The K-pop world is sending a loud, unified message to the Recording Academy. Stray Kids, one of the globe's biggest musical acts, have officially joined BTS in boycotting the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Their label, JYP Entertainment, confirmed the decision with a brief, definitive statement: "Stray Kids did not submit for the Grammys." The move marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing tension between global Asian stars and Western music’s most prestigious institution.
Why Stray Kids is Boycotting
The boycott is a direct response to the Grammys' newly minted "Asian Pop Music" category, set to debut at the 2027 ceremony.
While the Recording Academy framed the category as an effort to honor the global expansion and "artistic excellence" of Asian pop, major artists and critics see it differently. The primary concern is segregation. Critics argue that creating a separate category effectively "ghettoizes" Asian acts, herding them into a localized bracket to prevent them from competing in major general fields like Album of the Year or Song of the Year.
BTS pioneered this stance in July, stating they wanted their music "heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language." Now, Stray Kids—who boast an incredible nine US number-one albums—are backing that sentiment with action.
The Language Controversy
Adding fuel to the fire is a specific rule for the new category: nominated songs must make "meaningful use" of an Asian language.
This rule creates a bizarre paradox. It effectively disqualifies some of the biggest American crossover hits from K-pop history—such as BTS’s fully English tracks "Dynamite" and "Butter," or major releases from Blackpink.
This dynamic mirrors long-standing complaints from Latin artists. For years, musicians have argued that categories like "Best Música Urbana" serve to sideline massive, globally dominant records from the main, televised awards, keeping them out of the general categories.
What's Next for the Grammys?
Despite the backlash, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed the category will proceed. He claimed the Academy heard "enthusiastic" support from other creators, though he acknowledged the decision "will not satisfy everyone."
But losing both BTS and Stray Kids—both of whom hold voting privileges within the Academy—is a massive blow to the Grammys' cultural relevance. Other groups are already taking note; Ateez leader Kim Hong-joon recently expressed solidarity with the boycott, hinting that more acts may follow.
With Grammy nominations set to be revealed on December 10, the industry will soon see who chose to participate—and who chose to stand their ground.
