The animated feature film K-Pop Demon Hunters has made history by becoming the first K-pop song to win a Grammy. The award for Best Song Written for Visual Media was presented to the film’s anthem track, “Golden,” during the 68th Grammy Awards held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. The creative team behind the song, including Ejae, Park Hong Jun, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Mark Sonnenblick, celebrated their win on stage.
This accolade marks a significant milestone for K-pop, a genre that has gained immense popularity worldwide. “Golden” was nominated for a total of three awards at the ceremony, including Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The latter award went to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their performance of “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked.
Record-Breaking Recognition for K-Pop
The audience erupted in cheers when the team from K-Pop Demon Hunters received the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The emotional moment was captured in photographs, showcasing the joy of the creators as they celebrated this landmark achievement for K-pop.
The film, which premiered on Netflix on June 20, 2025, quickly became a success, prompting a limited theatrical release of a sing-along version. This was available from August 23-24 and again from October 31-November 2. The film’s main characters, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, inspired numerous Halloween costumes, with Rumi’s distinctive purple braid being particularly popular.
In addition to “Golden,” the film features other notable tracks, such as “Soda Pop,” performed by the fictional K-pop group Saja Boys, reminiscent of groups like BTS. Ejae not only lent their voice to the character Rumi but also contributed as a songwriter for several songs, including “How It’s Done” and “Your Idol.” This dual role has positioned Ejae as a prominent figure in the music industry, earning them both a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination.
The Future of K-Pop and Live Performances
The Grammy win has amplified excitement for K-Pop Demon Hunters, as its creators prepare for further public appearances. The trio known as Huntr/X, responsible for the film’s music, is set to make their live concert debut on December 5, 2025, at the 102.7 KIIS-FM Jingle Ball. This performance is anticipated to attract a significant audience, further solidifying their place in the music industry.
The 68th Grammy Awards, which took place at the Crypto.com Arena, began at 5 p.m. Pacific Time and were broadcast on CBS and Paramount Plus. The event highlighted the evolving landscape of music and the increasing influence of K-pop on a global scale. As the genre continues to break barriers, the success of “Golden” serves as both a celebration and a stepping stone for future K-pop artists.
