In a historic moment for K-pop, the song “Golden” from the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. This marks the first time a K-pop song has received this prestigious accolade, further solidifying the genre’s influence on the global music scene.
Accepting the award at the Peacock Theater, the team behind “K-Pop Demon Hunters” included songwriters Ejae, Park Hong Jun, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Mark Sonnenblick. Their collective effort was celebrated by fans and industry peers alike, as they took to the stage to express their gratitude for the recognition.
Achievements and Nominations
In addition to winning Best Song Written for Visual Media, “Golden” received nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The latter category was awarded to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their collaboration on “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked.”
The excitement surrounding “Golden” has resonated with fans since the film’s release on June 20, 2025. Its success prompted a limited theatrical run featuring a sing-along version from August 23 to 24 and again from October 31 to November 2. The film’s main characters—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—also inspired a trend in Halloween costumes last year, showcasing Rumi’s distinctive purple braid.
Impact of “K-Pop Demon Hunters”
“K-Pop Demon Hunters,” produced by Netflix, features several catchy tracks, including “Soda Pop,” performed by the fictional K-pop group Saja Boys. Ejae, who voices Rumi, also contributed as a songwriter for several songs, including “How It’s Done” and “Your Idol.” This dual role has already earned Ejae recognition as a winner at the Golden Globe Awards and a nominee for the Academy Awards, highlighting the multifaceted talent within the K-pop industry.
The Grammy Awards ceremony, held at the Crypto.com Arena, began at 17:00 Pacific Time and was broadcasted live on CBS and Paramount+. The event not only celebrated the achievements of artists but also served as a platform for discussing the evolving landscape of music, particularly as K-pop continues to gain traction in mainstream media.
The triumph of “Golden” is a significant milestone in K-pop history, showcasing the genre’s ability to resonate with a wide audience and its potential for future achievements on international stages.
