[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yoon] The Grammy Awards will present its "Asian Pop" category as scheduled. However, K-pop's top two are absent. Following BTS, Stray Kids also did not submit work.

JYP Entertainment told Dispatch on the 2nd, "Stray Kids did not submit a work to the 69th Grammy Awards."

Stray Kids had been considered a strong contender for the newly established "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category. The members had refrained from commenting on whether they would submit.

Previously, BTS announced in July that it would not submit its regular album "Arirang" to the Grammys. The reason was that they wanted music to be heard as itself, not divided by region or language.

The Grammy Awards did not back down. Recording Academy CEO Harvy Mason Jr. announced through a statement on the 1st (local time) that the category would be presented as scheduled.

CEO Mason said, "Over the past few weeks, I have listened to and continued conversations with leaders in the Asian music industry," and added, "The voices of those who enthusiastically support this category were louder."

He further stated, "This conclusion will not satisfy everyone," but emphasized, "I am confident it is the right conclusion for the entire music industry."

The category was established last June. It targets pop performances that originated from or are widely known in Asian markets such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. At least one Asian language must be meaningfully used.

Eligibility is determined by music style, not by the performer's nationality or race. Songs with lyrics entirely in English cannot be submitted.

Controversy arose shortly after the establishment. Criticism emerged that Asian music was being separated into a distinct category and removed from mainstream competition.

The Academy subsequently underwent a review in August. They exchanged opinions with figures from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and the Indian music industry, including HYBE. However, the conclusion was to maintain the original plan.

The Academy stated that sufficient submissions have been received. Grammy Awards nominees will be announced on the 17th of next month. The awards ceremony will be held on February 7th next year in Los Angeles, USA.

<Photo source=Dispatch DB, Big Hit Music>