HYBE idols face “payola” accusations after Recording Academy membership reveals
Several HYBE idols and producers were invited to join The Recording Academy’s 2025 new member class, sparking backlash. On July 9, the Recording Academy announced 3,600 new members, including HYBE artists Yeonjun (TXT), Jungwon (ENHYPEN), Woozi and Vernon (SEVENTEEN), Yunjin (LE SSERAFIM), and KATSEYE. Producers like Slow Rabbit, Supreme Boi, and CEO/rapper Zico (KOZ Entertainment under HYBE) were also invited.
Fans and critics quickly accused HYBE of using payola to secure spots for their stars.
The Recording Academy, known for the Grammy Awards, is a professional organization for music creators. It advocates for musicians’ rights, provides charitable support through MusiCares, and oversees Grammy voting.
Membership grants voting rights in Grammy nominations and winners, but with roughly 13,000 total voters, adding fewer than 20 HYBE members has little impact. BTS, also Academy members since 2019, cannot vote for themselves if nominated.
The Academy’s 2025 class is 49% women and 56% people of color, highlighting increased diversity.
“ Your favorite artists are officially part of the Recording Academy. Nearly 3,600 music creators — including artists, songwriters, producers, composers, and engineers — have joined the 2025 New Member Class.”
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs, July 9, 2025
Despite the controversy, insiders say HYBE’s new members joining the Academy supports wider industry diversity and recognition, not skewed Grammy voting.
