The Grammy Awards’ newly introduced Asian pop category is preparing for its first race, but two of K-pop’s biggest global names will reportedly not be competing.
The Recording Academy introduced *Best Asian Pop Music Performance* for the 69th Grammy Awards, creating a category for pop music associated with Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and other Asian pop scenes.
However, BTS and Stray Kids will not be part of the inaugural competition.
BTS previously announced that they would not submit music for consideration in the category, explaining that they hope their music can be heard and appreciated without being separated by region or language.
Stray Kids also did not submit a release before the August 21 deadline, according to JYP Entertainment. The agency did not provide a specific reason for the decision.
Their absence could leave more room for artists from across Asia as Grammy voting begins.
One name receiving attention is Japanese singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu. His *Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc* opening song *IRIS OUT* reached No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200 and reportedly became the highest-charting Japanese-language song on the ranking.
His collaboration with Hikaru Utada, *JANE DOE*, has also been discussed as another possible contender.
Other Japanese acts, including YOASOBI and BABYMETAL, have appeared in early predictions. However, the Recording Academy does not publicly release the complete submission list, meaning the actual field will not become clear until the official nominations are announced.
K-pop still has several artists being discussed as potential nominees.
International outlets have mentioned LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and CORTIS among possible contenders. LE SSERAFIM’s *SPAGHETTI*, featuring BTS member j-hope, has attracted particular attention after reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Global 200.
Southeast Asian artists may also have a presence, with Filipino girl group BINI among the names being discussed around the new category.
The category is not restricted by an artist’s nationality or ethnicity. Grammy rules instead focus on the musical style and require meaningful use of at least one Asian language.
That could make the inaugural race significantly broader than a competition between major K-pop groups.
K-pop will also maintain influence through Grammy voting even when certain artists choose not to submit music. Several Korean music figures and artists are Recording Academy voting members, including BTS, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk, SEVENTEEN members Woozi and Vernon, Zico, J.Y. Park, TWICE, and Stray Kids.
The first round of voting is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 22, with nominations expected on November 16.
The 69th Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on February 7, 2027.
With BTS and Stray Kids sitting out the first *Best Asian Pop Music Performance* race, attention is now shifting toward rising K-pop acts, established J-pop artists, and performers from other Asian markets to see who will make history as the category’s first nominees and eventual winner.
