Stray Kids shared a cautious response when asked about the recent Grammy Awards controversy, emphasizing that the group remains focused on its music and fans rather than outside recognition.
On August 6, Stray Kids held a press conference in Seoul to celebrate the release of their new mini album, THIS & THAT.
During the event, the members were asked about their position on Grammy submissions following BTS’s decision not to submit music for the upcoming ceremony.
Seungmin explained that Stray Kids creates music based on the members’ personal thoughts and experiences rather than outside expectations.
He said, “When we share the music and performances we enjoy, we write lyrics based on the stories that come from within us. Rather than paying attention to how others see us, we try to include the stories we want to tell.”
He continued, “We feel the strength of K-pop on global stages, and we have also realized that music can influence many people. We will continue working so that the music we create can reach even more listeners.”
Seungmin did not directly confirm whether Stray Kids would submit music for Grammy consideration.
When the topic was raised again, Hyunjin said that the group has never made awards or records its main goal.
He stated, “Throughout our career as Stray Kids, we have never worked with the goal of receiving an award or setting a record. This album is the same. Our goal and dream are simply to prove ourselves. We want to place our fans’ satisfaction and happiness first.”
The discussion follows the Recording Academy’s announcement of five new Grammy categories beginning with the 69th ceremony, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
The new category reportedly recognizes individual songs that meaningfully use the language of at least one Asian country, including Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
However, some listeners have questioned whether separating music by region could limit Asian artists’ opportunities in the Grammy Awards’ major categories.
BTS previously announced that the members would not submit their music for Grammy consideration this year. They expressed hope that music would be heard and appreciated on its own instead of being divided by region or language.
Meanwhile, Stray Kids will release THIS & THAT on August 7 at 1 PM KST. The album marks their first release of the year and arrives around nine months after SKZ IT TAPE ‘DO IT’.
The title track, THIS & THAT, presents the group’s confident attitude about freely pursuing what they want without being limited by fixed expectations.
