Popular South Korean K-pop group Stray Kids recently held a press conference in Seoul to promote their new mini-album titled THIS & THAT, where they addressed questions regarding the global conversation surrounding the Grammy Awards. The media interaction came shortly after global icons BTS made headlines by announcing their decision not to submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards in response to the Recording Academy introducing a separate Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. When journalists questioned Stray Kids about where they stand on the matter and whether they align with the decision taken by BTS, the group chose to offer a neutral, measured response that avoided naming BTS directly and focused on their own creative philosophy.
Speaking on behalf of the group during the press event, band member Seungmin shared that Stray Kids create music and design their performances strictly based on what originates from their hearts rather than relying on external opinions or industry validation. He explained that instead of paying attention to outside noise, the group remains committed to infusing their authentic stories and distinct musical colors into every album they release. Seungmin further emphasized how grateful the entire group feels about the immense global love K-pop continues to receive, noting that seeing music serve as a positive medium connecting people across cultures reminds them of its true power and purpose.
Adding to the group’s perspective, fellow member Hyunjin reiterated that since their debut, Stray Kids have never focused on awards, trophies, or chart records as their primary career goal. He noted that their approach remains unchanged with the release of their latest album, as their highest priority is delivering energetic performances and making their worldwide fanbase happy. The group members expressed that they are still hungry to reach out to audiences in unvisited regions, preferring to let their musical quality and live shows speak for themselves.
The ongoing debate over Grammy submissions escalated when BTS announced a boycott, arguing that global artists should be judged in general categories like Record of the Year and Album of the Year rather than being separated into regional language categories. While music analysts suggest that groups like Stray Kids could potentially benefit from new categories or shifts in nomination entries, Stray Kids’ cautious stance reflects a desire to stay distant from industry controversies. As their new mini-album THIS & THAT rolls out across global streaming platforms, the eight-member group continues to focus on expanding their international footprint through genuine artistic expression.