South Korea Honors K-pop’s Historic Grammy Win

In a landmark moment for K-pop, the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” produced the genre’s first-ever Grammy Award-winning song, “Golden.” The win, celebrated by South Koreans, underscores K-pop’s rising global recognition and its integration into mainstream American media.

K-pop’s Grammy Milestone

The historic win occurred during the 68th annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026. “Golden,” awarded for Best Song Written for Visual Media, signifies a major achievement for K-pop, which has often been overlooked by prestigious institutions. This recognition highlights the genre’s expanding influence and popular appeal across the globe.

A Night of K-pop Recognition

The Grammy night featured other notable K-pop performances. Rosé from Blackpink collaborated with Bruno Mars to perform their nominated song, “APT.” Furthermore, the newly launched girl group Katseye, a collaboration between South Korea’s HYBE and Geffen Records, received two nominations, including Best New Artist for their hit “Gabriela.”

The Impact of “KPop Demon Hunters”

“KPop Demon Hunters,” released by Netflix in June 2025, follows the fictional girl group HUNTR/X as they navigate a world where they combat demons through music and martial arts. The film became Netflix’s most popular release, catapulting songs like “Golden” to global music charts.

Boosting K-pop Tourism

The film’s success has also influenced cultural tourism in South Korea. Locations featured in “KPop Demon Hunters,” including Seoul’s historic fortress walls, have seen increased visitor interest. The film has inspired various products, including Demon Hunters-themed ramen.

• Key Achievements:
  • “Golden” wins Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
  • Released alongside “APT.” Performance by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
  • Katseye, with two nominations, including Best New Artist.

Global Appeal of K-pop

While some critics debate if “Golden” truly represents K-pop due to its English-language pop style, the song’s success has undoubtedly contributed to elevating K-pop’s profile. Kim Na-young, a fan, expressed her excitement, stating, “It feels unreal.”

This moment parallels past milestones in South Korean arts, such as Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar win for “Parasite” in 2020, indicating a continuous rise in global recognition for South Korean culture. Seo Ga-yeon, a K-pop scholar, emphasized the emotional connection to “Golden,” attributing its success to the performance by Ejae, who reflects on her journey from a trainee to a celebrated artist.

The Future of K-pop

The Democratic Party of South Korea hailed the Grammy win as a significant overcoming of barriers for K-pop. Critics agree that while K-pop’s essence remains distinct, collaborations and projects like “KPop Demon Hunters” have brought unprecedented awareness and interest to the genre, suggesting a stronger future presence in global music.

As the U.S. music industry recognizes K-pop’s appeal, the genre is poised for more significant future accolades. The ongoing fusion of K-pop and U.S. entertainment initiatives creates an exciting landscape for fans and artists alike.