Major K-pop groups, including BTS, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, LE SSERAFIM, aespa, CORTIS, ILLIT and Hearts2Hearts, have reportedly not submitted entries for the newly established Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 Grammy Awards, according to About Music and Pop Crave.
The category was created to recognize achievements in Asian popular music, but its introduction has sparked criticism over whether separating Asian music into its own category could reinforce divisions based on region and language. While BTS has publicly addressed the issue, it remains unclear whether the other groups’ decisions not to submit entries are related to the controversy.
BTS, CORTIS, aespa, ATEEZ, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, Stray Kids and Hearts2Hearts did not submit their work for the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 Grammys. https://t.co/k9y0VtAM46
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) October 12, 2026
Meanwhile, numerous Japanese artists have reportedly entered the category, including YOASOBI, AKB48, f5ve, Hatsune Miku, Kenshi Yonezu, PSYCHIC FEVER, Yoshiki, BE, BABYMETAL and Yuki Chiba.
Other artists reportedly submitting entries include South Korea’s IVE, KiiiKiii and Lil Mosfit; the Philippines’ SB19 and BINI; Thailand’s D Gerrard; Hong Kong’s Eric HZ; China’s Miist; and India’s Rivita. American singer Josh Groban and Canadian artist Grimes have also reportedly entered the category.
With several prominent K-pop groups absent from the reported submission list and artists from across Asia entering the competition, the new category is drawing attention ahead of the 2027 Grammy Awards.
>> Stray Kids Also Decline to Submit Music for the 2027 Grammys
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
