A Recording Academy membership represents much more than just industry recognition and the chance to vote in the organization’s GRAMMY Awards. It also represents a genuine belief in each member’s potential to contribute, build community and help shape the future of music.
To ensure that the industry grows in both rich and sustainable ways, the Academy puts diversity and representation at the heart of its mission. In 2025, nearly 3,600 new members were invited to join, of whom 49 percent identify as women, 56 percent as people of color, and 60 percent are under the age of 40.
Among these new voices are 10 groundbreaking K-pop figures who have been reshaping and expanding the South Korean music landscape. Mega-label HYBE and its subsidiaries — home to all the new members — shared in a statement: "The selection of new members for the Recording Academy demonstrates the growing influence of K-pop in the global music industry and the high status of HYBE Music Group artists and producers."
Whether they are crafting chart-topping hits behind the scenes, commanding stages across the globe, or often doing both, these artists and professionals have built legacies that resonate far beyond borders. The work of these new members proves that great music transcends language, inspires future generations, and unites us all.
Get to know these groundbreaking K-pop figures below. The deadline to accept Recording Academy membership is Sept. 15, 2025.
Born Shin Dong-hyuk, Supreme Boi is a rapper and producer under BIGHIT MUSIC, the label behind BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). He started his career as a trainee, practicing alongside the members of BTS, but stepped away from debuting to focus on writing and producing songs.
Sometimes called "the 8th member of BTS," Supreme Boi was key in crafting the hip-hop side of BTS, infusing their songs with hard-hitting beats and fiery bars. His credits include hits like "Fake Love," "MIC Drop," and "N.O," and he also lent his talents to other HYBE groups, such as ENHYPEN, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, and more. Most recently, he was appointed the sole producer behind newly-debuted group CORTIS.
Kim Tae-yun, better known as producer Wonderkid, has been a defining force behind some of K-pop’s biggest hits. With a career spanning nearly 20 years, he has worked on tracks like Uhm Jung-hwa’s "Come 2 Me," Teen Top’s "No More Perfume On You," SEVENTEEN’s "Ready To Love," TXT’s "Can’t We Just Leave The Monster Alive?," and many more.
In 2020, Wonderkid became the lead producer for boy group ENHYPEN. With his keen ear for catchy melodies and otherworldly atmospheres, he helped their vampiric, haunting sound come to life — propelling them to the forefront of K-pop’s fourth generation.
BUMZU (full name Kye Bum-joo) has been a key figure to boy group extraordinaire SEVENTEEN: he was their vocal coach when they were just trainees, and has co-written nearly every track from the band since then.
Skilled in singing, writing and composing, BUMZU was just 22 when he became a finalist on the popular 2012 singing competition "Superstar K." He went on to sign with PLEDIS Entertainment, launch a solo career, and emerge as one of K-pop’s most prolific producers, with credits on tracks by SHINee, NCT 127, and BTS’s JIN among many others.
In addition, he is currently the co-CEO of Prismfilter Music Group, and a lead producer for rising rookies TWS under the pseudonym "Wasurenai."
Learn more: SEVENTEEN Reveal Their 10 Most Important Career Moments Leading Up To 'HAPPY BURSTDAY'
Kwon Do-hyeong, or Slow Rabbit, is a longtime in-house producer at BIGHIT MUSIC. Working closely with Supreme Boi and HYBE Chairperson Bang Si-hyuk, he honed a dreamy, ethereal style that became a distinctive feature in BTS’ discography. In 2019, he became the main producer for TOMORROW X TOGETHER and, in 2022, he took the reins on the music direction for HYBE LABELS JAPAN group &TEAM.
Beyond HYBE, Slow Rabbit has written and produced for a range of artists, including TWICE ("Brave"), NCT DREAM ("Countdown (3, 2, 1)"), Red Velvet’s Seulgi ("Better Dayz"), and KATSEYE ("Gnarly").
