Major K-pop Agencies Skip Grammys’ New Asian Pop Category

South Korea’s four largest K-pop agencies have reportedly declined to enter their artists in the Grammy Awards’ new best Asian pop music performance category, widening a debate over whether the prize offers greater recognition or creates a separate lane for Asian music.

Hybe, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment did not submit their artists for the category, according to reports cited Friday. Their absence means many of K-pop’s most prominent acts will not compete for the award when it debuts at the Grammy ceremony in February 2027.

The category recognizes pop recordings that make meaningful use of at least one Asian language. It was introduced in June and initially drew support as a possible route to greater visibility for Asian performers. Critics, however, have questioned whether grouping artists by language and region could distance them from established pop categories rather than integrate them into the main awards field.

BTS publicly raised that concern in July when the group said it would not submit music for consideration at the next Grammys. The group argued that music should be heard on its own terms rather than divided by region or language. Stray Kids later confirmed that it had not submitted music before the Aug. 21 deadline, although JYP Entertainment did not directly attribute the decision to opposition to the category.

Reports also identified Twice, Aespa and artists managed by YG Entertainment among those that did not enter. The decisions should not necessarily be interpreted as a coordinated boycott, but the collective absence of leading Korean acts could shape perceptions of the inaugural prize and its standing within the global music industry.

The Recording Academy is proceeding with the award after consulting music professionals in Asia. Chief Executive Harvey Mason Jr. said support among Asian music creators ultimately outweighed opposition. The category attracted 116 submissions, compared with 519 for the newly created best Latin song category.

The identities of all entrants have not been officially disclosed. Japanese performers including Kenshi Yonezu, Yoshiki, AKB48, Hikaru Utada and Yoasobi have been discussed as potential contenders, while K-pop acts Ive, KiiiKiii and Fifty Fifty have also been mentioned. Enhypen and Katseye are rumored to have pursued recognition in existing fields such as best pop duo or group performance instead.

The split has also created a dilemma for less established artists. Some fans view participation as validating a category they consider divisive, while others argue that emerging performers should not be expected to surrender a rare opportunity for Grammy recognition. Nominations for the 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled to be announced on Nov. 16.