A landmark moment unfolded at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, when "Golden" from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters won the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media - marking the first time a K‑pop song has ever won a Grammy.
The win was announced during the Premiere Ceremony, where the majority of Grammy categories are presented ahead of the live telecast. "Golden," performed by the fictional K-pop group Huntrix, stood out for its global success, having topped the Billboard Global 200 and received critical acclaim for its role in the animated film's soundtrack.
The track was written by Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, 24, Teddy, and Ido, and has already received multiple honors ahead of awards season, including wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. It is also nominated for Best Original Song at the upcoming 2026 Academy Awards.
Music industry analysts have noted the win as a significant moment for Korean music and a long-awaited milestone, following years of K-pop presence in nominations but no previous wins. Acts like BTS and Blackpink had been recognized by the Recording Academy in past ceremonies, but "Golden" marks the first official Grammy win for the genre.
For many, the win not only marks a breakthrough for Korean music but also highlights how dedication, creativity, and global storytelling are increasingly recognized on music's biggest stage.
