The Grammy boycott discussion is spreading throughout the K-pop world as BTS and Stray Kids opted not to compete for the Grammy in 2027. The dispute is over the Recording Academy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance award, which includes K-pop, J-pop and C-pop music tracks in which an Asian language is used meaningfully.
But, will ATEEZ, SEVENTEEN and BLACKPINK follow? The response is more complex than a simple “yes” or “no”. ATEEZ or SEVENTEEN does not have a confirmed group-wide boycott yet, and BLACKPINK is not simply deciding to leave, but has eligibility concerns instead.
Why Did BTS and Stray Kids Skip the Grammys?
BTS started the Grammy boycott debate
It’s time to celebrate the 69th Grammy Awards, but BTS will not be sending any music. BTS announced in July that they will not be submitting any music for the awards. The group said it was hoping that music wouldn’t be “region or language” divided. The Best Asian Pop Music Performance award, which was added to the Academy’s awards list, was the reason for the decision.
The Recording Academy has stated that the new classification is for the growing international impact of Asian pop music. It’s also made it clear that artists can still enter into the larger Grammy categories, like Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
Stray Kids become the second major K-pop act
The 2027 Grammy process saw the latest of the big wigs absent: Stray Kids. JYP Entertainment confirmed that they did not submit any music for consideration. The agency did not, however, publicly provide a reason, so the protest against the Asian Pop category cannot be officially confirmed.
The Grammy submission period has ended on August 21st, and artists who did not submit their recordings in the official submission process can’t be found on the Grammy nomination ballot. Nominations for the 2027 election will open Nov. 16.
Will ATEEZ Follow BTS and Stray Kids?
ATEZ is currently one of the most followed groups in the Grammy boycott issue.
During an interview with Variety, Hongjoong, who leads ATEZ, spoke about BTS’ decision. He said he agreed “a little” with BTS’ stance and added his faith that music has no limits. He also said that it’s still a dream of ATEEZ to win a Grammy.
But, Hongjoong didn’t state that ATEEZ would boycott the Grammys. So far, if ATEEZ has withdrawn, that should be taken with a pinch of salt.
What About SEVENTEEN and BLACKPINK?
SEVENTEEN remains unconfirmed
It is still unclear if SEVENTEEN has joined the BTS and Stray Kids Grammy boycott. The group’s status should thus be considered unconfirmed, instead of assuming that it will follow other K-pop acts.
The scenario is particularly important because, earlier, HYBE said that the choice was a “group decision” by BTS, not a company-wide boycott of other artists signed to HYBE.
BLACKPINK faces a different problem
BLACKPINK is also being discussed in the Grammy controversy, but its situation is different.
The group’s new album, DEADLINE (2026), is not a clear-cut pick for the new Asian Pop genre. The Recording Academy rules call for “significant use” of an Asian language, but the album’s contents during the qualification period create some eligibility dilemmas.
That means BLACKPINK’s absence should not automatically be labelled a boycott.
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What Happens Next at the 2027 Grammys?
Best Asian Pop Music Performance will be making its debut at the 69th Grammys, the Recording Academy confirmed. The category encompasses K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, and involves meaningful use of an Asian language. This category does not include any recordings that are more than 100% in English.
Key dates are:
- October 12–22, 2026: First-round Grammy voting
- November 16, 2026: Nominations announced
- December 10, 2026–January 7, 2027: Final-round voting
- February 7, 2027: 69th Grammy Awards
FAQs
Did BTS boycott the 2027 Grammys?
Yes. BTS did not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammys and publicly explained its position in a joint statement.
Did Stray Kids boycott the Grammys?
Stray Kids submitted no music for the 69th Grammys. JYP Entertainment confirmed the decision but did not state the reason.
Is ATEEZ boycotting the Grammys?
Not officially. ATEEZ leader Hongjoong expressed sympathy with BTS’ position, but ATEEZ has not publicly confirmed a boycott.
Is BLACKPINK boycotting the 2027 Grammys?
There is no confirmed group boycott announcement. BLACKPINK’s eligibility for the new Asian Pop category is the more immediate issue, based on the Grammy’s language requirements and the group’s eligible-period releases.
