Stray Kids Join BTS in Grammy Boycott

Stray Kids have announced their decision not to submit for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. JYP Entertainment confirmed the boy band's non-participation on Friday, October 2. This move aligns with BTS's earlier decision to boycott the awards, with BTS members protesting categories that divide music by region or language.

The Recording Academy recently introduced a new category, 'best Asian pop music performance.' This addition has been a subject of discussion for months, with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasizing that localized categories aim to expand recognition rather than divide artists. He also clarified that participation in these specific categories does not preclude artists from general category consideration.

In September, the Recording Academy engaged in dialogue with over 80 artists and executives from the Asian music community regarding the new category. Despite some candid feedback against its continuation, the academy confirmed its intention to move forward with the award on Thursday, October 1. Mason Jr. stated that while the conclusion may not satisfy everyone, it is considered the right decision for the overall music community.

Despite bypassing Grammy recognition, Stray Kids have achieved significant success. In the past year, the group has achieved two Billboard 200 number-one EPs, including 'DO IT' and 'THIS & THAT'. The latter's title track also reached No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.