South Korea’s four largest K-pop entertainment companies HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment have reportedly decided not to submit their artists for the Grammy Awards‘ newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The decision follows earlier announcements from BTS and Stray Kids, which declined to participate in the 2027 Grammy submissions process, according to The Korea Herald.
The new category, announced by the Recording Academy in June, aims to recognise pop recordings originating from or popular in Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.
However, its introduction has sparked criticism from artists and industry observers who argue that creating a separate award could marginalise Asian music rather than encourage its inclusion in mainstream Grammy categories.
BTS was the first major group to publicly challenge the move in July, announcing that it would not submit any music for the 2027 ceremony.
«We hope music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,» the group’s members wrote in statements shared on Instagram.
JYP Entertainment subsequently confirmed that Stray Kids had not submitted music before the August 21 deadline, although the agency did not explicitly link the decision to the new category.
South Korean media also reported that Twice, Aespa and artists represented by YG Entertainment had not entered the category.
The companies have not announced a coordinated boycott, and their individual reasons for declining submissions have not all been confirmed.
Grammys defend Asian pop category despite industry criticism
Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr. has defended the new award, arguing that its purpose is to expand recognition of Asian performers rather than separate them from other artists.
The category requires recordings to feature meaningful use of at least one Asian language, meaning entirely English-language songs cannot compete for the prize.
However, Mason clarified that submitting music for the Asian pop category does not prevent artists from competing for major awards such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year or Song of the Year.
Despite the controversy, the Recording Academy has decided to proceed with the category.
According to Billboard figures, the award received 116 submissions, compared with 519 entries for another newly introduced category, Best Latin Song.
Japanese artists including Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada and Yoasobi have been mentioned among potential contenders. K-pop groups IVE, KiiiKiii and FIFTY FIFTY have also been discussed, although their participation has not been officially confirmed.
Some fans have criticised artists reportedly entering the category, while others argue that emerging performers should not be expected to forgo an opportunity for international recognition.
The absence of established groups could influence how the award is received during its inaugural year, although the final list of nominees remains unknown.
Nominations for the 69th Grammy Awards will be announced on November 16, ahead of the ceremony scheduled for February 7, 2027.
