02 February,2026 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A still from Grammys 2026
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, K-pop Demon Hunters' breakout track "Golden" achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first K-pop song ever to win a Grammy Award. The song, part of the Netflix animated film's original soundtrack, took home the prize for Best Song Written for Visual Media during the Grammy Premiere Ceremony, marking a breakthrough moment for the genre on one of music's biggest stages.
"Golden," performed in-film by the fictional group Huntr/x and voiced by artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, had already enjoyed a remarkable awards season. Prior to its Grammy success, the track won both the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award for Best Original Song, highlighting its widespread acclaim and cultural impact. Its Grammy victory added yet another significant accolade to an already impressive run.
Although the group Huntr/x exists only within the animated film, the production behind the song was treated with the care and precision of a real K-pop act, complete with detailed vocal characterizations and choreography crafted to mirror current industry trends. Songwriters EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, 24, Ido, and Teddy were honored for creating a track that blends compelling narrative storytelling with the high-energy pop sensibilities that have made K-pop a global phenomenon.
The Grammy Award recognizes excellence in songwriting for visual media, rewarding contributions that both enhance the visual narrative and stand strong as standalone compositions. "Golden" met these criteria and prevailed over other nominated songs in the category, earning its place in Grammy history.
This landmark win carries special significance for the broader K-pop industry, which has dominated streaming charts and global pop culture for years but had not previously secured a Grammy in a major music category. Artists like BTS had earned nominations in past years without wins, and soloists such as Rosé of Blackpink reached major nomination milestones without clinching an award, making "Golden's" achievement a symbolic breakthrough for the genre's recognition within the Recording Academy and Western music industry circles.
In accepting the Grammy, the song's writers delivered remarks in both English and Korean, exemplifying the track's international resonance. They also acknowledged key contributors to the K-pop genre's evolution, capturing a moment that reinforced K-pop's growing influence in global music culture.
