Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' Soundtrack Wins First Grammy for K-Pop Music
A Netflix animated film just accomplished what BTS couldn't in three attempts: winning a Grammy for K-pop.
"Golden," the standout track from "KPop Demon Hunters," claimed Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026. The win marks the first time any K-pop song has taken home a Grammy trophy.
Korean producers EJAE, Teddy, 24, and the IDO collective (Lee Yu-han, Kwak Joong-gyu, Nam Hee-dong) accepted the award alongside American songwriter Mark Sonnenblick during the Premiere Ceremony in Los Angeles. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performed the vocals as the fictional group HUNTR/X in the film.
BTS Lost Five Times Before This Win
The victory carries symbolic weight given BTS's Grammy history. The global superstars earned five nominations across three ceremonies-"Dynamite" in 2021, "Butter" in 2022, and three nominations in 2023 for "My Universe" with Coldplay, "Yet to Come," and their album packaging-but never won.
"It's perfect timing. It's also long overdue at the same time," EJAE told Good Morning America on the red carpet.
Four Nominations, One Win
"Golden" competed in four categories total. Beyond its win, the song earned nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (losing to Billie Eilish's "Wildflower" and "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked," respectively). A David Guetta remix also received a Best Remixed Recording nomination.
The "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack earned a fifth nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
ROSÉ from BLACKPINK opened the main telecast with Bruno Mars, performing their hit "APT."-the first K-pop song nominated for Record of the Year. The duo also competed in Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Meanwhile, KATSEYE earned Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance nominations.
From Netflix to Box Office Phenomenon
Released on Netflix in June 2025, "KPop Demon Hunters" became the platform's most-watched film ever with 20.5 billion U.S. viewing minutes by year's end, according to Nielsen data. The soundtrack topped Billboard's 2025 soundtrack charts, with "Golden" spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
The film's success extended beyond streaming. Netflix brought a sing-along version to theaters twice-grossing $18 million over two days in August, then pulling another $5-6 million during Halloween weekend despite months of streaming availability. Characters from the movie became popular costume choices that fall.
Awards Season Continues
"Golden" already won Best Original Song at both the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards. The film itself won Best Animated Feature at both ceremonies. Both "Golden" and the film received Oscar nominations for the March 2026 ceremony.
The movie follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group whose members secretly battle demons using their music and martial arts skills. Sony Pictures Animation produced the film, directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
Debate Over Genre Authenticity
The win sparked discussion in South Korea about whether "Golden" truly represents K-pop. Music critics noted the song emerged from an American studio production rather than Korea's entertainment industry.
"I see 'Golden' as an American pop song," critic Lim Hee-yun told Korean media, comparing it to Katy Perry or early Lady Gaga. He pointed out the song features a single lead vocalist-unlike typical K-pop tracks where multiple members rotate vocal parts.
Despite these debates, South Korea celebrated the achievement. The film boosted tourism to Seoul locations featured in the movie and inspired Demon Hunters-themed merchandise, including ramen. One fan who watched the film five times summed up national sentiment: "Sony made it, Netflix released it, but the film was definitely about Korea."
Recording Academy Opens Door Wider
The 2026 Grammys represented K-pop's strongest showing at the ceremony. Beyond "Golden's" win, Korean artists earned seven nominations across multiple major categories-a significant increase from previous years when BTS stood alone.
EJAE made additional history as the first Korean-American female songwriter nominated for Song of the Year. Speaking to NPR before the ceremony, she reflected on her decade spent training to become a K-pop idol before being dropped from the program.
"I'm glad it happened now, than when in my twenties," she said. "I don't think I would-it's kinda dark-but I don't know if I'd be here."
Industry observers remain divided on what the win means for K-pop's mainstream acceptance. Some view it as overdue recognition of the genre's global influence. Others note the award went to songwriters in a specialized category rather than to performing K-pop artists in general field categories like Record or Album of the Year.
What's undeniable: the barrier has cracked, even if the full breakthrough remains ahead.
