SEOUL: Stray Kids declined Thursday (Aug 6) to reveal whether the group plans to submit its music for consideration at next year's Grammy Awards, avoiding repeated questions about the Recording Academy's newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
At a press conference in Seoul marking the release of its 10th EP, "This & That," the bandmates repeatedly emphasised music over awards when asked whether they intended to compete at the Grammys.
"We've never once set out to make an album chasing a particular award or record," Seungmin said. "When we talk about the music or performances we love, it doesn't come from how we're seen from the outside — it comes from what's inside us as we build a stage or write lyrics. It's less about outside expectations around awards and more about capturing the sound and story we want to tell."
Asked directly about the new Grammy category, Seungmin stopped short of addressing whether Stray Kids would submit.
"I feel so thankful that K-pop, as a genre, is loved this much around the world," he said. "It makes me realise all over again just how powerful music can be."
Hyunjin echoed the group's long-held approach.
"Throughout our time as Stray Kids, we've never once set our sights on a particular award or achievement when releasing an album," he said. "With this album, too, what we want most is to show and prove that we can do 'this and that' — anything and everything. That's really our biggest goal and dream. Above all, we want our fans to be satisfied and happy."
Online submissions for the 69th Grammy Awards opened July 7 and close Aug. 21, with nominees scheduled to be announced Nov. 16 ahead of the Feb. 7, 2027 ceremony.
JYP Entertainment also declined to comment when asked by The Korea Herald whether Stray Kids intends to submit an entry.
The question has drawn increased attention since BTS announced on July 29 that it would not submit its music for Grammy consideration, saying it hoped music would be "heard and embraced for what it is, beyond region or language."
The decision came weeks after the Recording Academy announced in June the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 awards, prompting debate over whether the category broadens recognition for Asian artists or further separates them from the Grammys' main competition.
If Stray Kids ultimately decide to enter, "This & That" is unlikely to be their submission, according to music critic Lim Hee-yun.
"It's unclear whether they would submit the new title track," Lim said. "The album's release date falls too close to the Grammy submission deadline, leaving too short an evaluation window to expect much impact. An earlier hit released within the eligible period would have a real advantage instead." - The Korea Herald/ANN
