What happened with K-pop entries at the Grammys?

According to Yonhap News, K-pop submissions to the 69th Grammy Awards, due in February next year, are lower than in previous years. The drop follows BTS's boycott of the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which the Recording Academy announced in June to recognize modern popular music that has gained wide recognition across Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.

Which K-pop acts entered the Asian Pop category?

Only four acts reportedly submitted: IVE with "BANG BANG," KiiiKiii with "404 (New Era)," Fifty Fifty with "STARSTRUCK," and singer Park Hyo-shin with "AE." Yonhap reported that HYBE, SM, YG and JYP, the so-called big four agencies, did not submit anything to this category.

| Category | K-pop entries noted | |---|---| | Best Asian Pop Music Performance | IVE, KiiiKiii, Fifty Fifty, Park Hyo-shin | | Best Pop Vocal Album | Catseye, Park Hyo-shin, Fifty Fifty, ATEEZ | | Best Dance Pop Recording | IliT, Catseye |

Why did BTS decline to submit?

BTS said in July that it hoped its music would be heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language, and it did not submit works.

Who did Japanese artists submit?

Japanese entries were prominent in the category. They included Utada Hikaru's "Papa Paradise," King Gnu's "AIZO," Kenshi Yonezu's "Iris Out," Yoasobi's "Orion," AKB48's "Sukiish" and Ado's "Vivarium," among others.

What happens next?

The Recording Academy will hold first-round member voting until October 22 (local time) and announce the final nominees on November 16.

For international fans

BTS was nominated three years in a row in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, and observers are watching KATSEYE and Jennie, who performed well on the Billboard Hot 100 this year.