The Grammys and K-pop have had a complicated relationship. While K-pop has been dominating the global music scene for years, the Recording Academy has been slow to acknowledge its impact.
In 2021, BTS made history by becoming the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy nomination. Yet, despite their record-breaking success, they never won. The same pattern continued, with other major K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids being consistently overlooked.
Fast forward to 2024, and the trend continues. The Best K-Pop Song selections have just been announced, and while some fans are celebrating, others are furious. The absence of some of the biggest names in the industry has left many questioning if the Grammys truly understand K-pop’s influence.
The Official Grammy Picks: Hits or Misses?
Here’s who made the cut for Best K-Pop Song:
aespa - "Supernova"
ZEROBASEONE - "Good So Bad"
Baekhyun - "Pineapple Slice"
Kiss of Life - "Igloo"
LE SSERAFIM - "Crazy"
BOYNEXTDOOR - "Dangerous"
Rescene - "Love Attack"
Kep1er - "Shooting Star"
RIIZE - "Impossible"
Taemin - "Crush"
The list features a mix of industry veterans and rising fourth-gen groups, bringing fresh energy to the K-pop scene. Some fans applauded the selections, particularly celebrating the songwriters and producers behind these hits.
“None of them are Zionists, and one is a Grammy winner — this is the best day of my life,” a fan wrote, showing excitement over the lineup.
But for many, this list felt incomplete.
The Snubs That Shook the Fandom
While the artists listed above are undeniably talented, it’s impossible to ignore the glaring omissions. Some of the biggest names in K-pop — TXT, Stray Kids, TWICE, IVE, SEVENTEEN, BIBI, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé—didn’t even get a mention.
TXT’s The Freefall album was widely praised and even secured a nomination for Best K-Pop Album at the Korean Music Awards (KMA) — Korea’s equivalent of the Grammys. And yet, the Recording Academy didn’t see it fit to include a single track from the album on their list.
“This is why K-pop will never be taken seriously,” one frustrated fan wrote. Many pointed out that some Grammy picks had the same streaming numbers as older, globally recognized hits— but were still prioritized over more impactful songs.
What Does This Mean for K-Pop at the Grammys?
The Grammys have been accused of treating K-pop as a niche genre rather than a global force for years. Despite the Hallyu Wave bringing in millions of international fans, the Recording Academy still overlooks some of the biggest K-pop acts.
Some believe that the Grammys favour Western recognition over actual musical influence. Others argue that the Academy’s selections often feel disconnected from what fans and even industry experts consider the best.
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is certain — K-pop fans will not let these snubs go unnoticed.
So, did the Grammys get it right this time, or is it just another year of questionable choices? Let the debate begin.
Comments