Major K-pop agencies skip Grammy Asian pop category as IVE and Jennie enter
Major K-pop agencies including HYBE, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment have bypassed the “Best Asian Pop Performance” category for the upcoming 69th Grammy Awards, ko.laodong.vn reported. The Recording Academy added the regional category for the current season to recognize popular music originating from Asian markets, requiring entries to feature at least one Asian language significantly.
The submission lists shared across social media indicate that prominent groups such as BTS, Blackpink, Twice, and Stray Kids are absent from the new category. The Recording Academy established the category to honor works from Asian markets encompassing K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. The addition has generated split reactions among audiences over whether music should be judged by geographic and linguistic categories or purely on artistic merit.
BTS and Stray Kids Skip Grammy Submissions
BTS announced in July that the group would not submit their “Arirang” album and its tracks for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The members stated a preference for music to be evaluated by its artistic value rather than separated by region or language. JYP Entertainment confirmed in early October that Stray Kids also did not submit work for the 69th Grammy Awards, though the agency did not disclose specific reasons for the decision.
Blackpink did not meet the criteria for the new Asian pop category because the group’s recent output relies predominantly on the English language. Meanwhile, IVE appeared on circulating Grammy submission lists, drawing public attention and varied reactions from audiences regarding the agency’s decision to enter the international awards process.
Jennie Enters General Categories with Collaborations
While major K-pop groups remain absent from the regional category, Blackpink member Jennie submitted multiple works for consideration in other Grammy fields. The circulating lists show submissions including her “RUBY (The Complete Collection)” album, the track “like JENNIE,” and a collaboration with Tame Impala titled “Dracula.” The collaboration with Tame Impala is registered in major fields including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo or Group Performance.
Debate Over Regional Recognition and International Exposure
Supporters of the separate category argue that it can help Asian artists gain more visibility in the international market, while some audiences question Starship Entertainment’s choice regarding IVE while others contend the group should not be criticized for entering an international award that opens opportunities to reach a broader audience regardless of the final outcome. Not participating in the Asian pop category does not mean artists lose opportunities across the rest of the Grammy Awards, as works meeting relevant criteria can still be considered in other fields.
The 69th Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 7, 2027, in Los Angeles, United States.
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