K-pop agencies boycott new Grammy ‘Best Asian Pop’ category

Major K-pop agencies, including HYBE, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment, have decided to bypass the newly established ‘Best Asian Pop Performance’ category for the upcoming Grammy Awards. This decision follows a boycott stance by BTS, who previously stated they do not want music to be distinguished by region or language, arguing that artists should be evaluated on artistic merit rather than being separated into geographic categories.

The Recording Academy introduced the category to recognize the growing popularity of K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. However, industry leaders and artists have expressed concerns that this move isolates Asian artists from major general categories, such as ‘Record of the Year,’ potentially limiting their opportunities for top-tier recognition.

While prominent groups like BTS, Stray Kids, and Blackpink are absent from the new category—with Blackpink reportedly ineligible due to recent English-language output—some artists like IVE and Jennie have appeared on submission lists for general categories. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the new category, stating it is intended to celebrate the diversity and growth of Asian pop music rather than create division.