# Grammy Awards Asian pop category controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/grammy-awards-asian-pop-category-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-23T07:00:57.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 7. The Recording Academy has confirmed it will proceed with the ‘Best Asian Pop Music Performance’ category at the 2027 Grammy Awards. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the move, stating the category aims to celebrate the growth and diversity of pop artistry in Asia and clarified that participation in genre-specific categories does not prevent artists from being considered for major General Field awards, such as ‘Album of the Year’ or ‘Record of the Year.’ However, the decision has sparked a significant boycott from major K-pop agencies, including HYBE, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment. This resistance follows the stance taken by BTS, who announced they would not submit their music for consideration, expressing a desire for their work to be “heard and loved for what it is” without being categorized by region or language. Other prominent groups, including Stray Kids, TWICE, and aespa, have also reportedly declined to submit works for the new category. Critics and industry observers argue that such regional categories risk institutional sidelining and reinforce historical hierarchies by isolating Asian performers from mainstream categories. While some artists like IVE and Jennie have appeared on submission lists for general categories, the absence of major global stars has led observers to question the potential impact on the credibility of the new award. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: K-pop agencies decline Grammy nominations for new Asian pop category Major K-pop acts, including BTS and Stray Kids, have declined to submit music for the Grammy Awards' new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, citing concerns over regional segregation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/k-pop-agencies-decline-grammy-nominations-for-new-asian-pop-category ### 2026-10-18: K-pop agencies boycott new Grammy ‘Best Asian Pop’ category Major K-pop agencies and artists like BTS are boycotting the Grammy Awards' new ‘Best Asian Pop Performance’ category, arguing that regional labels limit recognition in major award categories. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/k-pop-agencies-boycott-new-grammy-best-asian-pop-category ### 2026-10-13: BTS and Stray Kids skip 2027 Grammy nomination process BTS and Stray Kids will not compete for 2027 Grammy nominations following controversy over a new Best Asian Pop Performance category. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bts-and-stray-kids-skip-2027-grammy-nomination-process ### 2026-10-09: Recording Academy maintains controversial new Asian pop category The Recording Academy will move forward with a controversial new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 Grammys, despite a boycott from K-pop group BTS and concerns over language requirements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/recording-academy-maintains-controversial-new-asian-pop-category ### 2026-10-05: Drake, BTS, and Stray Kids opt out of 2027 Grammy submissions Drake, BTS, and Stray Kids will not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, amid controversy over a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category and long-standing tensions with the Recording Academy. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stray-kids-declines-grammy-2027-submission ### 2026-10-01: Stray Kids joins BTS in boycotting 2027 Grammy Awards Stray Kids joins BTS in boycotting the 2027 Grammy Awards by refusing to submit music, protesting the creation of a new ‘Best Asian Pop Music Performance’ category. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/recording-academy-confirms-asian-pop-category-for-2027-grammys ### 2026-09-26: BTS bypasses new Grammy Asian pop category BTS will not submit music for the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy category, sparking debate over whether the move promotes inclusion or sidelines Asian artists from mainstream recognition. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bts-bypasses-new-grammy-asian-pop-category --- Cite as: Grammy Awards Asian pop category controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/grammy-awards-asian-pop-category-controversy