Stray Kids: K-pop group Stray Kids did not submit any music for the 69th Grammy Awards. Their agency, JYP Entertainment, confirmed the news on Friday.
The deadline for entries was Aug. 21. JYP told local media the group filed nothing by that date. The agency gave no reason.
It also would not say whether the new Asian Pop category affected the decision.
The move matters because of how the Grammys work.
Music that is not formally submitted cannot appear on nomination screening ballots. It also cannot compete for a win.
Stray Kids now join BTS in skipping this year's ceremony.
Members Invited to Vote
All eight members of Stray Kids received invitations to join the Recording Academy as voters.
They are Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. Voters help select nominees and winners.
So the members can shape the field even though their own music is not in it.
Few Answers From the Group
The group addressed the topic only indirectly at an Aug. 6 press conference in Seoul.
The event promoted their 10th EP, "This & That." Reporters asked about their Grammy plans. The members avoided direct answers.
Seungmin was asked about the new category. He pointed to what motivates the group creatively. He did not discuss how outsiders view them.
Hyunjin said the group has never chased awards or chart records since its debut. He described fan satisfaction as the true measure of success.
BTS Made Its Choice Public in July
BTS announced in July that it would not submit music for this year's Grammys.
The Recording Academy had introduced the Asian Pop category the month before.
The group shared its statement on its members' individual Instagram accounts.
It said it hopes its music can be enjoyed for what it is, not divided by region or language. It also thanked its fans, known as Army.
BTS has earned five Grammy nominations. It has yet to win.
Academy Moves Ahead With New Category
The Recording Academy spent several weeks on listening sessions. It also spoke with leaders in the Asian music community.
On Thursday, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed the category will go forward for 2027.
He said the Academy heard sharp criticism and strong support. In the end, he said, enthusiasm from music creators outweighed the objections.
Mason acknowledged the decision will not please everyone. He said he is confident it is the right outcome for the wider music community.
The Academy also said it received a "robust" number of submissions in the category's first year.
Mason said the Academy looks forward to honoring the nominees at the 2027 ceremony.
An Old Debate Returns
The new category revives a long-running debate over genre-specific Grammys. Such awards are meant to highlight a style of music.
Critics say they can also sideline artists. Voters may steer those artists toward the niche category instead of the major ones.
The same complaint has followed the Latin Grammys for years.
K-Pop's Biggest Grammy Moment So Far
K-pop's clearest Grammy breakthrough came earlier this year. "Golden" won best song written for visual media.
The track comes from the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters."
It features vocals from EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, who voice the fictional group Huntr/x. The song did not win in the best song category.
What's Next
Nominees for the 69th Grammy Awards will be announced Nov. 16. The ceremony is set for Feb. 7, 2027.
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