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K-pop Artists Overlooked Again in 2025 Grammy Nominations

The announcement of the 2025 Grammy nominations has once again left K-pop enthusiasts disappointed, as leading soloists Jung Kook, RM, and Jimin received no nominations. This exclusion raises questions about the broader acceptance of K-pop within prestigious music awards.

Despite their individual successes, with Jimin and Jung Kook achieving record-breaking streaming numbers for their singles “Like Crazy” and “Seven,” and RM earning critical acclaim for his album “Right Place, Wrong Person,” the trio was overlooked when nominations were revealed by the Recording Academy on November 8. The lack of recognition indicates a persistent bias against K-pop, prompting speculation about the barriers that prevent the genre from receiving its due acknowledgment.

Interestingly, Jung Kook, RM, and Jimin are not new to Grammy consideration; they have all been recognized in the past as members of BTS. The group has received nominations in multiple categories, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Dynamite” and “Butter,” as well as Best Music Video for “Yet To Come” and others in 2023.

This year, the Academy opted to nominate artists such as Andre 3000, Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift for Album of the Year. Meanwhile, all three former BTS members had submitted their works for consideration, with Jung Kook up for multiple categories including Album and Record of the Year for his project “Golden.”

In the realm of awards beyond the Grammys, the K-pop scene continues to thrive. The Gold Derby Music Awards recently acknowledged the genre by nominating boy bands Stray Kids and ATEEZ for several categories, including Album of the Year and Best Group, demonstrating that K-pop maintains a significant presence and following.

K-pop fans have taken to social media to express their frustrations over the snubs. Many highlight that despite K-pop artists continually breaking records and gaining international acclaim, the Recording Academy is not yet recognizing their contributions fully. Comments reflect a sentiment that the Western music industry struggles with genuine appreciation for K-pop, using it strategically for its commercial potential while often sidelining its artistic merit.

As discussions around these nominations evolve, questions about the future of K-pop in prestigious awards shows will persist. Artists within the genre have the backing of a dedicated global fanbase, which may drive ongoing requests for greater recognition and inclusion. The ongoing dialogue suggests a potential need for the Recording Academy to broaden its understanding and acceptance of diverse musical influences.

Source
www.goldderby.com