Stray Kids members pose during press conference on Aug. 6, in Seoul. (Yoon byung-chan/Herald Muse)
Stray Kids members pose during press conference on Aug. 6, in Seoul. (Yoon byung-chan/Herald Muse)

Stray Kids have shared their thoughtful perspective after emerging as strong award contenders following BTS’s decision not to submit their work to the Grammy Awards.

On Thursday, a press conference was held at Conrad Seoul for the release of Stray Kids’ new mini-album, THIS & THAT.

In June, the Grammy Awards established a dedicated Asian Pop category. However, critics raised concerns over racial bias, arguing that K-pop, C-pop, and J-pop—genres with distinct characteristics—were being lumped together simply under a single regional label. Some suggested the move was designed to block BTS’s chances of winning in major categories.

BTS, who had been widely expected to win, recently addressed the issue on their personal social media accounts, stating: “We have decided not to submit our work to the Grammys this year. We hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being defined by region or language.” The move is seen as a protest against the category‘s implications.

With BTS opting out, expectations have soared for Stray Kids, another globally celebrated group. While avoiding a direct answer on the sensitive issue, the members spoke candidly about their artistic philosophy.

Seungmin stated, “When we discuss the music we love or our performances, we focus on what comes from within rather than looking outward. Instead of being conscious of external perspectives, we concentrate on weaving our own unique style and authentic stories into our lyrics and music.”

He added, “We are deeply grateful for the immense love the K-pop genre receives worldwide. It reminds us once again of the power of music. Since it has such a positive influence, we will keep creating and sharing our stories.”

“Throughout our career, we‘ve never set out to release an album with awards or records as our goal,” Hyunjin emphasized. “For this album as well, our main focus is to show and prove to everyone that we can tackle a diverse range of styles. That remains our biggest goal and dream.”

Stray Kids’ new mini-album THIS & THAT and its title track “This & That” will be released on Friday, at 1p.m.

Reported by Herald Muse Staff Writer Park Seo-hyun

Reviewed by Herald Muse Editor-in-Chief Kim Hae-yeon


pshyun@heraldcorp.com