentioned Japanese artists including Kenshi Yonezu, Yoshiki, AKB48, Hikaru Utada and Yoasobi among possible submissions, while K-pop acts including Ive, KiiiKiii and Fifty Fifty have also been floated.
Enhypen and Katseye have also been rumored to have submitted work to existing Grammy fields such as best pop duo/group performance, rather than the Asian pop category.
That distinction has also complicated the debate around the artists who did choose to submit.
Some fans have criticized K-pop acts that are reportedly pursuing the new award, while others argue that smaller or newer artists have little reason to give up an opportunity for Grammy recognition simply because more established acts can afford to do so.
The nominations for the 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled to be announced on Nov. 16.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com