HUH YUNJIN nearly gave up her dream of becoming an artist. Raised in the U.S., she moved to South Korea at 16 to become a K-pop idol, but after four years of rejections, she was ready to return home. Serendipitously, a phone call from HYBE changed everything: they wanted YUNJIN to join their new group, LE SSERAFIM, and nurture her passion for songwriting.
Since the group’s debut in 2022, YUNJIN has contributed lyrics and compositions to multiple tracks, and released five solo songs showcasing her emotional, introspective side. Now recognized as one of K-pop’s most promising idols, becoming a member of the Recording Academy further highlights her talent. \
\
"I feel happy to have this wonderful opportunity, but I also feel a great sense of responsibility," YUNJIN said about her nomination. "I will always do my best in the role given to me."
Read more: Meet LE SSERAFIM, The K-Pop Group Nile Rodgers Chose For His First Foray Into The Genre
Since his first appearance on survival show "I-LAND," JUNGWON captivated audiences with his talent, focus, and charisma. A skilled singer and dancer, he quickly proved himself as an idol who excels in all aspects of performance and finished in first place, earning a coveted spot in ENHYPEN’s 2020 debut lineup.
Beyond his artistic talents, JUNGWON possesses a remarkable maturity. At just 16, he was appointed the leader of ENHYPEN, a role he embraces with confidence and emotional intelligence well beyond his years. He is also a budding songwriter, with credits on ENHYPEN tracks like "Highway 1009" and "Hundred Broken Hearts."
When he was a trainee under BIGHIT MUSIC, YEONJUN earned the nickname "legendary" from his peers. He consistently ranked first in monthly evaluations for dance, vocals, and rap, showcasing his superstar potential from the start.
Since debuting with TXT in 2019, YEONJUN has become K-pop’s fourth generation "It Boy," known globally for his stage presence, musicality, and versatility. He has contributed compositions and lyrics to many of TXT’s songs, featured in ENHYPEN’s "Blockbuster," and debuted as a soloist with his 2024 mixtape GGUM — further cementing his status as one of K-pop’s most dexterous idols.
ZICO (born Woo Ji-ho) has been through all chapters of the Korean music scene. Starting off as an underground rapper, he made his official debut in 2011 as the leader of Block B, released his first solo single "Tough Cookie" in 2014, and went on to collaborate with artists like PSY before founding his own label, KOZ Entertainment, in 2019.
His 2020 viral hit "Any Song" introduced his genre-bending sound to a new generation of listeners, solidifying his reputation as one of K-pop’s most versatile songwriters and singers. In that same year, KOZ joined the HYBE family, expanding ZICO’s platform as a producer. He now leads creative direction for BOYNEXTDOOR, the first group under KOZ, and continues releasing chart-topping hits, including 2024’s "SPOT!" with BLACKPINK’s Jennie.
WOOZI is the sonic genius behind SEVENTEEN’s prismatic, decade-long discography. As the group’s main producer and vocal unit leader, he has written and composed the vast majority of their tracks, infusing them with sensible lyrics and melodies that translate a sundry of emotions.
Beyond his own group activities, WOOZI has written songs for artists like Ailee, TXT, and I.O.I, and made his solo debut with 2022’s rock-infused "Ruby." One of K-pop’s best known producers, WOOZI continues to influence generations of idols and trainees aiming to take control of their artistry.
Rapper, singer and songwriter VERNON is yet another creative force within SEVENTEEN. Born in New York City, the Korean American star brings a laid-back charisma and unique, offbeat compositions to the group and to its hip hop unit.
True to his ascendancy, he often bridges cultures in both his music and in his collaborations. He is the SEVENTEEN member with the second-most writing credits after WOOZI, and has worked with names such as Charli XCX ("Beg For You" [A. G. Cook and Vernon Remix]), Tobi Lou ("Looped Up"), and GOT7’s Yugyeom ("Sweet Like" and "Glue Stick"). VERNON made his official solo debut in 2022 with "Black Eye" — a sampler of his singular artistry, one that will bloom even more as a member of the Recording Academy.